The latest news, trends and data from the rail industry
W
ith the global rail industry facing increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, operators and governments are emphasising the importance of finding greener fuels and alternative propulsion methods to cut down on emissions. Electrification and battery power remain at the forefront of discussion around replacing diesel-powered locomotives, but many countries in Europe have highlighted the potential of hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) technology, which produces electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen in a chemical reaction, and leaves water as the only emission.
The introduction of hydrogen-powered trains on major rail networks is no longer a pipedream. French manufacturer Alstom’s revolutionary Coradia iLint has been a fixture in the headlines since its first appearance at InnoTrans 2016, with the train already running on several lines in Germany, and the company is now in discussions to bring it to other countries, including the US. Both France and the UK have outlined plans to introduce hydrogen-powered trains on their networks by 2022, with the latter testing a hydrogen train demonstrator, named HydroFLEX, on a mainline railway this year.
Recently, a study commissioned by the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) and Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking (S2R JU) analysed the extent to which fuel cells and hydrogen technologies could be introduced within the European rail market. The study showed that some of the current hydrogen-powered rail cases in Europe highlight a positive total cost of ownership for fuel cells, while in others it could be the ‘most adequate zero-emission alternative’.
In numbers:
62%
Around three in five passengers (62%) have stated that they wouldn’t feel comfortable travelling using public transport unless social distancing is in place, according to independent UK watchdog Transport Focus.
27%
A poll by transport consultants SYSTRA found that 27% of adults predict they will make fewer trips via rail following the Covid-19 pandemic.
25.2%
US railroads reported a 25.2% year-on-year drop in carload traffic in April 2020 compared to April 2019 – amounting to 329,693 fewer carloads – according to the Association of American Railroads.
215
The number of stations earmarked by the Indian Government to be used as ‘care centres’ for suspected or confirmed Covid-19 patients in early May.
€13.5m
The value of a contract for the ‘Latvia North’ section of the Rail Baltica high-speed line, awarded to Ardanuy Ingeniería and INECO in April.
44
The number of platforms at New York’s Grand Central Terminal station, the world’s largest station by number of platforms according to Guinness World Records.
40°C
Maximum temperature along the Rail Baltica route, according to a new report into the effect of climate change on the multi-national project.
In quotes:
AAR senior vice-president John T. Gray, following the announcement of major rail traffic decreases in April compared to last year.
“We don’t know exactly when it will happen, but our economy – and rail traffic – will rebound. No matter what, the men and women on our nation’s railroads will do their part to keep supply chains moving safely and efficiently as they link our businesses and communities to each other and to the world.”
DB Cargo UK head of sales Roger Neary, after the company and Transfesa Logistics launched a new express 72-hour rail service to transport supermarket supplies from Spain to London.
“We are delighted to be working with our DB Cargo group partners at Transfesa Logistics to deliver this essential rail freight service across the continent in these challenging times. Rail freight has a vital role to play in the sustainable transportation of international goods and it’s currently more important than ever that we ensure these supplies reach the UK.”
In News
EU commits $966m to modernise Polish rail network
Nigeria awards $3.9bn Abuja-Lokoja rail line contract to CRC
Etihad Rail awards $435.5m contract to Hitachi Rail
In quotes:
AAR senior vice-president John T. Gray, following the announcement of major rail traffic decreases in April compared to last year.
“We don’t know exactly when it will happen, but our economy – and rail traffic – will rebound. No matter what, the men and women on our nation’s railroads will do their part to keep supply chains moving safely and efficiently as they link our businesses and communities to each other and to the world.”
DB Cargo UK head of sales Roger Neary, after the company and Transfesa Logistics launched a new express 72-hour rail service to transport supermarket supplies from Spain to London.
“We are delighted to be working with our DB Cargo group partners at Transfesa Logistics to deliver this essential rail freight service across the continent in these challenging times. Rail freight has a vital role to play in the sustainable transportation of international goods and it’s currently more important than ever that we ensure these supplies reach the UK.”
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