(13/05/2011)  The Talgo-manufactured trains belong to the latest generation of night service vehicles to be incorporated into Renfe’s fleet, and they offer a wide range of attractive options for this type of rail journey, ranging from Grand Class cabins to reclining seats similar to those available on transatlantic flights.

The agreement signed by Renfe and Arenaways provides for the possible joint operation of future night services in the Italian transport market, where Arenaways has been an established operator since April 2010.

As stated in the agreement, Arenaways will take care of vehicle maintenance during the hire period, under Renfe’s supervision through its industrial division, Integria, and in accordance with the current maintenance plans for this Trenhotel series.
The Italian company’s aim is to introduce overnight services to connect Turin with the Strait of Messina and Bari.

Trenhotel

The Trenhotel offers accommodation in two unique differentiated classes, one with seats and the other with beds, but both with equally high standards of quality as regards the seating place and berth services offered.

Each train set consists of 20 coaches, with a total of 234 places. These variable-gauge trains, which can reach speeds of up to 220 km/h, have the classic Talgo design incorporating wheelsets between the trailers with natural tilting. The train sets are 260.92 metres long and weigh 322 tonnes with no load and approximately 360 tonnes with full load.

As for the interior design, they have the same number of seats (20) as in previous Talgo generations of coaches with super-reclining seats, albeit with significant improvements in terms of facilities and comfort in general.

Each seat can recline to an angle of 136º and is equipped with a socket, four audio channels, magazine rack, retractable table, push-button, new headrest…, among other improvements. The trailer offers various lighting ambiences, an information system based on interior panels in order to dispense with a conventional public address system, and luggage racks with anti-theft system, all arranged in a pleasant and cosy environment.

Besides the spacious beds (2 x 0.80 m) with new mattresses, the passenger compartments also feature new designs and materials: shower with new glass screen, retractable seats with folding table, audio and 15” TFT screen with an individual selection of eight films.