ÖBB Long-Distance Soon with Double-Deck Railjets

On Wednesday, one of the 14 double-decker Railjets, manufactured by the Swiss company Stadler and offering almost 500 seats each, could be seen in Vienna for the first time. These trains, which can reach speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour and have a low-floor entry, will initially be used on the western route. After the completion of the Semmering base tunnel, they are also expected to operate on the southern route.

ÖBB invests 200 million euros in double-decker Railjets

An investment of 300 million euros is being made, according to an APA inquiry. The low-floor design benefits people with limited mobility as well as those with strollers, bicycles, or bulky luggage. This also applies to a quick passenger change during boarding and alighting. In the six-part train with 486 seats, there are also so-called catering zones - with snack and drink machines. A comfortable travel experience is promised, with modern interior design, free Wi-Fi, power outlets including USB ports, automatic climate control, and luggage racks with NFC security. The ÖBB double-decker Railjets are about 160 meters long and have two classes inside. Two wheelchair spaces are located in the middle car with height-adjustable side wall tables. Among other things, ten bicycle parking spaces, eight toilets of which one is barrier-free, and video surveillance are planned.

ÖBB double-decker trains previously only in local transport

The interior of the new train was inspected by ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä, Transport Minister Peter Hanke (SPÖ), and Stadler Board Chairman Peter Spuhler. "The new double-decker Railjets will be one of the highlights and offer more capacity as well as a comfortable driving experience for passengers in long-distance transport," explained Hanke regarding the 6.1 billion euros to be invested in the ÖBB fleet by 2030. "With the Railjet double-decker, we are presenting a completely new and special vehicle," Matthä expressed confidently. "As ÖBB, we have been using double-decker trains in local transport for many years and with the new double-decker long-distance train, we are setting another milestone in modern rail transport." Capacities would thus increase significantly.

Haselsteiner sees himself confirmed with Westbahn double-decker trains

However, double-decker trains in long-distance transport are not entirely new in Austria. The majority privately-owned Westbahn of industrialist Hans Peter Haselsteiner has been using them on the western route for years. The Westbahn - where, among others, the French state railway SNCF is also on board alongside Haselsteiner - also relies on trains from the company Stadler. He is always pleased when other companies later adopt ideas that his companies had first, Haselsteiner recently remarked with a slight dig at a press conference. This shows that they were on the right track.

(APA/Red)

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