Rolling Stock Categories
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
Spain: Renfe to Order 101 Cercanías and Media Distancia Trains
Renfe plans to execute the purchase option for 101 additional Cercanías and Media Distancia trains before the end of this year.
-
US: AECOM JV Selected for New Jersey's GCL Light Rail Project
AECOM's SJTP will provide engineering and project management services with STV Incorporated for the GCL Light Rail project in New Jersey.
-
The Railway-News Magazine Issue 4 2022 Rolling Stock Edition Is Here!
We've split our fourth issue of the Railway-News magazine 2022 into three: Rolling Stock, Data & Monitoring and Track & Infrastructure.
-
Škoda Group Opens New Subsidiary in Italy
Škoda Group has opened the office of its new subsidiary in Florence, Italy to strengthen its international presence.
-
Rhaetian Railway Achieves World Record
On 29 October Rhaetian Railway was successful in its attempt to break the world record for longest passenger train at 1,906m.
-
Poland: PKP Intercity Takes Over First 6 EffiShunter 300 Locomotives
Poland: PKP Intercity has taken over the first six of ten EffiShunter 300 shunting locomotives from Czech manufacturer CZ Loko.
-
CRRC's High-Speed Maglev System Presented at InnoTrans
CRRC presented its high-speed maglev system, which is capable of reaching speeds of up to 600 km/h, at InnoTrans in Berlin.
-
South Yorkshire Supertram to Be Publicly Owned and Operated from 2024
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority will take over control of Supertram services, infrastructure and finances from March 2024.
-
Spain: Stadler Presents 4 Trivoltage Electric Locomotives to Renfe
Stadler Valencia has presented four of twelve high-power electric locomotives ordered by Renfe Mercancías for freight operations in Spain.
-
Czech Republic: Škoda to Deliver ForCity Smart 45T Trams to Brno
The Brno Public Transport Authority has contracted Škoda to supply up to 40 ForCity Smart 45T trams, with five vehicles currently ordered.
-
US: Metrolink Arrow to Commence Service in San Bernardino County
SBCTA and Metrolink are hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Arrow service, which is scheduled to commence on Monday 24 October.
-
Valley Link Rail to Construct Hydrogen Production Facility in California
The Valley Link Rail project is purchasing 200 acres that will be the site of its green hydrogen production facility.
-
UK: New West Midlands Railway Fleet Commences Service
West Midlands Railway's (WMR) new Class 196 train fleet has commenced passenger services on the Shrewsbury Line.
-
DB to Set Up 150 Pop-Up Digital Automatic Coupling Workshops Across Europe
Deutsche Bahn plans to complete the equipping of freight wagons with digital automatic coupling (DAC) at pop-up workshops across Europe.
-
Berlin’s S8 Line Converts to New 483/484 Series Trains
Deutsche Bahn has completely converted Berlin’s S8 line to its newest generation of trains; the 483/484 series.
-
US: Metra Unveils New Addition to Locomotive Fleet
US railway operator Metra has unveiled the latest addition to its locomotive fleet; a remanufactured EMD SD70MAC.
-
CAF Receives Order for 28 Electric Trains from Renfe
Renfe has ordered 28 electric trains from CAF. These will operate on the Spanish operator's medium distance services.
-
California High-Speed Rail Applies for 67 Million in Funding to Advance Bakersfield Extension
The California High-Speed Rail Authority has applied for 67 million in federal funding to advance construction of the Bakersfield extension.
-
Last of 27 New Metrolink Trams Delivered to Greater Manchester
Metrolink has announced that all 27 of its new trams have now been delivered in Greater Manchester as part of a 72 million GBP investment.
-
Varamis Rail Leases Class 321 Swift Express Freight Train from Eversholt Rail
Varamis Rail has signed an agreement to lease a Class 321 Swift Express freight train from Eversholt Rail.
-
New Orders for Electrical Systems and Components from Škoda
Škoda Group has achieved significant success in the field of supplying electric drives and motors for locomotives this year.
-
Union Pacific Partners with ZTR to Build Hybrid-Electric Locomotives
Union Pacific Railroad is partnering with ZTR to build hybrid-electric locomotives, with the first prototype expected to be delivered in 202…
-
Stuttgarter Strassenbahnen Orders 40 More Trams from Stadler
Stuttgarter Strassenbahnen (SSB) is expanding its fleet by ordering 40 new S-DT8.16 light rail vehicles from Stadler.
-
DB and Fortescue Partner on Ammonia-Hydrogen Engine and Green Fuel Logistics
Deutsche Bahn and FFI have signed a declaration of intent to work together on an emission-free ammonia-hydrogen engine.
