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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Bombardier's Chinese JV Wins High-Speed Train Contract
Bombardier's BST joint venture in China has won a contract to supply 14 CR300AF high-speed electric multiple units. Delivery by January 2021…
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Deutsche Bahn Joins the US High Speed Rail Association
Deutsche Bahn has become a member of the US High Speed Rail Association, which aims to promote support for high-speed rail in America.
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CFL cargo Buys 10 Bombardier TRAXX MS Locomotives
CFL cargo has signed a contract with Bombardier Transportation for 10 TRAXX multi-system locomotives, which run on AC and DC, plus last mile…
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Train Door Condition Monitoring: Use Case
STIMIO explains the importance of train door condition monitoring and maintenance and shows how the RAILNODE device can help.
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USHSR Publishes 5-Point High Speed Rail Plan
USHSR has published a 5-point plan for developing high-speed rail in the US, starting with a new High Speed Rail Development Authority.
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Hong Kong: MTR Corporation Introduces New Light Rail Vehicles
Hong Kong's MTR Corporation has announced that the first new Phase 5 light rail vehicles will start carrying passengers on 17 November 2020.
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Austin Voters Give Project Connect the Go-Ahead
Project Connect was on the ballot for voters as they went to the polls on 3 November 2020 and they voted in favour of light rail in Austin.
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Alstom Completes Phase 1 of Qatari Light Rail Project
Alstom has completed the first phase of the Lusail light rail project in Qatar. It will run 28 low-floor Citadis X05 trams.
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Hydrogen Is a Distraction
Although hydrogen and fuel cell technology can play its part in the rail sector, it will not decarbonise transport. It is a fringe component…
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Olympus Delivers Customised Sensor Solutions
Olympus developed capabilities allowing onsite application testing of newly designed sensors to ensure sensor solutions meet customers' need…
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High Speed Rail Group: "HS2 Eastern Leg Essential to National Levelling Up Agenda"
Midlands Voices report by the High Speed Rail Group says the eastern leg of HS2 up to Leeds is crucial for levelling up the country.
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New VLocity Trains Enter Service in Victoria
9 new VLocity trains have entered service on Victoria's regional rail network. In total Victoria has ordered 18 new three-car VLocity trains…
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Unipart Rail Signs Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Charter
Unipart Rail has become a signatory to the RIA Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Charter, which was launched on 6th November 2020.
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IN PICTURES: Siemens Mobility Unveils New Mireo Smart
Siemens Mobility has unveiled its Mireo Smart EMU. Based on its more bespoke Mireo platform, this is a cost-effective, easy alternative.
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SriCity Factory in Andhra Pradesh Manufactures 500th Metro Car
Alstom's SriCity factory in India, which opened in September 2012, has reached the milestone of having manufactured 500 metro cars.
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Germany's Federal Railway Authority Approves Dual Mode Vectron Locomotive
The Siemens Mobility Vectron Dual Mode locomotive has received its operating approval from the German Federal Railway Authority (EBA).
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How Did President-Elect Biden Get the Nickname 'Amtrak Joe'?
The United States has a new president-elect, Joe Biden. But why is he called 'Amtrak Joe'? And what has he said about the importance of rail…
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Casablanca to Get 66 New Citadis X05 Trams
Casa Transport has ordered 66 Alstom Citadis X05 trams for the Casablanca's tramway. The contract includes an option for 22 further units.
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Bucharest Metro to Get New Alstom Metropolis Trains
Bucharest's metro operator has ordered an initial 13 Alstom Metropolis trains, with an option for a further 17 units, to run on Line 5.
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Hitachi and Mitsubishi Win Panama Monorail Project
Hitachi will deliver 28 six-car monorail vehicles as well as the signalling systems and other equipment for line 3 of the Panama Metro.
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Delhi Metro Receives 800th Bombardier MOVIA Metro Car
Bombardier has delivered its 800th MOVIA metro car for the Delhi Metro. The remaining 16 units will be delivered by the end of 2020.
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Astronics Test Systems Awarded Contract by Stadler Rail US
Astronics Test Systems Awarded Contract by Stadler Rail US to Support New Subway Cars for Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority.
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IGW Romania Loves Local
IGW Romania will be will be making the parts for gearboxes that will be used in trams in the city of Iasi.
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Stadler to Deliver First-Ever FLIRT to Portugal
Stadler has won a contract with Portugal's state-owned rail operator CP to manufacture and supply 22 broad-gauge FLIRT multiple units.
