railjet – redefining European rail travel standards

Posted: 1 August 2008 | | No comments yet

Due to be launched in time for December 2008, the Austrian Federal Railways are preparing its new premium service – railjet – ÖBB’s first own high-speed train.

Austrian Federal Railways are preparing to take delivery of the first of 67 railjet train sets – which will prove to be faster, more modern and more comfortable than any other train service currently operating on the Austrian rail network. They will be able to operate at 230km/h, meaning that journey times will be dramatically reduced. For example, the journey time from Vienna to Innsbruck will take no more than four hours, and from Vienna to Salzburg, no more than two hours and 10 minutes. The high speed operation will also add more destinations to the growing number of European cities served by  high-speed trains.

Dynamic

railjet is at the heart of a programme to redefine and modernise ÖBB’s long-distance business. 23 railjet multiple-unit trains have been ordered from Siemens under a €245 million contract in February 2006, and ÖBB subsequently decided to exercise a €571 million option for a further 44 sets – the contract for which was signed on 24 September 2007. The first set began test runs in April 2008.

Each railjet consists of a fixed seven-coach formation matched with a Taurus high-performance locomotive at one  end. Trainsets will not normally be split and bar couplers are fitted within the set. The decision in favour of loco-hauled push-pull rolling stock followed a  detailed analysis that included evaluation of distributed power trainsets such as the ICE and TGV.
ÖBB experts have combined high-quality materials, contemporary design, state-of-the-art equipment and highest comfort levels to offer passengers a unique travelling experience.

Relaxation and enjoyment in  three classes

Of the 408 seats in each formation, 16 are in Premium Class, 76 in First Class and 316 in Economy Class. The Premium seating is located in the driving trailer, where there are four generously-dimensioned open compartments. Earlier designs featured saloon seating in Premium Class, but this was later dropped in favour of a distinctive layout which offers more space and privacy to our top customers. At-seat catering is provided from a galley in the same car, which also serves First Class passengers.

All First and Economy Class seating is in open saloons, and Economy Class passengers have access to a café area in one vehicle as well as a trolley service.

In designing the railjet concept, we paid particular attention to the special needs of different groups of passengers, including catering provision for mobility-impaired passengers. Spaces are provided for three wheelchair users, who will use a staff-operated on-board lift to board or leave the train. Each wheelchair location has an emergency call facility and another button to summon staff who will serve drinks and food. Each wheelchair space also has a power-point to recharge wheelchair batteries.

Speed developments

ÖBB are currently working intensively on further developments to the Westbahn to permit a maximum speed of between 200km/h and 250km/h over most of the line by 2012. This will reduce the current 2 hours and 40 minute travel time from Wien to Salzburg to approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. Ultimately, ÖBB will have approximately 250km of route where railjet will be able to operate at high-speeds.

Other successful rolling stock of  the ÖBB fleet

EuroCity (EC) and InterCity (IC)

What passengers first notice when they board the ÖBB EC and IC trains is the spacious, cosy and comfortable interior.
In Second Class areas on-board ÖBB EC and IC trains, elegant and sophisticated seats have been designed. Customers benefit from improved cellular phone reception thanks to special window-glazing of the trains. All trains are air-conditioned and have the benefit of power connections for customers with laptops or other electronic devices – everything to ensure customers are 100% satisfied during their journey.

In First Class areas, ÖBB EC and IC customers benefit from extra equipment including leather-covered seats for maximum comfort. Customers also benefit from a meal and beverage service plus free use of newspapers and magazines. Customers can ask train attendants for help with safely storing valuables whilst they relax and enjoy their journey.

First class for business

ÖBB- EC and IC trains offer new business compartments with four seats which are extremely spacious and offer good comfort and service.

Family-friendly concept

Onboard both EC and IC trains, ÖBB offer ladies’ compartments to females travelling alone and there are also compartments reserved for mothers who would like to nurse their babies without being disturbed.

4011

Since the schedule change of 2006/2007, ÖBB has been operating two sets of wagons of the 411 series. These train sets are additions to ÖBB’s long distance fleet and have highest reliability on the routes Vienna to Munich and Vienna to Bregenz. Since 4 December 2007, there is also a direct ICE-connection between Vienna and Frankfurt which operates six times a day every two hours.

The series 411 of Deutsche Bahn  will be en-route in Austria as “4011”  and ensure modern travel comfort.  These trains are already highly appreciated in Germany.

The advantages of the new train for the passengers are, above all, more comfort and more seats. There is room in the modern train for 381 passengers,  53 of which in First Class. The design  is highly modern and the interior is  very comfortable.

Technical features include:

• 230km/h maximum speed
• 185 metres in length
• 381 seats, 53 of which in First Class
• Restaurant with 24 seats
• 4000 kW
• Weight 368 tonnes

Local trains

ÖBB is continuously investing in the improvement of station facilities and rolling stock also for suburban services.  In 2007, 51 Talent, 27 Desiro and 12 double-deck railcars were bought to continue the modernisation of the stock  of local trains. For 2008, 79 more of these trains are ordered. The rising number of clients using the trains of ÖBB confirm this strategy.