ÖBB awarded Škoda Group a contract to modernise six Nightjet couchette coaches expected to be delivered by 2024. The activities will be carried out at Škoda Group’s production site in Šumperk, in Olomouc Region of the Czech Republic.
Among other improvements, the modernised couchette coaches will feature comfortable beds, modern lighting and updated bathrooms as well as a new barrier-free compartment. With Škoda expertise and innovative solutions, modernised Nightjet couchette coaches will offer passengers a comfortable and enjoyable night train journey, whether they are traveling for business or adventures.
The Austrian national railway company ÖBB has ordered the modernisation of 6 comfort couchette coaches from Škoda Group with an additional option for 28 more.
The rolling stock manufacturer says that this contract “marks another important order in the region West, where the Škoda Group wants to further strengthen its position”. In February, Škoda Group has established a new subsidiary in Vienna.
“Austria and the wider region West are very important markets for our group, and this contract further strengthens our commitment to the region. We are thrilled to have been awarded this contract by ÖBB and to have the opportunity to modernise their couchette coaches. We have years of experience in the field of service and modernisation and we’ll deliver products to enhance the passenger experience,” Jan Christoph Harder, President Region West at Škoda Group said.
ÖBB is committed to expand its Nightjet fleet to provide comfortable transport services and to shift transport towards railways. Thus, in 2020, the Austrian rail company signed a EUR 1.5 billion contract for up to 700 passenger coaches and in 2021 ordered 20 additional seven-car night trains comprising two coaches, three couchette cars, and two sleeping cars.
In September 2022, the interior design of the new Nightjet trains has been unveiled. The first night trains are expected to enter commercial operation at the end of this summer running onf the rail connections from Vienna and Munich to Rome, Venice and Milan.
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