ÖBB has announced that around 100 double-deck cars will be modernised by 2023 to meet Cityjet design to offer passengers modern and high-quality travel. The modernisation plans include the interior and exterior re-design as well as many technical improvements for the Talent and Desiro Classic train cars.
On June 2, 2021, Michaela Huber, the Executive Board Director ÖBB-Personenverkehr, and Christof Hermann, the Regional Manager ÖBB Personenverkehr, together with Lower Austria Mobility Councilor Ludwig Schleritzko, have presented the improved Dosto train design. A Dosto trainset, manufactured by Stadler, includes one control car and four intermediate cars. The push-pull train can be either pulled or pushed by a locomotive. The bi-level push-pull train is also used without a control car with a locomotive and is mainly in operation in the eastern region around Vienna, as well as in Vorarlberg and Carinthia.
The upgraded double-deck cars will be equipped with Wi-Fi according to the needs of the passengers. Each car has a multi-purpose area with more space for bikes, luggage, and strollers. The toilets are the same level as Cityjet or the Railjet trains, looking completely different compared to the initial design.
The quiet zone on the upper floor of the control car is an innovation and so far, unique in local and regional transport. In addition, the seats will be reupholstered, and the floors and stairs will be renovated. All window frames, the bogies as well as all energy supply and safety equipment will be renewed.
The modernised double-deck cars feature a Cityjet interior and exterior design, modern toilets, adapted to passengers with reduced mobility, a future-oriented passenger compartment, 416 adjustable seats in a four-car train version, generous seat spacing, footrests and folding tables in each row and low-floor entrances which ensure easy entry and exit.
“The local transport fleet forms backbone of public transport in Austria. For us, to be able to offer passengers modern, high-quality travel, ÖBB is constantly investing in the modernisation of its fleet. With the new double-decker coaches, our passengers can once again look forward to increased quality in local and regional transport,” Michaela Huber said.
The passengers have already been able to see what increased quality service mean as seven 3-5 – car trains have been put in commercial operation almost a year and a half on the Franz-Josefs-Bahn, one on the main line in Vienna which provide transport connection to Bohemia.
Around a third of the completely renewed double-decker cars are already in operation. With feedback from travelers ÖBB is working to introduce more modernised railcars, with four Dosto trainsets planned to operate this year on the Retz-Payerbach line.
Share on:
