On 22. July, Westbahn, the open access provider in Austria, and Stadler Rail announced the procurement of 15 new Stadler double deck EMUs for its operations. The cost of the procurement was undisclosed, but Stadler beat the Chinese supplier CRRC. Why does it matter: Westbahn was tainted to buy trains from CRRC, helping them to … Continue reading Westbahn procures 15 new Stadler KISS 3 trains
Last week, DB informed that they are taking 3D printing into the syllabus of its vocational training and have started to print 3D spare parts for its ICE series of trains. The objective is to make around 10,000 different spare parts available via 3D printing by 2021. Why it matters: Looking at classic obsolescence topics … Continue reading DB starts printing 3D metal spare parts
This summer, GKN Aerospace announced that they are researching the case of an optimized carbon reinforced wing for a next Airbus single aisle, narrow body aircraft under the "wing of tomorrow" program. Why it matters: The next topic in aviation after a new engine option for the 777 and the A350 is definitely a new … Continue reading Composite wings for the next narrow body aircraft?
This Monday, Skoda announced that they are integrating Lokel into a new Skoda Digital subsidiary. This newly formed group with around 70 employees will be responsible for their TCMS, diagnostic systems and multimedia systems. Why it matters: Skoda transitions with this strategic move from a "classic" small OEM in the rolling stock industry being a … Continue reading Skoda going more digital
When I recently read that NJ Transit is signing the contract to purchase new double-deck EMUs, I was positively surprised. Not only did they manage to purchase an electric multiple unit (EMU) which is much more suitable for commuter and regional transport, but they also went for a double-deck configuration permitting more capacity at the … Continue reading Why the US never manages to purchase modern rolling stock
Last week, the ORR published some intermediate results from their market study in automatic ticket gates (ATG) and ticket vending machines (TVM). It surprised me not much that in the UK the situation from a demand-monopoly switched almost fully to a supply-monopoly where with designed market entry barriers the competition could have been kept at … Continue reading The UK liberal market approach on fair collection seems to have failed
There has been lots of criticism on the proposed high speed rail line between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore (KL-SG HSL) due to costs, alignment, station in Singapore and proposed responsibilities. However, it is probably globally one of the few truly high-speed projects that are economically and ecologically sound. At the moment, over 84 flights are … Continue reading Moving forward by stepping back – the KL-Singapore HSL
