All Analysis articles
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In depthGermany: Deutschlandtakt vision shapes capacity planning
Development of a medium-term capacity utilisation strategy is a key building block that meets European requirements whilst supporting the roll-out of Germany’s planned national regular-interval timetable over the coming decades.
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In depthComment: A shot across the bows
The controversy over Austrian open access operator Westbahn’s deployment of Chinese-built EMUs should give the European rail supply industry reason to reflect on its own competitiveness, argues our Executive Editor Nick Kingsley.
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In depthJapan: Shinkansen extensions under scrutiny amid cost and population pressures
Given its declining and less economically active population and the escalating costs of construction, Japan is investigating alternatives to continued expansion of its high speed network. Mike Bent considers the challenges and options.
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In depthJapan: Shinkansen alternatives sought to enhance connectivity along the Honshu coast
Analysis carried out by the Niigata Prefecture for the connection of the Joetsu district into the Shinkansen network found mini-Shinkansen proposals as a favourable option, with either dual-gauging or regauging part of the existing network. Mike Bent investigates.
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In depthJapan: Hokuriku Shinkansen extension to Osaka comes at a cost
The Japanese government has published details of three route options for extending the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tsuruga to Osaka through Kyoto, but questions endure over whether upgrading existing routes would offer better value. Mike Bent reports.
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In depthComment: Demography is destiny
The demographic challenges facing many countries around the world mean that rail’s ability to cost-effectively deliver benefits in low-density regions such as rural Japan or much of France is in the spotlight, our Executive Editor Nick Kingsley warns.
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In depthComment: Tensions around Swiss tunnel regulation reflect SERA challenge
Switzerland’s recent changes to its national wagon safety regulations following the 2023 Gotthard Base Tunnel derailment have sparked a debate over how far national interests should override pan-European interoperability ambitions, says our Executive Editor Nick Kingsley.
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In depthInfrastructure: Scour monitoring helps to bridge the gap
Field trials are currently under way with an AI-assisted real-time monitoring system able to detect the emergence of scour that could undermine the safety of railway bridges over flowing water.
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In depthInfrastructure: Embracing nature can enhance rail’s soft resilience
The International Union of Railways is urging more railways to adopt Nature-based Solutions as a means to enhance the resilience of infrastructure in an era when both the natural world and man-made assets are under severe pressure from climate change.
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In depthComment: To merge or not to merge
Union Pacific’s $85bn proposal to acquire Norfolk Southern has reignited merger speculation across the US rail industry, with activist investors urging rival operators to explore consolidation options amid changing market dynamics. However, this M&A frenzy could yet prove a risky distraction for the sector, warns Senior Editor Chris Jackson.
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In depthMarket Analysis: Driverless metro market set to surge
A projected boom in fully automated metro projects over the next decade offers valuable business opportunities, believes management consultancy Roland Berger.
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NewsConcerns over PSO contracts directly awarded before tendering rule change
EUROPE: Concerns have been raised over the signing of directly awarded train operating contracts in several countries, shortly before the expiry of a provision in the Fourth Railway Package regulation on competitive tendering.
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In depthChina: High speed fleet production peaks
In an analysis of the world market for high speed rail, SCI Verkehr finds that construction of high speed trains for China’s huge network has now peaked but after-sales activity is growing in importance as the fleet starts to age.
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In depthPassenger trains: OECD study highlights distortion in the world rolling stock market
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development has found that governments across the globe intervene in the rolling stock market in numerous ways to support their own industries.
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In depthComment: Greek train crash highlights a tragic system failure
A horrific head-on collision at Evangelismos on the Athens – Thessaloniki main line raises many questions about investment in railway safety and the human factors implications facing front-line employees.
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In depthHungary: Fight of the giants
Stadler and Transmashholding have been vying to take over Dunakeszi Járműjavító, to support local assembly deals. Benjámin Zelki investigates.
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In depthIndia: Time to let go
Indian Railways’ in-house production units are at a crossroads, with the government floating plans to spin them off. Raghu Dayal explains.
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NewsDoll to leave DB as Arriva sale falters
Photo: Deutsche Bahn AG/Pablo Castagnola GERMANY: Deutsche Bahn has announced that Alexander Doll, Board Member for Finance, Freight Traffic & Logistics, will leave the business on December 31. Doll’s departure was agreed on November 18 at an extraordinary meeting of the Supervisory Board. A new chief financial ...
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NewsTravel industry confirms rail ‘renaissance’ in Europe
INTERNATIONAL: Assertions that long-distance rail services in Europe are rapidly becoming more popular as passengers eschew flying for environmental reasons were amply confirmed at the Rail Innovation Forum organised by Amadeus at its head office near Nice on October 9-10. Speakers from across the travel industry highlighted ...
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Editorial CommentComment: Jumping on the night train
After years of decline, overnight trains in Europe could be on the cusp of a renaissance. Rail is increasingly being hailed as a sustainable alternative to short-haul flying, encouraged in part by the flygskam (flight shaming) movement that originated in Sweden, and bolstered by the success of ...