Rolling Stock Categories
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Automated People Movers (APMs)
Automated people movers (APMs) are driverless rail systems designed for short-distance, high-frequency transport. They are commonly used in environments such as airports, business districts, urban centres and large campuses. APMs operate on dedicated guideways and are fully automated, offering efficient and reliable passenger transport. This category features suppliers of APM vehicles, systems integration, and infrastructure support.
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Diesel Locomotives
Diesel locomotives are self-powered rail vehicles driven by diesel engines, either through mechanical, hydraulic or electric transmission systems. They are commonly used on non-electrified lines for both passenger and freight services. This category features suppliers of diesel locomotive manufacturing, refurbishment, leasing and component integration for mainline and industrial operations.
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DMU Railcars
Diesel multiple units (DMUs) are self-propelled trainsets powered by onboard diesel engines distributed across one or more carriages. They operate without the need for a separate locomotive and are commonly used for regional and suburban passenger services on non-electrified lines. Suppliers in this category offer DMU manufacturing, fleet modernisation, leasing and system integration.
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Electric Locomotives
Electric locomotives are powered by electricity drawn from overhead lines, third rail or ground-level systems. They are commonly used for high-speed, intercity and heavy freight operations on electrified rail networks. Electric locomotives offer high efficiency, lower emissions and reduced maintenance compared to diesel alternatives. This category includes suppliers of electric locomotive manufacturing, system integration and fleet support services.
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EMU Railcars
Electric multiple units (EMUs) are self-propelled trainsets powered by electricity, with traction equipment distributed across multiple carriages. EMUs are widely used for commuter, regional and high-capacity urban services on electrified lines. They offer fast acceleration, quiet operation and high energy efficiency. This category includes suppliers of EMU manufacturing, system integration, refurbishment and leasing solutions.
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Freight Vehicles
Freight vehicles are rail wagons used to transport goods and materials across the network. These include flat cars, box cars, hopper cars, tank wagons, refrigerated wagons and intermodal container carriers. Suppliers in this category provide freight wagon manufacturing, leasing, customisation and certification services. Solutions are available for bulk cargo, liquids, containers and specialised freight applications across national and international networks.
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Hauled Passenger Cars
Hauled passenger cars are unpowered rail vehicles pulled by a separate locomotive. They are used in long-distance, intercity and overnight services and can include standard seating cars, sleeping cars, dining cars and more. This category features suppliers involved in the design, manufacturing, modernisation and refurbishment of locomotive-hauled passenger coaches for mainline and international operations.
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High-Speed Trains
High-speed trains are purpose-built trainsets designed to operate at speeds typically above 250 km/h on dedicated high-speed lines. They feature aerodynamic designs, lightweight materials, and advanced traction and braking systems to maximise performance, safety and passenger comfort. This category includes suppliers of high-speed train design, manufacturing, certification, and system integration for national and international rail networks.
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Hydrogen Trains
Hydrogen trains use onboard fuel cells to convert hydrogen into electrical energy, offering a zero-emission alternative to diesel traction. They are ideal for non-electrified routes where electrification is not cost-effective due to low service frequency or speed. Hydrogen trains emit only water vapour at the point of use and contribute to decarbonising rail networks. This category includes suppliers of hydrogen-powered rolling stock, fuel cells, hydrogen storage systems and related traction technologies.
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Light Rail · Trams · Tram-Trains
Light rail vehicles (LRVs), including trams and tram-trains, are designed for urban and suburban passenger transport. Trams typically operate on street-level track within city centres, while light rail systems may use dedicated rights-of-way and operate in coupled trainsets. Tram-trains can run on both tram and mainline networks, bridging urban and regional travel. This category features suppliers of vehicle design, manufacturing, integration and modernisation for light rail systems.
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Metro Cars
Metro cars are electric multiple unit (EMU) vehicles used in high-frequency urban transit systems. Designed for rapid acceleration, quick boarding and short dwell times, they operate on dedicated tracks with third-rail or overhead power supply. Metro cars are optimised for high passenger capacity and frequent stops, making them ideal for dense city networks. This category features suppliers of metro car manufacturing, system design, refurbishment and rolling stock integration.
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Other Rolling Stock Vehicles
This category covers all types of rolling stock not captured by the other vehicle categories such as hybrid vehicles, BEMUs, maglevs and more.
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Powered Vehicles
Powered rail vehicles include locomotives and multiple units driven by electric, diesel, hybrid or hydrogen traction systems. These vehicles contain onboard power systems for propulsion and may operate individually or in consist formations. Powered vehicles are essential for both passenger and freight services, with suppliers providing complete rolling stock as well as components such as traction systems, drive units and energy storage solutions.
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Shunting Locomotives
Shunting locomotives, also known as switchers, are specialised engines used to move rolling stock over short distances in yards, depots and terminals. They are essential for assembling trains, repositioning wagons and handling last-mile freight operations. Typically designed for high torque at low speeds, shunters may be diesel, electric or hybrid powered. This category features manufacturers and suppliers of shunting locomotives and related technologies.
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Unpowered Railway Vehicles
Unpowered railway vehicles include passenger coaches, sleeper cars and other rail vehicles that do not have their own propulsion systems. These vehicles are hauled by powered locomotives and are essential components of many long-distance and regional services. This category includes suppliers of unpowered rolling stock, interior fit-outs and components such as bogies, couplers and braking systems.
Rolling Stock News
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New York Governor Announces Interborough Express Light Rail Project
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that New York's Interborough Express service will be constructed as a light rail line.
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GB Railfreight Signs New Locomotive Leasing Deal with Akiem
GB Railfreight (GBRf) has signed a new 10-year locomotive leasing deal with rolling stock leasing company, Akiem.
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ENSCO Highlights TTC’s Expanded Mission at TRB 2023
ENSCO, Inc., will highlight the expanded mission of the FRA's TTC in Pueblo, Colorado, during the 102nd Annual Meeting of the TRB.
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Success-Story – Verkehrsbetriebe Potsdam
NSH Group's documentary about the successful customer relationship with ViP Verkehrsbetrieb Potsdam GmbH is now online.
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Beijing Metro Line 16 Celebrates New Year with Opening of Phase III Southern Section
Beijing MTR, a subsidiary of MTR Corporation, has announced the opening of Beijing Metro Line 16’s phase III southern section.
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KfW IPEX-Bank: Belgin Rudack Joins the Management Board
Belgin Rudack has become one of five members of KfW IPEX-Bank’s Management Board, responsible for export and project finance within KfW Grou…
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Talgo Intercity Trains Commence Operations in Egypt
Egypt National Railways (ENR) has commenced the commercial operation of Talgo Intercity trains between Cairo and Alexandria.
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Slovakia: ZSSK Orders Five More RegioPanter Electric Units from Škoda
Slovakian rail company ZSSK has ordered a further five RegioPanter electric units from Skoda Group as part of the modernisation of its fleet…
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Czech Republic: Electric RegioPanter Trains Deployed from Olomouc to Šumperk
The first RegioPanter trains have commenced service on the newly electrified line from Olomouc to Šumperk via Uničov in the Czech Republic.
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Australia: Progress Rail to Supply 12 GT46 Locomotives to Qube
Progress Rail has been contracted to supply 12 new GT46 locomotives to Qube, an import and export logistics service provider in Australia.
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US: Alstom Completes PHX Sky Train APM Extension
Alstom has completed the extension of the PHX Sky Train automated people mover (APM) system at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
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The Joys (Sometimes) of Travelling by Night Train
In his final column of the year, Jonn Elledge discusses British and European night trains and uses the phrases 'utter delight' and 'magical'…
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Spain: Madrid-Murcia High-Speed Railway Line Opens
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and King Felipe VI have inaugurated the Madrid-Murcia high-speed railway line.
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Germany: Transdev Modernises Fleet with FLIRT 3 XL Trains
Transdev is modernising its fleet in Germany with the introduction of 16 four-unit Stadler FLIRT 3 XL articulated trainsets.
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First Tri-Mode Train Enters Passenger Service in Europe
Trenitalia’s ‘Blues’ battery hybrid train is the first tri-mode train to enter passenger service in Europe.
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METRO Houston Unveils New Light Rail Vehicles
Houston METRO has debuted the first of 14 new fourth generation (H4) light rail vehicles (LRV) for use in downtown Houston, Texas.
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France: First RER New Generation Train Delivered to SNCF
The first RER New Generation (NG) 130-metre train has arrived at SNCF’s Technicentre in Villeneuve Saint-George, France.
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Renfe Purchases 97 New Trains for Fleet Renewal Plan
Renfe has purchased an additional 97 new Cercanías and Media Distancia trains as part of its train fleet renewal plan.
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Final Contract Awarded for Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport
The Parklife Metro consortium has been awarded the third and final major contract for the Sydney Metro — Western Sydney Airport project.
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Stadler to Supply 56 TINA Trams in the Netherlands
Dutch transport company, HTM has contracted Stadler to supply 56 TINA trams for use in The Hague, the Netherlands from 2026.
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Canada: Ontario Purchases 3 Northlander Trainsets from Siemens
Ontario is investing 139.5 million CAD in three Northlander trainsets as part of its plan to bring back northeastern passenger rail services…
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KfW IPEX-Bank Finances New Trams for Frankfurt
KfW IPEX-Bank is providing 100 million Euros to Stadtwerke Frankfurt in order to finance new trams for the city of Frankfurt, Germany.
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New Images of Amtrak Airo Unveiled
Amtrak has unveiled renders of its newest train, the Amtrak Airo. The new trains will begin operating across Amtrak routes in 2026.
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Renfe Orders 49 Additional Coradia Stream High-Capacity Trains
Renfe has ordered an additional 49 additional Coradia Stream high-capacity trains from Alstom. These will be manufactured in Barcelona.
