lokomo.ru

Railroads of the future: how the industry is changing under the influence of technology

The main thing is railways, it’s as simple as that. There are no unnecessary words, no large-scale call to action, but there is a feeling of something serious. I think the site is lokomo. ru is in no hurry to interest anyone. He simply exists. It’s as if it was created so that someone would find information here on topics that have long been discussed in professional circles.

But if you look a little deeper, it becomes clear that the whole world of the railway industry really lives on this page. Not just some monotonous numbers or technical parameters. There are real challenges here: video surveillance, autonomous trains, environmental friendliness, safety. In short, everything that really worries the industry now.

Technology and ecology are the main trends

One of the most striking moments is about the hydrogen drive. Yes, yes, such trains already exist. They are energy efficient. Less emissions. Modern locomotives even meet EPA Level 4 standards. This is important. Especially when it comes to reducing your carbon footprint. And yes, less fuel is consumed. But the question is - will this be enough for large-scale changes?

And also - Stadler presented environmentally friendly solutions at InnoTrans 2022. Including FLIRT H2. We must admit that this is not just marketing. The company focuses on sustainability. But how long will this be the case? Until the market is ready for a massive transition, everything can remain within the framework of experiments.

Cybersecurity and automation

Information security is a serious issue here. The more a system is computerized, the higher the risk of attacks. Already today, motion control systems are becoming objects of interest for hackers. This means you need to think about it in advance. Don't wait until the system is hacked - but predict.

Remote control is also in the spotlight. The SNCF project has shown that the first obstacles have already been overcome. A driver's remote control that can work out the first and last kilometers - this is real. But who will be responsible if a failure occurs? Technologies are developing, but people have not yet had time to adapt.

Mobility as a service - the future or fantasy?

MaaS - mobility as a service. Sounds cool. The idea is attractive: one app, one map, whole trip. But contrary to expectations, implementation is still missing. Why? Maybe because there are too many nuances. Too different systems, rules, tariffs. And users are not yet ready to give up their usual methods of transportation.

But about light rail transport - it’s interesting. Some projects failed. Others, on the contrary, give results.The question is, why do some work and others don't? Perhaps it all depends on the support of the authorities. From financing. From understanding the needs of the city.

20 projects of 2020: where are we now?

The list of twenty railway projects for 2020 is a kind of barometer. Which countries are investing, where is the money going? For example, Rail Baltica. This is not just a railway. This is a new economic corridor. The potential benefits are enormous. But the reality is: construction takes years. And people are already running out of patience.

An interesting point is the noise. Railroads, although more environmentally friendly than other modes of transport, still pose a problem. Predictive mapping can help. Maps that predict noise levels will help plan routes and select materials for paths. And yes, it works. You just need to start before the construction is finished.

Another important point is the overcrowding of commuter trains. A London study showed that overload is the main reason. There are solutions: smart designs, innovative applications. But again, it’s difficult to implement. People are accustomed to the old schemes. The transition requires time and will on the part of the authorities.