Japan: Autonomous Operation offers flexibility with fewer staff
Trials on the RTRI test track near Tokyo have verified the performance of onboard detection and decision-making systems that could form the basis for autonomous train operations.
Comment: Demography is destiny
The demographic challenges facing many countries around the world mean that rail’s ability to cost-effectively deliver benefits in low-density regions such as rural Japan or much of France is in the spotlight, our Executive Editor Nick Kingsley warns.
Freight: Rolling laboratory supports innovation
Portugal’s Rail CoLab association is developing its Freight Laboratory Train to act as a platform for both monitoring systems and the testing of new concepts, as Andre Pires explains.
Europe: Franco-Italian Mont Cenis base tunnel project forges ahead
A key element in the east-west Mediterranean Corridor, the Mont Cenis base tunnel will be a cornerstone of the TEN-T network, as well as offering an improved link between the French and Italian capitals. Reinhard Christeller reports from the construction site.
Research: AŽD Praha's autonomous train is on track
Following successful passenger carrying trials with its prototype autonomous train on the Kopidlnka line, AŽD Praha is looking to optimise the technology for commercial operations to start in 2029. Chris Jackson reports from Dětenice.
Australia: Untangling Sydney’s complex suburban network
Sydney Trains is managing a long-term fleet renewal programme while deploying ETCS and reshaping its network to complement the expansion of the city’s metro. Chief Executive Matt Longland outlines to Benjámin Zelki how these competing priorities are being delivered.
Freight: A fresh approach to wagon bearing health
Australia: Melbourne’s Suburban Loop reaches lift-off
Interview: ‘We are waking Merseyrail up’
Innovation: Testing and revenue service trials mark Digital Automatic Coupling progress
Australia: Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel poised to reshape city connectivity
Comment: Tensions around Swiss tunnel regulation reflect SERA challenge
Baltic States: Co-operation and competition drive network development
Rolling Stock: Insulation delivers energy savings
Infrastructure: Scour monitoring helps to bridge the gap
Infrastructure: Embracing nature can enhance rail’s soft resilience
Baltic States: Tight timeline sparks Rail Baltica rethink
Infrastructure: Composite sleepers make a comeback
Finland: Standard gauge rail links are on the agenda
Comment: To merge or not to merge
