TfL plans to follow in the footsteps of metros in New York, Toronto and Hong Kong by enabling phone signal underground from 2019 – a move that will provide increased convenience for passengers. We find out how a cellular network can boost the underground economy and provide a safer environment.

In high-speed rail, we take a tour of Spain’s 3,240km Alta Velocidad Española network, which is equipped with state-of-the-art digital signalling, automation and protection systems, as well as predictive maintenance solutions, and find out how Thailand’s new rail infrastructure projects will benefit the country’s economy, after the government approved a $7.2bn high-speed project linking three airports.

Elsewhere, we investigate Brazil’s abandoned rail networks and consider whether some of the unused infrastructure could be revived, explore untapped retail opportunities for rail stations, and find out how dangerous railways can be secured against trespassers.

Read on for all this and ­­­­join the conversation on Twitter.

Katie Woodward, editor