[passenger] The Railjet gen.2 enters service between Germany and Italy + interactive tour

08.04.2024 marked the beginning of a new phase for ÖBB’s Railjet product. A new-generation Railjet ran in regular service between Germany and Italy with RJ 87 from München Hbf to Bologna Centrale.

On 05.04.2024, the new train was officially presented in Italy after a special journey from München central station to Verona Porta Nuova, with intermediate stops in Rosenheim, Innsbruck, and Bolzano. Train n.02, hauled by shiny Taurus 1216 017, was used for the occasion. Henk Zwoferink caught the train with ÖBB 1116 276 at the end:

ÖBB has 27 new-generation Railjet trains on order. In March, the first authorised 9-car trains started running on domestic lines in Austria; now, they begin entering service on the Brenner line between Munich and Bologna, gradually replacing the Eurocity trains. The ‘service stop’ at the Austrian-Italian border remains for the prescribed technical inspections.

The Railjet service to Italy cooperates with Deutsche Bahn (DB) and the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). Hence the extra DB logos on the sides of the coaches:

Come on board –  360 degrees walkthrough

Together with Rudolf Strutz of Oebb360.at we present to you an interactive way of discovering the NewGen Railjet’s interior:

The new generation Railjet has 532 seats, of which 430 are in 2nd class, 86 are in 1st class, 16 are in business class, and 12 are in the onboard restaurant.

In the new Railjet, passengers can enjoy many services and comfort features. In addition to new comfortable seats for greater privacy, there is improved WiFi, windows permeable to mobile phones, charging options via USB and inductive charging stations, and real-time passenger information. The new trains also have vending machines for snacks and hot and cold drinks. They also feature large luggage racks with NFC luggage security, separate family and relaxation areas, an onboard restaurant, and six bicycle parking spaces in the multifunctional car with ski and snowboard storage options.

For the photographers:

These are the timetables for the first connection:

RJ 87
13:34 München Hbf
13:42 – 13:44 München Ost
14:12 – 14:13 Rosenheim
14:34 – 14:36 Kufstein
14:44 – 14:46 Wörgl Hbf
14:58 – 15:00 Jenbach
15:18 – 15:24 Innsbruck Hbf
16:00 – 16:14 Brennero/Brenner
16:44 – 16:46 Fortezza/Franzensfeste
16:55 – 16:56 Bressanone/Brixen
17:27 – 17:31 Bolzano/Bozen
18:02 – 18:04 Trento
18:17 – 18:19 Rovereto
18:58 – 19:15 Verona Porta Nuova
20:16 Bologna Centrale

RJ88

07:45 Bologna Centrale
08:47 – 09:01 Verona Porta Nuova
09:41 – 09:43 Rovereto
09:57 – 09:59 Trento
10:31 – 10:34 Bolzano/Bozen
11:02 – 11:04 Bressanone/Brixen
11:13 – 11:15 Fortezza/Franzensfeste
11:48 – 12:00 Brennero/Brenner
12:36 – 12:40 Innsbruck Hbf
13:00 – 13:02 Jenbach
13:14 – 13:16 Wörgl Hbf
13:24 – 13:26 Kufstein
13:45 – 13:46 Rosenheim
14:16 – 14:18 München Ost
14:27 München Hbf

Read more:

[passenger] ÖBB official: Railjet gen.2 enters service – 27 trains on order