Facilities in the new comfort couchette car
The upgraded multifunction couchette cars offer an unprecedented level of comfort for passengers with mobility issues. Each car is equipped with a modern barrier-free compartment comprising 2 beds and a barrier-free WC. The comfort couchette car is equipped with new 4-person compartments that are fitted with built-in beds, which significantly increase comfort while sleeping and travelling, and are especially great for families. The multifunctional couchettes cars have a space for prams and pushchairs, three bicycle stands, free Wi-Fi and other technical innovations such as USB ports and power sockets for charging at each couchette and a control panel with various convenient functions such as light control or calling for service. They are also fitted with an electronic access system using NFC cards and have video surveillance to further improve safety.
Have a 360° look inside the new comfort couchette car
The upgrade project
At ÖBB Train Tech, 22 seating cars were converted into modern multifunction couchette cars for use on the Nightjet. The trains are approved for use in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France, Belgium and the Netherlands. With this we want to modernise the existing night train fleet and provide our passengers with added comfort and choice.
The new comfort couchette cars are integrated individually into the existing Nightjet trains, allowing us to offer modernised cars and barrier-free compartments on as many lines as possible.
The upgrade in 3 episodes
In Episode 1 of our upgrade programme, the ÖBB Technical Services team worked in the factory hall making sure that the cars are emptied and gutted appropriately for the conversion. Any components that were no longer required were removed to make room for the new interior.
In Episode 2, the interior work was in full swing , people were busy screwing, wiring, sanding, painting and assembling.
In Episode 3, the cars received the final touches so that they would be ready for their first journey.
