More long reads – Page 4
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In depthTurkey: 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 depthResearch: 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 depthTicketing: 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 depthBrazil: 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 DepthWien: 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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Metro Report InternationalCities will drive the decarbonisation of transport
Providing more and better transport from the passenger’s perspective through initiatives such as Mobility as a Service will help to decarbonise the urban environment as well as reducing congestion, believes Hitachi Rail CEO Andrew Barr.
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Urban In DepthTechnology: 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 DepthTrack 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 DepthTechnology: 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 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 InternationalChina: Metro openings hit record high
Almost 700 km of metro and tram lines were opened in 15 Chinese cities during the closing weeks of 2020
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Urban In DepthBuilding back better
Public transport operators around the world face a massive challenge in the years ahead, as countries and cities seek to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic that has swept around the globe during 2020.
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In depthVietnam: 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 DepthRio 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 DepthHungary 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 DepthNovosibirsk: 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 DepthTechnology: 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 DepthNetherlands: 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 DepthBoston: 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 InternationalABB 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.