The Refit Night Express

Fall asleep in the evening and arrive at your business meeting in the morning well rested: If you travel by night train, you probably choose the most relaxed form of travel and at the same time make an important contribution to the climate.

Together with our partners Centerline Design GmbH and the competence network Rail Berlin-Brandenburg GmbH (KNRBB), we want to promote this form of travel and have developed a concept for a night train cabin: The Refit Night Express. We presented this concept in September 2022 at the international trade fair for transport technology InnoTrans in Berlin.

Passenger Journey

Actions during a business trip 
by train compared to air travel

Schaubild mit Vergleich von Zug- und Flugreisen

From the first idea to implementation

In the early concept phase, after a target definition based on certain factors, a wide variety of variants were created with regard to an ideal spatial distribution in order to be able to develop a space-saving cabin that was used as efficiently as possible. The aim is to offer passengers space for their own privacy and an atmosphere in which to relax or work.

Night Express: concept to realisation
Night Express: concept to realisation

Two different cabins 
of 7 square meters each

Based on the window grid of the 
existing carriage, two nested cabins have been created that make optimal use of the available space in order to create the greatest possible benefit for the passengers.

The "Spacious" cabin 
looks much more spacious with the same size and offers easy access to the bed at ground level.

Kabinendesign

The "Sky-bed" cabin 
with two large skylights and a great view of the night sky.

Bathroom with shower and toilet
Independent of the cabin, a private bathroom with washbasin, shower and toilet can also be booked.

Schulterblick auf eine App

Focus on the passenger journey

In order for the journey to go smoothly, a wide variety of factors must be taken into account. From the booking process to the simple check-in, the comprehensive cabin control and the personalized timetable, topics were designed for a unique user experience, usable via smartphone or the integrated cabin monitor.

App Screens zur Passenger Journey
Schulterblick auf eine App

Fokus auf die Passenger Journey

Damit die Reise reibungslos verläuft, müssen verschiedenste Faktoren berücksichtigt werden. Vom Buchungsprozess über den einfachen Check-in, die umfassende Kabinensteuerung bis hin zum personalisierten Fahrplan wurden Themen für ein einzigartiges Benutzererlebnis konzipiert, nutzbar über Smartphone oder den integrierten Kabinenmonitor.

App Screens zur Passenger Journey

Focus on the passenger journey

In order for the journey to go smoothly, a wide variety of factors must be taken into account. From the booking process to the simple check-in, the comprehensive cabin control and the personalized timetable, topics were designed for a unique user experience, usable via smartphone or the integrated cabin monitor.

Schulterblick auf eine App
App Screens zur Passenger Journey

Efficiant Relaxation

Relaxation with the certainty of being brought to your destination without further action. 
Enjoy your privacy to let your mind wander or focus fully. These needs of business travelers 
have so far remained unfulfilled in night trains.

Arbeitsbereich Kabine

Sitting area

Designed to be able to provide a mobile workspace while driving or simply an area to relax and enjoy the view. A wardrobe with various shelves and a luggage compartment is provided for storing luggage and belongings.

Kabine Arbeitsbereich

Effiziente Entschleunigung

Entschleunigen mit der Gewissheit, ohne weiteres Zutun ans Ziel gebracht zu werden. Genießen Sie Ihre Privatsphäre, um Gedanken abschweifen oder sich voll konzentrieren zu können. Diese Bedürfnisse von Geschäftsreisenden blieben bisher in Nachtzügen unerfüllt.

Arbeitsbereich Kabine
Kabine Arbeitsbereich

Sitzbereich

Entwickelt für die Möglichkeit, auch während der Fahrt einen mobilen Arbeitsplatz zu gewährleisten oder einfach einen Bereich zum Entspannen und Genießen der Aussicht. Für die Unterbringung von Gepäck und Habseligkeiten ist ein Kleiderschrank mit diversen Ablagen und ein Gepäckfach vorgesehen.

Sitting area

Designed to be able to provide a mobile workspace while driving or simply an area to relax and enjoy the view. A wardrobe with various shelves and a luggage compartment is provided for storing luggage and belongings.

Kabine Arbeitsbereich

Efficiant Relaxation

Relaxation with the certainty of being brought to your destination without further action. Enjoy your privacy to let your mind wander or focus fully. These needs of business travelers have so far remained unfulfilled in night trains.

Kabine Timetable
Kabine Gesamt
Kabine Stauraum
Kabine bei Nacht
Kabine von Außen

The future of business travel is sustainable

Sustainable travel was considered holistically right from the start: A disused wagon and its conversion into a forward-looking travel concept were the focus of all considerations. The resulting idea offers a resource-saving and economically promising approach.

The future of business travel is sustainable

Sustainable travel was considered holistically right from the start: A disused wagon and its conversion into a forward-looking travel concept were the focus of all considerations. The resulting idea offers a resource-saving and economically promising approach.

S.Ortmueller

Simeon Ortmüller
Project Manager

The virtual experience can be an important basis for decision-making 
in projects.

Have a look 
at the Virtual 
Experience

Virtual Experience

UXMA Logo
Centerline Logo
KNRBB Logo

Let's share our railway stories!

You find the project interesting? Please contact us. We're excited to talk about the future of mobility and our work and hear your thoughts on it.