Comment: Demography is destiny
The demographic challenges facing many countries around the world mean that rail’s ability to cost-effectively deliver benefits in low-density regions such as rural Japan or much of France is in the spotlight, our Executive Editor Nick Kingsley warns.
Denver RTD launches Masabi Tap-n-Ride open payment systems
USA: Denver Regional Transportation District has launched open payments across its entire rail and bus network using Masabi’s Justride platform.
Rail reform could create ‘sweeping powers to deprioritise freight’
UK: The Rail Freight Group has called on parliament to address its concerns that current proposals for rail reform could give Great British Railways or the government ‘sweeping powers to deprioritise freight’.
Railway supply industry news round-up
This week’s news from the global railway supply chain.
Wrexham, Shropshire & Midlands Railway tries again
UK: Wrexham, Shropshire & Midlands Railway has resubmitted a formal application to launch open access passenger train services between Wales and London Euston.
Modalink joint venture to manage Antwerpen port terminal and foster links with southern Europe
EUROPE: Lineas and FS Logistix have launched the Modalink joint venture to manage terminal operations at the Belgian port of Antwerpen, and are to develop intermodal connections to and from Italy.
‘Five firsts’ celebrated at Tuxford as UK rail sector seeks role in hydrogen economy
UK: Network Rail and industry partners held an event at Tuxford in Nottinghamshire on December 3 marking the first use of rail to transport hydrogen on the main line network.
Swiss regulator seeks dialogue with ERA as court blocks wagon safety changes
SWITZERLAND: Amid an ongoing controversy over railway wagon safety rules, Swiss national railway safety authority BAV has extended its transitional working arrangements with the EU Agency for Railways.
ORR Chief Executive John Larkinson to leave in April 2026
UK: John Larkinson has announced his decision to leave the Office of Rail & Road at the end of April 2026, after two decades at the regulator and seven years as Chief Executive.
Proactive obsolescence management included in Singapore metro signalling support contract
SINGAPORE: Metro operator SBS Transit has extended Siemens Mobility’s Long-Term Service Support contract for the signalling systems on the 44 km fully automated Downtown Line.
SNCF Voyageurs orders CAF trainsets for Région Sud contract
Verona locomotive maintenance centre to capitalise on expected modal shift to rail
FirstGroup wins next London Overground operating contract
MerMec to supply diagnostic trains to Egypt
Urban transport industry news round-up
Consolidated guidance issued for cranes operating near railways
Freightliner orders 150 intermodal wagons to a new WH Davis design
Toronto’s Finch West light rail launches with a soft opening
Hydrogen transport container developed to support green steel ambitions
Great British Railways branding, train livery and logo unveiled
Electro-diesel Stadler Flirt trains selected to renew Dublin – Belfast Enterprise fleet
Sound Transit's 1 Line reaches Federal Way as major fleet procurement to launch next year
Chris Burchell appointed as RSSB Chair
VIA Rail launches three-year accessibility plan
Supreme Railways unveils EMU-320 high speed train
Göteborg tram modernised for another 15 years of service
World rail freight news round-up
Virtual worksite marker boards approved for national use
Freight: Rolling laboratory supports innovation
Europe: Franco-Italian Mont Cenis base tunnel project forges ahead
