Passenger rail news – Page 2
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NewsLyon – Bordeaux link leads SNCF’s Ouigo expansion drive
FRANCE: National operator SNCF has unveiled a further expansion of its Ouigo low-cost passenger operation, including a service linking Lyon with Bordeaux.
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Rail Business UKMuch-delayed Class 810 fleet enters service on the Midland Main Line
UK: After a heavily delayed production process, the first of 33 Hitachi Rail Class 810 bi-mode trains has entered service with East Midlands Railway. Tony Miles reports from Derby.
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NewsSantiago – Melipilla signalling contract awarded as civil works start
CHILE: Construction has begun on the 61 km Santiago – Melipilla suburban rail project, and a contract has been let to deliver ETCS Level 2 train control along the route.
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NewsAir and rail policymakers seek action on travel multimodality
EUROPE: Rail and aviation policymakers have highlighted five urgent policy needs to support efforts to develop a multimodal approach to ticketing and journey planning.
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In depthResearch: AŽD Praha's autonomous train is on track
Following successful passenger carrying trials with its prototype autonomous train on the Kopidlnka line, AŽD Praha is looking to optimise the technology for commercial operations to start in 2029. Chris Jackson reports from Dětenice.
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In depthAustralia: Untangling Sydney’s complex suburban network
Sydney Trains is managing a long-term fleet renewal programme while deploying ETCS and reshaping its network to complement the expansion of the city’s metro. Chief Executive Matt Longland outlines to Benjámin Zelki how these competing priorities are being delivered.
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NewsNairobi Railway City technical assistance contract market engagement begins
KENYA: The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is planning to procure a technical assistance contract for the Nairobi Railway City project, which is drawing inspiration from the regeneration of London’s King’s Cross station.
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NewsConstruction of Bilbao freight bypass to resume this year
SPAIN: Construction of a further 3·2 km section of the Bizkaia Southern Rail Bypass is to begin by the end of this year, the Basque regional authority has announced.
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NewsConnecticut commuter train coach mock-up on show
USA: Connecticut Department of Transportation has unveiled a mock-up of coaches to be supplied by Alstom for CTrail commuter rail services.
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NewsPassenger information screen changes improve readability and save energy
NETHERLANDS: Station passenger information screens have been switched from a light to a dark background, after studies found this would make then more readable for more people, as well as being more energy-efficient.
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NewsFirst of 201 Alstom suburban EMUs on test in Spain
SPAIN: The first two of 201 Coradia high-capacity commuter trains that Alstom is supplying for RENFE are now being tested on the national network.
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NewsŠkoda completes EMU for Bulgaria just 14 months after contract signing
BULGARIA: Škoda Group has completed the first of 25 RegioPanter electric multiple-units just 14 months after the order was signed by Bulgaria’s Ministry of Transport & Communications.
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Rail Business UKCampaigners call to ‘end the fiction of Gatwick Express’
UK: Independent rail campaign group Railfuture has called for changes to train services between central London and Gatwick Airport.
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In depthAustralia: Melbourne’s Suburban Loop reaches lift-off
Melbourne’s Suburban Rail Loop is ultimately expected to add 90 km of 1 435 mm gauge automated rail service to the city’s rail mix, but project promoter SRLA is currently focusing on delivering the first 26 km section. Benjámin Zelki reports.
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Rail Business UKInterview: ‘We are waking Merseyrail up’
As its 25-year agreement to run electric suburban services around Liverpool nears its end, Merseyrail has become a model for how local control of rail operations can bring tangible benefits to the community, as its Managing Director Neil Grabham explains to Nick Kingsley.
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Rail Business UK‘Next generation’ superfast wi-fi piloted on GWR train
UK: A pilot deployment of ‘next generation’ fast on-train wi-fi using technology developed for Formula 1 has been launched.
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NewsNS orders 36 Flirt Flex electric multiple-units
NETHERLANDS: National passenger operator NS has awarded Stadler a contract to supply 36 Flirt Flex electric multiple-units to provide capacity to accommodate growing ridership.
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News350 km/h operation envisaged in Madrid – Barcelona high speed line enhancement study
SPAIN: Studies are to assess the viability of upgrading the Madrid – Barcelona high speed line to raise the maximum speed to 350 km/h and other works which would provide a journey time of under 2 h.
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NewsBarcelona airport train on test
SPAIN: Alstom is undertaking static and dynamic testing of the first of 10 electric multiple-units ordered by Catalunya regional train operator FGC for use on a future shuttle service from Barcelona city centre to El Prat Airport.
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Rail Business UKEligibility for Disabled Persons Railcard to be expanded
UK: The eligibility criteria for the Disabled Persons Railcard are to be expanded so that both visible and non-visible disabilities are better recognised.