Two ComfortJets tested in multiple
posted on 18th Feb 2026 15:37
On 28 January 2026, an unusual rake of two ComfortJets could be seen at the Prague-Krč station. The reason was to check various combinations of the ComfortJets according to the conditions of the tender documentation, including the possibility of steering two coupled units from one driver's cab, or the possibility of steering the ComfortJet even when coupled the classic passenger cars.
The doubled ComfortJet set is not considered for regular operation, mainly due to its overall length, but it is still necessary to have this function available in the event of various operational emergencies (towing a failured train from the line or so).
Since each ComfortJet with a locomotive measures approximately 237 + 19 m and it was not possible to carry out tests with a set with a total length of 512 m in the Praga Jih (south) depot, the nearby Praha-Krč station was chosen as a suitable location, which, in addition, is characterized by low traffic compared to other stations in Praha. ComfortJet 016 with locomotive 384.016 and ComfortJet 012 with 384.003 were coupled together.
The two Class Bmz cars were also included between the Vectron 384.003 and the ComfortJet, which brought the entire set to a respectable length of approximately 565 m. The tests were attended by around twenty technicians, including representatives of DB and ÖBB, in addition to ČD and Siemens Mobility employees.
The Class Afmpz Viaggio N (i. e. Next Level) driving trailers of the ComfortJet (and also the Class Bfmpz cars of railjet 2 and nightjet NMUs of ÖBB) received ERA approval for operation in a push mode at the end of November 2025, although still only for a top speed of 200 km/h and with other restrictions, but this is a significant step forward in approval.
The static tests described above were carried out to determine whether the Afmpz cars can actually be used in regular operation as driving trailer, which also applies to the combination of two coupled ComfortJets. The tests resulted in recommendations for adjustments that will need to be made to the control system in order for the ComfortJets to function according to the conditions in the tender documentation (in fact, various additional software adjustments are still being made to the ComfortJets that are already in operation).
We asked ÖBB when they expect to start operating the railjet 2 and nightjet units in Austria and Germany in push-pull mode. The operator replied: “We will only conduct driver training after the entire relevant batch have been delivered. The nightjets will be the first to be able to use push mode, when all 24 sets are available and the training is complete, which should happen from December 2026. The same procedure will then take place for the railjet 2 fleet.” (The date was not specified here.)
The approval of the Viaggio N units for push mode only applies to Austria and Germany at present. In the Netherlands, the Class Bfmpz cars are not allowed to operate as a driving trailer, but only as an end car.
In Italy, Viaggio N non-traction units can only be operated on conventional infrastructure with 3 kV DC supply, and the Class Bfmpz cars again only without active ATP. The maximum operating speed in Italy is limited to 200 km/h due to infrastructure reasons.
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