Railjet

Rather than choosing electric multiple units (EMUs) such as Deutsche Bahn's ICE 3, the ÖBB opted for locomotive-hauled push-pull high-speed trains, which could be hauled by its existing fleet of Taurus high-speed Siemens EuroSprinter electric locomotives.{{cite web |last1=Wehinger |first1=Dr Stefan |title=Railjet to take off next year |url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/in-depth/railjet-to-take-off-next-year/32434.article |website=Railway Gazette International |access-date=3 January 2021 |language=en |date=19 November 2007}}{{subscription required}}{{#tag:ref|Classes 1016, 1116 and 1216 of Eurosprinter type ES 64 U, however railjet service will only be carried out by the multisystem version locomotive classes 1116 and 1216|group="note"}} On 9 February 2006, 9 months after receiving sealed bids, the board of directors of the Austrian Federal Railways awarded Siemens a contract to build 23 sets of 7-coach trains, with the Siemens design viewed to be the best as well as the least expensive.{{cite web|url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/siemens-wins-railjet-order.html|title=Siemens wins Railjet order|date=1 March 2006|publisher=Railway Gazette International|work=railwaygazette.com}}{{cite web| url=http://www.schienenfahrzeugtagung.at/download/PDF2007/1Tag%20Vormittag/2_Wehinger.pdf| title=railjet| author=Marl| author2=Pettauer| date=16 April 2007| work=schienenfahrzeugtagung.at| language=de| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929061647/http://www.schienenfahrzeugtagung.at/download/PDF2007/1Tag%20Vormittag/2_Wehinger.pdf| archive-date=29 September 2007}} In September 2007 Siemens received an additional order for 44 more Railjet trains from the Austrian Federal Railways.{{cite web|url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/austria-orders-44-more-railjet-trains.html|title=Austria orders 44 more Railjet trains|date=5 October 2007|publisher=Railway Gazette International|work=railwaygazette.com}} The total value of the order was €798 million for 469 passenger carriages.{{cite web |title=ÖBB Railjet - eine neue Fahrzeuggeneration für die ÖBB |url=https://www.vlaky.net/upload/images/reports/004866/Viaggio_Comfort_prospekt_podrobny_de.pdf |access-date=3 January 2021 |page=5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140829190418/https://www.vlaky.net/upload/images/reports/004866/Viaggio_Comfort_prospekt_podrobny_de.pdf |archive-date=29 August 2014 |date=26 September 2008}}

In September 2011 Siemens agreed the sale of sixteen Railjet trainsets to the Czech Railways (České Dráhy); the sets should have been originally built for an uncompleted order for ÖBB,{{citation|url = http://www.siemens.com/press/en/pressrelease/?press=/en/pressrelease/2011/mobility/imo201109033.htm| title = Czech Railways order 16 Railjets from ÖBB master agreement with Siemens| date = 30 September 2011| work= siemens.com| publisher = Siemens}} ČD's trainsets were to be hauled by Škoda's ČD Class 380 electric locomotives.{{citation| url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/index.php?id=44&no_cache=1&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=14060&cHash=7e6ba56ae3| title = CD closes Railjet deal| date = 3 October 2011| work = railwaygazette.com| publisher = Railway Gazette International| access-date = 3 October 2011| archive-date = 1 September 2017| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170901022820/http://www.railwaygazette.com/index.php?id=44&no_cache=1&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=14060&cHash=7e6ba56ae3| url-status = dead}} In 2012 Czech Railways cancelled the order.{{citation|url = https://www.reuters.com/article/czech-railways-siemens-idUSL6E8FR71R20120427| title =Czech Railways backs off $265 mln Siemens train buy (UPDATE 1)| work = reuters.com| date = 27 April 2012|access-date =8 May 2012|author= Robert Mueller|author2 = Jens Hack}} A reduced order of seven Viaggio Comfort trainsets was agreed in August 2012.{{citation| url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/czech-railways-finally-takes-over-railjet-train-order.html| title = Czech Railways finally takes over Railjet train order|date = 23 August 2012| work = railwaygazette.com}}

In June 2014 ÖBB took up an option for a remaining nine railjets from Siemens, planned to be used on the Westbahn route between Vienna and Salzburg and will also be equipped to operate in Italy.{{citation| url = http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/rolling-stock/obb-to-order-more-railjets.html?device=auto| title = ÖBB to order more Railjets| first = Erwin| last = Reidinger| date = 18 June 2014| access-date = 18 June 2014| archive-date = 31 August 2017| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170831012634/http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/rolling-stock/obb-to-order-more-railjets.html?device=auto| url-status = dead}}

The first unit was produced on 15 September 2008, and put on display at Graz, then Innotrans in late September and then at Salzburger Verkehrstage on 15 October.{{cite web |last1=Marl |first1=Pettauer |title=Microsoft PowerPoint - pettauer.ppt |url=http://www.regionale-schienen.at/pdf/6svt/referate/pettauer.pdf |website=Regionale Schienen |access-date=3 January 2021 |date=16 October 2008}}{{rp|17}} The first railjet trains began test runs in late 2008.{{cite web|url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/raijet-on-test.html|title=Raijet on test|date=1 September 2008|publisher=Railway Gazette International|work=railwaygazette.com}}

File:ÖBB Railjet 1116-236 on Krauselklause-Viaduct.jpg]]

File:CD-RJ_als_EC_73.jpg]]{{See also|Siemens Viaggio Comfort}}

A Railjet train set consists of seven or nine individual coaches that are permanently coupled with airtight interconnections,{{Citation needed|date=January 2011}} but with buffer and hook couplings on the outer ends of the set of coaches suitable for buffer and chain screw coupling{{cite web |title=ÖBB Railjet - eine neue Fahrzeuggeneration für die ÖBB |url=https://www.vlaky.net/upload/images/reports/004866/Viaggio_Comfort_prospekt_podrobny_de.pdf |access-date=3 January 2021 |page=8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140829190418/https://www.vlaky.net/upload/images/reports/004866/Viaggio_Comfort_prospekt_podrobny_de.pdf |archive-date=29 August 2014 |date=26 September 2008}} Two complete train sets with two locomotives can be run as a pair giving a train of fourteen carriages.{{cite web |last1=Werske |first1=André |title=railjet - Hochgeschwindigkeitszüge der ÖBB in Österreich |url=https://www.hochgeschwindigkeitszuege.com/oesterreich/railjet.php |website=Hochgeschwindigkeitszüge |access-date=3 January 2021 |language=DE |date=2 May 2009}} The coach furthest from the locomotive acts as a control car. The number of carriages per train can be extended up to ten in a single train unit.{{r|MarlPettPDF|p=4}}

The ÖBB Railjet's coach that is the furthest from the locomotive, the cab car, is half Business Class and half First Class. The next coach is First Class only, followed by a coach that is half First Class and the other half is the in-train restaurant. The rest of the coaches are Economy only coaches.

ČD's Railjet has replaced one First Class coach for one Economy class coach, therefore its coach order is slightly different: The coach that is the furthest from the locomotive is half Business Class and half First Class, and the next coach is half First Class and half the in-train restaurant. The rest of the coaches are Economy Class, so the ČD Railjet has one less First Class coach and one more Economy class coach.

The industrial design company Spirit Design was contracted to provide an exterior and interior design,{{cite web|url=http://www.spiritdesign.at/showdoc.do?docid=213|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706095942/http://www.spiritdesign.at/showdoc.do?docid=213|url-status=dead|archive-date=2011-07-06|title=Design of railjet comes from Spirit Design|work=spiritdesign.at}} three colour schemes were presented and the livery to be used was decided by poll conducted by the Austrian tabloid Kronen Zeitung.{{cite web|url= http://www.railcolor.net/index.php?nav=1405285&lang=1| work=railcolor.net| title=ÖBB 1016/1116: Railjet}} In 2009 the railjet design was given a Red Dot award.{{cite web|url=http://red-dot.org/2791.html?&cHash=809e62c2fb48e4b2ef5edbc6b6287a35&detail=5235|title=Automobile, Transport und Caravans|work=red-dot.org|language=de|access-date=21 January 2011|archive-date=17 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317100501/http://red-dot.org/2791.html?&cHash=809e62c2fb48e4b2ef5edbc6b6287a35&detail=5235|url-status=dead}}{{cite press release|url=http://www.perspektive-mittelstand.de/Internationaler-Good-Design-Award-an-Spirit-Design-fuer-OeBB-railjet-/pressemitteilung/26980.html|title= Internationaler "Good Design" Award a Spirit Design für ÖBB railjet|language=de| work=perspektive-mittelstand.de}}

{{See also|EuroSprinter}}

The Railjet vehicles are designed to be propelled in push-pull mode by standard electric locomotives, specifically the Siemens ES64U2 and ES64U4 (ÖBB Class 1116 and 1216 Taurus) already owned by the Austrian Federal Railways, but can also be hauled by any other electric locomotives such as the ÖBB Class 1293 Vectron , or diesel locomotives.{{r|MarlPettPDF|p=7}}

The first 23 ÖBB Class 1116 locomotives used in Railjet service were given a number of modifications: a third pantograph and the relevant train safety systems for operating outside Austria (Hungary, Switzerland and the Czech Republic) and a silver-colored side skirt below the floor level, giving a more streamlined appearance. A second set of 20 locomotives were equipped only for work in Austria and Germany and did not receive the side panels or extra systems for international working.

The bodies of the vehicles are constructed from ribbed, cold-rolled steel, with the driving trailer deriving its forward end shape from the Taurus locomotives.

The passenger cars are equipped with electropneumatic disc brakes (3 per axle in SF400 bogies),{{cite web |title=ÖBB Railjet - eine neue Fahrzeuggeneration für die ÖBB |url=https://www.vlaky.net/upload/images/reports/004866/Viaggio_Comfort_prospekt_podrobny_de.pdf |access-date=3 January 2021 |pages=29–33 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140829190418/https://www.vlaky.net/upload/images/reports/004866/Viaggio_Comfort_prospekt_podrobny_de.pdf |archive-date=29 August 2014 |date=26 September 2008}} as well as electromagnetic track brakes (eddy current brakes), and a parking brake. The driving trailer also has a manually operated brake using the disc brakes.{{cite web |last1=István|first1=Szécsey |title=Bemutatjuk az ÖBB RailJet nagysebességű vonatát |url=http://vasutgepeszet.hu/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/200904_11-19_vegleges.pdf |access-date=3 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908123956/http://vasutgepeszet.hu/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/200904_11-19_vegleges.pdf |archive-date=8 September 2020 |language=hu}}{{rp|sec. 2.12–2.12.6}} Primary bogie suspension is by coil spring, and secondary suspension is pneumatic. The driving trailers are designated 'Afmpz', the premium and business class vehicle 'Ampz', the 'bistro' or restaurant car 'ARbmpz' and the economy class cars 'Bmpz'.{{cite web |title=ÖBB Railjet - eine neue Fahrzeuggeneration für die ÖBB |url=https://www.vlaky.net/upload/images/reports/004866/Viaggio_Comfort_prospekt_podrobny_de.pdf |access-date=3 January 2021 |page=10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140829190418/https://www.vlaky.net/upload/images/reports/004866/Viaggio_Comfort_prospekt_podrobny_de.pdf |archive-date=29 August 2014 |date=26 September 2008}}

The intermediate passenger wagon bodyshells of the first units were manufactured by Siemens in Maribor, Slovenia. Final assembly takes place at the rail works at Simmering, Vienna; the first three trains were assembled by Siemens, the remainder by ÖBB technical services.{{#tag:ref|Rail vehicle assembly, maintenance, modernisation and repair company, as of 2010 owned by ÖBB and Rail Cargo Austria.{{cite web|url=http://www.railcargo.at/en/About_us/RCA_group/OeBB-Technische_Services/index.jsp|title=ÖBB-Technische Services GmbH|work=railcargo.at|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706094735/http://www.railcargo.at/en/About_us/RCA_group/OeBB-Technische_Services/index.jsp|archive-date=6 July 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ts.oebb.at/en/|title=ÖBB-Technische Services GmbH|work=ts.oebb.at|access-date=16 January 2011|archive-date=15 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915145402/http://ts.oebb.at/en/|url-status=dead}}|group="note"}} The driving trailers are manufactured by ÖBB Infrastruktur Bau{{dubious|date=January 2011}}{{#tag:ref|Since 2009 named ÖBB Infrastruktur AG{{cite web|url=http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=26971375|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009130352/http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=26971375|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 October 2012|title=ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG|publisher=Bloomberg|work=investing.businessweek.com}}{{cite web|url=http://www.oebb.at/infrastruktur/en/|title=ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG|work=oebb.at}}|group="note"}} under subcontract to Siemens.

Siemens is the main contractor for the vehicles and markets the coach design as Viaggio Comfort.{{cite web |title=ÖBB Railjet - eine neue Fahrzeuggeneration für die ÖBB |url=https://www.vlaky.net/upload/images/reports/004866/Viaggio_Comfort_prospekt_podrobny_de.pdf |access-date=3 January 2021 |page=2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140829190418/https://www.vlaky.net/upload/images/reports/004866/Viaggio_Comfort_prospekt_podrobny_de.pdf |archive-date=29 August 2014 |date=26 September 2008}} Brake equipment is supplied by Knorr-Bremse, air-conditioning by Liebherr, and doors, carriage connections, toilets and seats are manufactured by other subcontractors.

File:Karte Railjet-Strecken.png

As of December 2015, Railjets of ÖBB and ČD serve the following route network. Not all stops are shown, route sections only served by some trains are shown in brackets:[http://www.oebb.at/de/leistungen-und-services/railjet oebb.at - ÖBB Railjet: The best train in Austria] (German) retrieved 18 September 2016[https://tickets.oebb.at/de/ticket oebb.at - Offers and tickets] (German) retrieved 18 September 2016

• (Budapest or Vienna International Airport -) Wien Hbf - Linz Hbf - Salzburg Hbf - München Hbf (- Augsburg - Stuttgart - Frankfurt)
• (Vienna International Airport -) Wien Hbf - Linz Hbf - Salzburg Hbf - Innsbruck Hbf (- Bregenz or Zürich)
• Wien Hbf - Klagenfurt Hbf - Villach Hbf (- Lienz or Udine - Venice from December 2017)
• (Berlin -) Praha hlavní nádraží - Brno hlavní nádraží - Wien Hbf - Graz Hbf

Some services are served by two joint trainsets which might be coupled and separated on their way. For example, a trainset incoming from Budapest is coupled with another incoming from Vienna International Airport at Vienna main station. They travel together until Salzburg (providing more passenger capacity on the Vienna - Salzburg core route), where one is separated and continues to Munich, while the other heads to Innsbruck.

All Railjets from and to Innsbruck, Bregenz and Zürich use the Deutsches Eck (German corner) transit route through Bavaria without stopping as this is the fastest route between Salzburg and western Tyrol due to the topography of the Austrian Alps. The Deutsches Eck provides a dedicated rail bypass near Rosenheim for this purpose.

From December 2018 faster Railjet trains were denominated as Railjet Express (RJX) between Salzburg and Vienna stopping only in Linz and Sankt Pölten in order to distinguish them from those with the additional stops in Vöcklabruck, Attnang-Puchheim, Wels, Sankt Valentin, Amstetten and Tullnerfeld.

Commercial services started on 14 December 2008 between Munich, Vienna and Budapest,{{r|MarlPettPDF|p=17}}{{r|IstvanPDF|p=11}} gradually replacing the former EuroCity connection until September 2009. Since 2011 trains run to Frankfurt (Main) and Wiesbaden on weekends. Following the completion of the track improvement works on the Westbahn, running at speeds between {{convert|200|-|230|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} from 2012, the journey time between Salzburg and Vienna is now about 2hr20min. Since December 2014, trains serve the new Wien Hauptbahnhof, passing Wien Meidling and the Lainz Tunnel since 2015.

In December 2009 service started between Vienna via Innsbruck to Bregenz and Zürich.{{cite web |last1=Troger-Gruber |first1=Regina |title=High performance lines in Austria |url=http://vrt.fd.cvut.cz/data/konference/25p.pdf |at=Slide 10 |publisher=Czech Technical University in Prague |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831040837/http://vrt.fd.cvut.cz/data/konference/25p.pdf |archive-date=31 August 2017 |date=14 November 2007 |url-status=dead}} Services between Vienna and Bregenz/Zürich via Salzburg and Innsbruck were increased by the end of 2010.Marl, Pettauer, ÖBB RailJet, Area of Deployment 2010–2014, p.2 Following the completion of the track improvement works on the Westbahn in December 2012, the journey time between Vienna and Innsbruck is now about 4hr15min. From Wien Hauptbahnhof trains also serve Vienna Airport. Since 2011, Railjet trains also run on the Southern Railway line from Vienna to Graz and Klagenfurt/Villach. From 2013 to 2017 trains also served Lienz in East Tyrol. This service has been replaced by an Inter City Train.

On 15 June 2014, České dráhy inaugurated a Railjet connection from Wiener Neustadt to Prague. Since December 2014, trains run from Graz via Vienna and Brno to Prague main station (Praha hlavní nádraží).

From December 2016, newly delivered Railjet trainsets replaced further InterCity trains on existing routes within Austria.[https://kurier.at/wirtschaft/oebb-neue-railjets-von-siemens-ersetzen-alte-ic-waegen-auf-weststrecke/77.967.716 kurier.at - "New Railjets from Siemens replace old IC carriages on western tracks"] (German) retrieved 18 September 2016 From December 2017, the existing Vienna-Villach route was extended to Venezia Santa Lucia via Udine.[http://dmm.travel/news/artikel/lesen/2014/11/ab-2017-mit-railjet-nach-venedig-64569/ dmm.travel - "From 2017 with Railjet to Venice"] (German) This is the first Railjet connection to a coastal region.

Services to Ljubljana and/or Zagreb have been discussed since 2010 but have since not materialized.{{cite web |last1=Marl |first1=Pettauer |title=Area of Deployment railjet 2009-2010 |url=https://www.cee.siemens.com/web/slovakia/sk/corporate/portal/press/k2ts/Documents/Area%20of%20Deployment%20railjet%202009-2010.pdf |website=Siemens |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716065535/https://www.cee.siemens.com/web/slovakia/sk/corporate/portal/press/k2ts/Documents/Area%20of%20Deployment%20railjet%202009-2010.pdf |archive-date=16 July 2011 |date=9 September 2008 |url-status=dead}}

Railjet trains have three levels of service; economy, first and business classes.{{r|MarlPettPDF|p=10–16}}

Business class has the highest level of service, containing premium seating for 16 passengers located in the front part of the control car at the opposite end of the train to the locomotive. The seating plan is in an 'open compartments' style similar to a corridor coach layout, but open plan and doorless, and intended to be a considerable improvement over previous first class accommodation. A galley separates the business and first class compartments.

First class seating occupies the remainder of the control car, the second coach and half of the third coach which also contains spaces and facilities for wheelchair users. 76 seats are provided in [2+1] formation. The remainder of the third coach contains the restaurant which provides an at seat service. The remaining four coaches provide 316 economy class seats in [2+2] formation, the fourth coach also contains an area for families and children.{{cite web|url=http://www.energy-efficiency-days.org/IMG/pdf/28_R-Schmid_BB_Railjet_4th_UIC_EE_24sept09.pdf|title=Procurement & Operation of ÖBB railjet, Concerning Aspects of Energy Efficiency|publisher=ÖBB Personenverkehr|at=The railjet configuration, Slide 4|work=energy-efficiency-days.org|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726031920/http://www.energy-efficiency-days.org/IMG/pdf/28_R-Schmid_BB_Railjet_4th_UIC_EE_24sept09.pdf|archive-date=26 July 2011}}

From the 38th set of trains onwards the galley is replaced with a seated restaurant area.{{cite news|url=http://www.fahrgast-kaernten.at/DE/oesterreich_DE_1.html#newsinfo111|title=Railjet: Nun doch mit Speisewagen|date=9 November 2010|work=fahrgast-kaerten.at|language=de}}

File:ÖBB railjet - Economy class (2nd class) (9370596353).jpg|Economy class (ÖBB)

File:Railjet first class.jpg|First class (ÖBB)

File:Premium Class ÖBB railjet (4387966054).jpg|Business class (ÖBB)

File:ČD-Railjet Economy Class.jpg|Economy class (ČD)

• List of high-speed trains
• Train categories in Europe
• Nightjet
• Rail transport in Austria
• Rail transport in the Czech Republic

{{Reflist|group="note"}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category-inline|Railjet}}

• {{Official website|name=ÖBB Railjet}}
• [https://www.cd.cz/en/nase-vlaky/railjet/railjet/-27275/ Czech Railways Railjet]
• [http://www.kaemena360.com/360/RailJetTour/ Railjet Virtual 360° Tour]
• {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20200331232901/https://www.railjets.com/about-railjet.html About Railjet]}}

{{Austrian Federal Railways}}

{{Rolling stock of Austria}}

{{High-speed rail}}

Category:High-speed trains of Austria

Category:High-speed trains of the Czech Republic

Western

Category:Passenger trains running at least at 200 km/h in commercial operations

Category:Railway services introduced in 2008