Austria did not wait for the train to come back into fashion to invest massively in this environmentally friendly means of transport. The country has a mesh network, and a commercial incentive offer with, for example, the “Air conditioning“.
But also and above all, Austria offers high-quality trains, especially for overnight trips. While most countries abandoned these links sacrificed on the altar of profitability, Austria, by contrast, has been strengthening them since 2016 through significant investments.
Rome, Milan, Zurich, Hamburg, Berlin, Varsovie, Zagreb via Salzburg… ÖBB, the local SNCF, exploite ainsi seule ou en partenariat près de 30 lignes de trains de nuit quand elles comptent sur les doigts d’une main en France.
33 new trains on the tracks between 2023 and 2025
And the new trains of the future are likely to make slow-travel enthusiasts salivate who, in France, have to make do with trains from the 1980s that have barely been renovated.
Manufactured by Siemens Mobility, these “Nightjet” sleeping cars and couchettes give pride of place to design, comfort and privacy. They will be put into circulation between the summer of 2023 and 2025 (33 trains planned).
By reducing occupancy (two-person compartment in sleeping cars; four-person compartment instead of six in sleeper cars) and new mini-cabins for solo travellers, ÖBB tries to target all types of clientele.
Toilets and shower in each compartment.
In addition, all compartments have their own toilets and showers and a rest area. In addition, fixed beds “increase sleeping comfort and ensure that passengers arrive well-rested at their destination,” says Siemens.
In the new individual mini-cabins “the space offers everything you need to travel at night with peace of mind: storage space, mobile folding breakfast table with integrated mirror, coat racks, reading lamp and luggage lockers right next to the door. ”, explains the German industrialist.
Other amenities are planned: six parking spaces for bicycles, more space for ski or snowboard equipment, an important criterion in Austria.
Finally, the free Wi-Fi connection is widespread throughout the train, with the possibility of connecting to a multimedia entertainment portal. Something to make any self-respecting railway enthusiast dream.
Source: BFM TV
