The R&D project Day/Night Train (TANA) was launched in June 2022. It is funded by the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action in the Mobility of the Future funding line, managed by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG). An Austrian/Swiss research team led by the Vienna-based company netwiss OG is looking for ways to use night trains sensibly in daytime traffic as well as increasing their efficiency.
© netwiss
Possible areas of application are long runs with an extended feeder function for attractive direct connections, which also requires partial use in daytime traffic, or generally use on daytime runs. The search is on for suitable equipment elements in the vehicles as well as for services and suitable operating scenarios. The aim is to develop a complete package for day/night trains.
The focus of research and development is always on passengers and their requirements. Passengers are also integrated into various development processes.
The consortium is very broadly positioned in terms of expertise. In addition to the consortium leader netwiss OG, which contributes extensive know-how on the subject of passenger behaviour and needs, the team includes: Siemens Mobility GmbH a very experienced partner in development and production, Molinari Rail GmbH with extensive expertise in the redesign of night trains, Elisabeth Oberzaucher, a very renowned team of behavioural researchers, the “Hilfsgemeinschaft” with proven expertise in the field of accessibility, the Universities of Applied Sciences FH St.Pölten, FH JOANNEUM Graz and ZHAW three top-class partners in the field of mobility and railway research from Austria and Switzerland and moodley industrial design GmbH, which has excellent competence in the design of railway interiors.
This interdisciplinary consortium with a high level of competence in the field of rail vehicles and a focus on the human factor in all phases of a rail journey lead us to expect excellent concepts for efficient and passenger-friendly night trains with high potential for use in daytime traffic. Although the project will strive for innovation, it will also guarantee technical and economic feasibility.
Further information on the project is available at TANA.netwiss.com.
This sounds like someone is reinventing trains like the Canadian!
Having sat and tried to sleep in one of the Canadian’s Day/Nighter seats for two days each way, it left quite the impression (in my body, and in my mind)!
Modern technology should be able to develop more comfortable fully reclining seats, like what overseas First Class flights have, but at a more affordable cost.
Did we already have these as ‘Couchettes’, or for open carriages ‘platskart’.