Taiwan Metro Alliance Meets in Singapore for the First Time
The Taiwan Metro Alliance held its inaugural meeting in Singapore, hosted by SMRT Corp, bringing together six Taiwanese metro operators. Participants focused on joint procurement initiatives, asset life‑cycle management, and strategies to grow non‑fare revenue. SMRT joined the alliance as the sole non‑Taiwan member, expanding regional collaboration. The forum aims to align technical standards, streamline supply chains, accelerate digital transformation, and enhance climate resilience across urban rail networks.
Estonia to Develop Unified Public Transport Ticketing Data Platform
Estonia has chosen Tartu‑based travel tech firm Turnit to build a prototype unified public‑transport ticketing data platform, part of the government’s MaaS X‑tee initiative. The system will consolidate trains, buses, trams, ferries, flights, micromobility and car‑rental services into a single...
Ticketing: Mobile and Contactless Payment Expand in Mexico City
Mexico City’s metro system is rolling out mobile and contactless ticketing, replacing traditional paper tickets across all lines. The initiative is part of a broader modernization plan that includes infrastructure upgrades and service expansions. Riders can now tap a smartphone...
AI Booking Tool Shows that Travel Demand From Disabled Passengers Is Higher than Thought
Transreport has launched Ask PA, an AI‑assisted agent embedded in its Passenger Assistance system and delivered via WhatsApp, to let disabled and older travellers ask accessibility questions and book assistance 24/7. Early usage data shows travel demand from these passengers is...
First Phase of München Westtangente Tram Route Inaugurated
Münchner Verkehrsgesellschaft inaugurated the first 1.5 km segment of the Westtangente tram corridor on February 28, adding three new stops along Fürstenrieder Straße. The section, served by Route 14, links Agnes‑Bernauer‑Straße with Ammerseestraße and closes a long‑standing gap in Munich’s historically radial tram...
East Midlands Railway Expands Secret Fare Discounts
East Midlands Railway (EMR) has broadened its Secret Fare scheme, run with Seatfrog, to include additional regional routes such as Market Harborough, Wellingborough, Skegness and Cleethorpes. The discount model offers up to 50 % off tickets for passengers who can book...
ScotRail Confirms Class 222 Leasing Deal to Enable Withdrawal of HSTs
ScotRail announced a lease of up to 30 Class 222 diesel‑multiple‑units to replace its aging InterCity 125 High Speed Trains (HSTs) on long‑distance routes. The deal, signed with a European rolling‑stock lessor, will see the new fleet enter service from...
Sagami Railway Unveils Sea-Creature Inspired Series 13000 EMU
Japan’s Sagami Railway, part of Sotetsu Holdings, unveiled the new Series 13000 electric multiple‑unit, featuring a sea‑creature‑inspired front design and eight‑car configuration. Built by J‑TREC’s Sustina family, the stainless‑steel EMU replaces the aging Series 8000/9000 fleet and is engineered for future driver‑only...
World Rail Freight News Round-Up
The world rail freight market is seeing a wave of modernization and sustainability initiatives. Zambia Railways and Norfolk Southern have secured contracts to upgrade diesel fleets, with the latter introducing AC traction to boost capacity. European operators are expanding services,...
Saudi Arabia: Riyadh’s Year-Old Metro Looks to Grow
Riyadh’s metro celebrated its first anniversary on December 1, 2022, marking a milestone for Saudi Arabia’s urban transport agenda. The system now operates 85 stations across six lines, serving millions of passengers annually. Authorities have announced an expansion toward the rapidly...
Morocco: World Cup Deadline Brings a Clear Sight of Goal
Morocco’s appointment as a co‑host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup is prompting a sweeping rail expansion. The government plans to invest billions in high‑speed and regional lines to link major cities and stadium sites. Projects are timed to meet...
Next Operator Appointed to Run Dublin’s Luas Trams
Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the National Transport Authority have awarded a €1.3 bn contract to KeolisAmey to operate and maintain Dublin’s Luas tram network from 1 September 2026. The seven‑year deal, with an optional six‑year extension, replaces Transdev after more than two decades....
China: ‘Eight by Eight’ Network Nears Completion with Latest Wave of Openings
China’s high‑speed rail “Eight‑by‑Eight” network is nearing completion as a fresh wave of line openings pushes operational mileage beyond 50,000 km in 2025. The latest segments belong to the current five‑year plan, which aims to add another 10,000 km of high‑speed routes...
Rhätische Bahn Makes Plans to Handle Significant Traffic Growth
Rhätische Bahn is preparing for rapid leisure traffic growth on its iconic Bernina line, where passenger‑km has risen 71% since 2016 and the Bernina Express saw a 13% year‑on‑year increase to 416,220 passengers in the first ten months of 2025....
Logan & Gold Coast Faster Rail Project Works Underway
The ActivUs consortium—Acciona, CPB Contractors, UGL, SMEC and WSP—has entered the design and construction phase of Queensland’s Logan & Gold Coast Faster Rail project. Jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, the A$5.75 bn initiative will quadruple tracks on the...
Railway Supply Industry News Round-Up
This week’s railway supply chain updates include a high‑pressure water‑jet paint‑stripping system from BvL Oberflächentechnik that trims axle processing to under 23 minutes, UNIFE’s warning that the EU Industrial Accelerator Act could leave rail manufacturing exposed without strategic‑sector status, Finland’s...
ScotRail Seeks Financing Options for Replacement Suburban Trains
ScotRail has launched a procurement process to identify a financier and owner for a new fleet of electric and battery‑electric multiple‑units slated for delivery in 2031. The tender requires submissions by April 10, with invitations to bid expected on July 17, and...
Work Begins on Next Phase of Coventry Very Light Rail Demonstration Programme
Colas Rail UK has started building an 800 m Very Light Rail (VLR) track linking Coventry University Technology Park to the city’s railway station, marking the second phase of the council’s pilot programme. The VLR system uses lightweight battery‑powered railcars on...
Alstom and Mälardalen University Renew Strategic Industrial-Academic Partnership
Alstom and Mälardalen University have renewed a long‑standing strategic partnership to deepen collaborative research and education. The alliance targets emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and circular design, linking university curricula with real‑world railway technology. It provides students early...
Turkey's Next National Train Nears Completion
Turkey’s first National High Speed Train, an eight‑car aluminium EMU capable of 225 km/h, is now 90% complete, according to Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu. State‑owned Türasaş is fitting the interior and aims to deliver a batch of 15 trainsets, including a...
Stations: Praha Smichov Rebuild Blends Legacy with Modernity
The Czech railway authority has launched a comprehensive rebuild of Praha Smíchov station, targeting facilities, track and electrification upgrades. Deputy Director General Mojmír Nejezchleb outlined a new station alignment that tackles technical, safety and urban‑planning complexities. The project aims to modernise a...
Gatineau Tram Project to Be Reviewed
Quebec’s Mobility Infra Québec (MIQ) has been commissioned to review the TramGO project, a 24‑km Y‑shaped light‑rail line that would connect western and central Gatineau with Ottawa. MIQ has a nine‑month mandate to refresh existing studies, identify cost‑saving measures, and...
Cybersecurity Training Courses Developed for Public Transport Workers
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has teamed with ENSCO’s Center for Critical Infrastructure Protection to roll out a cybersecurity training program tailored for public‑transport agencies. The curriculum targets the unique digital threats faced by transit operators, covering threat detection,...
Southeastern Gets Stuck in with New Floor Adhesive
Southeastern has replaced its two‑part epoxy floor system with Henkel’s single‑component Teroson MS 9320 SF adhesive for carpet and rubber flooring on train carriages. The new polymer adhesive is spray‑able, meets fire‑safety standards and eliminates on‑site mixing, cutting cure time to 3‑6 hours instead...
Keolis Retains Virginia Railway Express Operating Contract
Keolis North America has been awarded a new contract to operate Virginia Railway Express (VRE) commuter rail services after a competitive procurement process. The award confirms Keolis as the incumbent operator, extending its role in providing daily passenger service across...
Austrian Federal Railways Restructuring Planned
The Austrian Federal Minister for Innovation, Mobility & Infrastructure has ordered ÖBB to draft a comprehensive restructuring plan. The initiative seeks to transform the national railway into a more agile, efficient and future‑proof operator. Key objectives include streamlining operations, accelerating...
TAZARA Restarts Cross-Border Passenger Services ‘Within the Realities of Current Operating Constraints’
The Tanzania‑Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) has restarted cross‑border passenger train services, reaffirming its founding mandate to promote regional mobility, trade, tourism, and people‑to‑people interaction. The resumption occurs despite ongoing operating constraints such as limited rolling stock, infrastructure deficits, and financial...
Bi-Mode Trainsets to Relaunch Through Routes After a 40-Year Hiatus
Poland’s Ministry of Infrastructure and PKP Intercity inspected Newag’s Nowy Sącz plant where the first of 35 electro‑diesel, bi‑mode trainsets is being assembled. The new units will restore long‑distance bi‑mode service after a 40‑year gap, allowing trains to run on...
