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
Category: Rolling Stock
Skoda going more digital
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
Why the US never manages to purchase modern rolling stock
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
The cost of modularization – or what not to modularize
It is in a way fascinating, I myself an advocate for modularization come more and more often across projects where it would be the totally wrong approach due to cost and timing issues. While we all know, modularization allows us to change usages in the future, e.g. in architecture or urban planning, increase product variability … Continue reading The cost of modularization – or what not to modularize
Reflections and predictions in the transportation industry 2017/2018
Finally 2018 arrived and a exciting sometimes divisive and decisive 2017 ended. Certainly, the shift in US politics from a pro sustainable energy to a pro fossile energy has create a changing climate for projects in the US as well as in other countries. Nevertheless, Europe and Chine are surpassing the US in technical development … Continue reading Reflections and predictions in the transportation industry 2017/2018
Consolidation goes in in Railway Rolling Stock Manufacturers
Last week, a bloomberg article elaborated on the talks between Siemens and Bombardier Transportation for a merger, or as it turns out, a joint venture. Allegedly, the two companies want to form two joint ventures: a) Combining the rolling stock business under the leadership of Bombardier; b) Combining the signaling business under Siemens. What it … Continue reading Consolidation goes in in Railway Rolling Stock Manufacturers
Snapshot on Railways in Nigeria
After I had a look at what is happening in Nigeria regarding railways over the summer, I saw that Nigeria is on the brink of a new railway era. Now I thought why not go a step further and build a little map showing the situation and next development. To digest the infos, that I … Continue reading Snapshot on Railways in Nigeria
CRRC is coming closer to Western Europe
In yesterday's announcement, the open access operator Leo Express confirmed that they seek to expand their operations beyond the Czech Republic towards Poland and even Germany. As explained in the IRJ article the rolling stock could come from CRRC as they signed an agreement with Leo Express for 3 EMUs and 27 options. After the … Continue reading CRRC is coming closer to Western Europe
More luxurious overnight travel to counter air travel
At this year's Innotrans in Berlin, Stadler presented their new sleeping coach for Azerbaijan. The train shows, that even now there is a potential to compete air travel with a very comfortable and luxurious car. The beds and amenities appear to be very comfortable, each cabin equipped with its own shower and toilet. If it … Continue reading More luxurious overnight travel to counter air travel
Why the rolling stock OEMs’ model will fail
In the early days of the railway century after the emergence of the first larger rolling stock manufacturers, OEMs had strong ties to the mostly state owned railway operators and maintainers. The result was a strong operator focus. Even though it might have been not economically sound, it allowed the development of many expensive research … Continue reading Why the rolling stock OEMs’ model will fail
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