Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) inaugurated service on March 22, for the first Railjet of the new generation from Siemens Mobility.
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The new train, featuring numerous innovations, will initially operate on the Vienna-Feldkirch route.
Excluding the locomotive, the nine-car train is around 240 meters long and offers 532 seats. It has two first-class cars with business class sections, an on-board restaurant with seating, four second-class (economy class) cars, a multifunctional economy class car, and an economy class driving car.
Technical highlights include high-tech lightweight bogies, windows optimized for cellphone reception, innovative power distribution systems with a redundant power supply from the adjacent car, and a self-diagnosis system with a secure radio link to the maintenance depot.
The new-generation Railjet was developed and is being built by Siemens Mobility in Vienna and is based on the same platform used by the new Nightjet trains.
ÖBB originally ordered eight trains but has now ordered an additional 19. Siemens Mobility will be delivering a total of 27 new-generation Railjets.
The new high-tech lightweight bogies are 30 percent lighter, provide a higher level of comfort than comparable products, and require fewer raw materials in production. They also make operation of the train more economical over its entire lifecycle since it uses less energy, particularly when accelerating and braking.
In addition, the trains have windows panes that are optimally radio-permeable for improved mobile reception. The patented windows have a special laser-beamed structure that is scarcely detectable by passengers.
Developed by Siemens in Vienna, the windows conduct signal power that is 50 times stronger than standard glass. Measurements taken on an ÖBB Railjet already in service show that the available time of good 4G reception is increased by 33 percent.
Advanced digitalization technology also ensures smooth, problem-free operation of the trains: Each train continually transmits self-diagnostic data to the maintenance depot via a secure and highly reliable data link.
This monitoring makes it easier to plan maintenance work, contributing to higher train availability and ultimately more satisfied passengers.
Further sustainability is achieved by increasing the train’s energy efficiency with features like LED interior lighting, an air conditioning system operating with a heat pump for both cooling and heating, and fresh air ventilation regulated according to the CO2 level of the interior air.
The train’s newly developed power distribution system also makes an important contribution to efficiency: It is highly efficient in converting voltage and transporting energy within the train all the way down to the power outlets on the passenger seats.
Depending on their preference, passengers have a choice of seating: in compartments, in open-plan cars, or in raised seating areas with slightly higher seat heights.
Passengers preferring a quieter ride can sit in designated quiet zones, while families can use the family zones with game board tables.
Seat backrests without gaps provide greater privacy between the seat rows, so passengers can, for example, work on their laptops undisturbed.
WiFi service is offered throughout the train, and a clear, state-of-the-art passenger information system is provided on ceiling-mounted displays and other screens.
Passenger comfort is further enhanced by an interior lighting concept that automatically adjusts to the time of day. Both the light color and the temperature of the compartments can be individually adjusted.
The new double seats are equipped with folding center armrests, allowing them to be converted into a small sofa if capacity is available.
Each seat row is also equipped with three charging options: a USB port, wireless NFC charging, and a 230-volt power outlet. Luggage can be stored securely and unattended in spaces accessed via NFC or individual numerical codes.
For passengers with limited mobility, the train has three wheelchair spaces and barrier-free access via a platform-level, extra-wide entrance in the multifunctional car. Space for storing skis and snowboards is available in the multifunctional car as well, along with six bicycle spaces. ■