Features & Analysis – Page 4
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In depthInterview: Slovakia is investing to keep pace
Reducing dependence on diesel traction and catering to growing demand for overnight trains are high on the priority list of Slovak national operator ZSSK’s Chief Executive Peter Helexa, as he explains to Toma Bačić.
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In depthFreight: Satellite technology seeks to add value in telematics
French private freight operator Europorte has joined forces with IoT and satellite technology specialists to launch a comprehensive telematics platform to monitor freight train operations. Chairman Raphaël Doutrebente explains Track Value to Nick Kingsley.
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In depthUSA: Private sector can lead a passenger revival
Californian start-up Dreamstar Lines is seeking to launch a network of privately funded night trains across the USA. Co-founder & CEO Joshua Dominic issues a rallying call for private investment to fill the gaps in transport provision across North America.
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In depthFreight: The challenge of moving cars by rail
Rail already plays a critical role in ensuring new cars can be moved out of automotive factories effectively. But many of these flows are short distance and driven by space limitations in auto plants, and rail struggles to compete with road for longer distance auto flows. Maria Eriksson* explains how a new partnership is seeking to boost its role.
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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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Rail Business UKViewpoint: The future of HS2 could lie in its original vision
High Speed 2 should be rescoped to run from London Euston to Crewe, taking advantage of the lessons learned and supply chain foundations established during Phase 1, says Dyan Perry, Chair of the High Speed Rail Group.
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In depthComment: Turbulence on the tracks
The US rail market must adjust to the unpredictable world of ’Trumponomics’, where major projects are scorned, yet domestic manufacturing and ‘onshoring’ is welcomed, says our Executive Editor Nick Kingsley.
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In depthFrance: Regions refine their rolling stock strategies
As the competitive tendering of French regional passenger services becomes established, the various régions are pursuing different rolling stock strategies. Jérémie Anne investigates.
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Metro Report InternationalLight rail: France's modern role models
No fewer than 28 cities in France have built modern light rail networks in the 40 years since Nantes turned the tide on post-war car-centricity. With 115 km of new line now under construction and 276 vehicles on order, the outlook remains bright, even if political headwinds are starting to be felt. Michael Dreyer reports.
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Metro Report InternationalMobility-as-a-Service: navigating the post-hype reality
Advances in technology, particularly data analytics, are transforming Mobility as a Service from a failed experiment into a more pragmatic and sustainable real-time travel companion.
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In depthFrance: SERM promises a suburban rail revolution
Recent legislation has paved the way for the development of high-performing multimodal transport networks in 24 French conurbations, centred around rail as a means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Reinhard Christeller explains.
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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 depthComment: The devil is in the detail of reform
In May the first passenger services are set to transfer from the private to the public sector as part of the UK government’s rail reform plans. But as our Head of News Andrew Grantham explains, operators that are not to be nationalised are worried that without a stronger regulatory structure than is proposed, the private players will not have the confidence needed to invest and grow.
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In depthFrance: SNCF Voyageurs goes on the attack
National passenger operator SNCF Voyageurs has seen ridership and revenue surge in the post-pandemic period. Its next big challenge will be to respond to the opening up of the French passenger market to competition, as the leadership team explains to Jérémie Anne.
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Metro Report InternationalLatin America: Unlocking multimobility
Reliance on proprietary technology and fragmented ticketing systems can constrain the value of public transport. The adoption of open standards in Mexico City offers an example of how integrated multimodal networks can enhance access and contribute to wider economic prosperity.
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In depthElectrification: The energy-saving capability of transformers
Hitachi Energy has supplied its latest transformers to Indian Railways as part of the national electrification programme, leading to lower carbon emissions and railway operating costs.
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In depthTraction: Battery technology adapts to rail demands
Traction battery technology is increasingly able to support the transition away from diesel-only traction in the rail sector, but the stresses facing batteries in rail must be clearly recognised, says Senthilnathan Mariappan of ABB.
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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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In depthAutomation: Journey to a driverless future
April is due to see the start of commercial passenger services with an autonomous train in the Czech Republic, as AŽD Praha launches demonstration GoA3 operations on its Dolní Bousov – Kopidlno test line.
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Metro Report InternationalViewpoint: Winning the battle against antisocial behaviour
Keolis UK operates the Nottingham Express Transit network, where an array of enforcement and outreach policies have been used to cut antisocial behaviour on and around trams. Chief Executive Alistair Gordon explains the company’s approach.