A demonstrator “Tri-foiler” ferry designed by Southampton naval architect Chartwell Marine could take to the water as soon as March 2025. Currently being built by Southampton composites specialist Designcraft the vessel – a high speed electric trimaran …
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RATP Orders 12 Battery-Powered Maintenance Locomotives (RailTechnology)
The Régie autonome des transports Parisiens (RATP), operator of the Paris Metro, has placed an order with Stadler for twelve battery-powered locomotives. This move highlights Stadler’s dedication to sustainable and flexible solutions. These locomotives will …
Continue readingFormer Severn Tunnel track gets new lease of life (RailAdvent)
The track removed from the Severn Tunnel during its recent upgrade will be repurposed as sidings at the Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE). Instead of discarding the track from this year’s renewal, Network Rail …
Continue readingHitachi Rail to create the next generation train battery technology (RailBusiness)
A public-private partnership is developing the next-generation in battery train technology. Led by Hitachi Rail, the collaboration is creating a new battery pack that is lighter and smaller so it can be installed on commuter and …
Continue readingUnderfloor battery power trialled on TPE Class 802 (RailMagazine)
A UK project to develop new powerful underfloor batteries could be the beginning of the end of the diesel multiple unit and save the need for expensive electrification. The government is a 50:50 investor in …
Continue readingPollution levels fall 20% in Glasgow after launch of low-emission zone LEZ (CitiesToday)
Air pollution levels in Glasgow’s low-emission zone (LEZ) fell by an average of 20 percent last year according to a newly released report. The city council’s air quality report for 2023 also revealed an overall average drop …
Continue readingTfL Seeks Partner for Solar Farms to Energise Underground (RailNews)
Transport for London (TfL) is on the lookout for a delivery partner to collaborate on developing purpose-built solar farms that will connect to the London Underground network, with potential for broader connections across TfL’s estate. …
Continue readingFriday Reads – 1 November 2024
• End of “Euston Rush” as train companies improve boarding announce times (Ian Visits) • TfL seizes 1,400 vehicles from drivers who ignore Ulez fines (Guardian) • Local businesses want all of Soho to be …
Continue readingJourney by Design: Need to Think Bigger about Look & Feel of Public Transport (JonathanBray)
Why do we need to think bigger about the look and feel of public transport? Because the market is changing – Leisure is the new growth area for rail. Because buses are struggling with decline. …
Continue readingUK’s first Intercity battery train hits the tracks for testing (RailMagazine)
Main line tests have started on the nation’s first intercity battery train. The class 802 bi-mode unit has seen one of its engines replaced and retrofitted with batteries, a first for the UK rail network. …
Continue readingAmtrak Doubles Down on False Claims to Attack Penn Station Through-Running (PedestrianObvs)
Amtrak just released its report a week and a half ago, saying that Penn Expansion, the project to condemn the Manhattan block south of Penn Station to add new tracks, is necessary for new capacity. …
Continue reading£1 billion London Gateway Investment Announced but More Needed for Rail (RailMag)
Global logistics giant DP World has unveiled a significant £1 billion investment to expand London Gateway, solidifying its position as the UK’s largest container port. The expansion will see the addition of two new shipping …
Continue readingWindshield Bias, Car Brain, Motornormativity: Same Obscured Public Health Hazards (Findings)
Our transportation systems shape and are shaped by attitudes, norms, and biases. Understanding how to shift these in positive directions can help address the pernicious public health challenges of traffic crashes, urban sprawl, inequities in …
Continue readingTokyo Metro raises $2.3Bn in Japan’s biggest IPO in 6 years (Reuters)
TOKYO, Oct 15 (Reuters) – Tokyo Metro (9023.T) raised 348.6 billion yen ($2.3 billion) in Japan’s largest initial public offering in six years after pricing its IPO at the top of its range, a regulatory filing …
Continue readingWhy is Rail Electrification so Slow in the UK? (NewCivilEng)
Benefits of electrified railways are numerous and they will be vital in achieving net zero, but the electrification rate is worryingly low and an overhaul of the approach is required. An electrified railway is a …
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