Rail industry viewpoints
Experts and thought leaders from across the global rail industry address the sector's current challenges with in-depth commentary and analysis.
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In depthComment: To merge or not to merge
Union Pacific’s $85bn proposal to acquire Norfolk Southern has reignited merger speculation across the US rail industry, with activist investors urging rival operators to explore consolidation options amid changing market dynamics. However, this M&A frenzy could yet prove a risky distraction for the sector, warns Senior Editor Chris Jackson.
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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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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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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 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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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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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.
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In depthComment: A glimpse over the horizon
As celebrations in Britain this year mark 200 years since the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, our Consultant Editor Murray Hughes reflects on his 50 years writing for Railway Gazette International and assesses where the rail sector might go in the coming half-century.
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Rail Business UKViewpoint: ‘Persons with Reduced Mobility’ risks becoming an outdated term
Persons with Reduced Mobility was once considered a progressive descriptor, yet now it stands as a reminder of how industries must remain agile in their accessibility approach, says Emma Partlow, Director of Consumer Engagement & Policy at Transreport.
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In depthComment: Delivery is the priority
One of the key messages of InnoTrans 2024 was that railways need to focus on delivery to justify the scale of investment and maintain the political support the industry is looking for.
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Rail Business UKViewpoint: Do not rush UK rail reform
Given the scale of the task, the government should resist the temptation to push through hasty reform of the UK rail sector, argues Dominic Booth, Chief Executive of Transport UK Group.
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In depthComment: Rail must respond to Draghi’s challenge
A recent review by Mario Draghi suggests that rail can play a key role in supporting Europe’s economic competitiveness and addressing environmental challenges, but sector representatives argue that much remains to be done in the next EU legislative period to address outstanding issues.
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Rail Business UKViewpoint: the fare evasion prosecution scandal explained
UK: Nathan Seymour-Hyde, Partner and Solicitor at Reeds Solicitors, explains how train operators misused the Single Justice Procedure and why up to 75 000 convictions for fare evasion offences have now been quashed.
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In depthComment: ‘Not cheaper, just easier’
With cross-border rail ticketing being cited as a priority for the next European Commission, Andrew Grantham discusses the complexities of achieving seamless bookings and the industry’s struggle to meet growing demand for sustainable mobility options.
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In depthComment: High speed rail’s global appeal
Momentum in the global high speed rail market is tilting towards emerging economies as the established networks in China, Europe and Japan reach maturity. Our Consultant Editor Murray Hughes reflects on the latest technical and developmental trends in the sector.
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In depthComment: Rail is resurgent despite turbulent times
While emerging markets have long held promise, rail investment is now happening in countries where even in the recent past it would have seemed implausible. Nick Kingsley highlights examples from Iraq to Mongolia.
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NewsViewpoint: Faster freight trains are needed to save southeast Europe’s industry
Investment to raise the speeds of freight trains is needed to prevent deindustrialisation in the Balkans, says Philippe Rombaut, owner of Bulgarian fertiliser manufacturer Agropolychim which is investing in its own fleet of wagons
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Metro Report InternationalViewpoint: Attracting new passengers is more important than regaining those lost in the pandemic
Transport ticketing in the post-pandemic world must be more agile, more pragmatic and more flexible so that transport operators can attract new passengers to replace commuters lost to hybrid working, says Yann Chermat, COO of the Calypso Networks Association smart card organisation.
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In depthComment: A long way from København
Comparing COP15 in København to the recent COP28 summit in Dubai reveals a shift in the visibility of rail in climate discussions. Nick Kingsley reflects on COP28’s commitment to the transition away from fossil fuels and how addressing transport pollution remains an urgent challenge.
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In depthComment: Freight’s miserable year
According to UIRR, the European rail freight industry is facing a downturn. Our Executive Editor Nick Kingsley highlights the critical importance of intermodal transport for the future of rail freight and the need for policy support to decarbonise global supply chains.