April 22, 2021, in Riga – Rail Baltica Joint venture RB Rail AS has developed the first high-speed virtual concept train that would connect the Baltic states with the Western European railway network. The provided virtual concept train overview is made by the RB Rail AS experts to illustrate the features of the high-speed train, whereas the train visualizations are based on a general model train, allowing everyone to imagine the future train. The concept of high-speed train on Rail Baltica infrastructure will be powered by electricity.
In 2021, the European Year of Rail, during which the railway industry is in the spotlight for its contribution to the safe, green, and comfortable transportation of people and goods, RB Rail provides a general overview of the virtual train’s design concept and features.
“Only 37% people in Estonia and Latvia and 27% in Lithuania have travelled by high-speed train, according to the survey that was carried out across the Baltic countries at the end of 2020,” comments Agnis Driksna, CEO and Chairperson of the Management Board at the Rail Baltica joint venture RB Rail AS. “This requires us to even more actively inform and educate society about personal, environmental and economic benefits that the high-speed train would give to people of our region, including its overall positive impact and experience one can get when travelling by a high-speed train.”
The concept design reflects the connecting element of the Baltic countries – the Baltic Sea
The inspiration for the train design comes from the one element that connects all three Baltic states – the Baltic sea. Sun, sea, and sand are reflected in the color scheme of the model train. This virtual model is an imaginary train, inspired by the most modern high-speed train sets which are in operation in Europe and elsewhere in the world.
The comfort of the high-speed train comes first
In the Standard Class, each train is envisaged to consist of 8 carriages with approximately 70 seats per carriage. Wi-Fi services, USB slots, charger points, and screens with updated information on the travel route will be available to all the passengers. Whereas, in First Class like in the airlines, will have a higher level of comfort such as more personal space with fewer people per carriage and extra legroom. A special area for business travellers will be available with teleconferencing facilities such as the meeting room and presentation screen.
A cafeteria located between the standard and first class will be serving hot drinks and snacks throughout the journey.
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Making rail accessible to everyone
Dedicated spaces allow wheelchair access for passengers with reduced mobility and priority seats for senior passengers, and each restroom is envisaged to be equipped with a baby changing table. Also, a special place for pets as they will be allowed to travel with the owners on every leg of the journey.
We expect convenience for everyone regardless of the purpose of their trip, a special area is envisaged for bicycle and baggage storage, whereas to make the travelling even more convenient for business and leisure travel – it is also foreseen that passengers will have an option to check-in their luggage for the connections with the airports.
Safety is a priority
Rail is not only considered to be one of the safest transportation methods, but it is also one of the greenest, emitting far less CO2 than equivalent travel by road or air.
Rail Baltica will be the first high-speed railway line in the Baltic States, hence safety measures are especially important. “The train will be equipped with the fire safety system, including with smoke detection, fire extinguishing, video surveillance system, driver’s vigilance system as well as emergency button to get in touch with the train attendant. We have designed the train according to the latest ergonomic and comfort standards,” concludes Jean-Marc Bedmar, RB Rail AS Head of Systems and Operation Department.
The aim of Rail Baltica project is to provide infrastructure for as many different operators and trains as possible. The Baltic infrastructure managers of Rail Baltica line are working on a single window solution to increase competition on the line and provide better service quality for Rail Baltica passengers.
More information and information: https://info.railbaltica.org/en/high-speed-train
Download the visualisations here: https://www.railbaltica.org/photos-virtual-concept-train/
* The images are illustrative and do not prejudge the solution for any rolling stock to be used on Rail Baltica infrastructure in the future.