debtA new generation of night trains designed to maximize passenger comfort and privacy, from comfortable sleeping pods to sliding doors, ambient lighting to curvy seats, is expected to spread rapidly across Europe from next year. increase.
NightJet, ÖBB, the sleeping car division of the Austrian State Railways (considered one of the world’s pioneers in night train travel), unveiled its new freight car interiors this week.
Travel writers and rail enthusiasts invited to Vienna said it could give the rail industry a new boost at a time of great challenges such as the energy crisis and climate emergency.
The vehicle design has been enhanced with cocoon-like cabins with lockable doors for individual travelers and sliding shutters between head-height pods that allow inter-cabin conversation if desired. It focuses on passenger demands for more privacy and safety. Other modern conveniences include complimentary wireless connectivity, power points, dimmable lighting and soft seating areas.
The route NightJets will travel will span cities such as Vienna, Budapest, Berlin, Milan, Rome and Zurich.
The first of 33 NightJet trains, in which ÖBB has invested 700 million euros, will go on sale next summer, with full fleets expected to be in service by 2025.
Each car has 7 cars including 2 seat cars, 2 sleepers with compartments for 2 people and 3 sleepers with suites for 4 people and mini cabins for individual travelers I have.
Each train can carry 254 passengers, more than most short-haul planes, and can travel at speeds of up to 230kmh (143mph).
NightJet promises its prices to be competitive with airline prices, with sleeper tickets available from €50 to €100. It states that the vehicle offers wheelchair accessibility.
Train departures have been delayed due to supply chain issues and pandemic-related personnel issues.
“A trip with NightJet is 50 times more climate-friendly than the same trip by plane,” Leonore Gewessler, Austria’s environment minister who has championed efforts to boost night train travel, said at the launch. rice field.
However, rail enthusiasts and lobbyists have warned of the possibility of night train travel, and the hope that it could increasingly replace aviation has shown clear support from politicians at national and European level. Unless you are in danger of losing its romantic appeal.
They cite a range of problems, including high prices due to rising energy costs, chronic staff shortages, and a summer filled with terrible rail delays. Potential problems that could threaten the movement’s development are that passenger travel, especially at night, will give way to freight trains carrying coal in the midst of the energy crisis and military equipment to support the war. It is expected to get bigger and bigger because it is being forced more and more. in Ukraine.
Philip Kossock, public transport expert at German think tank Agora, told the Austrian daily Der Standard: “There is considerable potential to expand it, given the will.” But he said night trains are at a disadvantage, “and face higher taxes than air travel, aging infrastructure and insufficient capacity.” are often hampered by
Germany’s Green Party, which has been in power since late last year, is spearheading plans to integrate a European night train network connecting some 40 destinations, including Warsaw, Amsterdam, Vienna, Bordeaux, Munich, Barcelona and even London. standing.
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