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
ORR Chief Executive John Larkinson to leave in April 2026
Proactive obsolescence management included in Singapore metro signalling support contract
SNCF Voyageurs orders CAF trainsets for Région Sud contract
Verona locomotive maintenance centre to capitalise on expected modal shift to rail
