Features & Analysis – Page 31
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In depthInterview: In search of ‘the golden middle’
Eran Gartner, Chief Executive of infrastructure services and technology specialist Pandrol, reflects on the challenges of globalisation and the industry’s drive towards digital, as well as discussing the impact of Precision Scheduled Railroading with Nick Kingsley.
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In depthEast Coast ETCS: the time is now
Alignment of signalling and rolling stock renewals with service expansion has helped to make the case for installation of ETCS Level 2 on Britain’s East Coast Main Line’. Chris Jackson talks to Network Rail Programme Director Toufic Machnouk and LNER’s Head of ERTMS Paul Boyle.
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In depthCrossCountry: Making a difference
Once regarded as a ‘forgotten’ franchise, and wrestling with capacity challenges, CrossCountry is well placed to play an expanded role in reshaping the UK rail sector, Managing Director Tom Joyner tells Tony Miles.
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In depthUK Franchising: Adjusting to the new normal
The suspension of passenger train operating franchises during the coronavirus crisis provides an opportunity to rethink the commercial model as the Department for Transport reflects on the findings of the Williams Review. Chris Jackson investigates.
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In depthComment: Freight steps forward
Photo: Toma Bačić Coffee is among the consumer goods increasingly moving by rail between Italy and northern Europe during the pandemic. Austria might be amongst the first countries seeking to reanimate its economy by easing the lockdown restrictions enforced to combat Covid-19, but it could still be ...
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Metro Report InternationalAccount-based ticketing should not always mean EMV
The coming years will be defined by a migration of automated fare collection systems to some form of account-based ticketing, says Jean-Philippe Wolyniec, Chair of the Marketing Working Group at the OSPT Alliance industry association. But while the level of convenience offered by bank card acceptance is high, operators must consider all the factors before taking the jump.
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NewsRolling stock leasing companies exposed to effects of prolonged lockdowns
Government support for train operators will protect the short-term cash generation of rolling stock leasing companies during coronavirus lockdown periods, but there could be pressure on their revenue base once the restrictions are lifted, warns Christian Kuendig, Senior Director, Non-Bank Financial Institutions, at Fitch Ratings.
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In depthNorth Macedonia: Creating a railway crossroads
Policymakers in North Macedonia are fostering enhanced links to neighbouring countries, while investment in Chinese rolling stock is improving the quality of local passenger and freight services. Žrsmt Director-General Orhan Murtezani and Fleet Director Petar Batalakov explain the national operator’s priorities to Toma Bačić.
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In depthCzech Republic: Momentum builds behind national high speed programme
Planning is underway for a new line between Praha and Dresden to relieve congestion on the existing route, together with three other high speed lines which would cut journey times between the main cities in the Czech Republic. Michal Málek investigates.
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In depthResearch: Tackling the fine dust challenge
Standards covering the performance of HVAC units in train interiors are becoming progressively more stringent. High quality air filter design is central to mitigating the health and hygiene risks from fine particulate matter.
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In depthResearch: Transforming Europe’s rail system
Future railway research initiatives need to adopt a partnership approach in order to widen support from EU member states and ensure that the benefits are shared more evenly, believes Miroslav Haltuf*.
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In depthResearch: We need to focus on the vision
As the first Shift2Rail research programme heads towards completion, thoughts are turning to priorities for the next European budget period after 2021. Focusing on the outcomes that rail must deliver by 2050 will help to identify where technical and operational innovation is needed, as Executive Director Carlo Borghini explains to Chris Jackson.
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In depthComment: Railways in lockdown
San Francisco’s BART metro network reported on March 12 that ridership for the previous day was 268 192, a 35% drop compared to an average Wednesday in February this year.
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In depthMyanmar: International backers spur network renewal
Work is well in hand to rehabilitate the main line between Myanmar’s most important cities, as international backers queue to support investment in one of southeast Asia’s largest networks. Peter Janssen reports from Naypyitaw.
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In depthThailand: Metre-gauge enhancements spearhead spending drive
The Thai government has committed to spending no less than 7% of GDP on improving its rail network. While double-tracking several main lines is the priority, construction of new lines is still on the agenda. However, the influence of China is a complicating factor. Peter Janssen reports.
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In depthPassenger information: Is my train on time?
The availability of train running data for the UK rail network through a variety of open feeds has facilitated the development of applications to provide passengers with accurate real time information.
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In depthIndonesia: Making progress at high speed
After a delayed start, construction of the Jakarta – Bandung high speed line is finally moving ahead, with opening now expected in 2021. Toma Bačić investigates.
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In depthComment: Stop talking, start acting
‘There is no European Green Deal without rail’. That was the emphatic message from Siemens Mobility CEO and UNIFE Chair Sabrina Soussan, addressing a round-table discussion at the annual European Rail Award in Brussels on February 18, hosted jointly by CER and UNIFE.
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In depthIndia: IR firms up private train strategy
The government is pressing ahead with plans for private operators to fund much-needed extra passenger capacity on the Indian Railways network. Raghu Dayal investigates.
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In depthZimbabwe: The long wait goes on
An agreement for Russia’s United Wagon Company to supply 100 wagons offers fresh hope for investment in National Railways of Zimbabwe. However, a proposed US$1bn recapitalisation programme collapsed in October, further delaying much-needed enhancements. Daisy Jeremani reports from Bulawayo.