ERA: Chinese rail inventions have overtaken European ones
In total numbers, China produces the most innovations in the railway sector, finds a new report by the European Union Agency for Railway (ERA). Interestingly, most of these…
‘Post-covid future of international trains looks bright’
The number of Thalys and Eurostar passengers, both of which were recently rescued with loans, were on the rise before the corona crisis hit. There are many opportunities…
TEN-T 2013-2020 has passed the test
The TEN-T planning and decision-making process has been effective in helping the EU move towards efficient infrastructure. However, the objectives of greater sustainability and increased benefits for users…
20 countries sign for Trans-Europ Express 2.0
The plan of the German government for a trans-European network of (night) train connections can count on a lot of support from the European member states. So far,…
French start-up Midnight Trains wants to offer hotel on rails
Midnight Trains, a new night train provider, plans to launch trains from 2024 connecting Paris to cities such as Madrid, Rome, Berlin and Hamburg. The emphasis is on…
EU urges Netherlands and Denmark for better rail market access
The European Commission asks Denmark and the Netherlands to correctly transpose EU rules on market opening and infrastructure governance. The Commission started an infringement procedure against the countries…
What are the biggest barriers for new entrants on the international train market?
Gaining access to the rail infrastructure and finding suitable equipment. These are the biggest stumbling blocks for private carriers to start an international connection, at least, between the…
Algorithms to optimise rail freight on the TEN-T network
ePIcenter is an international technology and innovation project to improve the efficiency of freight flows and reduce congestion in the European TEN-T network. Advanced logistics scheduling algorithms are…
New management for RailNetEurope
Paul Mazataud of SNCF Réseau follows Harald Hotz as president of RailNetEurope (RNE), an association of infrastructure managers to promote international train traffic. In its meeting on 19…
Rail sector: continue track access charging measures for six more months
Railway associations want to prolong the regulation allowing to waive, reduce or defer track access charges in the face of Covid-19. The regulation would last until the end…
What led up to the revival of night trains?
ANALYSIS – Will the Year of Rail be remembered as the year of new night trains? That’s what one might think looking at all the projects announced in…
Connecting Europe Express route revealed
The route for the Connecting Europe Express was announced on Europe Day (9 May), as Europe celebrates peace and unity. The train begins its journey on 2 September…
‘Hyperloop should not cannibalise traditional rail’
Hyperloop technology, which enables travel speeds of 1,200 kilometres per hour, holds massive potential, but also possible conflict for the railway sector. The Community of European Railway and…
New European rail passengers’ rights: a hit or miss?
The European Parliament has approved the agreement with member states on the revised rules on rail passengers’ rights last week. The rules should guarantee that passengers can be…
Europe funds hydrogen train in the Netherlands with 25 million
The European Investment Bank (EIB) will fund 25 million euros for the purchase of four hydrogen trains and the construction of a hydrogen filling station in Groningen in…