ÖBB [Austria’s national railway] and Siemens Mobility presented the next generation of Nightjet sleeping and couchette cars on Tuesday. The new rolling stock will be entered into service towards the end of the summer of 2023. By year-end 2025, 33 next-generation ÖBB Nightjets will be in use.
The ÖBB Nightjets of the next generation will consist of two seating cars, three couchette cars and two sleeping cars for a total capacity of 254 passengers. The sleeping cars will host two persons per sleeping compartment while the compartments in the couchette cars will host four travellers. Research recently uncovered that if operators of night train services focus on increased levels of comfort and more privacy for travellers, people will be more inclined to use sleeper trains.
“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”, ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä said on the matter.
Travellers to Italy first to benefit
The sleeping car compartments feature private showers and toilets. The fixed have been made even more comfortable, while a new seating area should enable travellers to work or read or simply kick back. The new couchette cars feature so-called mini cabins that come with a storage area and a folding breakfast table with an integrated mirror, reading light and coat hook.
Travellers will have an option to store a bicycle in the multifunction car, which now also have more room for luggage such as ski or snowboarding equipment. Other features on board include WiFi, an onboard entertainment and information system, and USB and inductive charging stations. To top it all off, all cars now feature new window panes to allow better cellular reception.