The introduction of a 5G digital indoor system in Shanghai’s Hongqiao railway station has raised new concerns about cyber threats to rail passengers. In this issue, we ask whether improved connectivity across rail networks could have darker repercussions.

We also explore US President Donald Trump’s proposal that liquefied natural gas (LNG) should be carried in rail cars across the country, profile some of latest freight wagon innovations, and investigate how a team of engineers in California are using AI and IoT to revolutionise maintenance on the railways.

In a special picture feature, we take a look around the UK’s new and improved Caledonian Sleeper trains adding a touch of class to journeys between England and Scotland. Also, we explore a proposed plan to transfer ownership of London’s suburban rail infrastructure to Transport for London, and ask what an increase in ‘metro-style’ services could mean for commuters.

Lastly, we dig up the root causes of a new flight-shaming movement in Sweden, and ask how and why railways will compete with aviation, now and in the future.

Joe Baker, editor.