ÖBB and Siemens Mobility have unveiled the Nightjet interior design which will provide passengers increased comfort and privacy.
The presentation of the new generation of sleeping and couchette cars took place at the Siemens Mobility plant in Vienna Simmering on September 6, 2022.
“The night train has become the epitome of sustainable travel and our Nightjet is synonymous with night trains in Europe. Comfort, modern design and more privacy are becoming increasingly important, which is why ÖBB is investing in a total of 33 completely new Nightjet trains. The interior of the next-generation Nightjets will offer guests a new travel experience. With this train, we are entering a new age of nighttime travel,” Andreas Matthä the CEO of ÖBB said.
The 7-car Nightjets of the next generation are each made up of two seating cars designed as control car and multifunction car, three couchette cars and two sleeping cars. The maximum capacity per train is 254 passengers. The layout brings together cutting-edge design with greater comfort and space. By reducing the occupancy (two-person compartment in sleeping cars; four-person compartment in couchette cars) and the novel mini cabins for those traveling by themselves, ÖBB can accommodate guests’ wish for greater privacy.
The sleeping car provides more comfort as all compartments have their own toilet and shower facilities. Additionally, fixed beds increase sleeping comfort and ensure that passengers reach their destination well rested. What is more, a cozy seating area allows passengers to relax and work, read or eat during the journey, for example.
In the new mini cabins, the individual sleeping quarters in couchette cars, the compact space features everything passengers need for undisturbed nighttime travel featuring a storage area, a movable folding breakfast table with integrated mirror, coat hooks, reading light and lockers for luggage right next door.
“One particular highlight of Nightjet interior design is the innovative mini cabins that offer travelers a private space to retreat. The newly developed bogies, which are lightweight and enable comfortable and energy-efficient operation throughout the entire life cycle, provide a particularly quiet ride,” Albrecht Neumann, CEO of Rolling Stock at Siemens Mobility explained.
The Nightjet interior design for the multifunction car will offer new and improved transport options including six bicycle parking spaces and more space for luggage and ski or snowboarding equipment. For barrier-free travel, each new Nightjet will have a modern accessible couchette compartment as well as a bathroom that can be accessed via low-floor entry.
The trains present numerous technical innovations. New features on board include free Wi-Fi, which was previously limited to Railjets and the comfort couchette cars in the Nightjet. It will now be available to all passengers in the next generation of Nightjet night trains. Anyone wanting to pass the time until arrival can make use of the ÖBB Railnet onboard portal to surf the Internet, stream movies and shows and peruse the range of free magazines and newspapers.
All carriages are equipped with modern passenger information system which keeps passengers up to date at all times with current information on their journey. In addition to conventional power outlets, the new Nightjet also features charging options for a range of electronic devices via USB and inductive charging stations. New window panes that allow a cellular signal to pass through improve network function and ensure more stable cell phone reception. In the compartments, there is also a control panel with various convenience functions such as light controls or a button to call for service from onboard staff. Additionally, the compartments are equipped with an electronic access system that makes use of NFC cards, and all cars have video surveillance to help passengers feel even safer.
The first trains are scheduled to be used on the popular connections from Austria and Germany to Italy at the end of summer 2023. They will run on the connections from Vienna and Munich to Rome, Venice and Milan.
“With ÖBB’s new cutting-edge Nightjet, traveling to cities such as Rome, Venice and Milan will become even easier and more comfortable. When you travel by night train, you choose the most relaxed way to travel. You also contribute to reducing CO2 emissions: Traveling with the Nightjet is around 50 times more climate-friendly than an airplane,” Leonore Gewessler, Austria’s Federal Minister of Climate Action said.
By the end of 2025 a total of 33 new-generation Nightjet trains will operate the routes connecting European cities at speeds of up to 230 km/h in a climate-friendly manner overnight. They will provide transport services in Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and the Netherlands, replacing a large proportion of the existing trains.
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