ÖBB expands Nightjet fleet with new order placed from Siemens Mobility

Credit: Siemens Mobility

The trains are based on the Viaggio Next Level platform and model, with a total of 33 new generation ÖBB Nightjets forecasted to be in service by 2025. The modern Nightjets will attract passengers travelling on overnight connections between various European cities, by offering higher capacity, greater comfort and privacy.

“Calling up 20 additional Nightjets is an important step in positioning ÖBB as the market leader in Europe’s night train business,” said Andrea Matthä, CEO of ÖBB.

“ÖBB is already Europe’s largest night train operator, and with the new state-of-the-art Nightjet fleet, we will further reinforce our position and offer our travellers first-class comfort.”

Viaggio Next Level: the new generation Nightjet

Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility, commented: “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. Innovative mini cabins on the trains offer passengers private space and a high degree of comfort. The special lightweight bogies help ensure a particularly smooth ride and reduced energy consumption over the train’s lifecycle.”

In 2018, ÖBB and Siemens Mobility signed a framework contract that outlined the delivery of day and night trains, including 13 Viaggio Next Level Nightjets. These next-generation night trains are being built at the Siemens Mobility plant based in Vienna. The first completed trains to be delivered from this series will serve on connections from Austria and Germany to Italy, from December 2022.

As the second call for the agreement, 20 additional Nightjets will be manufactured. These trains are planned for service from Vienna and Innsbruck to Hamburg and Amsterdam, as well as operating on the routes from Vienna to Bregenz and Zurich. Additionally, the connections from Graz to Zurich and Zurich to Hamburg and Amsterdam will also be served by the new Nightjets.

Barrier-free travel with higher-level of passenger comfort and privacy

Each seven-car Nightjet consists of state-of-the-art designed coaches (two), three couchette cars, and two sleeping cars, offering greater comfort for travelling passengers. In the new couchette car concept, additional mini cabins provide significantly more privacy for single travellers and ensure a comfortable journey and relaxed arrival. Each sleep car compartment will also include a private toilet, shower and a feature free on-board Wi-Fi service.

The new trains also supply barrier-free overnight travel, including a multifunctional car with a low-floor entrance, a barrier-free couchette compartment and barrier-free toilet.