ÖBB and Siemens Mobility presented the first painted car body and exterior design for the new generation of the Nightjet in Vienna.
The new, ultra-modern trains will enter service near the end of 2022 and will first be used on connections from Austria and Germany to Italy. The first 13 trainsets have already been called up by ÖBB from a framework agreement with Siemens Mobility, and a further 20 trains are expected to be called up this year.
Leonore Gewessler, Austria’s Minister for Climate Protection: “In the fight against the climate crisis, Europe needs more climate-friendly mobility. A strong and extensive night train network is an important contribution here. That’s why we’ll be investing around €500 million in the future of night trains in the coming years and can purchase 20 more Nightjets produced with Austrian added value. This not only means additional cars for our fleet, but also more destinations and more night train lines. The Nightjet is the best option for traveling between major European cities. Austria is – and will continue to be – the trendsetter for this service in the EU.”
Andreas Matthä, CEO of ÖBB: “The decision made in 2016 to enter the European night train business and steadily expand the night train network was absolutely right. We are already the largest provider of night train service in Europe and our investment in new and ultra-modern trains will ensure that we can continue building on our pioneering role. By providing greater comfort and privacy, our new, state-of-the-art Nightjets will clearly and convincingly focus on meeting the needs of passengers.”
Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility: “The new Nightjet impresses with its greater passenger comfort as well as its sustainability and flexibility and will be the global benchmark for years to come. One central feature of the trains are the innovative mini-suites, which offer passengers a private retreat. Newly designed lightweight bogies ensure especially smooth and quiet operation and reduce energy consumption over the train’s entire lifecycle. Our Nightjet will play a central role when it comes to providing ecofriendly connections between European cities and will make rail travel even more attractive.”
The next-generation, seven-car Nightjet consists of two coaches, three couchette cars, and two sleeping cars. Their design combines ultra-modern elements with an even higher level of passenger comfort. The new couchette car concept also offers additional mini-suites for single travelers that ensure a pleasant trip and relaxed arrival. Travel in the sleeping car will be even more comfortable since each of the standard and deluxe compartments has its own toilet and shower. The previously offered regular compartments will naturally still be available as well, with a new design.
A new feature of the coming Nightjet generation is its free WLAN service, which was previously available only on long-distance Railjet trains. During their trip, Nightjet passengers can surf on the ÖBB Railnet, stream contents, and access digital newspapers and magazines free of charge.
Barrier-free overnight travel will also be possible on the new Nightjets. Each of the trains will have a multifunctional car with a low-floor entrance, a barrier-free couchette compartment, and a barrier-free toilet.
