photo: Škoda Group / Public domain/Škoda Group's 'Sleep in Motion' night train
At InnoTrans 2024, Škoda Group introduced its cutting-edge 'Sleep in Motion' night train concept, blending comfort, privacy, and efficiency in a patented design developed by their Austrian office. This groundbreaking concept offers spacious beds and modern features, setting a new standard for rail travel while promoting decarbonization in the sector.
Škoda Group’s Sleep in Motion concept is a revolutionary solution for overnight train travel. Unveiled at the InnoTrans 2024 trade fair as a prototype, it significantly enhances comfort, privacy, and operational efficiency, while maintaining a high passenger capacity. The concept addresses the shortcomings of traditional night trains, establishing a new benchmark for railway travel.
"The Sleep in Motion concept showcases our ability to deliver forward-thinking solutions that address both passenger needs and operational challenges," said Jan Harder, President of Škoda Group's West and North Region. "Our design enhances comfort and privacy without sacrificing capacity. We believe this concept is a game-changer for night trains, making rail travel more attractive and sustainable. We are already offering this solution to our customers."
Night trains are a key component in the effort to decarbonize the transportation sector, providing an eco-friendly alternative that makes travel time feel less burdensome. However, current night train fleets often lack comfort, privacy, and sufficient space. Existing setups, such as six-berth compartments, maximize capacity but reduce comfort, while four-berth compartments offer a more pleasant experience but lower space efficiency and increase costs.
Škoda Group’s patented design addresses these issues with a revolutionary layout. The concept features non-rectangular bed geometry, allowing for comfortable sleeping and freedom of movement without compromising capacity. The cabins are arranged in double units, with each unit offering two private spaces and a range of features, including:
- Spacious mattresses measuring 200 cm in length and up to 85 cm in width
- A window for each passenger, which also serves as an emergency exit
- Cabin height of 90 cm for added comfort
- Dedicated luggage storage at floor level
- In-cabin storage for personal items for enhanced security
- Lighting, charging outlets, and other features for high comfort
This design combines business-class privacy with super-economy efficiency, transforming the night train experience into a more comfortable, secure, and enjoyable journey. Alternating aisle widths and dedicated luggage areas contribute to a sense of spaciousness while maintaining operational efficiency.
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"Our new night train concept is a significant example of our ability to innovate, but we see this as just the beginning," said Martin Zsifkovits, Managing Director of Škoda Group Austria. "What we've created is a prototype that sets a new direction for night train travel, but we're committed to continuously refining and improving it. The current cabin is a test model, and we are actively gathering feedback from passengers and other stakeholders. Every insight we gain will help us perfect the design to meet the needs of both operators and travelers."
The idea for the sleeping cabin was introduced by Wilhelm Berbig from the Austrian office during an internal innovation challenge hosted by Škoda Group across its entities and countries. Sleep in Motion won last year's challenge, showcasing how such initiatives are crucial for driving innovation.
Source: Škoda Group Press Releases