IRJ SEP 2022 September - 2022

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September 2022 | Volume 62 Issue 9

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Surging sectorcosts hit
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British fleet setcustomers?
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European rail sector six-year repair programme
DB’s infrastructure problems mount = New trains unmasked

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Energy
Cracking finally
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Contents
September 2022 Volume 62 issue 9
Post 46 Killigrew Street News

Falmouth 4 This month
Cornwall, TR11 3PP, UK 6 News headlines
Tel +44 1326 313945
16 Transit news
Web www.railjournal.com
18 Financial news
Editor-in-Chief
22 News analysis
30
Kevin Smith
[email protected]
Consulting Editor/ Germany
Associate Publisher 26 Booming traffic and fragile infrastructure
David Briginshaw
9-euro ticket initiative challenges passenger operators
[email protected]
Associate Editor 30 Addressing Germany’s infrastructure woes
Robert Preston DB Network faces big hurdles to improve reliability
[email protected]
News Editor
David Burroughs
Innovative trains
38
[email protected] 36 Tri-mode traction opens new frontiers
News Reporter How Britain will benefit from the new class 93 locomotive
Simon Artymiuk 38 Siemens’ first hydrogen train breaks cover
[email protected]
Previewing the new Mireo Plus H multiple unit
Production Manager
Sue Morant 42 New features enhance locomotive performance
[email protected] Vossloh Rolling Stock seeks to reduce emissions and noise
Passenger information
Advertising sales office 44 Is technology key to restoring customer trust?
Post 1809 Capitol Avenue,
44
Rail is still giving passengers a poor journey experience
Omaha, NE 68102
United States 48 Real-time data may help public perceptions
Tel +1 212-620-7200 IVU presents its strategy to improve passenger information
Business development manager

Jerome Marullo [email protected] Industrial strategy
Tel +1 732 887 5562 51 Bridging the compatability gap
Siemens aims to increase rail sector software compatability
Print magazine subscriptions hotline
Tel +1 402 346-4740
Fax +1 847 291-4816 InnoTrans preview
54
54 The global rail industry returns to Berlin
International Railway Journal (Print ISSN 2161-7376, The must-see highlights of the mammoth event
Digital ISSN 2161-7368), is published monthly by
Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corp, 1809 Capitol
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Corporation 2022. All rights reserved. Contents may
64 Rendezvous hybrid drive technologies
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information please contact Editor-in-Chief. For print
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magazine subscriptions, assistance & address changes,
65 Advertisers index
please call +1 402 346-4740, Fax +1 847 291-4816, areas and tunnels. Electric
Email: [email protected] or
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65 Fresh faces operation reduces noise
Journal, Simmons-Boardman
66 The last word while experience has
Publishing Corp, PO Box 239,
Lincolnshire, IL, 60069-0239,
shown a CO2 reduction World Market Study Communication breakdown
of 27 tonnes per 100

Energy
Cracking finally
up improve rail’s
railway supply
for
USA
hours of operation.
IRJ September 2022 3

This month | Kevin Smith
Cross-industry collaboration can

effectively is reinforcing rail’s taking the unprecedented step
often poor public perception. of making its data available for
But could the tide be about use by any management
deliver improved performance to turn? Two articles in this system, even those of its
month’s edition highlight a competitors. Peter admits that
G ERMANY’s experiment
with a 9-euro monthly
regional ticket in June, July and
disruption caused by renewal
work are cited as the primary
cause. Mofair, the association of
change in strategy that could
herald some big changes for
the industry.
this is a gamble, but argues that
open data should drive
innovation, and he is counting
August has proven a huge private passenger operators, Europe’s Rail, the continent’s on the supplier’s technological
success. Around 38 million says German rail infrastructure second joint research undertaking, knowledge and expertise to
9-euro tickets were sold by the is in a “disastrous state” while will begin work in January. But offer it a competitive advantage.
first week of August, according BEG is equally scathing in its as executive director, Mr Carlo His hope is that the rest of the
to the Association of Transport assessment (p26). Borghini, reveals (p66), work is industry follows suit for the
Companies (VDV). This is in DB CEO Dr Richard Lutz already starting on a critical wider benefit of the railway.
addition to the 10 million season says the problems with reliability component of the initiative: the As SCI Verkehr’s latest
ticket holders who automatically and quality are due to a lack of System Pillar. assessment of the world rail
received the ticket each month. capacity and outdated systems. A consortium of 12 bodies supply market shows, the
The success has led to calls The railway is attempting to was selected to implement the industry has much to be
for a permanent successor with address an infrastructure System Pillar in July with the optimistic about despite the
an announcement expected this upgrade backlog and is goal of defining the functional challenges posed by recent
autumn. Germany is not alone spending a record e13.6bn in system architecture for the geopolitical events (p22).
in enabling big government 2022 to repair 1800km of track, railway in Europe and to Substantial government
intervention to open-up rail to renew 140 bridges and accelerate and better organise funding for universal ticketing
“
passengers. Spain is offering programmes that encourage
three months of free travel on people to use the train over
Renfe’s suburban and Improving cross-industry collaboration their cars to combat climate
conventional medium-distance change is another reason to be
services from this month (p15). should create a climate for open data upbeat. But it is only going to
Austria’s Klimaticket, which sharing, even between industrial work if the infrastructure and
offers unlimited access to rail the level of service is up to
across the country, is now used competitors. scratch. If not, the risk is that
by more than 170,000 people. governments and passengers
Luxembourg arguably go elsewhere.
pioneered the strategy by modernise 2000 switches. It has its evolution. In practice this Closer collaboration appears
making all public transport also announced plans for a means clarifying the conception to be the industry’s chosen tonic.
journeys free in 2020. high-performance network to and development of new But the sector will need to
While the popularity of the address capacity constraints on technologies with the goal of show progress and soon if it is
9-euro ticket, which is estimated the most congested lines (p30). accelerating adoption by the to ward off this threat.
to have cost the German federal DB is on a long path to market.
government more than e2.5bn, delivering the infrastructure its This is by no means an easy
has provided a welcome boost customers demand. It will take task, but with around 80% of
to German passenger sector as many years and many billions Europe’s operators, infrastructure
it continues its Covid-19 of euros. Yet this provides little managers, suppliers and the
recovery, the initiative has also comfort to today’s passengers research community around [email protected]
exposed two major challenges: simply trying to get to their the table, Borghini believes the
the ability to effectively destination in reasonable time. building blocks are in place.
communicate with passengers My colleague David Improving cross-industry
free to use any regional train Burroughs shares his collaboration should create a
they wish and the condition experiences of recent trips that climate for open data sharing,
and capability of German rail did not go so well (p44). Long even between industrial
infrastructure to carry greater delays were compounded by a competitors, says Siemens
numbers of people and trains. lack of information about Mobility CEO, Mr Michael
The strain on German Rail alternative connections. He is Peter (p52).
(DB) is evident in its declining not alone. Too often this is a Peter argues that digitalisation
punctuality in the first half of daily experience across Europe, of rail has not been matched by
2022 with long-distance as activist Mr Jon Worth has standardising how data is
punctuality falling as low as exposed in his project to cross collected and used. The result
57% in June. As passengers every European border by rail is the deployment of proprietary
have returned, DB has struggled. this summer. systems that work in isolation
Bavarian Railway Company Burroughs’ point is that the rather than as part of a
(BEG) also reports declining technology and wherewithal to larger ecosystem,
punctuality - 82.8% for regional avoid these situations is readily to the detriment
and suburban services in June available; we see it enthusiastically of the railway’s
compared with the average of displayed at pretty much every overall
92.4% between January and May. rail industry event we attend. It efficiency.
While stations crowded with will certainly be the same at Siemens is
9-euro ticket users have this month’s InnoTrans exhibition seeking to
contributed to the delays, (p54). Unfortunately, the failure reverse this
infrastructure failures and to adopt these technologies scenario by
4
News | headlines In brief
Spanish high-speed network extended Argentina

Passenger services are once again
T HE first section of the running over the 71km line

high-speed line between between Rosario and Cañada
Madrid and Extremadura in de Gómez in Santa Fe province,
western Spain has been brought having last operated in 1977.
into service by high-speed The Ministry of Transport and
infrastructure manager Adif AV. state-owned operator Argentinian
The €1.7bn line runs for 150km Trains (TA) have undertaken
from Plasencia to Badajoz on track renewals on three sections
the Portuguese border. It has and work is underway to raise
been brought into use with the line speed to 60km/h.
broad gauge track, laid on to undertake tracklaying is due combined length of 1.3km. At
sleepers enabling conversion to to be awarded shortly. Venta de Baños, there is a junction Australia
standard gauge. The route is The complete 437km Madrid - with the high-speed line to Hitachi Rail has won a $A 107m
equipped with the ASFA train Extremadura high-speed line is Palencia and León, enabling ($US 74.4m) contract to equip
protection system for operation estimated to cost €3.7bn. Civil through services to operate Queensland’s New Generation
at up to 200km/h, and works are in progress on the between León and Burgos. Rail (NGR) fleet of 75 six-car
electrification is in progress. 68.8km section from Talayuela A gauge-changing installation EMUs with ATO over ETCS
The new alignment between to Plasencia. The subsections has been installed at the new Level 2. The first two trains are
Plasencia and Badajoz is mostly from Talayuela to Arroyo de Burgos Rosa Manzano station, undergoing technical fit-out
double track, with a total of 28 Santa María and from Navalmoral where trains from Madrid and testing. Hitachi has also
viaducts including at Almonte, de la Mata to Casatejada have change from standard to broad been awarded a contract worth
which at 384m has one of the been completed, while a gauge to continue their journeys to $A 65m for the maintenance of
widest arches of any concrete contract worth €70m has been destinations including Bilbao the fleet through to 2046.
railway bridge in the world, awarded for the Arroyo de and San Sebastián. The journey
according to Adif AV. The Santa María - Navalmoral de la time from Madrid to Bilbao Britain
project has included station Mata section. has been cut from 5h 06min to Wabtec has officially opened its
refurbishment at Plasencia, Adif AV has also completed 4h 28min, while San Sebastián is first Transit Performance
Cáceres, Mérida and Badajoz, an 86.5km high-speed line now reached in 4h 48min from Optimisation Centre (TPOC)
costing a total of €15m. between Venta de Baños and Madrid rather than 5h 23min. for Europe in Derby to help
Electrification work is at an Burgos, built at a cost of €759m With work underway on customers improve operational
advanced stage on the 125km to shorten journey times other projects costing a total of performance and reduce
section between Plasencia and between Madrid and northern €11.7bn, Adif AV says that the service costs through monitoring
Peñas Blancas, due to be Spain. The new line is single Spanish high-speed network and analytics. Porterbrook is
followed by the 110km stretch track, designed for a maximum will reach 4000km this year, using the centre to monitor its
from Peñas Blancas to Mérida, speed of 350km/h, and is reinforcing its status as the fleet of 4000 passenger rolling
Badajoz and the Portuguese equipped with ERTMS Level 2. largest in Europe. It also says stock assets.
border. Also under construction The route between Venta de that at 2700km, the Spanish
is an 18km bypass avoiding
Mérida station and the city
Baños and Burgos has 12
viaducts with a total length of
high-speed network now has
the largest proportion of routes
China
Work has begun on two sections
centre, costing €55m. A contract 4.6km, and two tunnels with a equipped with ERTMS. of the Shanghai - Sujia inter-city
AutoHaul extended on Rio

railway totalling 55km.
Egyptian HS network Construction is underway on
Tinto’s Pilbara network

the 20km Jiashan - Xitang and
operation contract signed 35km Yiaxing - Fengnan lines,
E GYPT’s Ministry of Transport has signed

a contract with a joint venture of German
Rail (DB) subsidiary DB Engineering &
H ITACHI Rail has commissioned the AutoHaul
automated operating system on a 166km
with the latter running from
Jiaxing South Station, a bi-level
extension of Rio Tinto’s heavy-haul network in the underground station covering
Consulting and Egyptian consultants Elsewedy 30,000m2.
Pilbara region of Western Australia, serving a new
Electric to oversee the operation of the
iron-ore mine at Gudai-Darri. This takes the route
country’s planned high-speed network.
Siemens Mobility, Orascom Construction
length operated remotely from an operations centre in Egypt
Perth to 1866km, without the need for drivers to be Egyptian National Railways
and The Arab Contractors were awarded a (ENR) has awarded Talgo a
present onboard the network’s 220 locomotives.
contract in May to build a 2000km, three- €280m contract to supply
As the technical lead in the development of
line electrified network that will connect 60 seven overnight trains.
AutoHaul, Hitachi Rail has supplied systems and
cities. Trains will operate at up to 230km/h, Production will be in Spain,
software for the Gudai-Darri project. This has
serving 90% of the population while the with deliveries from 2024.
included onboard and control centre technology,
project is expected to cut transport Talgo will maintain the fleet
trackside equipment, radio base stations, and
emissions by as much as 70%. over 15 years using facilities it
automatic train operation (ATO) interface software
DB and Elsewedy Electric will manage and has established in Egypt to
for locomotive control, level crossing safety and
operate the 660km Ain Sokhna - El Alamein - maintain the six 15-car trains it
location tracking.
Matrouh - Fayoum line, the 1100km Fayoum - is also supplying to ENR for
All systems and software are now operational
Beni Suef - Aswan - Abu Simbel line and daytime services. Trial
following the first production test run and successful
the 225km Qena - Hurghada - Safaga line for operation with the first of
system commissioning. According to Hitachi Rail,
15 years, with an option for a 15-year these trains is underway
the Gudai-Darri mine loop features high-
extension. The partners will establish DB between Cairo and Alexandria.
performance automated train loading under
Egypt to operate the routes.
AutoHaul control for the first time.
6 IRJ September 2022

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News | headlines In brief
Finland objects to TEN-T rule change Tazara upgrade India

T
The National High Speed Rail
HE European Commission
(EC) has proposed
compatible with the 1520mm
in Russia. The proposed
agreed as revenue Corporation (NHSRCL) has called
amending its December 2021 TEN-T Regulation change declines for tenders for the design and
construction of an underground
T
proposal on the revision of the would require three projects in ANZANIA and Zambia station in Mumbai for the 508km
Trans-European Transport Finland to be built to 1435mm have agreed to upgrade Mumbai - Ahmedabad high-
Network (TEN-T) Regulation gauge: the Eastern Railway and convert the Tazara railway speed line. The contract includes
in light of the Ukraine conflict, project, the Suomirata project from 1067mm to 1435mm the construction of a cut and
extending four TEN-T corridors to provide a journey time of 1 gauge through a partnership cover tunnel at the Bandra
to Ukraine and Moldova and hour between Tampere and with the private sector. Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai.
removing Russia and Belarus Helsinki, and the Espoo - Salo According to Tanzania’s • Testing has been completed
from the TEN-T network. section of the Turku One Hour president, Ms Samia Suluhu on the telecoms system for the
The EC is also proposing to Train Project. Hassan, the 1160km single- first 82km Delhi - Meerut phase
convert 1520mm-gauge lines to “It is completely clear that track route from Kapiri- of the Rapid Rail Transport
1435mm-gauge where this is Finland’s special conditions Mposhi in Zambia to Dar es System (RRTS). Nokia says the
economically justified, as the must be taken into account and Salaam in Tanzania does not 4.9G/LTE private wireless
difficulties at the break of our track gauge must be deliver what is expected and network is the world’s first
gauge at the Ukraine border maintained,” says Harakka. an upgrade is needed to create telecoms network to support
have highlighted how this lack “Changing the gauge would new business opportunities ETCS Level 2 signalling, which
of interoperability could not be financially viable, but it along the route. Alstom is installing on the
increase the vulnerability of would also not be functionally “In today’s world, railway is new standard-gauge railway.
the EU railway network. New viable.” standard gauge,” Hassan says.
routes should be built to Finland also objects to the
1435mm gauge without EC proposal that the core
“So through a public-private International
partnership (PPP) we have South Africa’s Transnet Freight
exception, the EC says. TEN-T network should end at agreed to come up with a Rail (TFR) and Botswana Rail
However, Finland’s minister Kouvola instead of Vainikkala, project to improve the Tazara (BR) have entered an agreement
of transport and and that the Scandinavian- railway to that level.” to repair sections of the 126km
communications, Mr Timo Mediterranean European Already under construction cross-border line between
Harakka, has described this as Transport Corridor should end is the 1219km Tanzania Mafikeng and Swartruggens.
unreasonable, given that the at Kouvola and the ports of Standard Gauge Railway from This will allow trains carrying
Finish network is built to a Kotka and Hamina rather than Dar es Salaam to Mwanza, minerals, including coal, to
gauge of 1524mm that is at the Russian border. where the 300km Phase 1 from reach the South African ports
Dar es Salaam to Morogoro of Richards Bay and Durban.
First high-speed train for Indonesia has been completed. • Spain’s Ministry of Transport,
Revenue at Tazara fell from Mobility and the Urban Agenda
$US 31m in the 2020-21 to $US (Mitma) has begun a pilot
24.2m in 2021-22, with the project to move grain from
closure of the Chambeshi Ukraine by rail using maritime
Bridge in Zambia and washouts containers fitted with special
in Tanzania resulting in freight linings. A train leaving Madrid
traffic falling by 3.5% year on on August 9 with 25 empty
year. Passenger traffic 40ft containers was due to
continued to be affected by the return from Poland with 600
Covid-19 pandemic as well as tonnes of Ukrainian maize
low rolling stock availability. early in September.
In 2022-23 the railway is
expected to carry 450,000 Kazakhstan
tonnes of freight and 3.4 Kazakhstan Railways (KTZ)
million passengers. Revenue is renewed more than 462km of
projected to increase to $US 51.3m, track in the first half 2022, with
The eight-car trains each have capacity for 601 passengers. Photo: CRRC including $US 34.3m from plans to upgrade 1034km by
C RRC Qingdao has

successfully rolled out the
first 350km/h Yawan high-
estimated completion date of
the Jakarta - Bandung line,
which is now expected to enter
passenger and freight services
and $US 10.4m from non-
traffic revenue, including
the end of the year. KTZ has also
hosted a meeting with Belarusian
Railways (BC) and a number
speed train for the 143km service in June 2023. open-access operations. of freight carriers to discuss
Jakarta - Bandung high-speed Construction is reported to The Tazara board has noted opportunities to improve
line, the first time the company be 80% complete, and the positive contribution of cross-border transport of
has exported its high-speed tracklaying started in April. these private operators, but freight in light of the current
technology. The eight-car The cost of the project has has urged management to use geopolitical situation.
trains consist of four powered increased to $US 8bn track access income to fund
and four trailer cars and each compared with $US 6.07bn the upkeep of rail infrastructure. Netherlands
has capacity for 601 passengers. when it was launched in 2015. The board has also encouraged Dutch regulator, the Authority
CRRC Qingdao secured a To complete the project, the the line’s management to for Consumers and Markets
Yuan 2.51bn ($US 370m) Indonesian House of expedite the repair of rolling (ACM), has ruled infrastructure
contract for 11 trains in April Representatives has agreed to stock and the hire of locomotives manager ProRail is not respecting
2017. However, cost overruns, an additional capital injection to move the readily available national legislation by refusing
land acquisition and technical of Rupiah 4.1 trillion ($US 280m) volumes of freight from the to grant paths for 650m-long
issues have pushed back the in the 2023 financial year. Port of Dar es Salaam.

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transported by rail, and ultimately, that modal shift succeeds.
At InnoTrans 2022, we will present technologies that are already significantly contribut-
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InnoTrans 2022
20 –23 SEPTEMBER
MESSE BERLIN
News | headlines
CRRC delivers first of new freight fleet for Etihad Rail First stage of
E TIHAD Rail has taken
delivery of its first batches of
new locomotives and wagons,
China - Myanmar
rail link opens
C
which should enable the railway HINA has opened the
network that is being built in initial 133km Dali -
the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Baoshan section of the 330km
to carry up to 60 million tonnes route from Dali to Ruili near
of freight per year. Progress Rail the Myanmar border,
is supplying 38 SD70 diesel completing the first stage of a
locomotives and CRRC a total rail link between the two
of 842 multi-purpose wagons. countries.
Tracklaying on the 115km The line has been designed
Phase 2D of the Etihad Rail as a national Class I single-
project has been completed in track electrified railway with
the emirate of Sharjah where an operating speed of
48km of new track has been 140km/h. There are passenger
installed. Work continues in stations at Dali, Yangbi,
Fujairah emirate, with 80% of Yongping County and
tracklaying on Phase 2D now inspection vehicle to Etihad Rail, Ensco is also suppling an Baoshan, and three freight
complete. which will be manufactured by inspection system for point assets terminals at Yangbi, Yongping
Ensco Rail has been awarded a Socofer and equipped with an such as turnouts, and will County and Baoshan North.
15-year contract to supply a track Ensco rail flaw detection system. provide data analysis services. The line passes through the
steep-sided canyons of the
Turkey’s high-speed project progresses Hengduan mountain range,
spans many rivers and crosses
W ORK is underway on a 142km high-

speed line between Yerköy and Kayseri,
following an official ground-breaking ceremony.
construction from Mersin to Adana, Osmaniye
and Gaziantep will be put into service to
Osmaniye in 2025, Karaismailoğlu has
areas of high geothermal heat
and seismic activity.
Construction started in 2008
The new route leaves the new Ankara - Sivas announced, after inspecting progress with civil and has involved overcoming
high-speed line at Yerköy, and will shorten the works on the 58km Toprakkale - Bahçe section. many hazards such as
distance by rail from Yerköy to Kayseri to This has 32 tunnels with a total length of landslides and mud surges,
142km from 170km via the existing conventional 16.5km, and six bridges and viaducts that are building the Lacanq River
line. 602m long in total. bridge to resist cross-winds,
Civil works will include the construction of 15 When the 200km/h double-track electrified and excavating the Dazhu
tunnels with a total length of 16km, as well as route is completed, the distance by rail from Mountain and Xiuling tunnels
118 highway underpasses, 18 highway Mersin to Gaziantep will be cut from 361km to through challenging rock strata.
overbridges and 184 culverts. According to the 295km and the journey time reduced from 6h China National Railway is
minister of transport and infrastructure, Mr Adil 23min to 2h 15min. operating seven pairs of
Karaismailoğlu, the new railway will transport 11 “We are also continuing construction, passenger trains per day on
million passengers and 650,000 tonnes of freight tendering and surveying work on a total of the new route, three running
annually between Ankara, Yerköy and Kayseri. 13,978km of railway lines across the country,” from Kunming to Baoshan and
Meanwhile, the high-speed line under Karaismailoğlu says. four from Dali to Baoshan.
Rail focus for infrastructure

development in the Philippines
T HE new president of the
Philippines, Mr Ferdinand
Marcos, has announced a new
Marcos also mentioned the
North-South Commuter
Railway (NSCR), running for
focus on developing the 147km from Clark to Calamba
country’s railway network. “It and serving 35 stations. It is
is clear in our mind that expected to have capacity for
railways offer great potential between 400,000 and 700,000
as they continue to be the passengers a day when it is
cheapest way of transporting operational by 2026-27.
goods and passengers,” Procurement for the Tutuban -
Marcos says. Malolos and Malolos - Clark
Rail projects underway in sections is 93% complete, with
the Philippines, include the the Manila - Tutuban -
102km Mindanao Railway, Calamba section 61% complete.
ÖBB awards maintenance vehicles contract to Plasser & Theurer:
which was to be resubmitted The Marcos administration
Austrian infrastructure manager ÖBB Infrastructure has
to the National Economic points to the great potential of
awarded Plasser & Theurer a €250m contract to supply 56
Development Authority for PPPs, which in facilitating
emissions-free maintenance vehicles, comprising 21
“funding reapproval.” Private infrastructure investment by
MultiCrafter, 29 CatenaryCrafter and six TransportUnit vehicles
finance is now expected to be a the private sector, would allow
equipped with the E³ electric hybrid drive. Plasser & Theurer
potential source of investment the allocation of limited public
says this is the largest single order in its history.
for this project. funds to other local priorities.

In brief
Lidar sensors tested freight trains to access the yard

at Venlo near the German
for shunting use border. ProRail says it is trying
to minimise disruption at a
3 D lidar sensors developed bottleneck but ACM has upheld

by Blickfeld of Germany a complaint brought by Dutch
have been supplied to an rail freight lobby group RailGood.
EU-funded research project ProRail must stop applying
aiming to improve the safety these conditions during 2023.
and efficiency of shunting
freight trains. Poland
The Shunting Assistant and Infrastructure manager PKP PLK
is undertaking a Zlotys 1.5bn
NEXT STOP
Monitoring Interface for
($US 324.3m) project to upgrade
Autonomous Rail Applications
(Samira) project is being the lines to the ports of Szczecin
and Świnoujście to increase
InnoTrans
undertaken by the University
of Applied Sciences in Aachen freight capacity. Under an 2022 Berlin
(FH Aachen), in conjunction agreement between PKP PLK
The future of mobility
with the Automotive and Rail and DB Network to upgrade
Innovation Centre (Aric) and the Berlin - Szczecin line, the
section from Szczecin Gumieńce September 20-23, 2022
rolling stock and component
manufacturer Reuschling. to the German border will be Hall 21b, Booth 150
Lidar sensors installed on electrified and resignalled,
the rear of the train enable the increasing line speeds from
driver in the cab to watch out 160km/h for passenger trains
for obstacles as the train reverses, and 120km/h for freight trains.
ending the need for a member
of staff to watch from the rear
Portugal
Portuguese Trains (CP) has
wagon and communicating
placed the first of its refurbished
with the driver by radio.
former Renfe Arco coaches into
Blickfeld has supplied its
service on the Minho Line
Cube 1 sensor with a field of
between Porto and Valença on
view of 70° and the Cube
the Spanish border. CP acquired
Range 1 for detecting obstacles
50 coaches from the Spanish
at a distance of up to 150m,
national operator in 2020, 36 of
providing clear rearward
vision even when traversing
curves. The semiconductor-
which were of the Arco type.
Nine coaches were suitable to
enter service immediately. The
PERFORMANCE
based sensing technology is
highly robust, Blickfeld says,
and is able to withstand the
remaining 27 coaches are
being refurbished at the CP ON TRACK®
rolling stock workshops in
shock and vibration experienced
Guifões, north of Porto.
during shunting operations.
Innovative System Solutions
The system also comprises a
stereo camera for close-range
Slovakia for Future-Proof Networks
Slovakian infrastructure manager
detection, two additional
ŽSR has called tenders to
cameras providing data for
upgrade the 14km Poprad
algorithm-based object detection
Tatry - Vydrník section of the
and a radar sensor. Information
double-track main line running
is converted to a live feed
from the capital Bratislava to
delivered to the driver via a
the Ukrainian border at Čierna voestalpine Railway Systems is the global leader for system
tablet computer and indicates
nad Tisou. The contract is solutions in the field of railway infrastructure, offering
whether there are any obstacles in
expected to be worth €221m. outstanding products, logistics and services for rails, turnouts,
the monitored area behind the
Slovakia must upgrade the
train. signaling and monitoring applications. A fully integrated
route to TEN-T standards by
“In addition to the immediate material chain and value-adding industry setups beyond steel
2030 and increase the
benefits such as operational
maximum line speed from enable voestalpine to understand the interdependencies of all
efficiency and personnel
110km/h to 160km/h. the track components in order to optimize the performance
safety, the introduction of
Slovenia
autonomous functions also has and life cycle cost of the system. With smart digital solutions
broader implications, such as Slovenian Railways (SŽ) is
voestalpine provides the basis for modern track management
promoting the smooth operation tendering for the purchase of 20 concepts to guarantee “Performance on Track®”.
of an entire train and thus bi-mode trains - either three-car
helping to make environmentally- bi-mode trains suitable for
friendly rail transport more operation under diesel power
attractive to the logistics or under 3kV dc electrification, voestalpine Railway Systems
industry,” says Mr Florian or three-car DMUs capable of
www.voestalpine.com/railway-systems
Petit, co-founder and chief future conversion into bi-mode
experience officer at Blickfeld.

News | headlines
British government should reconsider plans for north and midlands

T HE Commons Transport
Committee has asked the
British government to revisit
the evidence base for the
decisions it has reached in
drawing up the Integrated Rail
Plan for the north and midlands
(IRP), saying that alternative
options have not been properly
tested.
IRP was published in
November 2021, promising
£96bn of investment in rail
projects, including high-speed
lines and the Northern
Powerhouse Rail (NPR)
programme.
Following an inquiry which
took evidence from the
Department of Transport The Commons Transport Committee says the original
purpose of NPR, to support economic development
(DfT), Network Rail (NR) and
of the north of England by connecting its major
local politicians, the committee cities, is at risk. Photo: Shutterstock/ Bradley Caslin
has published a report on IRP
which requests thorough value and outcomes for the have disappointed cities such commitment to high-speed
reassessment “to ensure this taxpayer, the economy and as Leeds and Bradford. connections to Leeds, the
once in a generation investment local communities, the government Revised plans for the eastern report says. The committee
in rail is not a missed opportunity must “grasp the nettle” and leg of HS2 Phase 2b will see also asks the government to
to address regional imbalances.” make the necessary changes. the planned Birmingham - commit to supporting the
The report says that key The committee is concerned Leeds route terminate at East redevelopment of Leeds station
elements were left out of DfT’s that the case for the IRP is Midlands Parkway near by 2035.
analysis of the wider economic based on a best-case scenario Nottingham. The report says “The government must
impact of the different options which may not come to pass. that project promoter HS2 Ltd demonstrate the rationale for
set out for NPR, with the result The promised journey times was unable to tell the inquiry its decisions,” says Mr Huw
that value for money and may not be feasible and the how much the revised project Merriman, chair of the
economic return cannot be issue of how to increase would cost. The committee Commons Transport Select
compared and validated. The capacity for local passenger therefore calls on DfT to Committee. “An investment of
committee calls for a full services and freight has been publish an updated BCR for this substantial sum must be
analysis of these wider overlooked. The report also the entire HS2 project by based on the best evidence and
economic impacts, and that a says that the original purpose March 2023, including a direct the best value for money. It
full benefit:cost ratio (BCR) of NPR, to support economic comparison between the must bring the greatest overall
should be produced for the development of the north of original and revised plans for benefit to rail services, the
different NPR options. England by connecting its the eastern leg of Phase 2b. economy, environment and
If the results demonstrate major cities, is at risk due to Work is urgently needed to communities across the north
that other options offer better decisions taken by DfT, which demonstrate the government’s and midlands.”
Korail tests 777m-long freight train China revives rail link to Nepal
K OREAN operator Korail
has successfully
connections, Korail operates
freight trains over an average C HINA’s foreign minister,
Mr Wang Yi, has
announced that surveyors will
minister, Mr Khadga Prasad
Sharma Oli, had followed a
policy of closer relations with
completed a commercial test distance of only 257km.
of a 777m-long freight train, Research undertaken by the be sent to Nepal to examine China, his successor, Mr Sher
as it looks to overcome an China Academy of Railway the feasibility of building a Bahadur Deuba, has taken a
annual Won 200bn ($US 153.6m) Sciences (CARS) found that railway from the capital more pro-Western stance,
operating deficit in its freight rail is most competitive with Kathmandu to the city of ignoring a call from China to
business that has persisted road transport over distances Kyirong in southern Tibet. turn down a $US 500m grant
since the Covid-19 pandemic. of more than 700km. China and Nepal signed a from the United States.
The 50-wagon train ran for Korail president, Mr Na Memorandum of Understanding “No matter the changes to
402.3km from Seoul to Busan, Hee-seung, is following a new to build the 150km Kyirong - the international and regional
the first step towards the strategy to improve Korail’s Kathmandu route in 2018 under situations, China and Nepal
company’s goal to operate business environment and the Belt and Road Initiative have always firmly supported
64-wagon trains. Korail overcome its freight losses. (BRI). It was expected to open each other on issues concerning
currently operates 512m-long This includes introducing by 2025, but little progress has our core interests, and have
freight trains with 33 wagons. longer freight trains by been made, mainly due to the always stood side by side in
Due to its small cooperating with experts to high cost and technical the face of challenges,” Wang
geographical size and the lack solve the associated technical difficulty of building the line says. He also announced that
of international rail problems. through the Himalayas. China would provide Yuan 800m
While Nepal’s former prime ($US 118m) to Nepal this year.

Transnet seeks developers for
Boegoebaai port and rail links
AŽD
T RANSNET National Ports
Authority (TNPA) has
issued a Request for
feasibility study carried out by
TNPA in 2015. These include a
route running south from
Qualifications (RFQ) seeking to Boegoebaai and then eastwards
identify experienced via Gamsberg to Kenhardt on
developers to design, fund and the Sishen - Saldanha heavy-
build a new deep-water port at haul line, and an alternative
Boegoebaai in the Northern alignment that runs south
Cape province of South Africa, along the coast via Port
and a new 550km railway to
connect it to mining and
Nolloth and Kleinsee before
turning eastwards to join the
Traditional Czech supplier
industrial centres. Sishen - Saldanha route near of modern control
The project aims to provide Kanakies.
a cost-effective logistics The new connection to and signalling systems
solution for manganese exports Boegoebaai will be built to
from Northern Cape, which heavy-haul standards, with an
are constrained by high axleload of 30 tonnes on
transport costs and insufficient 1067mm-gauge track, and will
capacity on existing export be electrified at 50kV ac.
corridors. Operational design criteria
Respondents to the RFQ are include a maximum speed of
required to identify and cost 60km/h and a minimum curve
possible rail routes to radius of 300m. The maximum
Boegoebaai, which were the ruling gradient in both
subject of an initial pre- directions will be 1.25%.
NS and CSX work to cut emissions
Photo: NS
N ORTH American Class 1s

Norfolk Southern (NS)
and CSX are making progress
million litres of fuel annually,
and is using biofuel blends to
reduce carbon intensity.
towards meeting greenhouse CSX is working to reduce
gas emissions targets, greenhouse gas emissions by You will find us
according to their latest
sustainability reports. NS is
37.3% by 2030, based on the
2014 figure. Between 2014 and
at Innotrans 2022
seeking to make a 42% 2021 it achieved 42% of that from 20th of September
reduction in its Scope 1 goal by reducing emissions by
emissions by 2034, from 15.6%, as well as improving in hall 27, stand 650
sources controlled or owned fuel efficiency by 15.34%. The
by the railway such as company is testing hybrid
locomotive fuel combustion. locomotives and the use of
NS aims to upgrade 950 biofuels and liquefied natural gas.
locomotives by 2025, and Other initiatives include
equip 93% of its fleet, or 1550 recycling more than 9 million
locomotives, with energy- litres of used oil from locomotives
management technology. It and other equipment,
has used data to identify and chipping sleepers for reuse as
eliminate over 2000 hours of fuel, and managing the
engine idling per day, recycling of computers and
conserving in excess of 11.8 other electronic equipment.
www.azd.cz
IRJ September 2022
inzerce_caspois IRJ_88x254_OK.indd 1 27.07.2022 9:15:09

News | headlines
Poland’s CPK awards $US 1.49bn design framework Improved braking

could deliver 10%
capacity increase
B RAKING technology that
would allow trains to stop
within a consistent distance
has the potential to increase
capacity on commuter networks
by 10% without the need for
new infrastructure, Knorr-
Bremse says.
The company is developing
Reproducible Braking Distance
(RBD) technology which
combines a new wheelslide
protection system with smart
sanding and a deceleration
control system.
Knorr-Bremse says RBD has
“considerable potential,”
An artist’s impression of the new Solidarity Transport which has been demonstrated by
Hub airport station. Image: Zaha Hadid Architects
means of a study conducted
S OLIDARITY Transport
Hub (CPK), the company
taking forward Poland’s largest
eight-year framework, which
will enable CPK to select
contractors more efficiently
contract engineering services,
with an estimated total value
of Zlotys 2.5bn. The contract
with Nextrail and Via-Con,
based on operational simulations
of introducing ETCS and ATO
infrastructure programme and quickly under a simplified engineer will act on behalf of to the Hamburg S-Bahn network
centred on a new airport procurement procedure. CPK, providing contract operated by German Rail (DB).
between Warsaw and Łódź, Work within the framework management and the The study found that on dry
has selected 11 contractors to includes the preparation of supervision of design and rails, RBD could reduce headways
undertake design work for the designs for environmental construction work at all stages, and increase capacity by 10%.
2000km of new railways that approval and property including acceptance and When combined with ETCS
form part of the project. acquisition, construction commissioning. and ATO, the overall potential
With an estimated total value designs for obtaining planning The CPK rail investment capacity enhancement is 40%.
of Zlotys 7bn ($US 1.49bn), permission and detailed programme aims to offer a 2h In adverse weather conditions
CPK says that this is the largest designs, and documentation 30min journey between most when rails are wet and train
framework agreement of its for selecting construction Polish cities and the new wheels more likely to slip and
kind in Europe. A total of 11 contractors. airport, and includes a slide when braking, simulations
consortia bringing together 27 CPK has also appointed 20 Y-shaped route from Warsaw, demonstrated that RBD could
companies from Poland, Spain, contractors, including three CPK and Łódź to Wrocław and deliver significant improvements
France, Germany and Korea consortia, to a separate eight- Poznań, and a new line in punctuality, cutting delays
have been appointed to the year framework to provide between Katowice and Kraków. by up to 57%.
Croatia’s HŽPP to renew KRRI tests T2T communications

50% of fleet by 2024 for self-driving trains
C ROATIAN operator HŽ
Passenger Transport
(HŽPP) is to purchase 70 new
side, with capacity for 209
seated and 222 standing
passengers. The suburban
T HE Korean Railroad
Research Institute (KRRI)
is developing train-to-train
Data on nearby trains and
traffic flow, such as accident
information, is transmitted to
trains by 2024, renewing more trains will have eight doors per (T2T) communications the train to enable the
than 50% of its fleet. This side with capacity for 130 technology for self-driving autonomous driving system to
includes 21 EMUs ordered seated and 385 standing trains and, in what it says is a control operation in real time.
from Končar in 2020, including passengers. world first, has successfully KRRI says fast and reliable
11 suburban and 10 regional HŽPP has also ordered a tested data transmission communications are
trains. The first trains are due further batch of seven DEMUs between two vehicles using a particularly essential in the
to enter service in December, from Končar, due to be vehicle-mounted directional railway environment due to
with deliveries completed by delivered over the next two antenna. long train lengths and high
December 2023. The contract is years and financed by a The trials have been operating speeds.
worth Kunas 1.29bn ($US Eurofima loan of €31m. conducted on the Osong test “The self-driving train
174m), 85% funded by the They will join six trains track using two reduced-size system that determines the
European Union (EU). already in operation and will vehicles and an existing omni- operating conditions of trains
The 160km/h four-car low- each have capacity for 167 directional antenna, and have is one step closer to
floor trains will be equipped seated and 175 standing demonstrated that data can be commercialisation,” says Mr
with ramps for passengers in passengers. The three-car low- transmitted and received at Jeong Rak-gyo, head of the
wheelchairs. The regional floor DMUs have a maximum distances of up to 2km in open Smart Electrical Signals
EMUs will have four doors per speed of 160km/h. air and up to 4km in tunnels. Division at KRRI.

In brief
ONCF completes study into trains. If proposing DMUs,

bidders must demonstrate that
obtained certification under
the EU Technical Specification
first phase of high-speed line conversion would be feasible. for Interoperability covering
freight wagons (WAG TSI).
Spain The company is now looking to
Since mid-August passengers shift its focus to the European
have been able to apply for free market following Russia’s
season tickets to travel on Renfe’s invasion of Ukraine. Two of
metre-gauge and broad-gauge its prototype 24.38-metre Sggrs
suburban and conventional wagons for carrying containers
medium-distance services, will now begin the type
under a scheme introduced by approval and operational
Spain’s Ministry of Transport, acceptance process.
Mobility and the Urban Agenda
(Mitma). The free tickets will be Vietnam
valid September 1 - December 31. The Ministry of Transport has
• Open-access operator Ilsa approved a Dong 1.2 trillion
has begun technical trials on ($US 51m) renovation and
the Madrid - Barcelona route upgrade of the 996km Vinh -
with an ETR 400 train, one of Nha Trang line forming part
the fleet of 20 being supplied of the country’s North-South
M
by Hitachi Rail. Ilsa is planning Railway. The Railway Project
OROCCAN National border. The country’s first
to start operation between Management Board, under
Railways (ONCF) has high-speed line, running for
Madrid and Barcelona under the Ministry of Transport,
completed a feasibility study 323km from Tangier to
the Iryo brand by the end of 2022. has been assigned the role of
for a high-speed line from the Casablanca, has cut travel
investor in modernising
capital Rabat to Fez, 200km to
the east. The study has covered
times between the two cities
from nearly five to just over two
Ukraine bridges and stations along the
Rolling stock manufacturer metre-gauge line. The provinces
the first phase of the project, hours since it opened in 2018.
Kryukovsky Railway Car Building and cities along the route
the 150km section from Rabat An extension is proposed
Works (KVSZ) says one of its will carry out day-to-day
to Meknes. ONCF now plans from Casablanca to Marrakech
wagons has successfully management of the project. IRJ
to conduct a social and and Agadir, estimated to cost
environmental impact study. $US 7bn. Once complete,
Known as the Maghreb Line, Morocco’s high-speed network
Rabat - Fez is the next stage of would connect 43 cities, 14
Morocco’s ambitious high- ports and 12 airports, boosting
Photo: © AVG | Paul Gärtner
speed rail programme, and in rail’s share of the public

the longer term will eventually transport market from 51% to
reach Oujda on the Algerian 87%, ONCF says.
Visit us:
Data collaboration to improve Hall 2.1

Stand 440
single wagon flows
C HEMICAL manufacturer
Arkema, French national
freight operator Fret SNCF, and
Avre in France, which was
compared with the freight
operator’s own data. By cross-
technology supplier Everysens referencing the GPS points of
have announced the initial the wagons with points
results of a project aimed at crossed by the wagons such as
improving the performance of stations, junctions, and The Rail-INITiative
single wagon traffic by workshops, it was possible to
combining data. measure the actual transit time As a leading provider of comprehensive ITS solutions for
Fret SNCF moves nearly 4000 and identify bottlenecks. A bus and rail, INIT supports transport providers in
insulated wagons for Arkema second phase compared mastering all their operational tasks – for all modes of
every year, but determining theoretical transit times with
public transport. With its Rail-INITiative, INIT is now
the estimated time of arrival actual performance.
“Everything that can be extending its offer for providers of rail transport by
(ETA) remains challenging.
Arkema began working with measured can be improved,” covering particular rail operations' requirements.
Everysens to manage its rail says Mr Pierre Boutin, director
Rail requirements in ITCS and RTPI
logistics in October 2020, with of the single wagon transport
Everysens equipping Arkema’s recovery programme at Fret Rail certified on-board computer
full wagon fleet with GPS SNCF. “Following this
beacons to provide a reliable analysis, Fret SNCF has set up Automatic passenger counting
ETA that is updated in real time. an action plan on this flow Crowd management
Arkema provided Fret SNCF with our local entities and
with its own real-time GPS service providers. Our Talk to us!
data gathered over three objective is to find the causes
months on the route between of wagon immobilisation and [email protected] The Future of Mobility
www.initse.com
Ghent in Belgium and Saint- reduce these waiting times.”

News | transit
Melbourne suburban loop cost estimate rises to $A 125bn

A question mark hangs over
Melbourne’s Suburban
Rail Loop (SRL) after the
he would scrap the project if
his Liberal Party wins the
November state election.
Victorian Parliament’s Budget The original cost of the full
Office published a report loop, the largest infrastructure
saying the cost of the first two project in the state’s history,
sections could increase to over was originally estimated at
$A 125bn ($US 85.9bn), more more than $A 50bn. The
than double the original Budget Office report did not
estimate. cost the final stage of the loop,
A further setback for the which includes a line linking
project, a 90km orbital line Werribee and Melbourne Airport.
linking all major suburban rail The first two planned stages, An artist’s impression of Monash Station, part of the Suburban Rail Loop
lines, came when the Victorian SRL East and SRL North, East. Image: Victorian State Government
state opposition leader, Mr would be 60km long with 13 and Melbourne Airport. Work which the state government
Matthew Guy, announced that stations between Cheltenham began on SRL East in June, for has allocated $A 11bn.
Calgary Green First instalment paid for São Paulo Metro Line 6
Line moves B RAZIL’s National Bank for Economic and
Social Development (BNDES) has released
Total investment in the project is Reais 17bn,
financed by 11 banks, including BNDES, under a
forward Reais 2.9bn ($US 570m) to São Paulo metro project finance non-recourse model, in which
T
construction and operating concessionaire risk is mitigated with guarantee and insurance
HE project to build the
Concessionária Linha Universidade (CLU) as part operations. Private financial institutions are
46km Green Line light rail
of a financing agreement for the construction of guaranteeing up to 48% of debt during the
route in Calgary, Canada, has
Line 6, for which BNDES is providing a total of construction and start-up period.
moved forward with the
Reais 6.9bn. Line 6 will be 15.3km long with 15 stations and
Request for Qualification
CLU comprises civil works contractor Acciona, is expected to carry 650,000 passengers a day.
(RFQ) process for Phase 1
investment bank Société Générale and STOA, an Construction should be complete in September
progressing to the Request for
infrastructure and investment company owned 2025, when CLU will then operate the route for 19
Proposal (RFP) stage. The
by Caisse des Dépôts and AFD. Transdev is also years. Line 6 is the largest urban transport project
Canadian government is
participating. currently under development in Latin America.
providing $C 1.53bn ($US 1.22bn)
for the Green Line with the
Lagos to open 37km Red Line in 2023

province of Alberta and the city
of Calgary contributing $C 1.53bn
and $C 1.59bn respectively.
Phase 1 comprises the
construction of the 18km core
Shepard - Eau Claire section,
with 13 underground and
elevated stations, three park
and ride facilities and an LRV
maintenance storage depot.
The project will be executed
under a Design-Build-Finance
(DBF) model.
Bow Street Connectors and
City Link Partners have now
been approved by the Green
Line project board to move on
to the RFP stage. Bow Street
Connectors is a partnership of
Barnard Constructors of
Canada, Flatiron Constructors
Canada and WSP Canada. City
Link Partners comprises Aecon
L AGOS state governor, Mr
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has
announced that the 37km
phase will run from Agbado to
Oyingbo with eight stations
and will reduce travel times by
entire project will be completed
by the end of the year.”
The proposed LRMT
Infrastructure Management, Lagos Rail Mass Transit two hours. A planned second network comprises six major
Dragados Canada, Acciona (LRMT) Red Line is due to phase will extend the line to rail corridors and a monorail to
Infrastructure Canada, Parsons open on schedule in the first Iddo, adding three stations. serve corridors with high
and Aecom Canada. quarter of 2023, with construction “The civil work has been commuter demand.
The RFP result will be in Nigeria’s largest city now in completed, it’s just the Construction is still underway
released by the end of the the final phase. finishing job we are doing at on the 27km Blue Line from
third quarter of 2022, with a The Red Line will have the moment,” Sanwo-Olu says. Marina to Okokomaiko,
development partner selected capacity for over 500,000 “All the activities are on originally due to be completed
in early 2023. passengers a day. The first schedule and we hope the in 2016.

In brief
Opening of Edmonton’s Valley Line Bangkok contract covers the operation

of 10.8 million train-km a year.
Northern Bangkok Monorail has
Southeast delayed by cracks signed a Baht 4bn ($US 111.4m)
contract with property developer
Ludwigsburg
T HE Valley Line Southeast the need to strengthen some The local council in the German
Bangkok Land to build a 3km
light rail route in of the piers. TransEd was state of Baden-Württemberg has
branch from the MRT Pink
Edmonton, Canada, has not working with the city authorities approved plans first presented
Line to the Muang Thong
entered service this summer to determine the additional in 2020 to build a light rail
Thani development, adding
as scheduled, following the construction work required. system, replacing a project to
two stations to the monorail.
discovery of cracks in piers The Valley Line Southeast build an 11km bus rapid
• The Mass Rapid Transit
supporting elevated sections. route has been under transit system. The light rail
Authority of Thailand has
This is the fourth time that construction since 2016 and line will be up to 28km long,
received two bids for a PPP
opening has been postponed, runs for 13.1km from the running for 8km along the
contract to fund, design and
with the previous delay due centre of Edmonton to Mill alignment of a former railway
build the western section of
to disruption caused by the Woods, with 11 stops. These between Ludwigsburg and
the metro Orange Line in
global Covid-19 pandemic. include an elevated station Markgröningen that closed to
Bangkok, which will run for
Announcing the latest incorporating a bus interchange passenger services in 1975.
13.4km from Thailand Cultural
postponement, Mr Ronald and a park and ride facility, as
Joncas, CEO of transport well as an interchange with
Centre to Bang Khun Non. The
contract is worth Baht 140bn
Manila
authority TransEd, said that Edmonton’s two existing LRT The Philippines government is
($US 3.9bn). to call tenders to design and
preliminary findings indicated routes at Churchill Square.
build a 3km extension of the
Barcelona
Funding for Rome light rail
LRT-2 elevated metro, looking
Metropolitan transport authority to award a public-private
ATM has awarded Alstom a partnership contract including
and metro projects agreed contract to supply its APS
ground-based traction power
maintenance and overhaul of
the LRT-2 train fleet. Extending
R OME city council has approved a funding agreement reached supply system for the first LRT-2 westwards from Recto
with the Ministry of Sustainable Infrastructure and Mobility phase of the Barcelona Diagonal to Tondo has an estimated cost
that will see a total of €456m provided for public transport light rail route, a 3.9km of Pesos 10.1bn ($US 181m),
projects. Of this, €184m is allocated to building a light rail route connection between the including the construction of
to Palmiro Togliatti railway station to the east of the city centre. Trambaix and Trambesos three new stations at Tutuban,
The funding agreement also provides €159m to finance the networks along the Avinguda Divisoria and Pier 4.
purchase of 40 new LRVs, and €23.5m for the construction of a Diagonal.
new light rail route from Verano to Tiburtina. Perth
A total of €90m has been allocated to the extension of Rome Birmingham The Public Transport Authority
metro Line C from San Giovanni to Piazza Venezia. This will fund Phase 2 of the Westside light of Western Australia has
the construction of two connecting tunnels between the running rail extension project has been awarded Nokia and Networks
tunnels on section T3 in the Fori Imperali area and the purchase completed with the opening of Australia a $A 327m ($US 230.7m)
of six new trains. It will also support work to upgrade the the 1.3km route from Library contract to design, build and
interchange between Line C and Line A at San Giovanni in order to Edgbaston Village, with maintain a next-generation
to meet the latest fire safety regulations. intermediate stops at Brindley communications system for
Place and Five Ways. The project, the Metronet network over the
including Phase 1 between Grand next decade. Nokia will build
Central and Library which over 160 LTE/4.9G radio sites,
opened in 2019, cost £149m. covering 250km of railway, which
will support CBTC signalling.
Canberra
The Canberra Metro consortium Quito
has been awarded a contract to A consortium of Metro Medellín
supply five additional LRVs of Colombia and Transdev has
equipped with batteries to been selected to operate the
operate on new extensions that 22.5km metro which is due to
will be built without overhead open in December. The six-
wires, including the 1.7km year operating contract was
Stage 2A from Alinga Street to due to be signed at the end of
Commonwealth Park. August, in order for rolling
Consortium member CAF is to stock testing and trial operations
supply the LRVs which will be to begin in October.
delivered from 2024.
Santiago
Karlsruhe Systra has been awarded a
Baden-Württemberg municipal contract to design the 26km
CRRC Tangshan rolls out first LRV for Porto: The first of 18 LRVs operator Albtal Transport metro Line 7 from Renca to
that CRRC Tangshan is building for Porto Metro has rolled off (AVG) will continue to operate Vitcura, expected to open in
the production line. Porto Metro signed a €49.6m contract in tram-train services in 2027 at a cost of $US 2.5bn. It
January 2020 for the new fleet, which includes five years’ Karlsruhe after the direct will also oversee rolling stock
maintenance. The bi-directional, four-section LRVs will each award of a 15-year contract. procurement and workshop
have capacity for 252 passengers and seats for 64. Starting in December, the new design. IRJ

News | financial
SNCF hails encouraging first half results German Rail

says it is “back
in the black”
G ERMAN Rail (DB) has
reported its first positive
operating result since the start
of the Covid-19 pandemic. In
the first half of 2022 it reported
an operating profit (adjusted for
Ebit) of €876m, after consolidated
sales increased by 28.4%
compared with 2021 to reach
€28bn. In 2021 DB recorded an
operating loss of €1.6bn and in
2020 an after-tax loss of €5.7bn.
In the first half of 2022, DB’s
consolidated operating result
improved by €1.9bn when
compared with 2021. Logistics
subsidiary DB Schenker made
the largest contribution, its
operating profit of €1.2bn double
the figure recorded in 2021.
At DB Cargo, there was a 5.6%
The number of leisure travellers riding on SNCF services increase in revenue and a 1.2%
rose by 57% compared with 2021 and by 8% compared
with 2019. Photo: David Gubler
rise in tonne-km, but the freight
sector suffered from the effects
F RENCH National Railways

(SNCF) has announced
what it describes as
compared with 2019, there
were signs of a return since the
spring.
of 2022 demonstrate the
resilience and capacity for
adaptation of the group in a
of the war in Ukraine and
capacity restrictions on the
German rail network due to
encouraging results for the first Public transport subsidiary period still marked by the ongoing upgrade work (p30).
half of 2022. Revenue was Keolis reported a continuing health crisis and inflationary Revenue increased significantly
€20.3bn, up 27% on the first recovery in passenger pressure,” says Mr Jean-Pierre in DB’s core business, with
half of 2021 and 14% on the numbers, adapting to the Farandou, SNCF group 59.1 million passengers using
first half of 2019. Ebita Covid-19 crisis and increasing managing director. its long-distance trains in the
significantly increased to reach energy costs. Turnover was up “These results are in line first six months of 2022, 11.7%
€3bn, up from €1.6bn in 2021. by 8% on 2021, and by 2% on with the commitment made to up on 2021. DB local services
SNCF Passengers reported 2019. the state as shareholder in the were used by 725 million
increases in high-speed leisure Revenue at logistics and context of the 2018 rail reform passengers, up 60% on the
traffic in France and abroad, supply chain division Geodis programme,” Farandou says. year before.
with a sharp resurgence in the was up 34% compared with “The government taking on “The turnaround has been
number of passengers from 2021, and 67% on 2019. This €35bn of SNCF debt should be successful,” says DB CEO, Dr
March. Turnover was up 36% strong performance has been accompanied by a turnaround Richard Lutz. “The quick
on 2021, although down 4% on driven by freight forwarding, in the financial trajectory with return of our passengers
2019. The number of leisure distribution, express and road a target of positive free cash shows that it was absolutely
travellers rose by 57% transport activities, SNCF says, flow from 2022. This objective right to stay on course, even in
compared with 2021 and by 8% although contract logistics is now on track to be achieved, difficult times, and to position
compared with 2019. Although continues to make rapid despite a deteriorating ourselves for strong growth
the number of business progress. economic and geopolitical with new trains, better offers
travellers declined by 10% “The results for the first half situation.” and more staff.”
Akiem shareholders approve sale to Canada’s CDPQ

T HE shareholders of French
rolling stock leasing
company Akiem have agreed
formerly Deutsche Asset
Management.
CDPQ’s offer is subject to
electric freight locomotives.
The sale of a 50% stake to DWS
took place in 2016, and in 2020
fully in line with SNCF
Group’s strategy to become a
global leader in sustainable
to enter into exclusive the usual consultation with Akiem took over 200 mobility for people and
negotiations with Canadian employee representative bodies locomotives from Macquarie freight,” says SNCF deputy
pension fund Caisse de dépôt within SNCF and Akiem, and European Rail. Akiem CEO, financial strategy, Mr
et placement du Québec the transaction is also subject currently owns 750 Laurent Trevisani. “This
(CDPQ) for the sale of the to the approval from locomotives and 46 passenger transaction will provide
company. Akiem is currently competition authorities. multiple-units, mainly financing for our core activities
owned 50:50 by French Akiem was created as an operating in France and and the group’s future growth
National Railways (SNCF) and SNCF subsidiary in 2008 to Germany. while accelerating debt
German company DWS, takeover 280 surplus diesel and “This plan to sell Akiem is reduction.”

In brief
MRS Logistics commits to major Albania

The European Bank for
€110m for the first phase of an
upgrade of the route from Sofia
investment in renewed concession Reconstruction and to the border with Serbia. The
33.4km single-track Voluyak -
B RAZILIAN freight railway increase intermodal volumes Development (EBRD) is to
lend €62.9m to Albanian Dragoman section will be
MRS Logistics has signed a by a factor of seven and double upgraded, a second electrified
new 30-year concession to the volume of general freight, Railways (HSH) for the €267m
rehabilitation of the 120km track laid and signalling updated.
operate and maintain its including construction
Vore - Hani i Hotit line from
1643km network in the states materials, steel and
agricultural products. near Tirana to the Montenegro Czech Republic
of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro ČD Cargo has ordered a further
and São Paulo. The deal The Reais 11bn investment border. The upgrade is
expected to be co-financed by 10 Siemens Vectron MS
includes investment of Reais includes Reais 6.2bn for
the European Investment Bank locomotives to operate in the
11bn ($US 2.13bn), which MRS capacity expansion and
(EIB) and the EU. Czech Republic, Slovakia,
says will help to improve performance improvement,
Hungary, Poland, Austria,
productivity and diversify its which will fund the
traffic mix. construction and extension of Australia Germany, the Netherlands and
Freight operator Aurizon has Belgium. The four-voltage
The new concession starts in yards, track remodelling, and
reported substantial interest locomotives will be equipped
November 2026 and the acquisition of locomotives
incorporates the MRS and wagons to support from potential purchasers of with ETCS Level 2 Baseline 3 and
Investment Plan, developed growth. East Coast Rail (ECR), the deliveries are scheduled to take
with the Ministry of A further Reais 3.7bn is former One Rail Australia place in the second half of 2024.
Infrastructure and the National allocated to work deemed in (ORA) coal haulage business
Land Transport Agency. The the public interest, such as that it undertook to divest in Europe
plan has three pillars: capacity investment to improve urban order to secure regulatory Leasing company Mitsui Rail
expansion and compliance transport, including the approval for the acquisition of Capital Europe (MRCE) has
with performance parameters; segregation of lines also used ORA, completed in July. exercised an option in its
investment in the public by São Paulo Metropolitan Aurizon expects to receive contract with Siemens for an
interest; and work to minimise Trains Company (CPTM). non-binding offers for ECR in additional 14 160km/h Vectron
the impact of rail operations in Reais 1.1bn will be spent in September and select a MS locomotives, which will
urban areas. urban areas to reduce conflicts purchaser in the fourth quarter bring its total fleet of this type
Four new intermodal hubs with road traffic and improve of 2022. to 147 units. Equipped to take
will be built at Mooca and safety, including the traction current at 1.5kV dc,
Lapa in São Paulo, Queimados, construction of viaducts, Bulgaria 3kV dc, 15kV 16.7Hz and 25kV
Rio de Janeiro, and Igarapé, underpasses, footbridges and The European Union’s (EU) 50Hz, they will have a
Minas Gerais. MRS hopes to fences. Cohesion Fund is to provide maximum output of 6.4MW.
News | financial In brief
Union Pacific signs $US 1bn locomotive France

French National Railways’ (SNCF)
upgrade contract with Wabtec

has exercised an option for
Alstom to supply 15 four-voltage
Avelia Horizon high-speed
trains, worth €590m. SNCF
awarded Alstom a €2.7bn
contract to supply 100 dual-
voltage Avelia Horizon trains
in July 2018.
Germany
Colas Rail has signed a share
purchase agreement to acquire
Hasselmann Group, which has
300 employees and recorded
revenue of €70m in 2021.
Hasselmann has three operating
companies active in the fields
of infrastructure, track and
safety, which work mainly as
contractors to German Rail (DB)
on its conventional lines in the
U NITED States Class 1
Union Pacific (UP) has
signed a $US 1bn deal with
of UP’s AC4400 and AC6000
locomotives, and 75 Dash-9s.
This will include the FDL
emissions per locomotive by
350 tonnes a year, says Wabtec.
“Wabtec’s modernisation
states of Hesse and Saxony.
• DB has ordered 19 four-car
Flirt EMUs from Stadler for
Wabtec to modernise 600 Advantage engine upgrade to programme helps make our
use on the MoselLux network,
freight locomotives to increase deliver significant savings in existing fleet more fuel efficient,
which DB Regio is to operate
fuel efficiency and power fuel consumption, better air capable and reliable,” says Mr
under a contract awarded by
output, while reducing carbon handling and improved Lance Fritz, chairman, president
the transport authority of the
emissions. UP says the contract injection. The programme is and CEO of UP. “The resulting
state of Rhineland-Palatinate,
is “the largest investment in expected to extend locomotive increased tractive power enables
SPNV-Nord, and the transport
modernised locomotives in rail life, improve fuel efficiency by us to move more freight with
industry history.” 18% and increase reliability by fewer locomotives, which improves ministry of Saarland. The EMUs
Wabtec will modernise 525 80%, as well as reducing CO2 efficiency and reduces emissions.” will be used on the Moselle
Valley route between Koblenz,
Transnet performance improving, says government report Trier and Luxembourg, as well as
the Koblenz - Trier - Perl route.
F REIGHT operator Transnet is steadily

improving its performance and has made
progress in improving its financial position to
the private sector in respect of 16 train paths
that Transnet is making available between
Durban and the City Deep terminal in
South Africa
Freight operator Transnet has
enable greater investment, says South Africa’s Johannesburg, and on the route from Pretoria to asked the high court of South
finance minister, Mr Enoch Godongwana. East London. Africa to compel CRRC to
The minister said that the country had “It is important to recognise that this is only make available spare parts for
experienced significant challenges with its the first step in enabling third-party access to 53 class 20E and 67 class 21E
railway and infrastructure, the result of the rail freight network,” Godongwana says. electric locomotives, which
“security issues, inadequate investment in Expected to enter law in the coming months, have been out of service for
equipment, procurement processes that were the Economic Regulation of Transport Bill will some time due to a lack of
tainted by state capture, and poor operational establish an independent Transport Economic imported components.
performance.” Regulator to oversee non-discriminatory access Transnet ordered 95 class 20E
“However, Transnet is steadily improving its to the Transnet network. Rail infrastructure will and 100 class 21E locomotives
performance and has made progress in remain state-owned, while these reforms are from CRRC Zhuzhou, with
improving its financial position to enable greater intended to encourage competition in freight some production undertaken
investment going forward,” Godongwana says. operations to improve efficiency and leverage locally in South Africa.
A request for proposals was to be issued to private-sector investment.
United States
Omani group to invest $US 2.3bn in Jacobabad - Gwadar line Russian steel and mining
P
company Evraz is to leave the
AKISTAN’s Board of chairman, Dr Anvwar Al A feasibility study by
North American market where
Investment (BoI) says that Balushi, which also included Railcop found that Pakistan’s
its is one of the largest
a group led by Anvwar Asian Railway Constructions Pakistan existing rail infrastructure
suppliers of steel rail and
Investments (AAI) of Oman is (Railcop) CEO, Mr Syed Najam would be unable to accommodate
wheels, after coming under
ready to invest $US 2.3bn in a Saeed, and Mr Tauseef Zaman, the increase in traffic forecast
new 1087km railway between CEO of BIL Pakistan. when projects are completed increased US government
Jacobabad and Gwadar, the According to BoI, AAI is under the China-Pakistan scrutiny following Russia’s
Arabian Sea port that is 70km ready to provide an immediate Economic Corridor (CPEC) invasion of Ukraine. Evraz is
from the border with Iran. tranche of $US 500m for programme, part of the Belt to dispose of its North
BoI federal minister, Mr Jacobabad - Gwadar, as well as and Road Initiative (BRI). American subsidiaries which
Chaudhary Salik Hussain, met financing and loans for other CPEC aims to connect Gwadar include steel mills in Pueblo,
with a delegation led by AAI railway projects. with Xinjiang province in China. Colorado. IRJ

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News | analysis
Rail industry set for growth in uncertain times
Soaring steel prices and a lack of components are driving up

prices in the OEM market, for rolling stock spare parts and
in the infrastructure sector. Photo: Shutterstock/ Praphan Jampala
Despite the impact of the energy crisis, the war in Ukraine and the Covid-19 pandemic, the railway supply
industry can expect growth, as Maria Leenen and Alexander Borchers* of SCI Verkehr explain, drawing on
Global
the findings of the consultancy’s globalra il indus
railway markettry maforrke
study t
2022.
T HE worldwide market
volume of the railway
supply industry is currently
western nations following the
invasion. Western companies
have mostly left Russia and
steel and aluminium. Soaring
steel prices and a lack of
components are driving up
Furthermore, the
consequences of the Covid-19
pandemic have not yet been
around €190bn, about the existing projects have been put prices in the OEM market, for overcome. China, by far the
same level as during the on hold. Western rolling stock spare parts and in most important railway
previous three years. Disrupted Tindustrialised
he global racountries
il markein
t will grow
theainfrastructure
t a CAGR ofsector.
4.3%Inuntil 202 6
industry market, is still
supply chains and restrictions Europe and North America are Europe, there is also the threat fighting against new outbreaks
imposed to tackle the global struggling with high energy of an extended energy and of the disease with tough
Covid-19 crisis have recently and consumer prices, and the economic crisis if gas supplies lockdowns. As a result, not
slowed the industry down, but railway industry is particularly from Russia are further reduced only are the metros in major
we expect the market to still affected by its dependency on or even cut off completely. cities and national rail freight
CIS
grow by 1.4% annually
without inflation. Driven by Figure 1: Global rail industry market €22.7bn
price increases, the market will Europe  5.9%
reach €236bn by 2026, a
North America €62.5bn
CIS
growth of 4.3% per year.
The current and future €27.6bn  4.2%€22.7bn
Europe  5.9%
market environment is  4.5%
characterised by the greatest
North America €62.5bn Asia
€27.6bn  4.2%
uncertainty in decades. War,  4.5%
€6
Asia
inflation and currency fluctuations €62.1bn  3.
are all posing challenges for  3.2%
global forecasters. The Russian
invasion of Ukraine on February
24 2022 was something of a Africa /Middle
Africa/Middle East East
watershed moment. Existing €7.5bn
€7.5bn
South/Central America  6.4%
partnerships were destroyed
South/Central
€3.7bn America  6.4% Australia
overnight and new alliances  8.2% €3.7bn €4.3bn
are emerging, with the world  2.6%
order set to undergo significant  8.2%
change in the coming years.
Russia is the world’s third-
The global rail market will grow at a CAGR of 4.3% until 2026.
largest railway market, and
Average
Ave ra ge market
ma rke tvolume
volume2020-2022
2020-2022;  CAGR
CAGR2021-2026
2021-2026
has been heavily sanctioned by
S ource : MultiClie nt s tudy „Worldwide Ma rke t for Ra ilwa y Indus trie s ”
© S CI Ve rke hr GmbH / www.s ci.de / 19.08.2022
Figure 2: Top 10 worldwide railway markets (2021, € billion) longer be executed within the
funding available and construction
China work has to be postponed.
Although SCI Verkehr
USA
expects budgets to be adjusted
Russia in the coming years, especially
Germany in Europe, the high prices are
India
limiting the prospects for new
projects. This means that
France digitalisation of the network to
Japan create additional capacity on
United Kingdom existing infrastructure is
becoming even more important
Italy
to meet modal shift targets.
Canada
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 Digital technology
OEM After-sales
The market volume for
Market volume includes rolling stock, infrastructure and system technology. railway system technology
stood at €21bn in 2021. Despite
traffic at a standstill, but the railway industry is accounted for by 2.8% to around €53bn by most governments and public
manufacture of important by the rolling stock segment. 2026. Growth is especially authorities around the world
products and their supply The current market volume is driven by the rising costs of facing tight budgets for the
chains are also being disrupted, €123bn and will grow significantly raw materials. Steel prices in foreseeable future, SCI
with global repercussions. at a compound annual growth particular have risen, but so Verkehr expects the market for
150 rate (CAGR) of 5.1% until has concrete where 6% the price has railway system technology to
2026. One driver is the high increased significantly due to grow in the period up to 2026.
Outlook still positive inflation rates that the IMF Covid-19 and the war in Ukraine, This is mostly because the
Despite these market expects in the coming years in a development which presents capacity of the existing railway
uncertainties, the railway important regions such as challenges for infrastructure systems has reached its limit
industry
100 is still optimistic about Europe and the CIS. Without managers around4% the world. in many parts of the world
the future. In SCI Verkehr’s inflation, SCI Verkehr forecasts Many planned projects can no and networks are no longer
industry barometer, the Global notable growth of 2.1% in the
Rail Index, 40% of senior market, and growing fleets are
managers expected positive also driving the after-sales
www.lenord.com
business development in the market.
50 2%
upcoming quarter. Large New rolling stock is
corporations such as Siemens especially in demand in the
are reporting record order freight sector. State-of-the-art
intakes. The railway continues wagons increase productivity,
to be seen as important in and powerful electric locomotives
reducing0 emissions in the fight meet more demanding 0%
against the climateInfrastructure
crisis. In System technology
operational requirements. Rolling stock
countries with a growing Shunting locomotives are
urban population, such as increasingly being converted
India, the railway remains to emissions-free power, and
essential in moving people
and goods and preventing
the development of alternatives
for mainline diesel locomotives The perfect sensor
cities from grinding to a is in full swing. SCI Verkehr
1 standstill. However, a recession,
CRRC
CRRC
forecasts significant growth in for your application
be it global or in key markets, the OEM market for rail
2
the railwayAlstom
3
would impact Alstom/Bombardier freight assets with a CAGR of
over 8% until 2026. It’s your choice: Extensive standard
3 industry. SCI Verkehr has
Siemens Mobility
Siemens
assumed no negative Mobility
economic The railway infrastructure portfolio or customized variants
4 growth, in line with Hitachi
World Rail market is worth around €46bn, Your advantages:
Bank data. Hitachi Rail which corresponds to a Flexible and easy integration
5 Almost two-thirds of the Wabtec quarter of the global railway
Wabtec Reliable and proven on rail rolling
global market volume of the industry market. It will grow stock for decades
6 Transmashholding
Transmashholding
Low life-cycle costs
7 Stadler Rail

Stadler Rail Let us advise you on the right sensor

8 Knorr Bremse solution for your next project!

Knorr Bremse
InnoTrans Berlin, hall 27, booth 561
9 CAF

CAF
10 The Greenbrier Companies

The Greenbrier Companies

0
*Maria Leenen (left) is CEO and Alexander
5
Borchers
10 15 20 25
0 5 (right) senior10 15 20 25
manager at SCI Verkehr. Revenue 2021 (€ bn)
Revenue 2020 (EUR bn)
1
IRJ September
Revenue 2022
partly estimated. Financial years ending in the first half of 2022 have been assigned to the year 2021. 23
2 Foreign currencies have been converted with
Japan
Canada
United Kingdom
Italy 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Canada OEM After-sales
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
OEM After-sales
News | analysis
Figure 3: Development by segment The Asian market is driven by
rolling stock while the
150 6%
infrastructure market will not
150 6% grow significantly in the
coming years. Uncertainties in
the market are caused by the
Chinese government’s tough
100 4%
100 4%
measures to contain Covid-19,
which are causing lockdowns
of important production
facilities and ports.
Despite the war in Ukraine,
50
50 2% 2% SCI Verkehr forecasts
significant growth in the CIS
of 5.9% which will be driven
by the forecast for high
inflation in Russia. In terms of
0 0%
0 Infrastructure System technology Rolling stock
0% units, however, SCI Verkehr
Infrastructure System technology Rolling stock sees a decline in deliveries
Market volume and market development by main product segment.
here, and the OEM market for
rolling stock as measured in
Figure 4: Top 10 railway suppliers by estimated rail revenue 20211 (€ billion2) units will shrink by 2.6% a
year up to 2026. Making
1 accurate forecasts for this
CRRC
CRRC region is particularly
12 CRRC
Alstom
CRRC
Alstom/Bombardier
3
challenging because of the war
23 as its duration and the future
Alstom3
Siemens Mobility
Alstom/Bombardier
Siemens Mobility behaviour of Russia and the
34 Hitachi Rail
Siemens
HitachiMobility
Rail west will strongly influence
Siemens Mobility developments. In addition,
45 Wabtec
Hitachi
WabtecRail exchange rate fluctuations and
Hitachi Rail
6 Transmashholding politically motivated
5 Transmashholding
Wabtec
7 Wabtec
Stadler Rail interventions in the market,

6 Stadler Rail such as prioritising war

Transmashholding
8 Transmashholding
Knorr Bremse production, make accurate

Knorr Bremse
7 Stadler Rail

9 Stadler
CAFRail forecasting more difficult. In

CAF Ukraine, the second largest

810 Knorr Bremse

The Greenbrier Companies market in the CIS region, SCI

The Greenbrier Knorr Bremse

Companies
9 CAF Verkehr expects rapid

CAF0 5 10 15 20 25
0 5 10 15 20 25 reconstruction support from
10 The Greenbrier Companies Revenue 2021 (€ bn) European companies

The Greenbrier Companies Revenue 2020 (EUR bn)

1Revenue partly estimated. Financial years ending in the first half of 2022 have been assigned to the year 2021. 2Foreign
1 Revenue partly estimated. Financial years ending in the first half of 2022 have been assigned to the year 2021. following the war’s conclusion.
0 5 10 15 20 25
With a turnover of almost
currencies have been converted with the average 0 yearly exchange5 rate. 3Including 10 Bombardier. 15 20 25
Revenue 2021 (€ bn) €20bn, CRRC of China remains
operating in an effective manner. purchasing argument, Revenue 2020 network(EUR bn) single markets, China stands the largest rolling stock
1 Revenue partly estimated. Financial years ending in the first half of 2022 have been assigned to the year 2021.
This especially applies to urban
operators try to adopt proven out with a share of almost a manufacturer in the world.
networks and conventional systems that meet their needs, fifth of the global market But it has not been able to
main lines. As new construction rather than developing and volume. Russia is in third increase turnover significantly
is costly and time-consuming, installing totally new systems. place with 10% of the global in recent years, which is
alternative ways to increase ETCS and related products are market. The uncertainties related to a stagnating
capacity must be considered, therefore continuing to gain caused by the war in Ukraine domestic market and the fact
including improvements to importance globally and the are, however, exceptionally that exports make up a small
command, control and installation of ETCS and related high. Western companies have proportion of total turnover.
signalling (CCS) systems. products, including digital mostly ceased their business Outside China, Alstom is
Renewing or upgrading interlockings and radio block activities in Russia but the clearly the largest
CCS systems is the most centres (RBC), will be the most country has a strong domestic manufacturer with a turnover
promising way to increase the important drivers for CCS railway supply industry which of €15.5bn, the 2021 figure
capacity and effectiveness of market development in the can also be used as a tool to including its recent acquisition
the railway network in a coming years. strengthen the economy. Bombardier, which is almost
comparatively short space of The Asian market has a twice the size of turnover at
time. Digital technology can volume of €62bn and will Siemens Mobility in third
bring great improvements to China grow by 3.2% a year until 2026. place. This year there is greater
train operations, such as Europe and Asia are This slower rate of growth movement in the respective
moving-block signalling or responsible for two thirds of when compared with the rankings of the bottom half of
automatic train operation (ATO), the market volume of the global market is particularly the top 10 manufacturers,
and many operators are already global railway industry. That due to low inflation in China where fluctuating currency
carrying out such programmes share will remain almost the and Japan whose markets will exchange rates make it
or plan to do so in the future. same over the coming five therefore be less impacted by increasingly difficult to draw a
As reliability is an important years. Among the largest price increases than elsewhere. clear picture. IRJ

O/330
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Germany | passenger
Booming traffic and fragile infrastructure pose

challenges for Germany’s passenger operators
The German government’s 9-euro ticket initiative has prompted passengers to return to the rails in huge
numbers after the Covid-19 pandemic, at a time when operators are trying to manage the impact of a major
infrastructure renewal programme. Robert Preston reports.
I
N some ways, Germany’s passenger stations. In 2021 local, regional and Mofair is the association of German
rail sector enjoys many advantages Munich S-Bahn services accounted for a private passenger operators, and its
that operators in other countries total of 129 million train-km, with 74% members including Abellio, FlixTrain,
would be happy to have. The political operated by DB Regio and its subsidiaries Go-Ahead, MEV, National Express,
climate at state and federal level is and the remainder by other operators. Netinera, RDC Germany and Transdev,
favourable to rail, encouraging investment “Over the past year, the number of operate long-distance services as well as
and innovation to meet targets to passengers has been steadily increasing regional routes under contract.
increase modal shift and reduce carbon again, but is on the whole still below “Demand is recovering steadily,”
emissions. The federal government has the level before the Covid-19 Mofair says. “Since mid-May of this
supported operators during the Covid- pandemic,” BEG says. “Overall, the rail year, the figures for journeys over 30km
19 pandemic and has encouraged services specified by BEG are largely have been above the 2019 level.”
passengers to return to rail through its stable at the moment, but in some areas, However, it warns that the rail sector
9-euro ticket initiative, and at the state particularly in northern Bavaria, will have to adapt to changes brought
level transport authorities are growing temporary replacement services have about by the pandemic, such as
the network through the competitive had to be implemented, as the increased home working, through
tendering of local and regional operating companies have again been initiatives such as flexible fares for
passenger services, now facilitating the reporting a major increase in staff occasional travellers.
introduction of new, greener sickness rates, particularly in the second
technology such as rolling stock quarter of 2022.”
powered by battery or even hydrogen.
Bavarian Railway Company (BEG)
plans, finances and manages
local passenger services in the
state of Bavaria, awarding
operating contracts on
a 6000 route-km
network
serving
1066
26
Using the funds made available by working hard to achieve this in the journey due to severe overcrowding,
the federal government under its public interests of passengers and operators. but this is the exception,” the group
transport rescue package, BEG says it Representing some of these companies says. “It is a challenging situation for
was possible to provide financial who bid for regional operating train crews, but they successfully
support to the operating companies and contracts, Mofair agrees that there is an manage it with a high level of commitment.”
compensate them for a large part of the urgent need to increase federal funding All this extra traffic has not been
massive decline in passenger demand to absorb extreme price increases such without its consequences, with BEG
and revenue that they experienced as those for electricity. “If there is no attributing a significant decline in train
during the pandemic. This enabled the increase in funding, service cuts will be punctuality to the introduction of the
operators to stay in business and for unavoidable,” Mofair says. 9-euro ticket. “In June, the punctuality
local passenger services to be rate across Bavaria was only around
maintained. “In the regional sector, the 82%, representing a fall of over 7%
rescue package has ensured that neither 9-euro ticket compared with the month before,” BEG
services had to be discontinued nor Passenger traffic in Germany has says. It adds that rail services have not
staffing levels cut,” Mofair says. been growing again following the been able to observe their scheduled
But in addition to the loss of revenue lifting of travel restrictions imposed station dwell times as more passengers
due to Covid-19, rail operations are during the pandemic, but another factor board and alight, with delays also
currently suffering from extreme price has seen passengers returning to the caused by the need to attach extra cars
increases, particularly in staffing costs railway in droves. The federal to trains to provide additional capacity.
and the price of energy and materials. government’s 9-euro ticket initiative, However, “the massive drop in
BEG also says that the downward offering unlimited travel on local and punctuality is not exclusively
pressure on prices usually produced by regional services for a set period of attributable to the 9-euro ticket,” says
competitive tendering is now starting to time, prompted rail journeys under BEG, which is currently experiencing a
diminish. “Most of the networks are 30km to increase by 42% in June 2022 massive increase in delays due to faults
now being put out to tender for the when compared with June 2019, and that are the responsibility of infrastructure
second or even third time,” Mofair journeys between 30 and 100km manager DB Network. “The state of the
continues. “Substantially lower bid increase by 58%, according to the infrastructure on Bavaria’s regional
prices from rail operators can generally Federal Statistical Office. railway lines is unacceptable at the
only be achieved in the first invitation Demand on commuter routes and moment,” BEG says. The proportion of
to tender.” those serving tourist destinations has regional and suburban services running
“To meet these increased costs the increased enormously, according to on time has fallen from an average of
federal government must permanently Mofair, while weekend travel has 92.4% from January to May to 82.8% in
increase the funding it makes available increased by 83%. “Occasionally, there June. The share of
for regional rail services,” says BEG, have been and still are trains that can
which adds that the Bavarian no longer continue their
state government is
The 9-euro ticket initiative, which offered unlimited travel on local and
regional services, prompted rail journeys under 30km to increase by
42% in June 2022 compared with June 2019, and journeys between
30 and 100km to increase by 58%. Photo: David Gubler
27
Germany | passenger
delays attributable to infrastructure oriented towards the common good, Stuttgart - Hamburg service, followed
faults increased from an average of 36.9% freed from the profit motive and by a new route from Berlin to
between January and May to 45.4 % in June. committed to quality targets,” Mofair Wiesbaden on June 2 and FlixTrain’s
This situation is clearly untenable for says, noting that this is in line with the first international service from Berlin to
Bavaria, whose transport minister, Mr policy of Germany’s current coalition Basle in Switzerland on June 23. Service
Christian Bernreiter, has urged national government. “In the short term, track frequency on the Munich - Cologne -
operator German Rail (DB) and the access charges should be reduced by Hamburg and Hamburg - Berlin -
federal government not to neglect 20% to compensate operators for their Leipzig routes was also increased under
regional lines in favour of major routes, grievances.” the expansion programme that boosted
as they risk disconnecting large parts of the total number of destinations served
Germany from the high-performance by FlixTrain to 70. “We’re happy with
network. “There is an urgent need for Track access charges the largest expansion of our network
massive investment in the railway,” In April 2021 parliament approved a that we have undertaken so far,”
BEG says. “We urge DB Network to federal government initiative to waive Schwämmlein says. “We wanted to be
better maintain the infrastructure as a or refund up to 98% of the track access present in every German metropolitan
preventive measure to avoid such an charges paid by commercial rail region and we have done that.”
accumulation of defects in the first place. It operators since March 2020, with the However, FlixTrain notes that
must not be the case that new temporary arrangement continuing into 2022 for passenger numbers are not yet back to
speed restrictions or even complete line long-distance passenger operators, both pre-pandemic levels, due in part to the
closures are imposed with almost every public and private. This did not apply 9-euro ticket. “FlixTrain did not form
run of the track measuring train.” to contracted local and regional rail part of the 9-euro scheme for local and
“German rail infrastructure is services. regional services, so obviously it has
currently in a disastrous state,” Mofair “The track access charge subsidy had an impact on us,” Schwämmlein
says. “Capacity bottlenecks, miserable introduced in 2021 came too late, so that says. “I think it generated additional
work site management and countless in 2020 almost all long-distance services leisure trips, but I don’t think it
speed restrictions, to name just a few of operators competing with DB had to replaced many car journeys. There is a
examples, are massively hampering rail be discontinued,” Mofair says. When window of opportunity for us provided
operators. These shortcomings pose an this subsidy comes to an end, the by higher fuel prices, but subsidised
acute threat to the transformation of the association would in the long term like tickets is not how to get people out of
transport system.” to see track access charges reduced to their cars. It’s not the right measure to
At the same time, Mofair says that its the marginal cost of direct train achieve modal shift. Ease of access to
members are paying “expensive” track operations. reasonably priced rail services and the
access charges based on the full cost One private operator helped by this quality of service is more important.”
recovery model, contributing to the government support was FlixTrain, At the moment, service quality can be
profits of DB Network. It points out that which now runs a network of open- at the mercy of the disruption caused
these profits are retained within the access long-distance services across by infrastructure work. “We’re not
wider DB Group, whose train operating Germany. “The reduction in track happy about the short-term changes to
businesses are in competition with access charges enabled us to continue timetables but we put up with it,” says
private operators. operating in 2021 and expand in 2022,” Schwämmlein. He recognises that work
“DB’s infrastructure activities must be says Flix CEO, Mr André Schwämmlein. to upgrade the network is necessary,
merged without delay into a company On May 19 the company launched a particularly to accelerate digitalisation
where much remains to be done. “We
have to invest there, because work to
date has been under-resourced, under-
managed and under-delivered,” he
says. One major task is to accelerate the
implementation of ETCS across
Germany, while many industry systems
are still paper-based, including for track
access applications.
“It is fair to say that there has not
been adequate investment in Germany’s
national rail infrastructure and that we
need to do something about it,”
Schwämmlein says. “The problem is
that our infrastructure manager, DB
Network, is part of the DB Group and
behaves in a very traditional manner,
focusing on what is best for the
company.”
He believes that the more independent
an infrastructure manager is, the more
likely it is to invest where the returns
Photo: DB/Frank Kniestedt are greater and the more it will do to
Private passenger operators say they are paying “expensive” track access charges that contribute minimise the impact of infrastructure
to the profits of DB Network, with these profits retained within the wider DB Group. work on its customers, the passenger
and freight operators. “An independent not feel that fundamental change is trains,” Schwämmlein says. The
infrastructure manager would be required, but that the money flows company is currently evaluating its
incentivised to increase traffic and within the industry need to be more future rolling stock needs and believes
would build more passing loops, for transparent. “If we feel the it will be possible to meet its
example, rather than a new infrastructure manager is helping us requirements through procurement on
underground station in Stuttgart that then we will be supportive. We are the open market, provided that track
does little to increase capacity,” investing for the next 20, 30 or 40 years access charges are low enough to make
Schwämmlein says. and so we won’t complain about the the case for investing in new trains.
“Lowering track access charges in
“
Germany on a more permanent basis
would be essential to encourage
competition,” Schwämmlein says.
“Lower track access charges lead to
Capacity bottlenecks, miserable work site management more services and more choice for the
customer. Look at Sweden, Italy and
and countless speed restrictions, to name just a few Spain, and you can see that the
competitive situation is improving. The
examples, are massively hampering rail operators. Mofair market develops so much better if
access charges are lower. Competition is
good for everyone.”
Whether DB entertains the idea of
reducing access charges remains to be
seen. Its delicate financial situation is
As a realist, he does not expect DB work that is being done over the next well documented, and it appears
Network to become an entirely separate three years.” reluctant to upset the status quo.
company, “but there needs to be a clear FlixTrain has recently invested to Ultimately any decision will rest at the
incentive for infrastructure investment refurbish 140 coaches in order to offer door of the federal government. The
that generates more traffic and the its customers a better travelling new coalition talked about major reform
cross-subsidy to DB train operations has experience. “There is a demand for upon coming to power, but this has yet
to stop,” says Schwämmlein. He does more rail services, and we need more to materialise. IRJ
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Germany | infrastructure
Addressing Germany’s infrastructure woes
Temporary speed restrictions and the large quantities of maintenance

work caused long distance punctuality across Germany to fall 57% in
June. Photo: Shutterstock/ Werner Spremberg
Investment in Germany’s 33,280km rail network has failed to keep pace with steadily rising freight and
passenger traffic, leading to increasing customer dissatisfaction. The latest initiative is to focus on the
thorough renovation of a 3500km core network which carries about a quarter of total traffic.
David Briginshaw reports on the multiple challenges ahead.
P
UNCTUALITY has declined trying to board and alight from trains introduced speed restrictions at some
massively in Germany this year and the need to couple additional coaches. locations and even closed some sections
due to a combination of temporary To make matters worse, DB undertook of line resulting in train diversions or
speed restrictions and the large amount precautionary inspection and testing of replacement bus services. DB says it has
of maintenance work being undertaken around 200,000 concrete sleepers in July already been able to replace the sleepers
by DB Network. In the first half of 2022, and August following the fatal derailment on the first routes and dates for sleeper
only 69.6% of long-distance trains reached of a regional double-deck train near replacement have been scheduled for
their destination on time, compared Garmisch-Partenkirchen on June 3. around 90% of the affected sections. DB
with 79.5% in the first six months of Sleepers of a particular type and from a expects most of the affected lines to
2021. Long distance punctuality fell to single manufacturer were being examined reopen to traffic by the end of the year.
as low as 57% in June and recovered a by the investigating authorities as a The cost of the work is estimated at a
little to 59.9% in July. Overall punctuality possible contributory factor to the three-digit million-euro amount.
of German Rail (DB) passenger services accident. As a result of the national “The current problems with reliability
in Germany reached 92.5% in the first investigation, there were restrictions at and quality are essentially due to a lack
half of the year. around 165 points on the rail network of capacity and outdated systems,” DB’s
The situation was exacerbated by the as IRJ went to press with the states of CEO, Dr Richard Lutz said at the end of
9-euro ticket offer which ran from June Bavaria, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and May. There have never been so many
to August with trains delayed at stations Thuringia the worse affected. trains operating on the German
due to the large numbers of people During the inspection programme DB network as there are today, but the
Infrastructure investment in 2022

Total investment: €13.6bn
4800 new track 800 stations to 1800km of track 140 bridges to 2000 switches to
workers be upgraded to be renovated be renewed be modernised
network itself has not grown to meet able to implement these investments as digital interlocking on a high-speed line
this increasing demand. Lutz says that planned by the end of the year,” DB says. will begin operating in Donauwörth in
at the same time, the quality of the To put this in perspective, a study of Bavaria.
infrastructure has continued to deteriorate European rail infrastructure investment However, according to a study by SCI
because many systems are outdated and per capita in 12 European countries in Verkehr, the installation of ETCS is
therefore prone to failure: “We must 2021 conducted by Germany’s Pro-Rail lagging behind other countries and DB
and will tackle this together - the Alliance (Allianz pro Schiene) and SCI Network plans hardly any significant
federal government, the railways and Verkehr showed Germany fourth from installations by 2030, which means it
the entire industry.” bottom, ahead of France, Spain and will miss its target of equipping the
Lutz says passengers are returning to Italy. The 2021 increase in German entire network by 2035.
the network sooner than expected after infrastructure spending pushed In June, Lutz and the federal
the Covid-19 pandemic, and freight Germany ahead of Italy for the first transport minister, Mr Volker Wissing,
traffic is also rising faster than anticipated. time. However, Pro-Rail Alliance announced plans for a high-performance
“Current demand confirms our basic expects Germany to fall back again this network covering the most congested
conviction that the growth and modal year. This is because funds provided by lines which account for 10% of the network
shift goals of the federal government the federal government to DB in connection and carry around 25% of all services.
are realistic,” he says. with the 2030 climate protection This core network, which comprises
This year, infrastructure manager DB programme were subsequently paid out 3500km, is currently at 125% of capacity.
Network will spend a record €13.6bn - in 2021 for 2020 as well. The size of the core network is expected
around €900m more than in 2021 - under to be expanded to 9000km by 2030.
its New Network for Germany investment DB and the federal government
programme, which is funded by DB, the Digitalisation together with other public authorities
federal government and the federal DB says it is pushing ahead with its and operators, transport associations
states. With this money, DB will digitalisation projects this year, with a and the construction industry are
modernise and renew around 1800km focus on the Digital Node Stuttgart and currently coordinating the detailed
of track, 2000 points, 140 bridges and the Scandinavian-Mediterranean selection and sequencing of the
800 stations (see chart). “Despite the Corridor from Hamburg via Erfurt and corridors. “The decisive factors are the
current challenges posed by the war in Munich to the Austrian border near amount of traffic on the corridors and
Ukraine and the consequences of the Kufstein. Rolling out ETCS across the the foreseeable need for construction
coronavirus pandemic, we expect to be network will also continue, and the first within this decade,” DB explains. In
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Germany | infrastructure
addition, adequate diversions and
alternatives must be available and in
good time. The objective is to launch the
project before the end of this year.
“The aim is to transform today’s highly
congested corridors into the backbone
of rail transport in Germany,” DB told
IRJ. “It is about creating corridors
which have high availability and
performance that can accommodate
more trains than today and that are
geared towards growth.”
The high-performance network will
have what DB describes as a first-class
standard of equipment resulting from
comprehensive track replacement,
fewer level crossings and sufficient DB is consulting with the railway sector to
determine the priority corridors for the high-
tracks and switches to allow slow trains
performance network. Photo: Shutterstock/Topae
to overtake fast trains to make rail
operation more flexible and to allow a a comprehensive renovation of the prepared for digitalisation.” DB says
high level of service to continue at times designated corridors across all each line will be closed once for the
of disruption. DB will also install high- disciplines from 2024. “This means that renovation work to be carried out and
quality and more reliable equipment on all construction measures for the will then be virtually free of
these lines instead of making like-for- coming years will be bundled together,” construction work for many years.
like replacements, while monitoring DB says. “We will tackle sleepers, To mitigate the potential disruption
and diagnostic systems will be installed ballast, tracks, switches, signals, from closing an entire line, DB says it
to enable condition-based maintenance. signalboxes and stations. The high- will inform passengers and freight
This will be achieved by carrying out performance network lines will also be customers two years in advance of the
Top projects to increase capacity

1 Track quadrupling and track to the Dutch
upgrading Karlsruhe - border to connect with
Basle main line for Betuwe freight line
250km/h operation 9 Rhine-Ruhr Express
2 Munich S-Bahn - new (RRX) - extensive
second cross-city tunnel upgrading between
3 Wendlingen - Ulm - Cologne and Dortmund
new 250km/h line to 10 Hanau - Geinhausen -
open by year end track upgrading and
4 Angermünde - Polish installation of an
border (Szczecin) - track electronic signalbox
doubling and electrification 11 Eifel and Ahr valley
5 Weddeler Loop - track lines - reconstruction
doubling of Weddel - following flood damage
Fallersieben section of 12 Saxony-Franken
Braunschweig - main line - upgrading,
Wolfsburg line resignalling and new
6 Hamburg S-Bahn - construction for
new line between 160km/h operation
Hamburg and Bad 13 Donauwörth - first
Oldesloe digital signalbox for a
7 Demmin - Stralsund - high-speed line opens
upgrading to increase 14 Main Stations (Hbf) -
capacity Dresden, Dortmund,
8 Oberhausen - Hannover, Frankfurt am
Emmerich - laying third Main, Berlin Ostbahnhof
Source: DB
impending line closures and diversions. A feature of the
German rail network is the availability of many parallel
lines, particularly in the Ruhr area and between Frankfurt
am Main and Karlsruhe. DB plans to carry out intensive
maintenance on the diversionary routes to avoid any
additional delays to diverted trains from malfunctioning
infrastructure. DB says this strategy will also relieve the FGSUED 0/181
burden on construction planning nationwide.
However, diversionary routes are not readily available
everywhere. The most important exception is the
Karlsruhe - Basle main line south of Rastatt which is the
main artery for freight travelling from Italy and Switzerland
to North Sea ports and is currently being rebuilt to
convert it into a four-track 250km/h line and to accommodate
freight trains up to 740m long and 2000 tonnes in weight.
In August the Swiss railway industry complained that
disruptive work sites and insufficient diversionary routes
are causing so much strain “that regular freight transport
operation is hardly possible anymore. Already today,
shippers are showing a tendency to shift back to the road,
especially for time-sensitive goods.”
The Swiss group wants the line from Basle through
France along the left bank of Rhine to Wörth near
Karlsruhe to be upgraded for international freight traffic,
but this depends on cooperation from French National
Railways (SNCF).
Challenges
DB faces two immediate challenges in implementing
the high-performance network: inflation and a shortage
of materials.
“Like the entire economy, we are also feeling the effects
of current market price developments,” DB told IRJ. “The
price increases are clearly visible in the bids from
construction companies. The issue of material shortages
is also not bypassing us. We are meeting these challenges
with flexible planning of construction sites. The goal is to
avoid project delays. Through great efforts, we have
succeeded so far, except for a few individual cases, and
the construction sites are running stably. In addition, we
are in close contact with the construction industry about
developments on the market to find solutions together.”
Thanks to its continuing recruitment offensive, DB does
not foresee a shortage of labour. “We are increasing our
recruitment target for 2022 by another 15% to 24,000,” DB
says. “The fact that DB has continued to invest in staff
and trains at record levels and has maintained its growth
trajectory is proving to be spot on with the boom in
demand, particularly in passenger transport. Despite the
coronavirus crisis, DB has hired at record levels in recent
years. In 2021, we allocated around 5000 places to young
talent - in 2020 it was just over 4700. We need the young
talent to achieve the goals we have set ourselves with our
Strong Rail strategy.”
The new high-performance network strategy has cast
some doubt on what will happen on the rest of the
network. In January 2020, the 10-year service and
financing agreement (LuFV III) to maintain and
modernise the existing network envisaged investment of
€89bn up to 2029. However, until plans for the corridors
have been finalised DB now says it cannot confirm how
much it will invest next year and beyond.
“What is clear, however, is that the current funding
sources are designed for conventional infrastructure
management,” DB says. “If we replace [old infrastructure]
IRJ September 2022 www.platformbasket.com
earlier and increase performance in the is at a standstill and wrote an open must come ahead of cutting access charges.
process, we will probably need more letter to Wissing in June to point this out. Technology might be able to solve
funds in the short term. At the same “The 181 infrastructure measures some of the infrastructure challenges
time, however, bundling and bringing derived from the 2030 target timetable ahead. For example, DB plans to use AI
forward planned construction projects of the Deutschland Takt are all on hold,” in the future to enable it to plan
will create synergy effects that will Leister says. “Not a single project has capacity more intelligently before the
enable us to limit additional costs. In been substantiated by the ministry in such trains start to move. DB believes the use
any case, we assume that the benefits a way that implementation can begin. of algorithms and data will allow it to
are significantly greater than possible “There’s no more money for rail than improve the efficiency of timetable and
additional costs.”
While the busiest corridors will see a
“
step change in reliability, operating
flexibility, and capacity, it is unclear
what lies ahead for busy regional lines The decisive factors are the amount of traffic on the
where traffic has increased thanks to
the letting of operating contracts which corridors and the foreseeable need for construction
often call for an increase in train
frequency. Regional passenger within this decade.
associations and pressure groups have
been calling for greater investment in
these lines as well to remove
bottlenecks and improve reliability.
The federal government, which came for road in this budget year, nor is there construction site planning.
to power in November 2021, gave a funding security for Deutschland Takt’s “With AI, we will therefore be able to
commitment to increasing the electrified infrastructure measures in this or next run more trains and more punctually
network from 60% today to 75% to help year’s budget. What we finally need on the entire network in the future,” DB
meet climate change objectives. from the federal minister of transport told IRJ.
are reliable plans and timetables.” Installing the latest version of ETCS
There is also a feeling amongst some and switching to the new Future Rail
Deutschland Takt private operators and pressure groups Mobile Communication System
Creation of a national regular interval that nothing much will change unless (FRMCS) when it becomes available,
timetable - the Deutschland Takt project - DB Network is separated out of DB to could help to increase capacity for a
was also seen as central to the become an independent infrastructure relatively small outlay, but DB needs to
government’s plans to double passenger manager focused on the needs of all of its get its ETCS programme back on track.
numbers by 2030 and increase rail customers. There are also calls to reduce In any event, a lot more money will
freight’s market share to 25%. However, track access charges to make the rail need to be invested in the network if
Mr Hans Leister, chairman of both the network more competitive, although this DB is going to solve its current capacity
Pro-Rail Alliance and the Deutschland would require even greater financial and reliability problems, let alone
Takt Coordination Group within the support from the federal government. provide capacity to meet the climate
Ministry of Transport, says the project Lutz argues that fixing the infrastructure change targets. IRJ
Projects to increase capacity include the construction of a new line between Hamburg and Bad Oldesloe on the Hamburg S-Bahn. Photo: David Gubler
34 IRJ xxxxx 2016 IRJ September 2022

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Innovative trains | locomotives
Tri-mode traction opens new frontiers for British freight

Rail Operations UK expects to commence service with new tri-mode class 93 locomotives in August 2023. The
company’s president Karl Watts lifts the lid on the locomotive’s innovative features to Kevin Smith.
S
TADLER announced in July that conjunction with two lithium titanate offers little value apart from contributing
it had completed manufacturing oxide (LTO) battery powerpacks marginally to reducing brake block
of the carbody for the first class supplied by ABB. wear. The decision to sacrifice the
93 locomotive it is building for Rail This is the first use of LTO on a British rheostatic brake resistors for traction
Operations UK (ROUK) at its factory in locomotive and the batteries can also batteries, which enable kinetic energy
Valencia, Spain, and that it is on course provide traction power alone. Watts recovery, was a no-brainer for me. It is
to deliver the first locomotive as says this was not included in the original all about energy efficiency.”
planned by the end of March 2023. specification, but Stadler was asked to Watts adds that the use of LTO over
ROUK has ordered an initial batch of incorporate it, and he says it will prove lithium oxide batteries offers a rapid
10 class 93s from a contract for 30 of the beneficial by offering emissions-free charging range of 10-20 minutes. The
tri-mode Bo-Bo locomotives signed in operation on non-electrified sections, variance depends on the source of the
January 2021. The new locomotive type including stations and tunnels, and charge, whether it is from the overhead
represents a major upgrade on its reduced noise in sensitive areas. line or the diesel/alternator set, as well
current fleet, and which ROUK group Watts says the addition of the battery as ambient conditions and the age of
president, Mr Karl Watts, believes will was the only design change required for the battery. LTO also has a 10-90%
help to transform its offer to the market. the class 93 compared with the bi-mode technical charge range, which is higher
The class 93 is based on the diesel- class 88. However, he says there were than other battery types, which may
electric class 68 and electro-diesel challenges with this development. only have 40-80%. The batteries have a
bi-mode class 88 locomotives built by Firstly, the weight of the initial battery lifecycle of around eight years and
Stadler for the British market between system chosen would have taken the Watts adds that they offer improved
2013 and 2017 but with several key locomotive’s weight beyond 86 tonnes, thermal management, although the
differences. Perhaps most noteworthy, restricting use across the British cooling system still accounts for 50% of
and a first for Britain, is the availability network. There was also limited space battery pack weight.
of four traction modes: electric, diesel, within the locomotive to accommodate The locomotive is fitted with both
diesel-battery, and battery. the batteries. two-pipe automatic air brakes as well as
The tri-mode traction system consists “Something had to give,” Watts says. an electro pneumatic braking system,
of electric operation at 25kV 50Hz ac, “The compromise was the removal of offering the class 93 compatibility with
which offers a 4MW output in standard the rheostatic brake resistors. Rheostatic a multitude of passenger trains. “No
mode and 4.6MW optional tractive braking uses the conversion of kinetic other locomotive in Britain has an EP brake
effort boost function. The EU Stage V energy to afford traction motor braking. system fitted as standard,” Watts says.
compliant C32 diesel engine supplied However, it converts this energy into The locomotive’s flexibility is also
by Caterpillar has a 900kW output, heat through the braking resistors evident in the use of the CargoFlex
which is supplemented by 400kW of which is lost to the atmosphere. With coupling supplied by Voith, which is
extra power when operating in zero energy recovery, rheostatic braking fitted with a type 10 Scharfenberg
automatic coupler as well as a screw when operating at the locomotive’s top make a viable case to disrupt British
coupling, and is adjustable to Britain’s speed of 177km/h, which compares with freight operations. In particular, he says
five coupling heights. a maximum of 160km/h on the class 68. the train class system to prioritise
The coupling has a drawbar strength As a result, the secondary pneumatic certain train types over others when in
of 850kN and has the scope to support a suspension was improved. It features traffic, dating from 1960, is increasingly
digital automatic coupling (DAC), two coil springs and three hydraulic irrelevant and needs to be changed. “A
currently on trial in continental Europe, dampers on each side, so four and six freight train carrying high-value goods
if and when the technology is adopted respectively on each bogie, which are is far more important to the economy
in Britain. The class 93 will make use of complimented by yaw and lateral and society than an off-peak commuter
both a 42-way jumper cable socket as dampers. In addition, Watts says a train carrying a few passengers, but at
well as a UIC 558 jumper cable for data different traction motor gearbox has the moment we have to wait in a
transfer. The locomotives are also ready been adopted compared with the class 88. siding,” Watts says.
for future upgrades to 5G telecoms and The locomotive’s enhanced ROUK is a provider of ad-hoc passenger
ETCS. performance is most evident in its and freight traction as well as movements
highly impressive wheel-rail tractive of rolling stock across the British network,
effort. Excellent acceleration provides charter operations and traction to
Testing the class 93 with a significant advantage support infrastructure testing and
Type testing will begin in November over existing fleets; Watts says the class monitoring. The class 93 could support
at Stadler’s Albuixech plant, where 93 will be able to traverse the infamous all of these activities. However, Watts
there is a short point-to-point test track, Shap gradient in Cumbria at 80km/h says he is particularly excited about
and switch to Britain following delivery where some freight traction is limited to using the class 93 to boost intermodal
of the first locomotive in March 2023. 32km/h. operations. He says it is his ambition to
Line testing and approvals are scheduled While running at 177km/h is possible, finally increase the maximum speed of
to continue until July, with the locomotive it is not optimal, according to Watts, these services on the network above
entering service the following month. due to the extra energy required and 120km/h, which dates from their
Watts says Stadler is partnering with the associated costs, particularly in the introduction with the Freightliner
TÜV Rhineland on certification and that current climate. Instead, he favours a service in 1965, which he says needs to
a stint at the Velim test circuit is not driving profile that matches prevailing change to bring “the British railway into
necessary because the class 93 is “90% conditions. As a result, he says it is the 21st century.”
He also foresees additional
“
opportunities for Stadler in the British
market with the class 93.
Under ROUK’s contract, it will decide
No other locomotive in Britain has an EP brake system whether to proceed with a second batch
of 10 locomotives by December. This
fitted as standard. Karl Watts appears a formality and Watts says the
order could ultimately total 60-70
locomotives.
With many of Britain’s 650 main line
based on the class 88.” unlikely that the 4.6MW power boost freight locomotives now approaching
The use of ABB’s latest transformer in will be used that often but will prove a their 25th birthday, most notably the
the ac traction system, which is equipped good option when, for example, the class 66, ROUK is unlikely to be the sole
with insulated-gate bipolar transistors class 93 needs to maintain a high-level customer. Indeed, the locomotive has
(IGBT), requires testing for EMC of performance when operating in mixed the potential to become the backbone of
compatibility. Tests are also required traffic on the West Coast Main Line. the freight fleet over the next few years,
due to the differences in dynamics and He adds that the higher speed and potentially heralding a new era of
changes in the kinematic envelope the locomotive’s flexibility will finally improved traction performance. IRJ
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Innovative trains | hydrogen
Siemens’ first hydrogen train breaks cover

One of the highlight exhibits at the outside track area at this month’s InnoTrans exhibition will be Siemens’
Mireo Plus H. Kevin Smith previews the hydrogen multiple-unit.
S
IEMENS Mobility and German Siemens Mobility, said around 15,000 MG11 Hydrogen track milling machine.
Rail (DB) officially launched the diesel trains remain in service in The process is based on electrolysis
Mireo Plus H hydrogen multiple- Europe. While electrification is preferred, within the fuel cells where hydrogen
unit alongside a new mobile hydrogen he says this is not possible overnight stored onboard the train at 350 bar in
storage and refuelling trailer during an and in many cases the cost of these tanks delivered to the train’s two
event at the manufacturer’s Krefeld projects does not add up. 200kW fuel cells at 50 bar combines
plant on May 5. “For this reason, we need other options with oxygen taken from the air to
Mireo Plus H is Siemens’ first venture to gradually replace diesel-powered produce electricity. This charges the
into hydrogen traction. It arrives around vehicles,” Steinbauer said. “These lithium titanate oxide (LTO) battery
six years after rival Alstom launched its alternatives include hydrogen-powered packs, which power the train’s traction
Coradia iLint multiple-unit, which it multiple-unit trains, which can enable and auxiliary power systems. Water is
has since sold to customers in Germany, completely emissions-free transport produced as a by-product of electrolysis
Italy and France, and trialled in when fuelled with green hydrogen.” and is released onto the track.
countries across Europe. The unveiling was a major milestone Steinbauer says a key focus for
Speaking on a conference call with in DB and Siemens’ joint H2goesRail Siemens in the development work for
journalists following the launch, Mr project, which was launched in the Mireo Plus H was adapting and
Jochen Steinbauer, director for November 2020. The project was funded optimising the traction technology and
development of alternative drives at by the German federal government’s subsystems so they are compatible with
National Innovation Programme for the manufacturer’s Mireo regional train
Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology platform. Launched in 2016, the train
Vital statistics (NIP 2). NIP 2 is co-ordinated by the features lightweight aluminium
Length (two-car train) 47m National Organisation for Hydrogen bodyshells and lighter bogies. It is also
Weight 97 tonnes and Fuel Cell Technology (NOW), with articulated, reducing the number of
Top speed 160km/h €13.74m of funding provided by the bogies on a two-car set to three, and
Acceleration 1.1m/s2 Federal Ministry for Digitalisation and four on the three-car variant, offering an
Seating capacity 140 seats Transport (BMDV). overall 20% weight saving compared
Maximum power output 1.7MW The principles of using hydrogen to with the Desiro ML.
power the Mireo Plus H’s traction system The Mireo Plus H retains the platform’s
Fuel cell 2 x 200kW
are the same as the Coradia iLint and “empty tube,” concept enabling
Batteries 2 x 220kW
other hydrogen trains introduced in customers to customise interior layouts.
Hydrogen storage capacity 180kg
recent years such as Hydroflex, developed This was achieved by positioning the
Range (two-car set) 800km
by Porterbrook in Britain, and Linsinger’s tanks supplied by Nproxx, Germany,
and which store up to 180kg of density and extending the lifecycle of maintenance strategy as part of the
liquefied hydrogen, on the roof of the the fuel cell, while limiting the overall H2goesRail project.
train while the battery packs supplied two-car train length to 47m. In addition, Mr Marc-André Shaba, project
by Saft are located beneath the floor of Siemens says the weight of the manager for the H2goesRail project at
each of the two cars. The train’s silicon hydrogen train is comparable with an DB, told the press call that introducing
carbide (SiC) traction inverter, which EMU, stating that the hydrogen hydrogen infrastructure to support the
was built by Siemens, is also located equipment on the Plus H is roughly operation of hydrogen trains is a key
beneath the train. equivalent to a pantograph and traction element of the railway’s strategy to
Much of the research and development transformer on the EMU. move away from diesel.
work for the hydrogen traction system
took place in partnership with Canadian
“
fuel cell supplier Ballard Power Systems.
Siemens signed a Memorandum of
Understanding with Ballard to customise The Mireo Plus H can be used for an entire day without
its 200kW fuel cell for the Mireo platform
in 2017. A subsequent research project refuelling. Jochen Steinbauer
with the Rhine-Westphalia Technical
University (RWTH) in Aachen under a
programme coordinated by NOW,
which commenced in 2018, sought to
further adapt and optimise the The two-car Mireo Plus H has an “We have to harmonise the hydrogen
technology. BMVI provided around €12m operating range of up to 800km, which train with the hydrogen infrastructure
of funding for the scheme under NIP 2. extends to 1000km in the three-car and the maintenance strategy,” Shaba
“We wanted to be sure that the variant. The manufacturer says that with says. “Those three elements must be
interconnection of the subsystems works a 1.7MW power rating and a top speed joined together in an ecosystem that is
very well and is optimised,” Steinbauer of 160km/h, the hydrogen train possesses well established and optimised for
says. “That’s the hard part: the interaction similar performance to an equivalent operational purposes.”
of the subsystems; the fuel cell together EMU, while acceleration of up to 1.1m/s² Flexibility is at the heart of the refuelling
with the battery together with the is comparable with a metro train. solution presented by DB. A shipping
hydrogen storage, the traction converters “The 800km range is the requirement container positioned on a flat road trailer
and the motors. That’s the reason why of the market and corresponds with the stores up to 900kg of green hydrogen.
we did this exercise with all the different daily range of regional trains,” Steinbauer The trailer can be moved by road to
partners at the University of Aachen says. “That means the Mireo Plus H can wherever refuelling needs to take place,
before we implemented it on the train.” be used for an entire day without reflecting what Shaba says is the fact
As well as working with Ballard, refuelling.” that many sites are not yet ready to
Siemens signed an agreement with produce their own green hydrogen. The
Siemens Energy, a Siemens spin-off, for system’s flexibility also extends the
the joint development of an electrolysis Refuelling scope for testing and ultimately operating
and fuelling solution for the Mireo Plus While the high range emphasises the the Mireo Plus H across Germany while
H in October 2020. The result is what train’s operational flexibility, hydrogen these sites are developed.
Steinbauer describes as the “next- production and refuelling infrastructure The green hydrogen currently used
generation fuel cell system.” is still in its infancy, putting hydrogen by DB and Siemens is produced in an
Among the key functions is an increased fleets at a disadvantage compared with electrolyser installed at the DB
energy efficiency rate, meaning the train their diesel counterparts. DB has maintenance depot in Tübingen using
is consuming less energy overall, and attempted to address this challenge by electricity sourced from renewables.
reducing waste heat from the fuel cell. developing a new mobile hydrogen The electrolyser splits water into
Work also focused on increasing power refuelling concept and related hydrogen and oxygen, and after being
www.freilacke.com
Innovative trains | hydrogen
A cross-section of the Mireo Plus H showing the location of the hydrogen traction equipment. Credit: Siemens
compressed, the hydrogen is stored in 2023. A pilot passenger service will infrastructure manager Niederbarnimer
the mobile unit at 500bar, where it is commence on the line between Tübingen, Railway (NEB) confirmed an order for
processed and cooled prior to refuelling. Horb and Pforzheim in 2024. The Mireo seven two-car Mireo Plus H trains for
Shaba says that as part of its work DB Plus H will replace a diesel train used use on the Heidekraut Railway (RB27),
has developed an intelligent refuelling on this route with approximately 120,000km comprising the Berlin-Wilhelmsruh -
system, which is able to recognise the of scheduled rail services planned. Basdorf line, which is due to reopen to
temperature and pressure of the The partners say the typical service passenger service in 2024.
hydrogen storage system onboard the frequency and topography of the route These trials follow hot on the heels of
train, helping to optimise the speed at make it particularly suited to the tests, the first commercial operation of a
which fresh green hydrogen is delivered. and drivers will be trained specifically hydrogen train on the 100km regional
The partners state that the hydrogen to operate the hydrogen train in line from Cuxhaven to Buxtehude via
refuelling concept offers performance passenger service. Overall, replacing the Bremervörde, west of Hamburg, on July
equivalent to a diesel system, which diesel train is expected to save 330 25. Elbe-Weser Transport Company
they point out is imperative if hydrogen tonnes of CO₂ every year. (EVB) is operating a fleet of 14 iLints
trains are to provide a competitive purchased by Lower Saxony Transport
alternative given the closely timed Authority (LNVG) in 2017 while Alstom
scheduling of regional passenger Lining up is also supplying 27 iLints to Rhine
services in Germany. While the H2goesRail project will Main Transport Authority for operation
Critically, the refuelling system is not take the lead on introducing the Mireo by DB Start. Trials are underway and
tailored solely for the Mireo Plus H. Plus H into passenger operation, other delivery of the entire fleet is expected
Shaba says DB has developed the whole German states are lining up to try by March 2023.
package for the refuelling mechanism, hydrogen. Siemens signed a leasing With Europe’s two leading rolling
including the design of the refuelling agreement with Bavarian Regional Rail stock manufacturers now possessing a
unit and corresponding refuelling point (BRB) in March to supply a Mireo Plus viable and increasingly proven
on the train, for use by all train types. H for trial hydrogen operation. Pilots hydrogen platform, and CAF set to
“The interfaces between the coupler and will take place on the Augsburg - follow as part of the FCH2Rail project,
the trains need to be harmonised and Füssen route from mid-2023 and will be which is focusing on retrofit rather than
that is something we are working on,” extended to other routes throughout the new build, the prospect for hydrogen
Shaba says. “We need standardisation.” BRB network over the course of the traction is building across Europe.
Initial testing of the Mireo Plus H in 30-month pilot. Passenger services will Undoubtedly hydrogen’s role in a net
the H2goesRail project is taking place at officially commence in January 2024. zero railway will be central message of
Siemens’ test track at Wildenrath ahead In addition, on June 27 Siemens and each of the manufacturer’s exhibits at
of switching to Baden-Württemberg in Berlin and Brandenburg operator and this month’s big show. IRJ
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using a technology never Portfolio Manager Advisory

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Innovative trains | sustainability
New features enhance locomotive performance

Several new and improved features are enhancing the environmental performance of Vossloh Rolling Stock’s
DE 18 locomotive while the new DM 20 multi system locomotive is proving a viable alternative to diesel
traction. Kevin Smith reports.
V
OSSLOH Rolling Stock’s four- Vossloh Rolling Stock has designed replaced with 144kW NMC lithium-ion
axle mixed traffic DE 18 entered its locomotives to be modular, meaning batteries positioned below the
the market in 2014 and since it is possible to install different locomotive underframe. The battery
then more than 145 1.8MW units have components and systems depending on pack can undertake more than 7000
been sold to customers across Europe, the customer’s requirements. charge cycles, which gives it a service
performing tasks ranging from A notable development is the life of around eight to 10 years. It offers
operating freight services and shunting introduction of batteries in the SmartHybrid around an hour of emission-free
to supporting construction and logistics, version of the DE 18, where battery operation and fuel savings of 20-50%.
and undertaking rescue operations. operation can replace diesel engines for The batteries can be charged using
A batch of 10 DE 18s is currently last mile applications and in sensitive either a 400V 3ac external power source
under construction for customers in Italy areas such as tunnels, depots and or the diesel engine, taking six hours
after the DE 18 secured type approval stations, potentially reducing energy using an external power supply without
by the European Union Agency for costs by around 10%. The locomotive electrical preheating or faster if there is
Railways (ERA) in June 2021. Presentation made its debut at InnoTrans in 2018 and heating with the speed dependent on
runs have also taken place in Sweden in September 2021 Vossloh Rolling the temperature. Using the diesel
and Norway and Vossloh Rolling Stock Stock’s won a contract with Nexrail to engine can charge the battery in 20
expects certification here, including with supply 50 units, with production minutes while a slow charge using the
ETCS Level 2 Baseline 3, in 2023. It is also currently underway at its plant in Kiel. onboard static converter takes four hours.
eyeing potential sales in eastern Europe. The locomotives will mostly operate in Once the battery has reached the end
With railway operators becoming France, Belgium and Luxembourg with of its service life it can be replaced
increasingly conscious of their delivery due to commence in 2023. relatively easily. There is potential to
environmental performance as well as The DE 18 SmartHybrid is equipped install a more powerful battery back or
the rising cost of diesel fuel, Vossloh with a 1.8MW diesel engine. However, to revert back to diesel.
Rolling Stock is introducing a range of unlike the earlier version of the Using the Plug-In Hybrid option
new features to improve the sustainability locomotive, the 1000-litre tank for the makes it possible to extend the diesel
of its locomotives, including the DE 18. 4kW auxiliary diesel engine has been engine’s stop phases by having all the
Vossloh Rolling Stock’s DE 18 secured type approval

by the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) in
June 2021. Photo: Vossloh Rolling stock
auxiliary systems run off the traction period of time and restarts take place flexible traction options to its
battery. Vossloh Rolling Stock says on request or if certain conditions are customers. Each locomotive has two
using the battery for low-power met. As well as limiting emissions, the different traction sources, diesel and
operation requiring less than 400kW is function is expected to reduce required electric. The supplier says there is also
more efficient than using the diesel maintenance. the option to update and adapt the
engine and potentially reduces use by Introducing the latest developments traction system as required, even after
40-50%, increasing maintenance in diesel traction can also reduce several years of use.
intervals. emissions significantly. A prototype of a Three variants have been
Diesel remains the essential fuel for DE 18 compliant with EU Stage V manufactured so far: the DM 20-EBB,
many locomotives due to the flexibility emissions requirements will be shown DM 20-EDD and the DM 20-BDD, the
it provides. Nevertheless, work is at InnoTrans this month. latter option selected by DB.
underway to reduce its consumption The 12V 4000 Stage V engine has been E stands for high voltage and B
and the impact on the environment. supplied by MTU and the engine can electric traction. The DM 20-EBB can
Fuel consumption varies significantly also be certified to operate on HVO take traction current at 15/25kV ac and
depending on the duties performed by biofuels made from hydrogenated 1.5kV dc. D stands for diesel traction,
the locomotive. The greatest savings are vegetable oils in accordance with EN with the DM 20-EDD equipped with
made if a diesel-electric traction system 590 and paraffinic diesel meeting the two 480kW diesel engines. The two
is used. However, Vossloh Rolling Stock EN 15940 standard. Biofuels reduce CO2 diesel engines deliver 750kW of
has developed several additional emissions by up to 55% compared with continuous power at the wheels and
functions and smart operating modes to fossil fuels, and a reduction of up to 850kW with time limitation, which
further reduce consumption and 95% is expected with the second Vossloh Rolling Stock says is
emissions, which are available as generation (PTX), which should be comparable with existing locomotive
options to customers to enhance the available before 2030. types.
performance of the DE 18. Vossloh Rolling Stock says using HVO A high-voltage system is not fitted on
These include Vossloh Eco Drive, presents no significant implications for the DM 20-BDD, which is equipped
which supports economical driving by engine operation or the maintenance with two diesel engines alongside a
providing detailed information on fuel schedule. There are also no differences 160kWh lithium titanate (LTO) battery
consumption across various parameters: in terms of storage and distribution for energy storage, which is located
per hour, per kilometre, daily compared with fossil fuels and no beneath the underframe of the
consumption, and total consumption. significant cost increases for freight locomotive. Here the ac traction system
There is also a limit value sensor and an haulers. In addition, the DE 18’s provides 2.5MW at the wheels, which is
energy meter recording daily compatibility with European standards supplemented by 300kW from the
consumption. In addition, a means an immediate transition to these underfloor battery, represented by the
Performance Button Eco can enable the types of alternative fuels is possible. letter B.
DE 18 to operate at its maximum power Delivery is feasible via truck to existing While not yet in production, a DM
output of 1.8MW. Normal operation fuelling sites and it is possible to mix 20-EBB locomotive is feasible where the
takes place with a 1.5MW output, HVO and biofuels with diesel in any two LTO 350kW batteries provide
helping to save energy. ratio. 500kW to supplement power from the
On the flip side, an Eco Mode Switch ac traction system at the wheels.
can limit the output of the diesel engine As well as adaptable traction systems,
to 1.2MW, again providing more DM 20 Vossloh Rolling Stock says the DM 20 is
efficient engine management. The Modularity and sustainability are also ready for future retrofit to other
driver activates this setting using the at the heart of the DM 20, Vossloh technologies as they emerge, including
driver’s console. As well as improving Rolling Stock’s newest locomotive digital automatic couplers (DAC),
performance and reducing fuel platform and the first to be equipped cameras for obstacle detection, and
consumption, the engine setting helps with a pantograph to collect traction augmented reality to support
to reduce maintenance costs - the current from the overhead wire. maintenance activities. Work is also
reduced output results in longer Designed for freight operation as well underway to introduce condition-based
periods between engine overhauls. This as shunting, infrastructure work and maintenance services for the DM 20.
is particularly advantageous during rescue operations, the DM 20 has found Sensors and GPS location devices
shunting operations, which do not favour in the market: Paribus Rail fitted to the locomotive will
require maximum power output. Investment Management ordered up to continuously transmit data to evaluate
Limiting emissions during shunting is 50 of the locomotives on behalf of Rive the condition of essential components
also reflected in the addition of the VED Private Investment in 2021 while using limit values and monitoring logs.
engine start-stop function to the DE 18. Vossloh Rolling Stock secured another In addition, Vossloh Rolling Stock
Studies have shown that diesel shunters order for an initial two units with Rail expects to employ augmented reality
can spend up to 80% of their working Innovators and Port of Rotterdam techniques to assist technicians,
life idling. Previously limiting restarts Authority. In December 2021 the improving the accuracy and consistency
was justified on the grounds of company secured its largest order yet, a of maintenance work.
reducing wear on the starter and the deal with DB Cargo for 50 hybrid units The supplier says this forms part of
risk of engine temperature dropping with options for a further 200 its efforts to offer a locomotive platform
below 60°C and batteries and air tanks locomotives. Delivery of the DM 20s, that is flexible and can adapt to future
becoming depleted. VED enables the which will be used for freight operation needs. In a competitive marketplace,
engine to restart with no wear incurred in Germany, will begin in 2024. and with increasingly environmentally
at all. The engine shuts down Vossloh Rolling Stock says its conscious clients, these appear essential
automatically after idling for a set primary focus for the DM 20 is offering requisites for future success. IRJ
Passenger information | technology
Is technology key to restoring passenger trust?

The rail sector is often accused of adapting slowly to new technological industry about my job, easily the most
common question I am asked is “why is
and social trends, with passengers suffering from a poor journey it so expensive to take the train?” This
experience as a consequence. David Burroughs looks at his own is not something that is lost on the
sector, with more low-cost alternatives
experiences of travelling by rail, and asks why the situation hasn’t been beginning to enter the market across
improved by using technology that is already available. Europe, but it is certainly one of the
A
biggest barriers to attracting more
FTER enduring Covid-19 travel If I am delayed, then a refund will be passengers to rail.
restrictions for so long, getting automatically paid back into my While the train journey from
back out to see the best rail has account. I may not even need to buy a Falmouth to London’s Stanstead
to offer has been a welcome experience. ticket, as my Mobility as a Service Airport and the flight from Stanstead to
It has been especially encouraging to (MaaS) account will automatically Karlsruhe were uneventful, the
see that innovation has not been charge me the cheapest fare for the challenge began when I landed at
hampered by the restrictions imposed journey I have taken, including the first Karlsruhe Baden-Baden Airport at
during the pandemic. But what has not and last mile of my trip. 22.30, 40km from my destination.
been so welcome is the reminder that But step out of this futuristic world There was little information available
travelling by rail still brings with it and back into the present, and the rail to advise passengers that the best way
many of the frustrations and problems network that is being promised is very to travel into Karlsruhe itself was by
that were present before we were asked different from the one that passengers first taking a bus to Rastatt, before
to stay at home. experience every day. In my recent transferring to the S8 S-Bahn line.
Having travelled to a number of travels, nearly every journey has been Armed with this information from
shows and site visits in the last few beset by delay, disruption, and limited Google, I caught the bus only to find
months, I’ve had the privilege of seeing information, requiring a fair bit of guess out that Rastatt station was closed
a range of new technologies that work on my part and no small amount overnight, possibly for repairs, with no
promise a new era of more efficient and of luck to reach my destination. trains stopping until the morning. With
convenient rail travel. In this utopia, Travelling to IT-Trans in May, my Google unable to provide an alternative
automated trains will reduce headways, issues with rail transport began even to the route that it insisted was still
allowing greater frequencies and more before I left for the event. Looking to possible, I and the other passengers
journey options. Tickets will be cheaper use the mode we cover day in and day were forced to mull over our options
and more flexible, allowing me to adapt out, I researched travelling by rail from including taking a taxi for the 27km
my travel plans to suit whatever our head office in Falmouth, Cornwall, journey from Rastatt to Karlsruhe
meetings I may have. When my plans in the southwest of Britain, via France before being told by a friendly local that
change, either due to my circumstances to Karlsruhe. This journey, which there was a bus we could take instead,
or due to issues with the rail service would have required an overnight stay which would be leaving from a nearby
such as disruption on the line, seamless in London, would have cost more than street corner. However, this turned out
passenger information systems will £300, while the alternative, substituting to be a local stopping service that
alert me to the next available service, the international section of the journey proceeded to take in every town and
and transfer my ticket and allow me to with a flight, instead came to £76.18. village along the route, with no
select a seat on the new train. When talking to people outside the information on what the next stop was
Photo: Shutterstock/ Alexandre Rotenberg
or the expected time of arrival. available on possible alternatives, and able to balance the need for safety while
Karlsruhe is known as the birthplace while staff were as helpful as they could also implementing new technologies at
of the Karlsruhe tram-train model, an be during the delay, they could only a rate faster than rail.
innovation that has allowed LRVs to offer the limited information they had Passengers flying between
operate on the wider regional network, themselves. destinations are now able to compare
and this ensured that travelling around In the end, it took a detour from ticket prices at the click of a button and
the city by public transport was simple Slough via Windsor, including a light can easily purchase fares for multiple-
and efficient. run past Windsor Castle between the leg journeys with different operators,
However, my travel issues continued town’s two stations to make the while receiving regular updates on their
when leaving, as my train from connection, to make it to Reading where smartphone if their flight is delayed.
Karlsruhe to Stuttgart was cancelled just I was then able to catch a much-delayed
as I entered Karlsruhe Main Station. train to Cornwall. Again, it was a
Here I was alerted to the cancellation by situation where the technology to Industry challenges
a notification on my phone, alongside rebook and redirect passengers has To better understand why it can take
an announcement on the large been developed and is available, but so long for new technologies to be
passenger information screen. However, has not yet been implemented. introduced in the rail sector, I asked
there was no further information about My experiences are not restricted to International Association of Public
whether my ticket was valid on another travelling in Germany or Britain, or Transport (UITP) senior project
service. After queuing up at an limited to a specific operator, but reflect strategist, knowledge and innovation,
information desk and consulting a the daily experiences of some Mr Umberto Guida, and rail unit
member of staff, I was directed to take passengers across Europe and around manager, knowledge and innovation,
an earlier ICE. Without the presence of the world. I’m not alone in experiencing Mr Corentin Wauters, about the
station staff, I would have been left to the frustration of turning up at a station challenges facing the sector.
guess whether or not I risked a fine by late at night to find it’s closed, or of One of the biggest issues, Guida
taking the earlier service, and this was realising my train is cancelled and explains, is that the product
not the digital passenger information being unsure about what service I could development timelines and the product
service that the IT-Trans conference take instead. It is disappointing to hear lifetimes in the rail system are so long
promised me was readily available for passengers complaining that they were that what may be cutting-edge when a
operators to adopt. unable to find out which service their project is started can often be
Another recent journey from ticket was valid on, or to find the seat superseded when the project is
Heathrow Airport to Falmouth resulted they had booked was already occupied. completed a few years later.
in an 11h 30min journey time instead of If the technology is available, why are Another contributor, which is both an
the 6h 30min it was supposed to take. A we not accelerating its implementation? advantage and a drawback, is that a
fatality on the main line between The need to maintain a high level of railway is a closed and complex system.
London Paddington and Reading safety is often touted as the biggest While this has allowed breakthroughs
brought all services to a halt. This again reason why the rail sector is slow to in areas such as automation, which has
was a situation out of the railway’s change and adopt new technologies, been introduced years ahead of other
hands, and an issue that is sadly all too and this cannot be lost. Safety must modes such as road transport, it also
common on railways around the world. always be a priority, coming before all requires all parts of the system to work
But there was little information others. But other modes appear to be together.
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Passenger information | technology
“It’s just not like putting a new bus or operator’s internal IT department clear agreements between all parties
a new bike or a new car on the street, conducted a study to develop a new involved before innovation is put into use.
you really need to think about all the software solution, which found that it “You need to assess the impact on the
aspects,” Guida says. “Like in aviation, would take two years for the system to whole system, and this means assessing
if you want to change one bit, you need be implemented. The operator instead the technical effects and safety impact,
to ensure that safety and operational turned to SMEs, who were able to but also the legal impact such as
performance remain the same. And this, develop the software within two liability because if something goes
as you can imagine, requires time and a months, at a cheaper rate. wrong, then you need someone to pay
level of maturity of innovation which is There is also a need for multi-national for it in one way or another,” Guida
quite important. collaboration and funding, which is says. “The important thing is that the
“Because if you have a brand-new being met by the new Europe’s Rail design is going in the direction that
autonomous metro that is not working, initiative and its predecessor, Shift2Rail. users need.”
I can tell you that the passengers don’t
“
care if it is automated or not. They first
care about whether the train is coming
on time, and then maybe about whether Safety must always be a priority, coming before all
it’s overcrowded or not.”
This interconnection between systems others. But other modes appear to be able to balance
requires a high level of collaboration
within the industry, and between the need for safety while also implementing new
operators, manufacturers and suppliers.
“The operator, the manufacturers, technologies at a rate faster than rail.
industry, all those involved need to
collaborate because in the end, you
need to identify the right needs to
design a system that is doing what it is However, while these programmes are The Covid-19 pandemic has
expected to do,” Guida says. “This is a developing numerous technologies that accelerated the adoption of technology
task for the manufacturers, they really could provide a step change in quality in many facets of our day-to-day life.
need to stay in contact with the on the rail system, such as the Digital Think of virtual and hybrid meetings,
operators to understand their needs. Automatic Coupling (DAC), more of the the adoption of which has now become
You cannot effectively do everything by research undertaken needs to be standard for many people. The same
yourself today.” implemented. It will do no one any has happened to some degree in the rail
Small and medium-sized enterprises favours if the technologies and best sector, Wauters says, with technologies
(SMEs) have an important role to play practice that emerge from the research introduced to improve safety and
as they can be more agile and dynamic. programme simply end up in research comfort during the pandemic now in
Wauters adds that this is particularly papers or student textbooks. regular use on some railways.
evident when it comes to digitising There are always risks associated with “Covid has accelerated the demand
asset maintenance, which has undergone introducing new technologies, and these for passenger counting and demand
a gradual revolution driven by SMEs must be either removed or mitigated as modelling,” Wauters says. This has
that have played an important role in much as possible. It must also be clear allowed passengers to select a coach
developing and installing sensors, as who bears responsibility for the risk, that might be emptier than others,
well as developing the tools to make including the financial risk associated making it easier to social distance, but
sense of the data collected. with a product failure, which could lead this is also useful for passengers who
Guida recalls one example where an to disruption or delays. This requires are simply looking for a coach with
more seats available to make their
journey more comfortable. “Often this
information is available but we need to
make better use of the data by
providing it to the passengers through
apps and through other information
systems,” Wauters says.
Rail is a complex “system of
systems,” and as such innovation is
more likely to come in incremental
developments, rather than major leaps.
“There is a lot happening that is maybe
not as visible, which is improving and
optimising [technology],” Guida says.
However, while it is always important
to look towards what could be done,
passengers cannot be kept onboard
with promises of how rail travel might
look in five, 10 or 20 years. The
technology that is already available
Providing up-to-date information is vital during disruptions, ensuring passengers are still able to needs to be implemented for passengers
make it to their destination as quickly and comfortably as possible. Photo: Shutterstock/ Yau Ming Low travelling today. IRJ
Maximising
Rail Infrastructure
Availability Safety Lifetime Value
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Passenger information | data
Is consistent real-time data the secret to

improving customer satisfaction?
Reliability is the key to customer satisfaction in public transport, and perceptions of reliability increase when
passengers have early warning of unexpected delays thanks to the provision of real-time disruption
information, as Christian Blome, Bastian Kargoll, and Jonas Wernz* of IVU Traffic Technologies explain.
D
ISRUPTION cannot always be passenger information in real time, the workshops for maintenance. The
avoided, and the annoyance including when incidents causing operational timetable is the basis for
caused by unexpected delays disruption are likely to be resolved. To more detailed planning, including
can be mitigated by the early provision enable this, all data must automatically vehicle working diagrams and crew
of accurate real-time information, be kept consistent in multiple individual duty rosters. The timetable also specifies
enabling passengers to re-plan their systems. In this way, different timetable the required train path, an important
journeys and seek alternative connections. requirements can be met from a resource which must be requested,
Information on disruption comes from common basis. developed and allocated by the
a number of sources within an operator’s The complex process of planning, infrastructure manager. Allocated train
planning and dispatch functions. In delivering and controlling a train service paths become another form of timetable
addition to common causes of gives rise to many different types of which must be taken into consideration.
disruption such as staff sickness, rolling timetable, all of which depend on each These timetables are not suitable for
stock shortages or high passenger other while meeting different purposes. passengers, who need concise information
volumes, operational decisions made by In regional rail operation in Germany, on train arrivals and departures at
the infrastructure manager can also for example, the specified timetable is stations only. Passenger information is
affect journeys and onward connections. part of the contract between the public based on a public timetable that excludes
Initial reports of disruption typically transport authority and the transport purely operational stops (such as for
originate from various IT systems, not operator, with the authority setting out crew changes), includes recovery time
all of which are operated by the rail the services provided by the operator. for late running, and is typically rounded
operator itself. These include staff As part of contract supervision, the to full minutes. It is also used for ticket
rostering systems, maintenance software, actual provision of rail services is sales and reservations. The public timetable
onboard systems on rolling stock, and compared with the specified timetable. is made available via the internet and
control centres operated by the For services that are not specified by a mobile devices and is displayed in
infrastructure manager or other train transport authority, the operator’s own paper format, especially at stations.
operators. And even though most relevant service planning department takes on Only after the train service is operated
information is usually available on an this role. is the realised timetable known. It is a
IT system somewhere, it is often Based on the specified timetable, the log of the actual times of events during
communicated manually such as by transport company creates an operational a journey, such as arrivals and departures,
telephone. or working timetable, the main outcome recorded during operations. A
Given these constraints and a dispersed of the operational planning process. As comparison of the realised timetable
IT infrastructure, it is very hard to well as the specified train services, this with the planned timetable enables
ensure that all the necessary information timetable includes other train movements, service quality to be measured, such as
is available to provide comprehensive such as empty workings to and from train punctuality. The contracting
authority usually undertakes this task
as part of contract supervision, but it
also enables further analysis to improve
service quality. Passengers can make
use of the realised timetable to enforce
their rights, such as compensation for
late arrival. For passenger information
purposes, the realised timetable can be
used in real time to calculate the likely
delay to a late service on the remainder
of its journey.
So instead of a single timetable, there
are a variety of schedules performing
different but interdependent roles for
the various stakeholders in the railway
sector. At their centre is the operational
timetable, which must serve the
requirements of these parties as well as
possible.
These individual requirements are
met in a well-defined process and build
Every railway company manages multiple timetables, providing different information for different users. on each other. Starting with the
requirements defined by the contracting train paths must be modified for all In control centres, the separation of
authority, operational planning takes affected trips, which might lead to dispatch from the provision of
place and train paths are ordered, another iteration of changes. Unlike passenger information is still
before passenger information is initial planning, all of this must be widespread. The operational timetable
provided and, finally, the plan is executed under time pressure. and the public timetable are
realised. The continuous flow of synchronised by communication
timetable data is a purely technical between members of staff. As well as
problem and can be easily solved with Consistent data is crucial producing inevitable delays in
modern IT systems. To accomplish this task, it is crucial providing passenger information, this
The process becomes challenging that all relevant information is readily potentially leads to a growing
when requests are made to change the available and up to date at every divergence between the timetables.
initially planned schedule, either from contributing workstation. As systems If passenger information managers
inside or outside the operator. Every become more complex, and passengers must as a priority support dispatch, as
day, railway companies have to deal become more demanding, relying on is common during major incidents or
with a multitude of events that require interpersonal communication is no when there is a staff shortage, real-time
modifications to the timetable. Today, longer feasible. Transport operators passenger information might even be
such changes are typically implemented need consistent data flows that harmonise non-existent, severely impacting
by different people, depending on the diverse information sources for separate passenger satisfaction. Fully automatic
time remaining until the event that has applications. This integration should data synchronisation, if done correctly,
triggered the change. Especially for encompass applications from all areas can mitigate these effects almost
short-term changes to train dispatch, that may impact operational procedures, completely. This does not mean that
manual methods without software including planning, train paths, personnel, providing passenger information
support are still the norm. vehicle dispatch and sales systems. should be done without a human
Different events require changes to The availability of consistent data is presence. Individual announcements
different timetables. Infrastructure work essential for timely reaction to incidents and additional display texts are vital,
with a lead time of only a few weeks or by personnel, and provision should be and human intervention must be
possible and easy in every situation. In
addition, full data synchronisation must
“
not result in the publication of
incomplete and inconsistent
While full automation of planning and dispatch is not information that inevitably occurs
during complex operating situations.
feasible in the foreseeable future, more and more routine Synchronised data is also essential to
facilitate collaboration between the
tasks can be supported by software. various human participants in operational
incidents. A cross-role incident
management system helps to keep
everyone on the same page, including
dispatch optimisation by the made for automating this process. personnel in the field or in other control
infrastructure operator will typically While full automation of planning and centres. If it offers a common entry
have a direct impact on train paths. dispatch is not feasible in the point to various systems, it allows for a
The ordered timetable might change foreseeable future, more and more fully cross-functional approach. Knowing
when additional services are ordered routine tasks can be supported by that each action is automatically logged
for special events, and a shortage of software. At present, managing and circulated to all relevant parties
rolling stock or personnel requires the connections between train services is allows for concentration on the most
operational timetable to be modified. increasingly assisted and automated by important tasks.
Most of these changes have a direct software, providing for a substantial The quality of a control centre as well
impact on the public timetable. Lastly, improvement in passenger satisfaction. as of passenger information is determined
delays to preceding services or the time In addition to these trackside systems, by performance during major incidents
taken for passengers to change trains onboard software installed on rolling where the workload is considerable.
can cause delays. stock should be integrated. As the Although every person dealing with such
Although the process to update system closest to the point of service an incident should be aware of the
timetables follows well-established delivery within a railway company, existence and importance of the different
steps from original planning onwards, onboard systems are crucial to timetables and their versions, no one
each individual step is now more monitoring the status of operations in should be concerned with actively
challenging, as the timetables are real time. To mitigate errors and delays, maintaining them during a major
interconnected. Let us consider the vehicle data must be collected and incident. One of the main purposes of
modification of a single trip. Not only distributed automatically. modern IT systems is to relieve staff of
does this directly affect the current duties Simultaneously, drivers and onboard these tasks, provide a common view
of the onboard personnel, but it can also software need access to the most recent through integration and close collaboration,
have an impact on their later duties, for version of the operational timetable and and thus ease operations. IRJ
example if rest breaks cannot be taken. train paths without delay. For passenger
If the affected trip is part of a chain of information purposes, displaying *Dr Christian Blome is chief product manager,
connections, the alterations to these conflicting information on mobile Dr Bastian Kargoll, product manager, rail, and
Dr Jonas Wernz, division manager, public transport
connections must be communicated via devices and on-train displays leads to
operations development, at IVU Traffic Technologies.
the public timetable. At the same time, confusion and, eventually, frustration.
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Industrial strategy | Siemens
Bridging the compatibility gap

Siemens is looking to buck the trend of proprietary systems and in-house software development, common
within the rail sector, by increasing the compatibility of the data it is gathering and the software it is
developing. It hopes doing so will kickstart change within the rail sector, as David Burroughs explains.
T
HE rail sector has been undergoing of it to optimise the way trains and the company that other rail companies
a radical process of digitalisation infrastructure are managed. don’t have.”
in recent years. Analysis of data The revised focus began five years The merger with Alstom was ultimately
collected from systems large and small ago, ahead of InnoTrans 2018, when the blocked by the European Commission
is facilitating a step change in the way managers of Siemens Mobility asked over competition concerns, with the
that trains and infrastructure are themselves “what does technology French manufacturer instead going on
operated and maintained. actually mean for rail?” says Siemens to acquire the rail division of Bombardier
However, there is currently only Mobility CEO, Mr Michael Peter. At the in January 2021. Remaining on its own,
limited standardisation covering how time, Alstom and Siemens were Siemens has turned its focus to expanding
data should be collected and used. pursuing a merger, and the company and diversifying its offer, including
Software is usually tied to individual was exploring what differentiated it purchasing Software as a Service (SaaS)
suppliers and specific systems often from its rail sector competitors. The inventory management, reservation,
acting in isolated silos rather than as answer, Peter says, is that while they and ticketing software provider Sqills in
part of a larger ecosystem, limiting the saw other OEMs as mechanically August 2021, all while striving to put
overall benefits to users. focused, they envisaged Siemens digitalisation at the centre of all that it does.
Siemens Mobility wants to change Mobility as a technology-first company, This resulted in the German manufacturer
this by making its data available and supported by the wider Siemens group. refocusing on four core areas: optimising
compatible so that other manufacturers, “We have within the big Siemens lifecycle costs; increasing availability to
operators and even third parties such as family a lot of what we call corporate 100%; maximising network capacity; and
universities could make use core technologies,” Peter explains. optimising the passenger experience.
“Whatever we invent, we make it Under Siemens’ vision, lifecycle costs
available for all the other business units are reduced through the use of digital
in Siemens and [the other units within] twins, while availability is maximised
Siemens do the same. They spend … a by using predictive maintenance and AI
huge amount on things like Artificial to optimise maintenance schedules.
Intelligence (AI), and they give us that Digitalisation can also be used to enhance
knowledge. So there’s a lot of timetables to increase capacity, and also
knowledge in provide information for
Siemens is looking to make its data more widely

avilable in the hope that other manufactuers will do
the same, creating a more open system. Photo: Siemens
51
Industrial strategy | Siemens
passengers to use to improve their come up with new ways of processing systems will provide benefits for
journey: from finding the cheapest and using the data. operators, infrastructure managers and
ticket to rebooking their seat to a less “It’s possible that customers specify passengers. He outlines a scenario where
busy train, for example. in future that the whole industry has to an AI system uses data to detect that a
These are not novel ideas. Many rail go this way, and we can start connecting point machine will fail within a week,
industry actors are pursuing the same things to each other,” he says. allowing the infrastructure manager to
goals as Siemens by gathering and This commitment to open, compatible schedule the maintenance when there is
analysing data to improve operation, data forms part of Siemens Xcelerator, the least impact. However, he says it is
optimise maintenance, reduce costs and an “open digital business platform” possible to refine this intervention
increase availability. launched by the Siemens parent group. further. For example, the operator can
However, in practice this is forcing This involves the creation of application use a transport planning system (TPS)
operators and infrastructure managers programming interfaces (APIs), a way to use the data from the AI to develop a
that possess a range of fleets or systems for two or more computer programmes new timetable to minimise disruption.
provided by a variety of suppliers to to communicate with each other, to If a compatible reservation system has
purchase and use multiple proprietary create software that is more modular and been used, the TPS could use data from
systems and software suites, which can be connected with other software this system to prioritise busier trains, or
often do not talk to each other. developed by either Siemens or third analyse possible onward journeys for
While some operators have begun parties. Peter says the logical progression passengers to calculate a timetable that
developing software systems that can is to move this software into the cloud, results in the least disruption.
be laid over the top of these individual which reduces the installation burden The reservation system could then
systems to combine them into one, they and makes software solutions more use this new timetable to identify which
are still not as smooth as the original systems. widely available, especially for smaller passengers need to be notified that their
Recognising this inefficiency, Siemens is companies and operators. train has been cancelled or disrupted. It
looking to improve the standardisation “What that means for the end could also offer to rebook them onto
and compatibility of its data for use by customer is that the entry barrier from a another service.
any management system, effectively financial point of view is very, very Peter explains that each individual
enabling any company, including low,” Peter says. “They don’t have to do element of this system is already in use,
Siemens’ competitors, to integrate the a specification, go for a public bid and but no customer yet uses all the systems
data gathered from a Siemens train into pay €10m for custom made software. concurrently.
their own management systems. Instead, they go in the cloud, set “This is really a big step for rail
There is currently no reciprocal parameters for how they want to use because you must remember that we all
requirement for these manufacturers to the software and pay per usage. Even grew up with proprietary systems,”
make their data openly available. But small or medium-sized operators can Peter says. “Brake pads are sometimes
Peter says this is a gamble that Siemens start using it basically tomorrow.” proprietary, they are optimised to make
is willing to take, and one where it is as little noise as possible for a certain
betting that its in-house technological weight of train, so they are different
knowledge will give it a competitive Third-party data from train to train. Everything has been
advantage. As well as making it easier for Siemens’ proprietary in the past, and I think it’ll
How open this data will become will software and systems to communicate make a huge difference for operators
still be dictated by the end customer, with third party systems, the supplier is and passengers.”
but Peter explains that Siemens is at the also looking at ways it can improve Peter says that while the 9-euro ticket
very least looking to introduce the communication between its repository of in Germany has demonstrated that
capability to share this information. software systems that cover everything people will respond to low-fare rail
Peter is also counting on open data to from train and infrastructure maintenance travel, it has also shown that limited
drive innovation in the sector, and to journey planning, ticketing and information can lead to overcrowded
suggests that operators could work with reservations. trains during peak periods and half-
outside agencies such as universities to Peter explains that connecting these empty trains at other times of the day.
“ This is really a big step for rail because you

must remember that we all grew up with
proprietary systems. Michael Peter
be standardised across all fleets. Peter
says there is also a benefit for SMEs as
they gain access to a wider range of data,
not just directly related to their product.
“Frankly speaking, especially in
rolling stock, many of our competitors
are smaller and they cannot afford to
develop everything themselves,” Peter
says. “For example, I didn’t develop
Amazon Cloud, I use it, so the idea
behind opening [our systems] up is first
of all to create the possibility for every
company to participate in this game
and make a bigger, better rail system.
“If you want to optimise a propulsion
system, it’s a good idea to optimise it
together with the braking system for
instance. We do think the data that we
are collecting on the trains is very useful
to the supplier of the braking system,
Siemens is working with German Rail (DB) to digitalise and automate the Hamburg S-Bahn. even if it’s not from the brake itself.”
“It is very easy to have a train that is Siemens itself needs to cooperate with Siemens is taking a bold first step
100% full and another that is half empty its sub-suppliers. towards opening up the data market
if the operator doesn’t know what train Peter reports that Siemens is working within the rail industry, but it clearly
passengers are booked on because they with its partners to standardise the data believes the outcome is worth the risk.
have a ticket that can be used on several generated. For example, if Siemens is However, for this initiative to really pay
trains,” he says. looking to develop an algorithm to track off it will have to convince others that
While Peter argues that operators and when a door is likely to fail, it needs to there is both a benefit for them, and for
infrastructure managers will benefit work with its door suppliers to identify the end customer. The hard work is
from all suppliers releasing data, what data it needs. Ideally, this can then only just beginning. IRJ
Visit us in Berlin | Hall 1.2 | Booth 130
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53
18.07.22 15:47
InnoTrans 2022 | preview
The global rail industry returns to Berlin

Following the postponement and eventual cancellation of InnoTrans in 2020, the world’s largest railway
technology trade show returns to Messe Berlin this month. Simon Artymiuk and David Burroughs pick out
the exhibitor highlights of this mammoth event.
A FTER a four-year hiatus,

the railway world will
again descend on Messe Berlin
for the 13th iteration of the
InnoTrans trade fair. More
than 2770 exhibitors from 56
countries will fill the 42
exhibition halls, with
thousands of visitors expected
between September 20 and 23.
The exhibition will show
that innovation has not been
stopped by the Covid-19
pandemic. Messe Berlin says
around 250 world firsts will be
unveiled during the four-day Lev
el B
eta
ȕ
event, covering five sectors:

railway technology, railway Gate
Tor
27
infrastructure, public 25
Gate
Tor
transport, interiors and tunnel M

Log esse-
construction. Poin
t
All World Premieres are

identifiable by a button on
l3
exhibitors’ stands, hall plans,

ve
Le
in the InnoTrans App and at Jaf

fés
tra
InnoTrans Plus, the updated ße
online visitor planning tool.

The World Innovation Guide is
available online, and as a print
version at the press centre
when the fair opens.
Outside, more than 100
vehicles will be on show, with
Siemens Mobility and German
Rail (DB) presenting the
H2goesRail project and the Mireo
Plus H (p38), while Stadler is
taking part with seven vehicles.
Slovakian wagon manufacturer
Tatravagónka is planning to
make a big appearance with
six vehicles. Also on display Image: Messe Berlin
will be the Ideenzug City
(innovative train), the “light of this vast event, IRJ has from the show, IRJ editors will thoughts and highlights of the
rail system of the future” compiled a list of the highlights present a review of the show exhibition. We hope you enjoy
developed by DB Regio with and must-sees over the next 9 in the November edition, and the show and look forward to
12 themed sections, automatically pages. We have included a key we would love to hear your meeting many of you in Berlin!
configurable seating and to categorise each company. A
map of the exhibition grounds
standing room, a flexible space
concept, interactive windows and key connectivity IRJ InnoTrans Preview key
and e-Scooter holders. information is also shown above. Exhibitors are listed in alphabetical order. Follow this colour-
During the fair, trade visitors For those unable to attend, coded key to identify the type of product or service you are
can take part in the daily IRJ editors will offer live interested in.
world innovation tours, during coverage on railjournal.com g Components g Research organisations
which senior representatives and social media while a daily g Electrical
systems g Rolling stock maintenance
will await visitors on their e-mail newsletter will be g Consultants/training g Signalling
stands and be available for distributed to IRJ Rail Brief g IT/telecoms/digitalisation g Track and infrastructure
questions. Registration details subscribers Monday - Friday of g Measuring and testing g Traction equipment
are available on the InnoTrans InnoTrans week summarising g Passenger info/fare collection g Trains
website. the previous day’s highlights. g Railways/associations g Interiors
To support your navigation As well as reporting live

International Railway Journal
g g g g Among the highlights of CRRC’s (Hall 4.2, stand 210)
(Hall 6.2, stand 101) will have
exhibit is the Intelligent 350km/h EMU, which has
a strong presence at this year’s
adopted a number of innovative technologies
event. IRJ editor-in-chief Kevin
and was used at the Beijing 2022
Smith will be joined by
Winter Olympic Games.
associate editor, Robert
Simulators on the CRRC stand
Preston, news editor, David
will enable visitors to experience
Burroughs, contributing
a journey in the Intelligent EMU,
editor, David Briginshaw, and
including using the food
news reporter, Simon
ordering and other customised
Artymiuk, in Berlin. IRJ’s
service applications. In addition,
editorial team will publish
the manufacturer will highlight the
news stories and maintain an
600km/h maglev system built by
online blog live from the
CRRC Qingdao. Also on show will be
show, helping to keep IRJ
the Arco bogie applied to the 200km/h
readers abreast of the major
urban Express Rail train, which features
highlights of the exhibition as
permanent magnet direct drive technology to
they happen. IRJ’s editors will
reduce energy consumption. On display outside
also compile a special e-mail
will be the Bison multi-voltage electric locomotive for
newsletter, which will be
Hungary. Specifically developed for the European market,
distributed every morning of CRRC will show its new Arco
CRRC says it offers shunting capability for non-electrified areas,
InnoTrans. Production bogie for the Express Rail EMU.
high reliability and straightforward maintenance.
manager Sue Morant will
welcome visitors to IRJ’s stand objects in the rail corridor, the Coradia iLint - first seen at already using this Swiss
where they will be able to verify the approaching signal InnoTrans in 2016 and innovation for its Tokyo
learn more about IRJ’s website aspect, and monitor limit of operating since 2018 - Alstom Nudge app. Features include
and magazine subscription authority compliance in real- (Hall 3.2, stand 460) will compensating passengers who
services as well as IRJ Pro. Our time in all weather conditions. showcase its latest traction encounter delays with a free
railway market intelligence Horus is available in a number solutions for hydrogen and coffee.
toolkit comprises databases of of configurations including as battery power, for both new g British Steel (Hall 21,
all known global railway a driver advisory system to rolling stock and fleet stand 240) will present a range
projects and fleet orders as improve driver situational upgrades. Digitalisation will of products which it says are
well as our Global Rail awareness. be another significant topic designed to help the industry
Tenders service. IRJ’s sales g AKW A+V Protec Rail with Alstom presenting its achieve sustainable track
team, including publisher (Hall 1.1, stand 620) will ATO, ETCS and cybersecurity systems with longer
Jonathan Chalon, will be promote the Protec Bioreactor, technologies, including infrastructure life and fewer
available throughout the event which treats and sanitises HealthHub, a dynamic maintenance requirements.
to discuss commercial waste water from train toilets. maintenance planning Among the products on
opportunities across our The purified water is released platform which optimises display will be high-
portfolio of products. We look onto the track. With night rolling stock fleet maintenance. performance rail, a non-heat-
forward to seeing you in trains making a comeback in Outside, the manufacturer will treated range that offers
Berlin. Europe for long-distance exhibit two vehicles. improved protection against
g Australian supplier 4Tel routes, there are sometimes up g With its AI-controlled wear, rolling contact fatigue
(Hall 7.1b, stand 420) will to eight toilets per vehicle and mobility and loyalty platform and plastic deformation. Also
present Horus, a machine Protec is offering a solution which rewards passengers for on show will be Zinoco, a
learning vision system. Horus with one bioreactor that serves switching to eco-friendly durable coated rail offering
uses artificial intelligence and all toilets in the coach. transport, Axon Vibe (Hall excellent corrosion resistance
machine learning techniques g g g g g g g As the 7.1c, stand 430) is incentivising in aggressive environments
integrated with a variety of manufacturer of the world’s sustainable travel. East Japan such as coastal areas, wet
sensors to identify and classify first hydrogen-powered train, Railway Company (JR East) is tunnels and level crossings.
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The supplier will also exhibit new features are delivered generation of train control and autonomous track inspection
its range of steel sleepers, through Leader4DiLoc, an monitoring systems (TCMS). systems, a data management
which are designed to reduce energy-saving driver g Cylus (Hall 6.1, stand 230) suite, and update visitors on
track construction and renewal assistance system which has provides a specialised plans for the Transport
costs through lower ballast been developed with partner cybersecurity solution for Technology Centre (TTC) test
requirements, rapid installation, Knorr-Bremse. The operators to guarantee service site in the United States, which
and ease of transport. manufacturer says this helps availability and safety. Ensco will manage and
g g g g g CAF (Hall 4.2, operators to achieve high Combining deep rail and operate from October 1.
stand 130) will showcase its levels of energy efficiency by cybersecurity expertise, Cylus g Escha (Hall 12, stand 250)
latest innovations, products taking timetabling, has developed a platform for will for the first time show its
and services in rolling stock, topography and the level of real-time asset visibility and pre-assembled and
signalling, services, components, traffic into account. threat detection across overmoulded valve connectors
turnkey integration and g Comsa (Hall 22, stand heterogeneous rail operating which meet fire performance
engineering. It will also display 710) will highlight its work as technology. The supplier will and shock, vibration and
mock-ups of new cars for part of a consortium offer demonstrations of its mechanical stress standards.
London’s Docklands Light participating in the CylusOne platform while Escha says it is the first
Railway, EMUs for French deployment of a 5G network experts will be available to manufacturer to offer
National Railways (SNCF) and on the high-speed line share cybersecurity lessons overmoulded connectors that
battery trains for VRR of between Figueres in Spain and learned from working with have secured general approval
Germany. One of the highlights Perpignan in France. Among rail operators. for the demanding rail market.
will be the hydrogen-powered its features is the use of cloud- g DMA (Hall 23, stand 375) It says these connectors are
demonstrator train for the Fuel enabled artificial intelligence will show its products for more reliable and easier to
Cell Hybrid Power Pack for (AI) to ensure continuity of infrastructure and rolling stock install than field-wireable
Rail Applications (FCH2Rail) digital applications and inspection and diagnostics. connectors.
project. business services as trains Onboard solutions include g Europe’s Rail (Hall 27,
g g CN-Consult (Hall 2.1, cross the border. Comsa track geometry and rail stand 511) will have a strong
stand 840) will showcase its Industrial is also participating measurement, turnout and presence at InnoTrans. As well
newly-developed dynamic in the Shift2Rail Safe4Rail-3 point measurement, track as promoting the launch of the
timetable displays featuring project to develop advanced component video inspection new research programme in
integrated journey advice. The safety technologies for the next and catenary monitoring. January 2023 (p66), it will
Wayside systems include showcase several innovations
wheel profile and brake pad from the Shif2Rail joint
measurement, and pantograph research undertaking. These
monitoring systems. DMA will include a train management
also display its TracksNet data system (TMS) connected with
management and analysis a crew management system,
software. composite door leaves,
g Duagon (Hall 27, stand modular interior panels and
760) will exhibit its latest ultra-light seats. Europe’s Rail
communications, computing will also launch the second
and control technology system edition of its Catalogue of
for critical rail applications, Solutions, bringing together
including train subsystem innovative approaches to
control and monitoring, transforming rail. In addition,
onboard and wayside signalling, at 15.00 on September 21 at the
and auxiliary systems for Speakers’ Corner, Europe’s
passenger information or Rail will host a high-level
entertainment. The exhibitor presentation on the Digital
will premiere its G28 hardware Automatic Coupling (DAC)
platform, which enables real- and how best to prepare for its
time and general-purpose roll-out across Europe.
operating systems to run on a g g g g Frauscher (Hall 27,
single platform, resulting in stand 270) will present its
improved use of overall latest solutions and services
hardware capacity as well as a that the manufacturer says go
reduction in hardware costs, beyond its traditional wheel
energy consumption, cabling detection and axle-counter
and space requirements. solutions. This includes a new
g g g Ensco Rail (Hall 25, system that enables operators
g g Furrer+Frey (Hall 26, stand 250 and Track Area O/120) will stand 100) will display its new to seamlessly integrate train
display its latest catenary cantilevers which feature just a single Ultrasonic Rail Flaw System detection data with external
insulator, allowing for ease of installation and adjustment, while (URFS) for installation on information, contributing to
the live elements are located at a safe distance from the mast. road-rail and rail vehicles. smooth, efficient railway
Visitors can also see the ELFF overhead contact line design tool URFS integrates with other operation by enhancing safety,
which enables faster planning and design, plus a live demonstration Ensco measurement reliability and service to
of the version for German Rail (DB). There will also be presentations technologies to provide customers while minimising
of how to remove friction from overhead conductor rail suspensions accurate and more cost- maintenance costs.
by using rollers as well as a swivel-mounted conductor rail and effective rail inspection. The g Frequentis (Hall 4.1,
a method of keeping contact wires cool. supplier will also exhibit its stand 450) will unveil its

Mission X project, which it versatile Runner Wizard,
Unife hosts high-level programme of events says will demonstrate how it which is based on the
g The European Rail Industry Association (Unife) (Hall 27, can contribute to the Future Kawasaki Mule. Geismar says
stand 660) has organised a number of events on Tuesday, Railway Mobile the MB8 NEO will eventually
Wednesday and Thursday during InnoTrans, the majority of Communications System replace the MB8 AC, and will
which will take place at its stand. (FRMCS) currently under offer effective and high-output
Tuesday features the announcement of the 2022 World Rail development. Building on its tamping and the ability to
Market Study Results, presented by Unife chairman and Alstom experience of supplying work in turnouts with
CEO, Mr Henri Poupart-Lafarge, alongside Roland Berger control centre communications improved versatility, safety
partner, Mr Andreas Schwilling, and Unife director general, Mr systems for the aviation, and ease of use. It will also fit
Philippe Citroën. Other events that day include “Going the public safety, defence and a wider range of loader types
extra mile: A growing market demand for zero-emissions trains maritime markets, Frequentis and will come with an
in Europe,” and the signing of a Memorandum of will highlight its success in automatic anti-drift braking
Understanding between the Railway Supply Institute (RSI), delivering 10,000 GSM-R system. Meanwhile, Geismar
United States, the Canadian Association of Railway Suppliers dispatcher terminals for says the Runner Wizard is
(CARS), Canada, and Unife. control centres in 25 countries designed to address demand
Events on Wednesday include “Using EU R&I to support the across Europe, the Middle for small, affordable road-rail
European rail supply industry’s competitiveness,” “Assessing East, Russia, Africa and vehicles to transport personnel
the impact of the Fourth Railway Package’s implementation and Australia. Frequentis will be and small items of equipment
the EU technical regulatory framework’s evolution,” and joined at InnoTrans by its over short distances on and off
“ERTMS: the foundation of future global automation.” There innovation partners CNS the track. Also on show will be
will also be discussions on the transition to the Future Railway Solutions, Control Center the Amber-T, a foldable
Mobile Communication System (FRMCS), and on adapting Apps, Team Technology T-shaped trolley which
training curricula and attracting talent to the rail sector. Management, Mission measures and records versine
Thursday will begin with a forum on ERTMS, including two Embedded and Nemergent and track geometry data,
panels, at the Palais followed by a session at the Unife stand Solutions. along with the 100% electric
looking at smart tools for railway work safety and performance g g The highlights of Activion range of small
improvement, with a robot and exoskeleton demonstration. The Geismar’s (Hall 26, stand 490 battery-powered machines
events will close with sessions on cybersecurity and IRIS and Track Area T04/45) comprising the Shark abrasive
certification. outside exhibit are the new rail saw, the Moray portable
MB8 NEO tamping unit and tamper, the Marlin coach

information and information which meet requirements over
management system, ticketing a wide temperature range,
systems, passenger journey varying speeds and under
planning and dispatch. vibration. In addition, the
g g IVU Traffic supplier will present
Technologies (Hall 2.1 stand lubricants for conventional
630) will invite visitors to see points, and the locks of the
its new IVU.suite rail control roller-supported points, which
centre, which helps ensure are increasingly used as a low-
passengers are kept up to date maintenance alternative.
with quick, comprehensive g Knick Electronic
and consistent information Measuring Devices (Hall 17,
(p48). IVU’s integrated stand 225) will present a world
standard solution provides a premiere of its new P16800
fully digital workflow, from Speed Signal Doubler, which
timetable planning and has been developed to provide
incident management to reliable speed data for the
passenger information. increasing number of monitoring
Railway companies also systems in rail vehicles with
g g As well as promoting its expertise in flash-butt welding, benefit from new features such no need to install extra sensors
Holland (Hall 26, stand 170) will debut new track measurement as a map display of vehicle at the axle ends. It can be
products. These include portable inspection systems that allow positions and information on retrofitted to existing vehicles
railways to turn any road-rail vehicle with a standard hitch their condition. as a way of cost-effectively
assembly into a track measurement platform. The Gauge g g Klüber Lubrication meeting odometry requirements
Inspector system provides real-time gauge measurement with (Hall 21a, stand 440) will for ETCS. Knick will also
onboard visual and audible alerts, while the Track Inspector present a range of newly present the P41000AG
system provides full track geometry and rail profile developed and upgraded (Adaptive Gain) transducer
measurements. Holland’s newest rail measurement system is products aimed at reducing which, in addition to regular
the Locomotive UGMS, also known as Autonomous Track component wear, extending currents, can also measure high
Geometry Measurement System or ATGMS, which is equipped maintenance intervals and overload currents caused by
with Holland’s Argus track measurement technology (pictured) simplifying application. To short circuits or overmoulded
and mounted on the underside of a locomotive. The system reduce door malfunctions, a motors.
draws its power from the locomotive, reducing operating costs major cause of rail service g g g g Knorr-Bremse
and the number of components to maintain. disruption, the new Barrierta L (Hall 1.2, stand 250) will
25 DL Spray has been present braking solutions and
screwing machine, the AGX materials for fire protection developed especially for the other rail vehicle systems in
retrofit kit, the Barracuda and sound insulation. lubrication of door seals. Also three spaces: Ecological
grinding machine, and the g g Spanish supplier Ikusi on show is a new generation Footprint, Traffic Flow, and
Nocturna worksite projector. (Hall 4.1, stand 355) will of wheel bearing greases, Train Operation and
g g g g Hitachi Rail (Hall showcase its offer across four
4.2, stand 430) will show off its product lines: onboard
new Blues tri-mode multiple- technologies for security and
unit for Trenitalia at the communication as well as train
outside track area (T01/40). to ground communication,
The 160km/h train is derived cybersecurity, and passenger
from Hitachi’s Masaccio information; Smart Maintenance,
platform and is equipped with an AI-based intelligent railway
onboard technology designed maintenance solution that
to optimise the passenger facilitates predictive maintenance;
experience. The company will maintenance services,
also highlight its new 360Pass including the use of digital
smart ticketing app, which it tools to allow the customer to
unveiled in Genoa in July, as monitor what is happening;
well as debuting a new and data aggregation to
product that offers live continuously enhance the
monitoring of high-speed service level agreement.
trains. g Among its demonstrations,
g Hübner Group (Hall 1.2, Init (Hall 2.1, stand 440) will
stand 120 and Track Area O/220) present the latest version of its
g PJ Monitoring (CityCube A, stand 230) will showcase its
will showcase products, systems Mobile-ITCS nextGen integrated
solution, where an up-to-date WaggonTracker fully automated brake testing application for
and applications for the rail
user interface in UX design freight wagons. The system replaces manual brake check while
vehicle market. One of the
featuring a number of new fulfilling all safety-related regulations in terms of operation and
highlights is the new FX1000pro
functions improves dispatcher vehicles, offering a time saving of up to 40 minutes for a
articulation system for trams,
performance. In addition, Init 500m-long freight train. The results of the brake test are shown
which has high durability and
will display its latest offers in on the train driver’s tablet, facilitating one-person operation.
low lifecycle costs. The
passenger information, Another highlight is the supplier’s mobile measurement
company will also present new
including Responseassist, a technology, which is able to effectively and quickly determine
displays and driver assistance
multi-channel passenger the condition of rails on urban transport systems.
systems, as well as new

Maintenance. A fourth area
will focus on Smart Solutions,
which connects all other
systems and subsystems to
deliver new functions and
services. Among the product
highlights are optimised
HVAC and the LifeDrive door
system, the supplier’s Digital
Freight Train concept, which
includes Digital Automatic
Couplers, and the
electromechanical (EM) brake,
which uses brake by-wire
technology to transfer braking
signals and energy electrically
instead of pneumatically. The
EM brake is joined by the
CubeControl and FlexControl g g LB Foster (Hall 21, stand 250) will showcase its end-to-end track management and
brake control families. In performance monitoring solutions. Among them is Total Rail Management, which combines the
addition, Knorr-Bremse will supplier’s portfolio of high-performance rail products with onboard and trackside friction
present its RailServices management solutions. The solution creates a smart interface between conventional track products
portfolio for maintenance and and intelligent performance monitoring digital technologies, delivering data that improves asset
intelligent Internet of Things performance, drives cost efficiencies, and enhances safety and security. The manufacturer says this
(IoT) services. will result in extended asset life and improved asset performance.
g Kontron Transportation
(Hall 4.1, stand 650) will Complemented by all software RAN product line delivers MCx standards.
present its new Radio Access core and application solutions, specific functionalities such as g Leonard, Bauer & Co
Network (RAN) portfolio RAN adopts an architecture whitespace for technology (Hall 27, stand 561) will present
which is designed to support where the baseband and the coexistence and smooth its range of multisystem speed
the next generation of mobile radios are separated to allow migration from GSM-R, sensors. The sensors supply
technologies such as 4G/5G versatile installation options intelligent handover and supplementary monitoring
private networks and FRMCS. both indoor and outdoor. The FRMCS features set within devices with independent
PROGRESS
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THE RIGHT TRACK
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customers such as the Deutsche Bahn put their trust in our intelligently designed 20. – 23.09.2022, Berlin
pumping stations and Vogelsang’s demand-oriented technical equipment. These include Hall 6.2, stand 225
systems for supply and disposal as well as servicing and cleaning to ensure the highest
standards regarding hygiene, usability and cost-efficiency.
VOGELSANG – LEADING IN TECHNOLOGY

vogelsang.info
IRJ ???????? 2016 59
network in one place. Product traction system, which will
highlights include the also be deployed on several
powerful and robust AP3400 track vehicles ordered by ÖBB
Access Point for rail vehicles, last month (p10). As well as its
which is able to withstand modular and tailor-made
strong vibration and machines, which customers
temperatures ranging from can access via the new
-40°C to 70°C. ModularCustomising service,
g Nextsense (Hall 23, stand Plasser & Theurer will
560) will present its latest highlight its spare part supply
solution for the automated services following the start of
on-track measurement of test operation at its European
wheelsets, the Calipri X. The Distribution Centre in Linz,
Austrian supplier will also Austria, this summer.
show the Calipri Predictor, an Customers will also be able to
easy-to-use cloud storage and learn about lifecycle
analysis tool for Calipri enhancement, eco-retrofitting
measurement devices, and and used machine services.
Calipri C42, a handheld device g g Representatives of
for measuring wheelsets, rails Powerlines (Hall 22, stand 340
and switches. and Hall 4.2, stand 150) will
g Among the highlights for promote the company’s
Piper Networks (Hall 7.1b, infrastructure service offering,
stand 420) is the world’s first including for electrification,
SIL-4 certified ultra-wide band power supply, safety and
(UWB) train navigation system. signalling system projects. The
The solution makes it possible Powerlines Group - which also
to track the movement of includes Ineo and SCLE SFE -
trains, track vehicles and other offers services ranging from
rail equipment in real time and consulting and engineering to
at an accuracy of just a few installation and maintenance,
centimetres, even in difficult as well as product
g Mechan (Hall 2.2, stand 230G) will present one of the newest areas such as in tunnels and development and sales. Among
additions to its range of jacks for depots: a version designed overpasses. the highlights for Ineo is
specifically for the tram and light rail markets. Mechan will also g At the outside track area Socrat, an overhead contact
highlight its recently updated jack control system, which offers Plasser & Theurer (Hall 26, line monitoring solution, data
remote diagnostics via a 4G SIM card and I/O technology. Using stand 270 and Track Area from which helps to inform
a portable panel, synchronised chains of jacks can be raised and T02/60) will show the Unimat maintenance and repair
lowered safely and efficiently, saving valuable servicing time. 09-4x4/4S Dynamic E³, which activities.
it is supplying to DB Bahnbau. g Powerlines subsidiary
speed signals, meeting weight and dimensions of The vehicle features the Equans (Hall 22, stand 340)
requirements for improved devices, greater range and manufacturer’s E³ electric will demonstrate how it uses
safety in rolling stock. Crucially lower battery life. The the 5G-enabled centralised
they do not require additional company has also developed connectivity platform supplied
installation space and thanks the E-recycler regenerative
to galvanic isolation, the sensor braking system.
provides the necessary speed g g Neo.Net (Hall 6.1,
signals for up to four control stand 200) will present the
systems without feedback. FiberCamera video
They are also suitable for use surveillance system, which
with different supply voltages. employs fibre optic data
The sensors support anti-skid communication and can
protection as well as traction identify and logically combine
and train control and are information on train signals,
suitable for both new vehicles pantograph position and
and retrofit projects installing hazards on railway crossings.
ETCS and CBTC. g g NetModule (Hall 4.1,
g Medcom (Hall 17, stand stand 410) will showcase its
255) will present its latest SiC 5G solutions and products to
technology solutions for all support connectivity from a
g Norgren (Hall 10.2, stand 210) will showcase its Hydrogen.
types of vehicles that aim to single source for assets
guarantee improvements in Ready product and system advancements, which are designed
ranging from trains to
performance and increased to assist the rail industry’s shift from the use of diesel power.
stationary ticket vending
energy efficiency. This Among the products available to view are manifold and system
machines and display boards.
includes up to 30% lower solutions, including the H2 inlet manifold (pictured), hydrogen
By using its Connectivity Suite
operating costs of vehicles in ready battery thermal valves and fuel cell manifolds. It will also
management platform, it is
urban traffic, up to two and a show a range of electronic sensors and secondary suspension
possible to monitor, manage
half months of free vehicle products as well as the Excelon Plus 84 Series Air preparation
and maintain all routers and
operation a year, 30%-45% less system.
gateways integrated in the
60
60 IRJ ???????? 2016 IRJ September 2022
by Icomera (Hall 22, stand harnesses AI and advanced
340) to provide internet electro-optical sensor
connectivity for transport technologies, and which can
operators. It will also identify and categorise
showcase Navineo, a obstacles on or near the track.
computer-aided dispatch/ The supplier is working with
automatic vehicle location Hitachi Rail to equip the
system, which supports AutoHaul system used by Rio
incident reporting, passenger Tinto in Australia following
counting and voice over IP successful tests at Hitachi’s
(VoIP) communication. test track in Naples.
g Caterpillar subsidiary g g Robel Group (Hall 26,
Progress Rail (Hall 2.2, stand stand 470 and Track area
130) will celebrate the 100th O3/70 plus Plasser Robel
anniversary of its EMD Services Track area O3/65) will
locomotive and engine brand present more than 20 machines
during the show. The supplier and solutions for track
will also highlight its ECM maintenance. At the outside g g Pandrol (Hall 23, stand 250) will present its range of
signalling solutions, and offers exhibit, Robel Rail fastening systems, aluminothermic welding and track
across infrastructure, rolling Construction Machines will equipment, electrification products, and its sustainable resilient
stock, and advanced rail show various hand-operated systems for vibration mitigation. Innovations on display will
technology. Experts will also machines with electric and include the High Flow Preheater, designed to replace most
be on hand to discuss hybrid drives. Robel’s rail equipment currently used to raise rail temperature before
advanced energy and data vehicles include the brand welding; AutoSeal Moulds, an aluminothermic method of
acquisition solutions as well as new Roclean Cleaning System, streamlining the welding process where the built-in felt expands
asset protection equipment which combines automated during the preheating phase, creating a tight seal between the
and the supplier’s locomotive surface extraction with manual mould and rail and removing the need for luting with paste or
and wagon repair and cleaning using suction hoses, sand while also preventing welding leaks; CD100 Battery
aftermarket offers. and which the manufacturer clipping machine allowing a single operator to clip and de-clip
g g Rail Vision (Hall 9, says is designed to Pandrol Fastclips; and the Fastclip Baseplate, an assembly
stand 455) will showcase its significantly reduce fire load providing a captive Fastclip mainly for ballastless track.
driver assistance system which and fine dust in underground
a degree above | www.Thermon.com
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HALL 3.1 | BOOTH 790
IRJ September
IRJ ???????? 2016 61
2022 61
railways. The exhibitor will 04/36, 06/40, 50, 60, 07/40, 50,
also show the Romill Urban E³ 70) will show seven vehicles:
milling train, which is optimised the Mireo Plus H hydrogen
for use on underground lines. multiple unit (p38), a Desiro
The machine is equipped with HC, a Vectron Dual Mode
hybrid drive and milling locomotive and a 230km/h
technology from Schweerbau Vectron Multi System, along
International (Track Area with a four-car Siemens
O3/90/95) and measuring Avenio LRV and an X-Wagen
equipment from Vogel & automated metro train for
Plötscher. On the Robel stand, Vienna. Highlights of the
Vogel & Plötscher will exhibit inside exhibit include the
its Rail Surface Crack launch of its open digital
Measurement (RSCM) device business platform, Siemens
for measuring crack depths Xcelerator (p50).
and irregularities in the rail g Clean, smart, safe and
surface. New company Plasser accurate is the theme of the
Robel Services will present its Speno (Hall 26, stand 120)
g g Vollert (Hall 21, stand 160) will showcase its battery-
multi-brand service exhibit. The supplier will
powered shunting solutions, including the road-rail robot Vlex.
programme for rail vehicles, present its track cleaning
Vollert has supplied the model to Fret SNCF’s maintenance site
and the latest addition to the machines, which employ a
in Modane. The compact road-rail robot shunts locomotives
group, Robel Rail Automation, specialised technique to
weighing up to 120 tonnes into the site’s 14 maintenance areas
will present studies on the recover debris and metal
and is able to withstand the mountain region’s harsh weather
automation of labour-intensive shavings from the grinding
conditions. Vollert will also present in a live demo the new IIoT
manual maintenance tasks. process. Speno will also
service module, which offers virtual monitoring of shunting
g g SAB Bröckskes Special highlight its solutions to
operations to allow resolution of errors as they arise.
Cables (Hall 14.1, stand 210) identify the most appropriate
will display the new SAB grinding patterns and to self- monitoring crane track the company has worked on
RailLine 560 cable, which the diagnose potential faults; and systems and automatic rail around the world. Visitors can
supplier says, with the help of technology to help operators structures. In addition, it will also test the latest generation
the latest materials, is avoid any interference demonstrate an exoskeleton of Thales’ digital integrated
continuously flexible, halogen- between grinding equipment with an incorporated safety platform to supervise all
free, and possesses the highest and trackside devices such as harness for working on wayside and onboard
level of flame protection as well axle-counters and hot box overhead wires, which it has subsystems with a single click,
as non-toxic characteristics. detectors. Other highlights developed alongside the TU as well as platforms for
The cable is able to withstand include real-time monitoring Delft Robotics Institute. revenue collection and sharing.
a range of weather conditions equipment for track conditions. Company representatives will Thales will also showcase its
during outdoor use and at the g g Infrastructure also be on hand to demonstrate latest digital train control and
same time has good ozone, construction, renewal and the HoloLens augmented smart maintenance technology,
UV, oil and fuel resistance. It is maintenance company reality application for training as well as its end-to-end
also resistant against Strukton Rail (Hall 25, stand and instruction. cybersecurity products.
mechanical stress. 285) will present “Leonardo,” g g g Visitors to the Thales Outside, visitors can also
g g g g g g Outside a form of Google Street View (Hall 27, stand 570) exhibit board Lucy, Thales’ ERTMS
Siemens Mobility (Hall 27, for railway lines. Strukton will will be met by a digital wall, test train (Track Area T04/29).
stand 230 and Track Areas also show its robot for which will showcase projects g g Traktionssyteme
Austria (TSA) (Hall 18, stand
g g g For the first time Stadler (Hall 2.2, stand 160 for main stand; Hall hub 27, stand 750 for 310) will display traction
signalling) will have a separate stand dedicated to its signalling portfolio, including ATO, ETCS, motors for the new type J/JK
CBTC and railway safety systems. In addition, the supplier will present seven new rail vehicles at metro train fleet for BVG,
the outside track area: the Hydrogen Flirt H2 multiple-unit for the San Bernadino County Berlin, built by Stadler; for
Transportation Authority in the United States; a two-car battery Flirt for the NAH.SH network in CAF DEMUs for Transport for
Schleswig-Holstein, Germany; a Tina LRV for the Heag Mobilo transport company in the New South Wales’ TrainLink
Darmstadt-Dieburg district of Germany; and a new Euro 9000 locomotive for European Loc Pool regional train project in
(ELP) in Switzerland. There will also be three trains for the British market: a Flirt tri-mode train for Australia; and for Renfe’s
Transport for Wales (TfW); a Citylink tram-train for TfW; and a battery-electric EMU for Merseyrail. latest series 106 and 122 high-
speed trains built by Talgo
(Hall 4.2, stand 450). TSA will
also show its traction drive for
the type X metro fleet for
Vienna built by Siemens.
g Vossloh (Hall 26, stand
975) is focusing its exhibit
around three key themes:
advanced infrastructure,
future turnout environment,
and smart maintenance. The
supplier says it is focusing on
tailored solutions that improve
the durability and resilience of
62
62 IRJ ???????? 2016 IRJ September 2022
track infrastructure to Air and Bluefilter, along with
increasing demand. The passenger information systems
supplier will show its range of such as the iSmart Displays.
products, tools and services as g g ZF Innovation (Hall 20,
well as its digital offering stand 580) will highlight its
g VTG (Hall 6.2, stand 410) digital condition monitoring
subsidiary Waggonwerk Brühl system connect@rail, and will
is a provider of wagon repair demonstrate how integrated
and maintenance services at its sensors and advanced data
main facility in Wesseling near analysis tools can further
Cologne, and satellite workshops improve efficiency, reliability
at Syke near Bremen and and safety in rail. Modular in
Schwarzheide near Dresden. design and compatible with
At InnoTrans the service new and existing rail vehicles,
provider will bring its offer to connect@rail’s functions range
g g Among the latest products on show at the Voith (Hall
life by demonstrating its from wireless component
1.2, stand 130) exhibit is the CargoFlex Digital Automatic
wagon repair workshop to identification to monitoring of
Coupler (DAC) (pictured). Based on the Scharfenberg
visitors through VR. flat spots, wheel tread wear,
design, the coupler has already demonstrated high
g g g g g Wabtec (Hall 1.2, track and driveline components.
reliability in winter tests under extreme climate conditions
stand 210) will highlight In addition, ZF experts will
in Sweden, in the Swiss mountains and in the climate
products to decarbonise the give a presentation on connectivity
chamber of DB Cargo in Minden. Voith will also show its
rail industry, including FLXdrive, solutions to partners and
MultiMode gear units for passenger rolling stock. The
the world’s first 100% battery- customers at the stand on
supplier says the transverse drives combine the advantages
powered heavy-haul locomotive. September 22 at 16.00.
of modularised and parameterised products, ensuring
The company will also g Zonegreen (Hall 2.2, stand
speedy delivery and high level of gear unit availability.
showcase its latest signalling 230) will present its technology
and digital solutions. Also designed to automate depot
featured will be the latest safety procedures, removing (DPPS), which safeguards they are working, with access
Wabtec braking technologies manual processes and the risk workers by using Network permission for trains only
such as DistanceMaster, Green of human error while allowing Rail-approved powered granted if the route is clear.
Friction and Regioflex, as well the effective movement of derailers, linked to road end Zonegreen systems embody g
as products to transform the vehicles. Among the highlights panels that control vehicle the concept of distributed g
commuter experience with are demonstrations of Depot movements. Staff log on via intelligence, meaning there is g
HVAC solutions such as Green Personal Protection System RFID tags that record where no master controller or single g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
IRJ Pro offers a unique and up-to-date perspective on

investment in new railways and rolling stock as well as
the latest Global Rail Tenders.
Visit us at InnoTrans to learn more!
IRJ and IRJ Pro are located in Hall 6.2, stand 101.
Alternatively, to set up a free trial, contact
Jonathan Chalon, [email protected]
September
IRJ ???????? 2016 63
2022 63
Rendezvous
September 2022 12-13—Copenhagen, Denmark 8 IHRA, Tokyo, Japan. www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/
20-23—Berlin, Germany The International Mobility Summit https://www.ihra-hsr.org/en/ africa-rail/index.stm
InnoTrans Exhibition 8 Electronomous, Ashbourne,
8 Messe Berlin, Berlin, Germany. Ireland. November 2022 29-Dec 1—Malaga, Spain
www.innotrans.com www.electronomous.com/the- 2-4—Singapore Rail Live Conference &
international-mobility-summit- SITCE Transport Congress & Exhibition
26-28—Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 2022 Exhibition 8 Terrapinn, London, Britain.
NEW: Malaysia Rail Conference 8 UITP, Brussels, Belgium. www.terrapinn.com/conference/
8 Bricsa, Mumbai, India. 19-21—Brisbane, Australia www.uitp.org/events/lta-uitp- rail-live/index.stm
https://bricsaconsulting.com/ NEW: ARA Rail Freight singapore-international -transport-
Conference congress-exhibition-sitce-2022 December 2022
October 2022 8 ARA, Kingston, Australia. 5-7—Brisbane, Australia
5—London, Britain https://ara.net.au/events/ara- 8-9—Frankfurt, Germany AusRAIL 2022
Rail Freight Group Conference rail-freight-conference Railway Interior Innovation 8 ARA, Canberra, Australia.
8 Waterfront, London, Britain. Summit https://ara.net.au/events/aus
https://bit.ly/3uFi7Az 19-21—Virtual Congress 8 RedCabin, Berlin, Germany. rail-2022-and-ausrail-plus- 2023
UIC World Congress on Rail https://railway-interior-innova
5-7—Prague, Czech Republic Training tion-europe.redcabin.de February 2023
International Rail Forum & 8 UIC, Paris, France. 21-23—Rome, Italy
Conference (IRFC) https://wcrt.uic.org 9—Stockholm, Sweden NEW: International Railway
8 ltis, Olomouc, Czech Republic. Scandinavian Rail Optimisation Summit
https://irfc.eu/en 19-21—Jakarta, Indonesia Conference 8IRITS, London, Britain.
RailwayTech Indonesia 8 Rotaia Media, Ashford, Britain. www.irits.org/irs12
10-11—Auckland, New Zealand 8 Global Expo, Jakarta, www.scandinavianrail.co.uk
New Zealand Rail Conference Indonesia. March 2023
8 Informa, Sydney, Australia. www.railwaytech-indonesia.com 16-18—Amsterdam, Netherlands 7-10—Marrakesh, Morocco
www.informa.com.au/event/ World Passenger Festival The 11th World Congress on
conference/transport-logistics/ 25-26—Stockholm, Sweden 8 Terrapinn, London, Britain. High-Speed Rail
new-zealand-rail/ Passenger Traffic Fair www.terrapinn.com/conference/ 8UIC, Paris, France.
8 Stockholmsmassan, passenger-festival/index.stm https://uichighspeed.org
12-13—London, Britain Stockholm, Sweden.
Train Communication Systems www.persontrafik.se 23-24—Johannesburg, South Africa 8-10—Istanbul, Turkey
Conference Africa Rail Eurasia Rail Exhibition
8 BWCS, Ledbury, Britain. 26-28—Nagoya, Japan 8Terrapinn, Johannesburg, 8 HYVE, Istanbul, Turkey.
http://www.traincomms.com NEW: High Speed Rail Conference South Africa. https://eurasiarail.eu/Home
STAY INFORMED. IRJ

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Contacts | editorial Fresh faces
46 Killigrew Street, Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 3PP, UK
Ms Gwendoline Cazenave has been appointed CEO of
Tel +44 1326 313945 Eurostar Group. Cazenave will take up her new role
on October 1, when she will replace current CEO Mr
Editor-in-Chief Kevin Smith MA [email protected] Jacques Damas. Cazenave has 20 years’ experience of
Consulting Editor/Associate Publisher working in the rail transport sector and was
David Briginshaw CMILT [email protected] previously an executive at French National Railways
Associate Editor Robert Preston [email protected]
News Editor David Burroughs [email protected]
(SNCF).
News Reporter Simon Artymiuk [email protected]
Production Manager Sue Morant [email protected]
Regional editors Mr Xolani Mbambo has been appointed CEO by

Australia Tony Duboudin [email protected] southern African freight transport company Grindrod
Chile Ian Thomson Newman [email protected] from January 1 2023, when he will succeed Mr
France David Haydock [email protected] Andrew Waller. Waller will remain CEO until
Germany Keith Fender [email protected] December 31 2022 to facilitate the transition. Mbambo
Italy Marco Chiandoni Tel +39 347 4413235 [email protected] has been with the company since 2013 and is currently
Japan Yoshihiko Sato Tel +81 3 5721 6616 [email protected] executive director of Grindrod.
New Zealand Richard Worrall [email protected]
USA/Canada William C Vantuono Tel +1 212 620 7240
[email protected]
Mr Egidijus Lazauskas has been appointed CEO of
Correspondents Lithuanian Railways (LTG) and a member of the
board of freight subsidiary LTG Cargo. Lazauskas has
Austria Erwin Reidinger Korea Andy Tebay
been acting CEO of LTG since the beginning of 2022.
Brazil Renata Passos Netherlands Quintus Vosman
His previous experience included working as head of
Denmark Denis Bowers Pakistan Rashid Ali
Eastern Europe Roma Nazarov Poland Mykola Zasiadko
the Ernst & Young Baltic infrastructure project team.
Hungary Ferenc Joo Spain Miguel Bustos
India Srinand Jha Ukraine Alexander Kava
Israel Jeremaya Goldberg
Executive offices Dr Philipp Nagl has been appointed as CEO and

chairman of the executive board of German Rail’s
Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corp (DB) subsidiary DB Network. Nagl began on August
15, replacing Mr Frank Sennhenn who took early
1809 Capitol Avenue, Omaha, NE 68102, USA
retirement. Austrian-born Nagl has been a production
Tel +1 212-620-7200
director at passenger operator DB Long Distance since
President & Chairman A J McGinnis 2018, having previously held various other positions
Publisher, Rail Group Jonathan Chalon including timetable and traffic control manager.
Circulation Jo Ann Binz [email protected]
Mr Hasan Pezük was appointed general director of

Turkish State Railways (TCDD) and chairman of the
Contacts | advertising board of directors following a presidential decree and
official ceremony on August 8. Pezük took over from
UK, France, Spain, Portugal, French-speaking Switzerland, Scandinavia, Finland, Mr Metin Akbaş.
Benelux, The Balkans, Kazakhstan
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Tel +1 732 887 5562 [email protected] Advertisers Index
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Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia.
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Breitenbergstrasse 17, Füssen 87629, Germany
Tel +49 8362 5074996 [email protected]
CRRC Corporation 5 SAB Bröckskes 19
Italy & Italian-speaking Switzerland
Cummins 35 Stadler Rail 9
Dr Fabio Potestà, Device Technologies 40 Terrapinn (World
Mediapoint & Communications srl, Corte Lambruschini,
Corso Buenos Aires 8, Vo Piano, Int 7, 16129 Genova, Italy
Emil Frei 39 Passenger Festival) 50
Tel +39 010 570 4948 Fax +39 010 553 0088 [email protected] Goldschmidt Holding BC Terrapinn (Rail Live
Japan Holland 31 Conference) 50
Katsuhiro Ishii, Ace Media Service Inc IRJ Pro 63
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Tel +81 3 5691 3335 Fax +81 3 5691 3336 [email protected] Init 15
TUC Rail 41
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Jonathan Chalon, Publisher Lenord + Bauer 23 Voestalpine 11
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(Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan) PJ Monitoring 55 Vossloh 7
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Chicago.com Plasser & Theurer FC Vossloh
IRJ Pro Sales Platform Basket 33 Locomotives 25
Jonathan Chalon +1 212 620 7224 [email protected] Powerlines 45 Zaugg 37
The last word | research
Rethinking the European railway

Carlo Borghini, executive director of Europe’s Rail, explains the importance of
the System Pillar to the new research initiative’s overall success to Kevin Smith.
W ITH the political

headwinds of modal
shift and emissions reductions
needs. The initiative is also
designed to align project
Railways (UIC), for example.
“What we are attempting to
deployment and adoption of do as a sector is to try to bring
targets fuelling rail development new technology across member together in a much clearer way
and growth in Europe in the states to foster interoperability, the technological, conceptual
2020s, the sector is under pressure specifically through the work design, development and
to deliver tangible improvements of the System Pillar. large-scale demonstration of
in capacity and performance. Borghini says the System new technologies with the goal
New technology is heralded Pillar, at its core, will define the of providing a shorter time to
as part of the solution. Rail has functional system architecture market for the solutions,”
traditionally been a slow adopter of the future railway in Europe Borghini says. “This is a key regulations and standards. The
and adjusting the status quo is to accelerate and better organise concept. And we believe that System Pillar Tasks Group will
no easy undertaking in a its evolution. Work in the having around the table 80% or facilitate a targeted, flexible,
safety-conscious industry. But Innovation Pillar of Europe’s more of the European rail and rapid delivery of outputs
this has been fundamental to Rail will be based on the market - the major operators while the CCS TSI Maintenance
the work of the Shift2Rail joint standards and regulatory and infrastructure managers, Activities Group will support
research initiative since 2016 framework defined within the together with the supply maintenance and corrections
and will continue - and even System Pillar. Uptake will also industry and the research to these specifications, due to
ramp up - under its successor be further encouraged by a community - will create the be confirmed by the end of the
Europe’s Rail, which will year, and will establish a
“
officially begin work in January. framework for the evolution of
Executive director, Mr Carlo ERTMS and mainline automation.
Borghini, wants Europe’s Rail With over €1bn of taxpayers’ Borghini says work will
to bridge the gap between money committed to both research commence this month with the
innovation and implementation. first CCS-specific tasks
Borghini argues that there is programmes, Borghini wants to beginning in October. “This
little value in research for maximise the value of this investment. will give us a two-to-three-
research’s sake. And with over month advantage on the
€1bn of taxpayers’ money Innovation Pillar,” Borghini
committed to both research Deployment Group of industry opportunities to move from says. “We then expect the
programmes, he wants to stakeholders. research to innovation and ramp-up of work on the
maximise the value of this In addition, the System Pillar accelerate the time to market.” System Pillar in early 2023.
investment by offering direct will help to marry the Borghini says work on the With three to six months of
benefits to railways and their deployment and evolution of System Pillar framework has work in place, it will already
customers. existing technologies such as been taking place with colleagues be able to input in the work of
Rather than leave this to ERTMS with future solutions, at the European Commission the Innovation Pillar projects.”
chance, Europe’s Rail is notably 5G, satellite location, and and the European Union Borghini anticipates several
structured to encourage uptake. virtual coupling. However, the Agency for Railways (ERA) for challenges to the success of the
Borghini says 50% of the structure is not rigid. “You can the last 18 months. A major System Pillar, in particular
membership are operators and have a technology that emerges milestone was reached in July resistance to changing established
infrastructure managers, which from the Innovation Pillar that with the announcement of the working processes that have
helps to focus on customer can challenge the System Pillar System Pillar Consortium as focused on national objectives.
and the future direction of the the winner of a €45m tender to Expertise is another concern,
System Pillar Consortium
industry,” Borghini says. implement the System Pillar. specifically having enough
members: Rail experts from the
• Community of European Crucially, he adds that the qualified and skilled people to
System Pillar’s membership membership organisations (see deliver in a relatively short
Railway and Infrastructure
Companies (CER) will help to expand the scope panel) will work on defining period of time.
• ERTMS Users Group of Europe’s Rail, including the functional system architecture However, there are signs that
• ERTMS Accredited Labs under-represented areas such and concept of operations in Shift2Rail is already heralding
• European Railway Industry as the Nordic countries and three major lots: System Pillar a new systems-based approach
Association (Unife) Eastern Europe, effectively Core Group (worth €4m), to innovation. Borghini
• French National Railways (SNCF) “putting the industrial destiny System Pillar Tasks (€37m), highlights trials of the Digital
• German Rail (DB) of Europe in the hands of the and Control, Command and Automatic Coupling (DAC).
• International Union of industry.” It will also provide Signalling (CCS) TSI DAC will be among the
Railways (UIC) access to other research and Maintenance Activities (€4m). highlights of Europe’s Rail’s
• International Union of development projects outside The System Pillar Core Group exhibit at this month’s InnoTrans
Wagon Keepers (UIP) the scope of Europe’s Rail: the will lead and monitor the (p56). The exhibition will prove
• Italian Rail Network (RFI) Future Railway Mobile System Pillar Tasks, providing a welcome opportunity to reflect
• NS Passenger content and guidance, managing
Communication System on progress as Borghini and his
• ÖBB Infrastructure, and
(FRMCS) overseen by the specific inputs, and channelling team look ahead to the official
• RailNetEurope
International Union of the necessary outputs to start of Europe’s Rail in 2023. IRJ
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IRJ

September 2022 | Volume 62 Issue 9

The return of show

World Market Study Communication breakdown

DB’s infrastructure problems mount = New trains unmasked

The return of show

World Market Study Communication breakdown

DB’s infrastructure problems mount = New trains unmasked

RELIABLY INNOVATIVE TRANSIT SOLUTIONS

Post 46 Killigrew Street News

Business development manager

Plasser & Theurer’s E3

The return of show

not be reproduced without permission. For reprint

of 27 tonnes per 100

IRJ September 2022 3

Cross-industry collaboration can

Spanish high-speed network extended Argentina

T HE first section of the running over the 71km line

AutoHaul extended on Rio

Tinto’s Pilbara network

E GYPT’s Ministry of Transport has signed

6 IRJ September 2022

Finland objects to TEN-T rule change Tazara upgrade India

C RRC Qingdao has

8 IRJ September 2022

W ORK is underway on a 142km high-

Rail focus for infrastructure

10 IRJ September 2022

Lidar sensors tested freight trains to access the yard

3 D lidar sensors developed bottleneck but ACM has upheld

IRJ September 2022 11

British government should reconsider plans for north and midlands

12 IRJ September 2022

NS and CSX work to cut emissions

N ORTH American Class 1s

IRJ September 2022

inzerce_caspois IRJ_88x254_OK.indd 1 27.07.2022 9:15:09

Poland’s CPK awards $US 1.49bn design framework Improved braking

Croatia’s HŽPP to renew KRRI tests T2T communications

14 IRJ September 2022

ONCF completes study into trains. If proposing DMUs,

speed rail programme, and in rail’s share of the public

Data collaboration to improve Hall 2.1

IRJ September 2022 15

Melbourne suburban loop cost estimate rises to $A 125bn

Lagos to open 37km Red Line in 2023

16 IRJ September 2022

Opening of Edmonton’s Valley Line Bangkok contract covers the operation

IRJ September 2022 17

SNCF hails encouraging first half results German Rail

F RENCH National Railways

Akiem shareholders approve sale to Canada’s CDPQ

18 IRJ September 2022

MRS Logistics commits to major Albania

Union Pacific signs $US 1bn locomotive France

upgrade contract with Wabtec

F REIGHT operator Transnet is steadily

20 IRJ September 2022