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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Alstom Awarded Southern Hemisphere’s Largest Tram Contract
Alstom has signed a framework contract with the Department of Transport Victoria, Australia, for 100 Flexity low-floor next generation trams…
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United States: Amtrak Unveils New Locomotive Livery
The first locomotive to carry Amtrak’s new livery is making its inaugural journey across America, travelling from California from Delaware.
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Canada: ONxpress Consortium Signs Up to Ontario’s Largest Capital Infrastructure Project
ONxpress Transportation Partners has signed a multi-billion USD, 25-year agreement with Metrolinx for the On-Corridor Works Project.
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Alstom Wins DFW APM Maintenance Contract
Alstom has signed a new contract to provide operations and maintenance services for Dallas Fort Worth International Airport’s APM system.
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On Track: Rail Supply Sector to Meet at Railtex / Infrarail
Full steam ahead for the spring edition of Railtex / Infrarail on 10–12 May, the number one showcase for rail technology and infrastructure.
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Rail Technology Venue Saxony: A Branch Hotbed of Innovation in Germany
The global players Alstom, Stadler, Goldschmidt Thermit, and Kirow Ardelt characterise the rail technology venue in Saxony.
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OmniScan™ X3 64-Channel Flaw Detector
The compact OmniScan™ X3 64-channel flaw detector improves the efficiency and performance of phased array and total focusing method imaging.
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Austria: ÖBB Orders 41 KISS Double Decker Trains from Stadler
Stadler has received an order from Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) for 41 KISS double decker trains valued at approximately 600 million euro…
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Railtex / Infrarail: Coming Together in London!
Railtex / Infrarail will be taking place from 10–12 May 2022 at Olympia London. Bringing together the entire rail supply sector.
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ORR Publishes Final Report on Hitachi Rail's Class 800 Cracks
The ORR has made a number of recommendations after reviewing the safety issues that caused the Class 800 trains to be withdrawn last year.
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Switzerland: BLS to Operate Mika Trains in the Lucerne West Region from 2024
Private Swiss rail operator BLS will begin operating MIKA (Stadler FLIRT) trains in the Lucerne West region from December 2024.
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Sweden’s National Rail Operator Orders 25 High-Speed Trains from Alstom
Alstom has signed an agreement with Sweden’s national rail operator SJ to supply 25 Zefiro Express electric high-speed trains.
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Powering Freight’s Destination to Zero
This month, Cummins Inc. and Knoxville Locomotive Works, Inc. announced the next step in Tier 4 locomotive repower programs.
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72DL PLUS™ Thickness Gauge Measures Ultra-Thin Layers
The new 72DL PLUS™ ultrasonic thickness gauge delivers precision thickness measurements at high speed in a portable, easy-to-use device.
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Alstom and ENGIE Sign Partnership to Supply Fuel Cell System for European Rail Freight
Alstom and ENGIE have signed a partnership agreement to supply a renewable hydrogen to heavy-duty European rail freight.
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Element Appoints New Singapore General Manager for Admaterials
Element Materials Technology (Element) has announced the appointment of Sherly Wijaya as the new General Manager for Admaterials in Singapor…
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DB Regio Orders 29 Alstom Coradia Stream High-Capacity Trains
DB Regio has ordered 29 Coradia Stream high-capacity units from Alstom for use on the Frankfurt–Fulda–Bebra and Frankfurt–Wächtersbach lines…
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KfW IPEX-Bank Jointly Finances Tram-Trains in Chemnitz, Germany
KfW IPEX-Bank, European Investment Bank (EIB) and NORD/LB are jointly financing the expansion of public transport in the Chemnitz region.
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Siemens Mobility Receives Largest Vectron Order from Czech Republic
Siemens Mobility has received an order for 50 of its Vectron MS multisystem locomotives from Czech Railways (ČD).
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Rail Innovation Timeline – 1900s
Viper Innovations research the timeline of rail innovations from the 1900s that moved the railway industry forward.
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Germany: Chemnitz Orders 19 Stadler Citylink Tram-Trains
Stadler has received an order for 19 Citylink fully electric tram-trains from the Chemnitz transport authority.
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IN PICTURES: Amtrak Unveils Interiors for New Acela Trains
See pictures of the new Amtrak Acela interiors. The trains are being manufactured by Alstom in Hornell and Rochester, New York.
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CVS-280: DC/DC Low Battery Voltage Starter
Premium Power Supplies outlines the key features and railway applications of their new CVS-280 DC/DC low battery voltage starter.
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RIA: UK Government Needs to Do More to Accelerate Decarbonisation of Railways
Limited progress is being made regarding the UK Government's rail decarbonisation plans according to a Railway Industry Association report.
