From the Moscow-Kazan high-speed rail project to India’s ongoing pursuit of the first Hyperloop One system, rail continues to be a vital tool for connecting communities, reducing travel time and boosting the global economy.

This year, we have explored the potential outcome of Egypt’s rapid expansion of rail vehicle capacity, investigated whether France’s rural railways will be worth saving, and shone a spotlight on the issues plaguing Cape Town’s struggling network.

We’ve also investigated the growing role played by technology in rail, from AI in predictive maintenance to the train engine innovations that could oust diesel in the future. Finally, we’ve cast an eye over problems facing the industry’s workforce, from additional safety measures to gender equality.

So, before the rail industry rolls into 2020, join us as we take a whistle-stop tour through Future Rail’s highlights for 2019.

Joe Baker, editor