More long reads
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Urban In DepthIstanbul: 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.
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Metro Report International
China: Metro openings hit record high
Almost 700 km of new metro and tram lines and extensions were opened in 15 Chinese cities during the closing weeks of 2020 as 29 separate projects came to fruition. Toma Bačić investigates.
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In depth
Vietnam: Optimising infrastructure on Hanoi’s nascent network
Hanoi is on the cusp of opening the first sections of a planned eight-line metro network, including the east-west Line 3, where track and electrification fit-out is being handled by Colas Rail and Pandrol.
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Urban In Depth
Rio de Janeiro: Overcoming decades of inaction
As host city for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, Rio de Janeiro was able to develop new tram and BRT routes, but ambitious plans to expand the city’s small metro network have made limited progress. Benjámin Zelki investigates.
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Urban In Depth
Hungary boards the tram-train
With only 163 000 inhabitants, the city of Szeged in southern Hungary boasts four tram lines and six trolleybus routes. Now it is adding the country’s first tram-train project, reports Benjámin Zelki.
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Urban In Depth
Novosibirsk: Evolution in Siberia
Plans for RER-style suburban services have been agreed in Russia’s third largest metropolis, augmenting the city’s small metro and a revitalised tram network. Vladimir Waldin reports.
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Urban In Depth
Technology: Early diagnosis prevents bearing failure
Advanced vibration analysis techniques have been deployed to assess Chinese metro trainsets, helping to detect early signs of bearing damage and prevent a catastrophic axlebox failure.
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Urban In Depth
Netherlands: Uithoflijn opens at last
December 16 saw the long-awaited opening of the Uithoflijn light rail route linking central Utrecht with the city’s Science Park, as part of a programme that includes the rebuilding of the existing Nieuwegein sneltram line. Dr Harry Hondius investigates.
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Urban In Depth
Boston: Building a Better T
Work is in full swing on an $8bn, five-year programme of enhancements to Boston’s urban rail networks, aimed at improving resilience, performance and capacity.
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Metro Report International
ABB targets battery traction applications
Traction equipment supplier ABB has inaugurated a battery production facility in Switzerland to support decarbonisation initiatives. Hans Weigum reports from Baden.
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Metro Report International
Mixed success in São Paulo
The São Paulo urban rail network is expanding as the city’s suburbs grow rapidly. But some projects are stuck, and solutions need to be found to deal with overcrowding. Benjámin Zelki reports.
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In depth
Toulouse: Transport investment for a growing population
As Toulouse grows to become the fourth-largest city in France, it requires transport investment to keep up with the expanding population and to reduce car use.
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In depth
Oslo: Investing in a zero-emission future
Oslo has a vision not only of a car-free city centre, but of emission-free public transport networks.
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In depth
Stockholm: Transport plans accompany housing development
Several metro expansion projects are due to be underway by the end of the year in a city where public transport has an 80% modal share at peak times.
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In depth
Tram orders falling but still strong
Worldwide tram and light rail vehicle orders have fallen for the second year in a row, but volumes are still high.
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In depth
Krasnodar: Russia’s ‘southern capital’ relies on urban rail
Krasnodar has plans not only to expand its tram network, but also to develop modern commuter services on existing railways.
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In depth
Tampere prepares for its first tramway
Tampere is developing its first ever tram network, with some innovative methods being used to keep the public informed of construction progress.
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Metro Report International
Oklahoma City: Setting a streetcar example
Despite several setbacks, the Oklahoma City Streetcar opened on time and on budget. Its success could have lessons for other projects.
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Metro Report International
Private sector drives Brazilian urban rail revival
The private sector is expected to play a crucial role in meeting Brazil’s urban rail needs.
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In depth
Birmingham: All systems grow
Development of the West Midlands tram network is being underpinned by innovative management and procurement models, allied to wider changes in the provision of public transport.
