‘Every kilometre on the train is a kilometre for climate protection’: Take a look inside Austria’s new night trains.
Austrian rail operator OeBB on Saturday unveiled its new generation of sleeper trains – a response to demands from travellers for less pollutant alternatives to planes and petrol or diesel cars.
Night trains are starting to make a comeback in Europe thanks to their low-carbon footprint. After years of neglect, operators are now investing heavily to replace their ageing rolling stock.
State-owned rail operator OeBB, which has 20 rail routes across Europe, has been a pioneer in reviving such services.
The new trains feature a modern design, more privacy and more facilities. Each two-person compartment has its own toilet and shower.
There are even single-person cabins for solo travellers who are looking for a bit more privacy.
The first of 33 – ordered from German conglomerate Siemens in 2018 for a total investment of €720 million – could come into service as early as December.
It will connect the Austrian cities of Vienna and Innsbruck to the German port of Hamburg.
Between then and 2028, the new sleeper trains will be phased in on other routes in Austria, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
“France will have to wait a bit because this requires new approvals from the national railroad authority,” OeBB CEO Andreas Matthae told AFP.
