AUSTRIAN Federal Railways (ÖBB) has ordered a further 20 seven-car Nightjets from Siemens Mobility, based on the new generation Viaggio Next Level.
This follows an earlier order for 13 trains under a €1.5bn framework contract signed in 2018 for up to 700 passenger coaches by 2023, and means there will be a total of 33 new Nightjets in traffic with ÖBB by 2025.
“Calling up 20 additional Nightjets is an important step in positioning ÖBB as the market leader in Europe’s night train business,” says ÖBB CEO, Mr Andreas Matthä. “With the new Nightjets, ÖBB is investing in the sustainable future of travel. Night trains provide climate-friendly overnight connections between European cities, make rail journeys more comfortable and attractive, and thus make an important contribution toward achieving climate goals.”
“Mini cabins on the trains offer passengers private space and a high degree of comfort,” says Mr Michael Peter, Siemens Mobility CEO. “Special lightweight bogies will also ensure a smoother ride and reduced energy consumption over the train’s lifecycle.”
Manufacturing of the initial order for 13 Nightjets is underway in Vienna. The first to be delivered from this series will be hauled by ÖBB’s existing fleet of Taurus locomotives and introduced on routes from Austria and Germany to Italy from December 2022.
The next batch will be used on services from Vienna and Innsbruck to Hamburg and Amsterdam, and for routes from Vienna to Bregenz and Zurich. The new trains will also be used between Graz and Zurich and from Zurich and Hamburg to Amsterdam.
Each seven-car train is formed of two sleeping cars, three couchette cars and two coaches. The new couchette design features the mini cabins that are designed to improve privacy for single travellers.
The sleeping cars will also have private bathrooms, while the new trains also feature free Wi-Fi.
Every Nightjet will feature a fully-accessible vehicle with a low-floor entrance, barrier-free couchette compartment and barrier-free toilet.
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