More long reads – Page 2
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In depthAustralia: Bankstown Line conversion takes shape
Work is forging ahead to convert a 13 km section of the Sydney Trains suburban network to form part of the city’s automated metro. Nick Kingsley asked Sydney Metro Project Director Hugh Lawson to explain.
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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 depthTechnology: 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 depthGermany: 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 depthTechnology: 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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Metro Report InternationalOn track to an integrated future
The Autumn 2022 issue of Metro Report International magazine is now available to read under the Digital Magazines tab.
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In depthBrazil: 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 depthCanada: 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 InternationalCôte 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 InternationalMetros can capitalise on telecoms innovation
The emergence of 5G networks and Fibre to the Edge technology means urban rail operators can now address some of the long-standing challenges of getting telecoms connectivity across the whole of their networks, benefitting passengers and operating staff alike, argues Dr Yong Hoon Kang, Chief Technology Officer at Solid Inc.
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Metro Report InternationalChina: 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 depthFrance: 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 depthTicketing: 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 depthIsrael: 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 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.