Austrian railway operator ÖBB and Siemens Mobility have unveiled the next generation of Nightjet sleeping and couchette carriages at Siemens Mobility's factory in Vienna.
The new carriages feature modern design, greater comfort, and increased privacy. The first trains are scheduled to be introduced next summer between Vienna and Munich and Rome, Venice, and Milan. By 2025, 33 next-generation Nightjets will have replaced most of the existing night trains in Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
The new Nightjets have seven carriages comprising two seating cars (a control car and a multifunction car), three couchette cars, and two sleeping cars. The maximum capacity per train is 254 passengers, but by reducing the occupancy with two-person compartments in sleeping cars; four-person compartments in couchette cars, and mini cabins for those travelling by themselves, ÖBB can accommodate passengers' wishes for greater privacy.
All compartments have their own toilets and showers, whilst fixed beds provide increased sleeping comfort. There is also a seating area where passengers can relax to work, read, or eat during the journey.
The multifunction car provides six bicycle parking spaces and more space for luggage and ski or snowboarding equipment.
The mini cabins are individual sleeping quarters in the couchette cars. Though compact, they feature everything needed for undisturbed night-time travel including a storage area, a movable folding breakfast table, mirror, coat hooks, reading light, and lockers for luggage.
All passengers will have access to free Wi-Fi and 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 feature an information system that provides updates on journey information, charging options for a range of electronic devices via USB and inductive charging stations and windows that allow mobile phone signals to provide better mobile phone reception.
The compartments have an electronic access system and video surveillance and incorporate a control panel with various convenience functions such as light controls and a call button for service from onboard staff.
Leonore Gewessler, Austria's Federal Minister of Climate Action, said: “Night trains are gaining momentum throughout Europe, because they're the climate-friendly alternative to short-haul flights. 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.”
ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä commented: “The night train has become the epitome of sustainable travel, and our Nightjet is a synonym for night trains in Europe. For our travel guests, 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.”
Albrecht Neumann, CEO of Rolling Stock at Siemens Mobility, said: “With the new Nightjet, we are making an important contribution to making rail travel more appealing and to achieving climate targets. The trains are highly innovative: they will be the global benchmark for years to come, and they stand out due to their comfort for travelers and their sustainability and flexibility. One particular highlight of the interior 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.”
