Features & Analysis – Page 5
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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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In depthTraction: The rise of the go-anywhere locomotive
Developed at Stadler’s Valencia plant, the EuroDual family of lowemission multi-system locomotives is finding a role with freight operators across much of Europe. Toma Bačić investigates.
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In depthDecarbonisation: ‘Rail risks being left behind’ in emerging hydrogen economy
Birmingham University spin-out Vanguard STS launched its HydroShunter locomotive on January 31 before convening a round table to assess the prospects of hydrogen traction gaining ground in rail applications. Nick Kingsley joined the discussion.
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Metro Report InternationalChina: Metro sector prioritises extensions
Almost 600 km of new metro and suburban railway was put into service across 22 Chinese cities from November 2024 to early 2025, with the focus on expanding existing networks.
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In depthTurkey: Ankara keeps rail funds flowing
Analysis of the national budget for 2025 underscores Turkey’s commitment to expanding its rail network, which is expected to grow by 8500 route-km in the next 30 years. David O’Byrne investigates.
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Metro Report InternationalKazakhstan: Extending the reach of the Almaty metro
The single metro line in the former capital of Kazakhstan is being extended in several phases while two light rail routes are planned in the medium term. Vladimir Waldin reports.
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In depthComment: Rail needs to find Another Way
Amid geopolitical turbulence, governments in Europe and beyond will need to ramp up their defence spending urgently, potentially squeezing the funding avilable for rail and wider civilian infrastructure. However, a push for more efficiency offers opportunities too, believes our Executive Editor Nick Kingsley.
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Metro Report InternationalPoland: Tram development continues apace
Polish cities have invested significantly in tram network reconstruction and expansion over the past two decades, and the trend is expected to continue. Rolling stock renewals enabled domestic suppliers to strengthen their businesses, and order prospects remain strong, as Michael Dreyer explains.
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Metro Report InternationalMetro signalling: TACS supports flexible operation
An integrated train control and operating system has been successfully deployed on Qingdao metro Line 6 as a national demonstrator for China’s next generation of metro signalling.
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Rail Business UKUK: The Welsh Valley Lines are going green
Development of the South Wales Metro project around Cardiff is progressing apace, and the start of electric operation marks a significant milestone in the programme, as Chris Howe explains.
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Metro Report InternationalNew York: Subway operator seeks supplier support
Tim Mulligan is heading up a newly created rolling stock programme office at New York MTA, tasked with widening and deepening the relationship between the authority and its supply chain. He explained the plans to Nick Kingsley.
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Metro Report InternationalMexico: Guided buses challenge urban rail projects
While Mexico is enjoying a renaissance in rail investment at a national level, urban rail projects in several cities are coming under threat from cheaper bus options and Chinese-backed ART technology. Michael Dreyer reports.
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In depthUK: Clarity of mission puts East West Rail project on track
The development of a rail corridor serving the globally important hubs of innovation in the region between the university cities of Oxford and Cambridge offers the rail industry a chance to prove that it can successfully undertake major projects, David Hughes, CEO of project promoter East West Railway Co, tells Andrew Grantham.
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In depthGreat British Railways: Industry seeks clarity as reform makes slow progress
The biggest reforms to Britain’s railways since privatisation 30 years ago are now being implemented. Andrew Grantham tries to cut through the noise and explain what is actually going on.
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In depthUruguay: A railway at a standstill
While freight trains are now running over Uruguay’s renovated Ferrocarril Central main line, the rest of the network has almost no traffic, undermining promises of investment made in recent years. Marcelo Benoit reports.
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Metro Report InternationalColombia: Bogotá finally chooses rail
In the 2000s the capital of Colombia was famous for its TransMilenio bus rapid transit network, but as that became overcrowded, authorities made a decision to develop metro and tram-train routes, reports Marcelo Benoit.
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Metro Report InternationalBrazil: Urban rail projects battle local politics
Examples in Cuiabá and Canoas show how vulnerable Brazilian urban rail projects are to changes in local politics, as well as the temptation of alternative modes which are seen as less complex, even if the benefits are lower. Marcelo Benoit examines the two cases.
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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 depthTechnology: HS1 explores potential of digital twins
High speed line concessionaire HS1 Ltd has been working with partners to assess an AI-supported digital twin model that can help integrate multiple aspects of its business.
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In depthData-Driven Infrastructure: Intelligent bolts monitor bridge behaviour
Strainlabs’ IoT condition monitoring technology is being trialled to monitor the condition of magnets installed on the Øresund Bridge linking Denmark with Sweden.