The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) ordered additional 19 new-generation Railjet trains from Siemens Mobility which are expected to be delivered by autumn 2028. The order was placed after the Austrian company has put into service the new delivered trains on Vienna – Feldkirch rail route on March 22, 2024.
Excluding the locomotive, the nine-car train is around 240 meters long and offers 532 seats. It has two first-class cars with business class sections, an on-board restaurant with seating, four second-class (economy class) cars, a multifunctional economy class car, and an economy class driving car. Technical highlights include high-tech lightweight bogies, windows optimized for cellphone reception, innovative power distribution systems with a redundant power supply from the adjacent car, and a self-diagnosis system with a secure radio link to the maintenance depot.
The new high-tech lightweight bogies are 30% lighter, provide a higher level of comfort than comparable products, and require fewer raw materials in production. They also make operation of the train more economical over its entire lifecycle since it uses less energy, particularly when accelerating and braking.
In addition, the trains have windows panes that are optimally radio-permeable for improved mobile reception. The patented windows have a special laser-beamed structure that is scarcely detectable by passengers. Developed by Siemens in Vienna, the windows conduct signal power that is 50 times stronger than standard glass. Measurements taken on an ÖBB Railjet already in service show that the available time of good 4G reception is increased by 33%.
Advanced digitalisation technology also ensures smooth, problem-free operation of the trains. Each train continually transmits self-diagnostic data to the maintenance depot via a secure and highly reliable data link. This monitoring makes it easier to plan maintenance work, contributing to higher train availability and ultimately more satisfied passengers.
Further sustainability is achieved by increasing the train’s energy efficiency with features like LED interior lighting, an air conditioning system operating with a heat pump for both cooling and heating, and fresh air ventilation regulated according to the CO2 level of the interior air.
The power distribution of the train is highly efficient as converts voltage and transports energy within the train all the way down to the power outlets on the passenger seats.
Depending on their preference, passengers have a choice of seating: in compartments, in open-plan cars, or in raised seating areas with slightly higher seat heights. Passengers preferring a quieter ride can sit in designated quiet zones, while families can use the family zones with game board tables.
Each seat row is also equipped with three charging options: a USB port, wireless NFC charging, and a 230-volt power outlet. Luggage can be stored securely and unattended in spaces accessed via NFC or individual numerical codes.
The new-generation Railjet trains were developed and are being built by Siemens Mobility in Vienna and is based on the same platform used by the new Nightjet trains. ÖBB originally ordered eight trains and after the delivery, the company will own 27 new-generation Railjets
“We are delighted that we’re expanding our ÖBB long-distance fleet with 19 more new-generation Railjets. People are traveling more and many prefer to do so by train. In response to this development, which is beneficial for the environment and climate, we are increasing the number of modern trains,” Andreas Matthä, the CEO of ÖBB Holding said.
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