Editor's letter

Cover image: HS2 Curzon Street Station,  Birmingham, UK
Credit: Grimshaw

Welcome to the latest issue of Future Rail.

In our cover story this issue, we take a look at some of the new movements in station design that are focusing on sustainability. The environmental impact of public infrastructure projects is under scrutiny, with architects and engineers both looking for new practices.

We also consider the evolution of rail freight operations. Amid the growing trend of a modal shift from road to rail, and rapid digitalisation being implemented in order to keep up with this growing demand, we ask: are we witnessing a rail freight renaissance?

As well as all of this, we find out how cheap air fares are still hindering the great modal shift, how GPS tracking and automatic pricing in rail ticketing could lead to rail's 'Uber moment', learn about the debate over which battery chemistry is best for electric locomotives, and much more.

For all of this, as well as the latest rail industry news, comment, and analysis from GlobalData, read on. You can also follow us @FutureRail_Mag. 

Peter Nilson, editor