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*SLEEPING CARS--Berlin to Paris run*
For many years,overnight passenger services in Europe lagged behind daytime travel in terms of travelling comfort and customer service. Until recently, the same was true of Deutsche Bahn AG ,whose sleeping cars had been in servive for up to 30 years.Now, however, the modernization of the DB NightTrain business area,which included developing the WLABmz 173 sleeping car,has ushered in a new era of European overnight train services.
The WLABmz 173 sleeping car first entered services in November 2003 on DB`s Berlin to Paris NightTrain route,which is used by some 120,000 passengers a year. From the drawing board to production readiness,development of the new sleeping car cost in the region of 50 Euro Million. The new generation coaches are manufactured by Siemens SGP Verkehrstechnik GmbH, while the interior design work was carried out by design consultants TriCon.
The end results is a vehicle with numberous innovative features inside. Optimal space utilization means there are 12 three-bunk compartments compared with 11 previously. There are three deluxe compartments each with its own bathroom and toilet ,while the nine economy cabins have a wash basin module with mirror and shaver sockrt ; in addition, each car has shower and toilets for all passengers. By opening a connecting door , two compartments can be turned into a spacious suite,where up to six people can travel together.
The service compartment is very functional; in addition to a kitchen unit there is also a desk.It also houses the communication center for the attendants. An intercom system connects with all compartments so that all passengers can receive an individual wake-up call.
Modern suspension systems of the type used on the ICE2 make for a peaceful trip even at speeds of 200 kilometers per hour. Every compartment also has a power socket for a laptop computer---ideal for all business travellers.
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..lemacoe..enjoy with 莒光平快復興..EC/IC/IR/EN..
..interested in railroading from 1987..
