More long reads
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Metro Report InternationalLuxembourg: Luxtram eyes an expanding network
As Luxembourg City’s first modern light rail line nears completion, work is getting underway on two branches to form a second route. Two more routes are being planned, along with an interurban link to the country’s second city.
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In depthNetherlands: TINA on course to reshape HTM tram fleet
Dutch operator HTM has unveiled a mock-up of its next-generation trams from Stadler’s expanding modular TINA range. Dr Harry Hondius reports from Den Haag.
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In depthChina: Metro networks grow in 14 cities
More than 300 km of new metro lines and extensions were commissioned in China during December 2023, with the completion of 19 projects in 14 cities. This meant that by the beginning of 2024, Chinese cities accounted for nine of the world’s 10 largest networks. Toma Bačić rounds up the latest additions.
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In depthIndia: Digital modelling supports Delhi metro extension
Delhi Metro Rail Corp has used Bentley Systems software to model the design of a complex section of underground alignment being built under the network’s Phase IV expansion.
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In depthIndia: Maintaining the metro momentum
By February 2026, Mumbai hopes to have more than doubled its metro network, while Indore, Bhopal and Patna are set to open their first lines. A landmark of India’s ongoing metro boom is the imminent opening of the Agra metro, the first tranche of which will serve the Taj Mahal. Benjámin Zelki looks ahead.
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In depthUSA: Manhattan congestion charge is key to New York investment
New York MTA hopes its congestion charging scheme will go live in mid-2024, which could provide a revenue stream to kick-start investment in renewal and expansion of the Subway network, as Benjámin Zelki and Nick Kingsley explain.
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In depthMarket Analysis: Driverless metro market set to surge
A projected boom in fully automated metro projects over the next decade offers valuable business opportunities, believes management consultancy Roland Berger.
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In depthBrazil: São Paulo stands out in uneven picture
Metro, monorail and suburban rail extensions totalling 39km are now being built in São Paulo, but several of the other fastest-growing Brazilian cities, including Rio de Janeiro, have no major projects currently under way, despite optimism among suppliers. Benjámin Zelki reports.
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In depthInterview: Making trains even greener
Wabtec Transit CEO Pascal Schweitzer explains to Nick Kingsley how the tier one supplier is innovating in areas such as brake design and air-conditioning agents to further enhance the sustainability of rolling stock.
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In depthEgypt: Safely expanding Cairo’s rail network
TÜV Nord acted as the independent safety assessment body for Egypt’s Capital Train electric suburban railway that opened last year to link Cairo with 10th Ramadan City and the New Administrative Capital. Lead Safety Auditor Karin Seibold explains the company’s role in ensuring the line’s safe operation to Benjámin Zelki.
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In depthColombia: Bogotá’s Regiotram schemes face mounting hurdles
Completion of the first line in the planned Regiotram tram-train network in the Colombian capital has been delayed following intervention by the National Authority for Environmental Licences, reports Christian Scasso.
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In depthInterview: Investing to create an inclusive metro
One of few metros around the world which does not receive a subsidy for day-to-day operations, Metro de Santiago can still allocate around 30% of its farebox revenues for future investment. General Manager Felipe Bravo tells Benjámin Zelki about its expansion plans, signalling upgrades, rolling stock renewal and achieving social inclusion goals.
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Urban In DepthComment: Bright light in Barcelona
The UITP summit in Barcelona emphasised the importance of public transport in supporting cities, the economy and the planet, while addressing the challenges of climate change and post-covid travel patterns. Chris Jackson reflects on the conference as a platform for collaboration to secure the future of public transport.
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In depthTechnology: Putting rail at the heart of digital mobility
Rail and metro can be at the heart of a truly intermodal digital mobility landscape that can decongest cities worldwide, but more ambition and political intervention is needed to make this vision a reality.
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In depthFrance: Making the switch to digital tickets in Ile-de-France
Public transport in the Ile-de-France area is switching to digital ticketing, reports Jérémie Anne.
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Metro Report InternationalAutomation: Seizing the opportunities for metro modernisation
An increasing trend towards the automation and digitalisation of metro networks will be a focus for discussion at the forthcoming UITP Global Public Transport Summit, being held in Barcelona on June 4-7 under the theme ‘Bright Light of the City’.
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In depthAustria: A transport network for everyone
Emerging EU legislation on accessibility will put stronger regulatory requirements on public transport operators to ensure their services are open to all. Faced with a mix of modes including a large legacy tramway, Wien operator Wiener Linien is making steady progress towards meeting this challenge. Toma Bačić reports.
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In depthAlgeria: Urban projects back on track
Flush with higher revenues from oil and natural gas exports, Algeria has restarted extensions to the capital city’s metro and is unfreezing tram projects that had been put on ice. Christian Scasso reports.
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In depthUSA: Hurricane-resistant workshop inaugurated
A ‘storm-resilient’ depot has opened to serve New York City Transit’s Staten Island Railway.
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In depthAustria: Mobile milling supports preventive rail maintenance
Wiener Linien has been exploring how a combination of mobile milling and investment in premium rail steels can help to optimise its maintenance costs and move from reactive to preventive interventions on its metro lines.