Features & Analysis – Page 3
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In depthPassenger trains: Stadler leads charge into alternative traction
While the political consensus on achieving net zero emissions may not be as robust today as it seemed to be only a few years ago, there can be little doubt that Europe’s railways remain committed to phasing out fossil fuel use. The transport sector still accounts for around a third ...
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In depthCanada: GO Transit grapples with fleet uncertainty
Ontario transport authority Metrolinx is adopting an iterative approach to modernising its commuter rail fleet as the scope of the GO Expansion programme continues to evolve. Nick Kingsley reports from Toronto.
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In depthGermany: Regions make the case for battery traction
As pioneer Schleswig-Holstein overcomes its initial difficulties with its battery train fleet, more Länder are moving ahead with the deployment of battery traction and related infrastructure to decarbonise shorter regional lines, reports Michael Dreyer.
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Rail Business UKViewpoint: The rail industry needs to bridge the gap from innovation to technology adoption
The rail sector needs to introduce a funnel process to incentivise and speed up the adoption of innovative technologies and materials offering long-term cost savings, says Steve Barbour, Managing Director of Composite Braiding.
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In depthComment: Rail freight’s push for visibility
There are welcome signs that the rail freight sector is starting to seize the opportunity to become a key element in the global logistics sector, argues our Executive Editor Nick Kingsley.
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In depthItaly: La Dolce Vita takes to the tracks
Supported by the growing heritage businesses within the national railway FS Group, Italian premium hospitality company Arsenale has launched La Dolce Vita Orient Express, a luxury land cruise service offering one and two-night trips. Anthony Lambert was on the inaugural train.
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In depthSignalling: Using CBTC as an energy-saving tool on London’s Elizabeth Line
Siemens Mobility has used a section of London’s Elizabeth Line fitted with CBTC to study how its Trainguard MT technology has enabled revenue earning trains to save energy without compromising the customer experience.
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In depthTechnology: System perspective drives efficiency improvements
Measures to reduce the environmental impact and cost of urban, main line and freight railways while improving the efficiency and performance of the rail system were key foci at this year’s Conference on Modern Rolling Stock.
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In depthCroatia: Investment brings a better railway
Croatia’s state-owned passenger operator HŽPP has bounced back from the Covid-19 pandemic, with investment in new trains and improved services helping to position it to compete with new entrants after 2028, CEO Željko Ukić explains to Toma Bačić.
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In depthWorld Speed Survey 2025: China still ahead as Whoosh joins the club
Railway Gazette International’s biennial survey of the world’s fastest scheduled passenger trains finds that no less than seven countries now run trains at more than 300 km/h, but China is still the global frontrunner in the speed stakes. Jeremy Hartill investigates.
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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 depthChina: High speed family gets ready to move faster
China’s first lines designed for 400 km/h operation are now under construction, and two 450 km/h variants of its domestically developed Fuxing high speed train family started test running earlier this year. Toma Bačić investigates.
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In depthHigh speed: Alto aims higher
Canada’s Toronto – Québec City passenger rail project is to be taken forward as a dedicated high speed line requiring up to 1 000 km of new alignment. However, many challenges must be overcome to make the plan a reality, as Nick Kingsley explains.
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Rail Business UKViewpoint: Buy tilting trains and finish Delta Junction to salvage HS2, says Gibb
UK: Procurement of a fleet of tilting trains and a focus on Birmingham – Manchester services are key to making the most the descoped High Speed 2 scheme, former Virgin Trains executive Chris Gibb tells Rail Business UK.
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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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Rail Business UKViewpoint: ‘Low-cost, high-impact fix’ could provide £500m rail revenue boost
Adopting a smarter, more open and consumer-first approach to data access could unlock an extra £500m in revenue for the rail industry, argues Raileasy CEO George Sikking.
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In depthFreight: In search of semi-trailer salvation
Investment in the development of rail motorway corridors with an enhanced loading gauge and related rolling stock is intended to revitalise rail’s declining share of the Spanish freight market. Mike Bent explains.
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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 depthFreight: Mercave tackles Spain's break of gauge
Commercial service trials will be the final step in a programme to develop gauge-changing wheelsets for use under freight wagons with axleloads of 25 tonnes or more, reports Mike Bent.
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In depthCanada: VIA Rail issues rallying call as CN dispute drags on
Amid a fraught relationship with its principal host railroad Canadian National, passenger operator VIA Rail is looking for help from the government, regulators and its suppliers as it seeks to improve reliability and enhance its offering. Nick Kingsley reports from Toronto.