All articles by Benjámin Zelki
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In depthAustralia: Untangling Sydney’s complex suburban network
Sydney Trains is managing a long-term fleet renewal programme while deploying ETCS and reshaping its network to complement the expansion of the city’s metro. Chief Executive Matt Longland outlines to Benjámin Zelki how these competing priorities are being delivered.
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In depthAustralia: Melbourne’s Suburban Loop reaches lift-off
Melbourne’s Suburban Rail Loop is ultimately expected to add 90 km of 1 435 mm gauge automated rail service to the city’s rail mix, but project promoter SRLA is currently focusing on delivering the first 26 km section. Benjámin Zelki reports.
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In depthAustralia: Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel poised to reshape city connectivity
The opening of Melbourne’s cross-city tunnel for revenue operation paves the way for a network-wide timetable change in February, which will reshape the Sunbury – Cranbourne/Pakenham axis and release capacity for additional services on other suburban lines. Benjámin Zelki investigates.
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In depthFinland: Standard gauge rail links are on the agenda
Reflecting pressure from NATO and the EU to improve interoperability, Finland’s Minister of Transport Lulu Ranne has announced studies for standard gauge lines in northern Finland, with the priority being a link to Tornio on the Swedish border. Benjámin Zelki investigates.
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In depthHungary: ETCS deployment makes slow progress
The maximum speed on two Hungarian lines has been increased to 160 km/h following the introduction of ETCS Level 2, and officials report progress with its deployment by Chinese contractors on the Budapest – Beograd corridor. Benjámin Zelki investigates.
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In depthHigh speed: Investing to meet demand
Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp is investing in technology to manage surging demand while it awaits the arrival of more trains. THSRC’s Vice-President for Investor Relations Elaine Tsou explains the plans to Benjámin Zelki.
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In depthTaiwan: Kaohsiung operator extends its portfolio
Tasked with building and operating the city’s first two metro lines, Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corp has since expanded its revenue base with a project management subsidiary and by issuing merchandise in honour of a popular staff member, as KRTC President Ya-Chou Wang explains to Benjámin Zelki.
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In depthNew Taipei: Urban rail supports low-density growth
New Taipei Metro Corp manages three urban rail lines with four more under construction in the municipality surrounding Taipei. NTMC President Kuo-Chi Wu explains to Benjámin Zelki how the urban rail network has developed, and how it plans to grow in the medium term.
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Metro Report InternationalTaiwan: ‘We keep fares low to attract passengers to our new network’
Tasked to operate two light rail and one metro line with one more metro and light rail under construction, New Taipei Metro Corp President Kuo-Chi Wu explains to Benjámin Zelki why he sees the key for success as a very lean organisation and keeping fares down.
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In depthSimulators: Football fan feature helps new entrant gain ground
Polish simulator specialist SIM Factor is now delivering its largest order of 32 simulators for UK train operator Northern, using its own hardware and software, as the manufacturer explained to Benjámin Zelki in Warszawa.
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In depthInterview: Keolis finds its niche in China
A well-established, reliable local partner is key for international operating companies to win tenders in the Chinese market, as Keolis Shanghai CEO Francois Dieu explains to Benjámin Zelki.
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In depthComment: Rail’s ‘green advantage’ is at risk
Amid signs of a political shift from climate mitigation to climate adaptation, the rail industry’s long-standing focus on its green credentials may be losing its effectiveness. Our Industry Editor Benjámin Zelki argues that it is time for rail to reassert its wider societal advantages.
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In depthUSA: ‘What we are doing in Virginia is pretty unique’
The Commonwealth of Virginia has purchased 640 km of trackage and disused alignments as it seeks to significantly expand passenger rail services. With funding in place for projects to 2030, Virginia Passenger Rail Authority Executive Director DJ Stadtler explains the strategy and progress so far to Benjámin Zelki.
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Metro Report InternationalMultimodality: Carrying parcels on tram tracks
Using autonomous pods to transport parcel shipments and other goods on existing tram infrastructure could help to mitigate the traffic jams caused by growing volumes of delivery vehicles, suggests Fragile CEO Lukas Kauer.
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In depthPoland: Private operator seeks to grow its niche
SKPL is an unusual example of a private company active across the freight, passenger and rolling stock leasing sectors in Poland. Commercial Director Albert Mikołajczyk sets out the company’s response to a changing local rail market and its plans for the future to Benjámin Zelki.
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Metro Report InternationalIsrael: NofIt project learns from Karlsruhe
Work is under way on the NofIt interurban light rail line linking Haifa and Nazareth, which will run through complex terrain with gradients of up to 8%. Dan Shenbach, CEO of project promoter TransIsrael, discusses the state of progress with Benjámin Zelki.
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Metro Report InternationalBrazil: Salvador turns to the tram
Having dismantled a suburban railway and aborted a monorail scheme, the Brazilian city of Salvador is now developing a tram network using second-hand trams and track assets from Cuiabá. Ana Cláudia Nascimento, CEO of state transport operator CTB, explains the plans to Benjámin Zelki.
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In depthSignalling: Low-cost ETCS to support regional roll-out
Kombud Group is developing a range of ETCS products to provide cost-effective interoperability on regional lines. Benjámin Zelki reports from the manufacturer’s newly opened plant in Radom.
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In depthInterview: Ukrainian Railways looks for more international partnerships
Ukrainian national railway Ukrzaliznytsia is looking for international help to boost rail freight traffic, and for assistance in funding major projects including 1435 mm gauge lines, as Board Member Yevhen Liashchenko* explains to Benjámin Zelki.
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In depthSouth Korea: Suburban networks take shape
Under pressure to reduce commuting time across the country, policymakers are developing suburban rail services around key conurbations, many making use of spare capacity on existing main lines. Benjámin Zelki reports.