Austrian travelers to test new seats
Published: Tue, 2014-12-02 16:07The rail company ÖBB invited Austrians to test possible new seats for regional and local train sets, as part of a €50m programme to overhaul 250 Talent and Desiro multiple-units used by around half a million passengers each day.
In 2011 ÖBB started an initial survey to identify passengers’ main criteria for comfortable seats. This was followed by trials in December 2012, when a focus group was invited to choose between seats from four different manufacturers for use in a so-called ‘comfort zone’.
These adjustable seats, which, according to manufacturer, offer comfortable padding, a headrest, folding table and a footrest, plus additional legroom, are being installed in around 10 sets a month, meaning that all Talent and Desiro units should be equipped with a comfort zone by early 2016.
ÖBB has now decided to extend the programme to the remaining seats in each unit, which are to be replaced by 2018.
A Talent EMU fitted with four seat variants began running in Ober Österreich on November 20, so that passengers can sample and rate the different seat cushion and backrest designs; the test train will later be deployed on services around city of Salzburg.
Source: ÖBB