CZ/SK verze

The End of Train Compartments? Open-Plan Carriages Are Taking Over

The End of Train Compartments? Open-Plan Carriages Are Taking Over
photo: RAILTARGET/Czech Railways (České dráhy)
30 / 01 / 2025

Say goodbye to spontaneous conversations, awkward silences, and unexpected encounters—traditional train compartments are disappearing.

For some, train compartments offer privacy, while for others, they can be uncomfortable social situations. Regardless of personal preference, the fact remains—compartments are disappearing from trains across Europe.

The trend toward open-plan carriages has been gaining traction for years. Manufacturers are prioritizing them, and older compartment-based carriages are no longer being refurbished but instead converted into modern, airplane-style seating arrangements. This shift is happening across Europe, where rail operators are opting for higher-capacity, more flexible carriage designs.

Rising Demand for Rail Travel

According to Czech Transport Minister Martin Kupka, train passenger numbers are increasing, signaling a return to pre-pandemic travel patterns. As more people choose rail over other forms of transportation, the need for efficient, high-capacity train layouts is growing.

Open-plan seating allows for narrower aisles, which means more passengers can fit into a single carriage. Additionally, the extra space can be used for bicycles, strollers, and wheelchairs, making rail travel more accessible. Czech Minister Kupka also pointed out that the investment in modern rolling stock is paying off, with Czech Railways seeing four million more passengers year-over-year.

Why Open-Plan Seating Wins Over Compartments

Supporters of open-plan trains point to comfort and practicality.

  • More privacy: Two-person seats provide a greater sense of personal space, unlike compartments, where groups must agree on temperature, lighting, and window settings.
  • No middle seat discomfort: Passengers don’t have to worry about being stuck in the middle, unable to turn in either direction.
  • Better table access: Unlike compartments, where only window seats get a table, in open-plan layouts, every row has access to one.
  • Improved safety and visibility: Train staff have a clear view of the entire carriage, and passengers can immediately see available seats without peeking into separate compartments.
  • Easier cleaning: Open-plan trains are faster and more efficient to clean, ensuring a better travel experience for passengers.

Modern Open-Plan Trains in Action

New open-plan trains are already in operation in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic, where Stadler’s Moravia trains provide increased space for cyclists—a crucial feature in a region filled with cycling routes. These trains also introduce new technologies, such as onboard ticket vending machines for added convenience.

Source: RAILTARGET

Another example is the hydrogen-powered Stadler RS ZERO HEMU, which features a unique seating arrangement. Some seats face forward, while others are positioned at an angle, creating semi-private sections that feel like small offices. This trend, known as "train-office" design, caters to business travelers who want a comfortable workspace on the go. Other areas of the train feature cushioned bench-style seating, giving passengers varied options based on their needs.

Compartments: A Fading Nostalgia

Despite the advantages of open-plan seating, train compartments still have loyal fans as they are great when trains aren’t crowded, allowing passengers to have a space all to themselves. They’re also ideal for groups traveling together, which we've all witnessed in one too many films, with Harry Potter probably being of the classic examples.

For many, compartments represent nostalgia, an essential part of train travel’s charm. However, they are quickly becoming an endangered species, and they will likely disappear from European trains entirely shortly. Interestingly, train compartments were originally designed based on traditional horse-drawn carriage layouts, where passengers sat facing each other.

Why Compartments Are Vanishing

The final blow to compartments came when their capacity was reduced from eight passengers to six. While this made them more comfortable, it also significantly decreased seating capacity, making them less practical for modern train operators.  New compartment-style carriages are no longer being produced, and there is little motivation to refurbish existing ones.

The era of train compartments is coming to an end—but will it really be missed?

Source: Hlídací PesiDnes.czVlakyNet

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