Digital technology aims to improve rail accessibility 25 Feb 2019 ACCESSIBILITY: The TOC Ability consortium has published a report into the use of digital technology to improve the accessibility of the UK rail network by enabling disabled passengers to share their journey requirements with train operators while protecting their privacy. The consortium comprises Atkins, Arriva,…
Posts published in “Current railroad news”
SBB joins openETCS Foundation 25 Feb 2019 EUROPE: Swiss Federal Railways has become the 18th member of the openETCS Foundation, which provides a platform to exchange experience and jointly initiate train control and automation projects using open source software and open innovation concepts. Other members include railway operators such as DB, NS and SNCF, plus…
IBASE launches railway computer 17 Feb 2019 COMPUTER: Industrial embedded computer manufacturer IBASE Technology has released the MPT-3000RP fanless embedded PC developed for railway applications. This EN50155-TX-certified and IP67-rated unit offers water and shock resistance for outdoor applications and meets Intelligent Internet of Vehicle requirements. The MPT-3000RP is powered by an Intel Atom E3845 processor…
Fire-resistant ethernet cables launched 16 Feb 2019 CABLES: Nexans has launched its Flamex Ethernet FR range of fire-resistant communication cables, which are designed to maintain their integrity during a fire so that train crew can continue using key communication and control systems. When exposed to fire, the cable insulation, transforms from a flexible plastic covering…
Phase change material cooled container developed 12 Feb 2019 CONTAINER: The University of Birmingham and CRRC Shijiazhuang have developed a container that uses phase change material in place of traditional refrigeration technology. The material changes between liquid and solid depending on the temperature, with the phase change absorbing or releasing energy to maintain the interior…
Long-life screwbolts developed for Crossrail 10 Feb 2019 UK: The bespoke corrosion-resistant PLUS bolt was developed by screwbolt specialist Excalibur to meet the demanding requirements of the Crossrail project in London. Crossrail Ltd requires anchors used in the tunnel lining to demonstrate a 120-year design life instead of the standard 50-year span of a standard…
Trimble technology to support Norwegian fleet management 09 Feb 2019 NORWAY: State-owned rolling stock leasing organisation Norske Tog is to deploy Trimble’s E2M engineering asset and maintenance management system on the fleet of vehicles it is to lease to operating contractors. This is intended to provide the vehicle owner and the operators with an overview…
Digital payment launched on Guangzhou – Shenzhen line 08 Feb 2019 CHINA: Guangshen Railway Co says it is the first inter-city operator in China to introduce digital payment for travel on its services, which link Guangzhou and Shenzhen. The system uses Alipay’s e-wallet payment technology. Users register on the Alipay app, and generate a QR…
IMechE recommends electrification instead of hydrogen trains 07 Feb 2019 HYDROGEN: Although investment in hydrogen-fuelled trains is a ‘vital’ part of the process to improve air quality, it must not be seen as an easy replacement for electrification, according to The Future for Hydrogen Trains in the UK published by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers…
DB launches digital research train 07 Feb 2019 GERMANY: Deutsche Bahn has unveiled a four-car laboratory train which will be available to the rail sector across Germany for testing digital technologies. Branded the Advanced TrainLab, the train is a former ICE-TD diesel-electric set able to run at 200 km/h.One of the train’s first duties has been…