Nightjet to transform sleeper train travel in Europe

The Austrian Federal Railways (OBB) and Siemens Mobility are rolling out next-generation Nightjet trains that offer new levels of comfort and privacy for European overnight rail travel.

By the end of 2025, 33 of the latest OBB Nightjet trains will be in operation, connecting European cities across Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and the Netherlands through climate-friendly overnight trips, and reaching speeds of up to 230 km/ph. The first of the new Nightjet trains are already in use on routes from Vienna and Munich to Rome, Venice and Milan.

Austria’s climate protection minister, Leonore Gewessler says: “Night trains are becoming increasingly common in Europe as a climate-friendly alternative to short-haul flights. The state-of-the-art Nightjet from OBB means travelling to cities like Rome, Venice or Milan is much easier and more comfortable. Choosing the night train is the most relaxing form of travel whilst also playing an important contribution in reducing CO2 emissions. A trip with the Nightjet is around 50 times more climate-friendly than travelling with an aeroplane.”

Albrecht Neumann, CEO of Rolling Stock at Siemens Mobility, adds: “The new Nightjet is an important part of making rail travel more attractive whilst also achieving climate targets. The trains will be a benchmark for years and set standards for passenger comfort, sustainability and flexibility.

“The innovative Mini Cabins are a particular highlight of the interior, and they grant passengers a place for privacy. Newly developed bogies [wheel frameworks] have a lightweight construction and ensure a particularly quiet journey, whilst providing convenient, efficient operations over the entire life cycle.”

The next-generation Nightjet trains comprise seven carriages. With a 254-seat maximum capacity, the train is designed to offer a passenger experience with more modern design, greater comfort and more space. There are compartments with space to sleep either two or four people. Meanwhile, the new Mini Cabins for solo travellers have been created to meet passenger demands for greater privacy during overnight train trips.

As well as a sleeping area, each Mini Cabin has a storage area, an adjustable folding table for breakfast (which also has an integrated mirror), clothes hooks, a reading lamp, and an adjacent locker for luggage.

All compartments in the train’s sleeping car are fitted with their own toilet and shower facilities. The fixed beds are designed to provide a comfortable night’s sleep, and there is also a seating area for relaxed working, reading or eating.  Control panels can be used to adjust the lighting and call for service staff on board. Each compartment is accessed via an electronic key card (like a hotel room) and all carriages have video surveillance for passengers’ safety.The multi-function carriage has new and improved features, including six bicycle storage spaces and more room for luggage and winter sports equipment. Every new Nightjet train also features a couchette compartment with disabled access and a disabled toilet accessible via low-floor boarding.

The new Nightjet trains also now have free on-board wifi as standard. Travellers can log on via the OBB Railnet onboard portal to stream content as well as read a range of digital newspapers and magazines.

A modern passenger information system is integrated in all carriages, with up-to-date travel information for passengers. Alongside conventional EU plug sockets, the new Nightjet also has USB ports and a charging station for a wide range of electronic devices. Meanwhile, the train’s window panes are designed to enable better reception for mobile phones.

ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä, adds:“Night trains have become synonymous with sustainable travelling, and our Nightjet is synonymous with night trains across Europe. Comfort, modern design and greater privacy are all increasingly important for our passengers. ÖBB is investing in 33 completely new Nightjet trains for exactly this reason. The interiors in the Nightjets of the new generation will provide passengers with a completely new travelling experience. This train is the start of a new era in night-time travel.”

Source link : https://globetrender.com/2024/10/29/nightjet-transform-sleeper-train-travel-europe-ready/

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Publish date : 2024-10-29 11:12:00

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