More long reads
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In depthLight rail: Ridership bounces back as Nordic cities embrace the tram
The Covid-19 pandemic caused some cities across Scandinavia to question future investment in light rail, but a strong ridership recovery means the case for projects remains strong across much of the region.
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In depth
Technology: Unlocking the next level of MaaS
Advanced technical functionalities are already available to support a One-Stop-Shop for Mobility as a Service, offering a viable multi-modal alternative to private car use, but greater collaboration and regulatory reform are needed to harness the opportunities.
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In depth
Germany: Farm shop concept spurs freight tram revival
Initially developed as a student project, a mobile ‘farm shop’ retail and freight service using a converted tram-train is being proposed for use on the regional rail network around Karlsruhe. This in turn could offer a more viable business model for other cargo tram initiatives.
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In depth
Technology: Keeping track of tram-trains
Enhanced control and supervision tools have been deployed to improve the operation of tram-trains around Karlsruhe, where portion working is a common but complicated process.
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In depth
Brazil: making more use of urban railways
Better utilisation of under-used main line railways is seen as key to developing cost-effective urban and suburban rail networks that can relieve road congestion in Brazil’s fast-growing cities. Benjámin Zelki investigates.
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In depth
Canada: Generational change will transform travel
A multi-billion dollar investment programme will change the way people use public transport in Canada’s most populated area, with GO Expansion bringing frequent all-day electric train services to routes across the Toronto region.
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Metro Report International
Côte d’Ivoire: Abidjan metro makes slow progress
Longstanding plans for construction of a north-south metro line in the capital of Côte d’Ivoire have progressed slowly, with only 4∙4 km of the route so far cleared for the main work to start.
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Metro Report International
China: Express metros serve growing conurbations
As Chinese cities continue to expand, a new generation of express metro lines has emerged to serve the medium-distance niche between classic urban metros and high speed lines. Toma Bačić investigates.
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In depth
France: Éole makes a critical breakthrough
The completion of tunnelling works for the western extension of Paris RER Line E paves the way for the start of revenue services on the first section in mid-2023, as Project Director Xavier Gruz explains to Jérémie Anne.
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In depth
Ticketing: Fair play for fare payers
Automatic detection of fare dodgers has been evaluated on metro networks in Delhi and Lisboa.
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In depth
Israel: Light rail is not the only fruit
Due to open later this year, Tel Aviv’s light rail Red Line is the first route in a planned six-line network to serve the rapidly expanding conurbation.
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In depth
Turkey: Currency crunch dents metro expansion
An array of urban and suburban rail projects is underway across Turkey, but political squabbles between central government and city administrations and major currency fluctuations could yet hinder delivery of the investment, as David O’Byrne explains.
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In depth
Research: Extending the role of backup batteries
Projects in Chengdu and Moscow have confirmed that nickel battery technology, originally developed to provide onboard backup services on metro trains, can also provide a cost-effective source of power for emergency traction, eliminating the need to install separate battery packs.
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In depth
Ticketing: Expanding the use of Japan's IC cards
Originally developed as a form of smart travel ticket, IC cards are now in widespread use across Japan. They can be used for many types of transaction, and further applications are being added as rail operators strive to make travel more convenient.
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In depth
Brazil: Private participation keeps metro momentum building
Led by São Paulo, Brazilian cities are making use of private sector funding and operating models to accelerate urban rail development across the country. Benjámin Zelki reports.
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Urban In Depth
Wien: U2xU5 Linienkreuz reshapes the U-Bahn
As part of a smart mobility strategy aimed at reducing car use, construction is in full swing to expand Wien’s U-Bahn network. Diverting Line U2 and building the fully automated Line U5 will increase capacity by around 30%.
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Urban In Depth
Technology: Overcoming the silo effect in metro IT
Building metro lines as self-contained projects can result in duplicate IT systems to manage their operation and maintenance, leading to inefficient use of resources. Cloud computing offers the opportunity to develop a unified information architecture that is cost-effective, flexible and scaleable.
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Urban In Depth
Track Maintenance: ATMO takes to the tracks
New rail grinding technology currently in development is expected to support tram and light rail operators faced with maintaining their networks while meeting tighter noise restrictions in densely populated areas.
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Urban In Depth
Technology: Decision support tool drives up network performance
Singapore metro operator SMRT Trains has worked with Bentley Systems to deploy a highly automated decision support software platform that has driven efficiency gains in its track maintenance activity.
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Urban In Depth
Istanbul: Metro expansion forges ahead
After several years of delays, Istanbul’s ambitious metro and tramway expansion programme is back on track, reports David O’Byrne. Several new lines are set to open while others are moving from planning to construction.
