ÖBB has unveiled the interior designs for the sleeping car and couchette vehicles in its Siemens-built Nightjet overnight trains which are scheduled to enter service from 2022.
Developed with customer feedback following public consultation using compartment mock-ups at Wien Hbf in 2016, the interior accommodation is intended to ‘combine eco-friendly travel with a pleasant atmosphere and a touch of futuristic design’, in ‘a timeless, chic and needs-oriented’ configuration, the operator explained.
Range of accommodation
Various types of sleeping accommodation will be provided to meet the needs of different user groups. Adopting an approach trialled unsuccessfully in the mid 20th century, ÖBB plans to provide tapered beds in all categories, providing more width at the head end and freeing up room for more circulating space at the foot. All compartments will be equipped with a charging socket and wireless charging, together with a magazine pocket for storing personal belongings.
The biggest innovation will be the provision of so-called MiniSuites in the couchette cars, as well as the classic compartments aimed at family and group use. These suites are intended to meet a growing demand for greater privacy among solo travellers, with lockable ‘sleeping capsules’ stacked in pairs each side of a common access ladder. Sliding doors in the partition behind the ladder can be opened to connect a pair of capsules on one level if required. A separate luggage locker for each capsule will be provided in the gangway adjacent to the compartment.