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Parallel Systems is partnering with Genesee & Wyoming Railroad (G&W) to launch the commercial deployment of its railcars. Credit: Parallel Systems

Parallel Systems has announced plans to commence its inaugural autonomous rail commercial pilot this month, following the receipt of approval from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

The pilot will involve the deployment of autonomous battery-electric railcars along a 160-mile route connecting two railroads in Georgia.

This route will link the Port of Savannah with key distribution centres serving the East Coast, potentially benefiting southern Georgia by reducing highway congestion and providing improved freight transport options.

The autonomous battery-electric technology is designed to enhance the operational capabilities of railroads by facilitating shorter-route transportation, thereby alleviating congestion on major roadways.

The Parallel freight system operates by allowing small groups of ten to 30 vehicles to function in a platoon without physical couplings. This technology is expected to enhance the agility, safety, and cost-effectiveness of railroad operations.

The UK government has announced it will lower the age required to begin work as a train driver from 20 to 18.

The Department for Transport said in a statement that jobs and apprenticeships would become available by December 2025 to ease pressure on railways across the country that are struggling with staff shortages.

The decision will move the UK into line with other nations with lower starting ages for train drivers, including the Netherlands, France, Germany and Switzerland.

Before joining a train operating company, drivers must pass medical, psychological, fitness and general professional competence exams, along with significant training on infrastructure and rolling stock.

The training and exams take around a year to complete, meaning most hires are currently at least 21 years old. The new rules mean school leavers can begin apprenticeships at 17, and be licensed by 18.

The government claimed this meant it would lower the age at which train operators can hire train drivers by three years.

The US Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has issued a record of decision for the West Seattle Link Extension project, enabling Sound Transit to progress to the design phase.

The development of the 4.1-mile light rail extension was approved by voters in 2016 as part of the Sound Transit 3 (ST3) plan.

The environmental review process, which began in 2017, has now reached its conclusion, allowing the project to move forward.

The West Seattle Link Extension is projected to serve more than 24,000 riders daily and aims to reduce travel times between Alaska Junction and Westlake by 50%, while improving station access.

The project includes four new stations in Sodo, Delridge, Avalon, and the Alaska Junction and a bridge over the Duwamish River, with completion expected by 2032.

This extension will connect Sodo to West Seattle’s Alaska Junction neighbourhood, enhancing transit service frequency and reliability.

UK-based public transport company Arriva Group has placed a £300m ($388.4m) order for nine state-of-the-art battery-diesel hybrid trains. This move is set to replace the entire Grand Central fleet and is part of a commitment to sustainable public transport solutions.

The deal includes 45 Hitachi Rail ‘tri-mode’ cars capable of operating on electrified and non-electrified tracks and a ten-year maintenance contract. These trains, which can run on electricity, battery, or diesel, will be manufactured at Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe factory in the UK.

The new fleet will offer a 20% increase in seating capacity, equating to 400,000 extra seats annually for passengers travelling between the North East, Yorkshire, and London.

The tri-mode capability of the trains also allows for future route expansions, with the potential to reduce emissions and noise significantly. The trains are slated for delivery in 2028 under a ten-year leasing agreement with Angel Trains, which will also finance the order.

Alstom has secured a seven-year contract extension with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to continue operating and maintaining the John F. Kennedy International Airport’s AirTrain.

The deal, worth approximately $518m, includes an option to extend for an additional three years to 2035.

The contract ensures that the AirTrain, which serves as a vital link between airport terminals, parking, and New York City’s public transport, remains operational around the clock.

Alstom will manage the maintenance of the AirTrain’s infrastructure and fleet, which includes 32 automated light metro trains.

These trains range from one to four cars, depending on passenger demand, and provide connectivity across nine stations airside.

Last year nearly 25 million passengers used the JFK AirTrain, with daily ridership averaging 68,000.