Chris Jackson

ETCS testing and driver training are in full swing as the crossindustry East Coast Digital Programme moves into the delivery phase. Chris Jackson reports from York.

A recent review by Mario Draghi suggests that rail can play a key role in supporting Europe's economic competitiveness and addressing environmental challenges, but sector representatives argue that much remains to be done in the next EU legislative period to address outstanding issues.

Co-operation between suppliers, operators and regulators is essential if technical advances are to deliver an efficient, cost-effective and competitive railway, incoming UNIFE Director General Enno Wiebe tells Chris Jackson.

As Luxembourg City's first modern light rail line nears completion, work is getting underway on two branches to form a second route. Two more routes are being planned, along with an interurban link to the country's second city.

AUSTRALIA: Systra has signed an agreement to acquire Rail Systems Australia, an engineering, signalling and telecommunications specialist founded in 2017 which now employs 130 people and has offices in Perth, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

USA: A groundbreaking ceremony on September 21 marked the start of construction of Norfolk Southern’s First Responder Training Center in East Palestine, Ohio.

FRANCE: Paris-based transport engineering consultancy Systra has announced its intention to bring in a strategic investor to fund further expansion of its activities over the next five years.

Final testing and commissioning of ETCS Level 2 is underway on the Northern City Line to London’s Moorgate terminus, which is due to go live later this year as a ‘pathfinder’ project for the East Coast Digital Programme. Chris Jackson reports.

Poor working conditions risk impacting on railways’ ability to recruit the people they need to be competitive for the future, argues Railway Gazette’s Senior Editor Chris Jackson.

With construction of the Cross River Rail link well underway, Queensland’s state government has unveiled a comprehensive strategy for development of Brisbane’s regional rail network to accommodate projected population growth. Chris Jackson explores the proposals.