Railway technology and innovation news
The latest technology and innovations from rail industry manufacturers, suppliers and service providers worldwide.
Hitachi Rail expands its footprint beyond rail to become a ‘global digital mobility player’
USA: Hitachi Rail is expanding its footprint into the wider public transport market with an agreement to acquire Clever Devices, which supplies fleet management, passenger experience and operational technology.
Great Western passengers feel the joys of spring
UK: Great Western Railway is testing the EcoSeat, which uses pocket spring technology more commonly found in mattresses.
Obstacle detection system to support cost-effective GoA4 on the København S-bane
DENMARK: Operator DSB is working on the development of a platform-based obstacle detection system that it describes as ‘one of the most pioneering elements’ in the programme to equip København’s 170 km S-bane network for GoA4 unattended operation.
‘Global first’ in London tram track renewals
UK: In what supplier Sika says is a world first, contractor VolkerRail has installed polymer rail grout on a section of embedded track on the London Trams network using a machine instead of manual application.
Comment: Security concerns reflect rail’s reliance on its people
Deutsche Bahn has unveiled fresh measures to protect staff following a fatal assault in February. Our Executive Editor Nick Kingsley argues that this incident has shone a light on an under-recognised aspect of railway safety, while highlighting the importance of railway people amid a growing clamour for automation.
Infrastructure: Eulynx controllers support digital transformation
The development of vendor-independent standards under the Eulynx programme has enabled the introduction of modular object controllers that support digitalisation whilst ensuring backwards and forwards compatibility.
Loram partnership to expand One Big Circle’s circumference around the world
Train operator trials tool to optimise timetables during unplanned disruption
Freight operator adopts virtual training technology
Data: Standards hold key to modal integration
Middle East: Early planning is critical to rail project success
Gauge-changing technology to speed up Ukraine’s cross-border rail freight
Conduent integrates EMV ticketing in Italy
Hitachi Rail launches next-generation ticket validator
Estonia to develop unified public transport ticketing data platform
Ticketing: Mobile and contactless payment expand in Mexico City
Satellites help provide high-level estimates to lower railway electrification costs
Agentic AI, accessibility and appetite for risk on minds of young rail innovators
Collaboration to offer mission-critical rail communications with a pathway to FRMCS
Luxembourg modernises on-train ticket sales
Ticket validators go live at NI Railways stations
Systra to support Sydney Trains’ GSM-R to FRMCS transition
Vanguard STS looks to develop its fuel cell technology as HydroShunter offered to market
‘Thoroughly positive’ results from digital automatic coupler testing in winter conditions