USA: Californian commuter train operator Caltrain celebrated the start of 25 kV 60 Hz electrified services with an inaugural train carrying invited guests from San Francisco on August 10.

ITALY: A prototype 200 km/h Unmanned Railway Vehicle designed to carry out automated inspection of high speed lines is undergoing trials at the Bologna San Donato test track.

Arup has developed a policy document aimed at helping the rail sector to reframe its approach to climate resilience by embracing ‘whole-system’ thinking. Co-author Juliet Mian explains to Nick Kingsley.

SOUTH KOREA: Daejeon municipality signed a 293·4bn won contract with Hyundai Rotem on July 25 for the supply of 34 hydrogen vehicles to run on Daejeon’s planned first light rail route, Line 2.

Railways from around the world are taking an interest in a prototype stainless steel footbridge which is designed to make construction and maintenance cheaper, faster, less disruptive and more sustainable.

News from the world rail freight market.

CHINA: CRRC Puzhen has unveiled a 250 km/h Type C inter-city trainset designed to offer a low life-cycle cost and high capacity with capability for GoA4 unattended driverless operation.

INNOTRANS: Vossloh Rolling Stock will be unveiling its battery-hydrogen fuel cell hybrid powered Modula BFC shunting locomotive at InnoTrans 2024, ahead of deployment at the Duisburg Gateway Terminal.

USA: The California High-Speed Rail Authority board has appointed Ian Choudri as the next CEO..

TANZANIA: The 258·2 km Morogoro – Dodoma standard gauge line was handed over with a ceremony on July 25 and the first electric passenger train service ran on August 1 with President Samia Suluhu Hassan onboard.

UK: The first footbridge built to the Beacon design has been installed by Network Rail and contractor AmcoGiffen at Garforth in West Yorkshire.

DENMARK: Local railway operator Lokaltog has selected its preferred bidder for a contract to supply 14 battery trainsets for use in the Sjælland region, with options for 10 more.

With cross-border rail ticketing being cited as a priority for the next European Commission, Andrew Grantham discusses the complexities of achieving seamless bookings and the industry’s struggle to meet growing demand for sustainable mobility options.

This week’s news from the global railway supply chain.

UK: Altrad RMD Kwikform says it used ‘revolutionary’ techniques as part of a complex project to assist High Speed 2 contractor Mace Dragados with the construction of a London Underground traction substation at Euston station.

GERMANY: The free shuttle train to Tesla’s Gigafactory plant in Grünheide to the east of Berlin restarted on August 7, using two Siemens Mobility Mireo B battery-electric multiple-units instead of a pair of Bombardier Transportation Talent diesels.

EUROPE: A Voith electrical connection has been selected as the standard design for freight trains equipped with Digital Automatic Couplers, and approved by the European DAC Delivery Programme Supervisory Board.

LITHUANIA: LTG Cargo is to withdraw from the CIS Railway Council agreement for the shared use of wagons across the 1 520 mm gauge region, and will instead use a private fleet from January 1 2025.

INNOTRANS: Architectural and marine glazing company Sedak is making its InnoTrans debut this year, showcasing its portfolio of products for high speed, regional and urban trains.

INNOTRANS: The unveiling of the prototype RS Zero regional railcar will be the highlight of the Stadler presence at InnoTrans 2024, where it will be displaying eight vehicles with ‘alternative, environmentally friendly’ traction as well as presenting its latest innovations in signalling and services.