BNSF’s new express service halves transit times 
The US class I railway runs a new carload service from Pacific Northwest to Colorado and Utah, offering speeds comparable to road options. The route uses the new Sandpoint junction connector rail bridge, completed in 2022, allowing for two-way traffic on the bridge, which... more
More trains to and from Hungary
The German railfreight operator Helrom has launched a new route linking Düsseldorf (Germany) and Budapest (Hungary), thus extending the range of sustainable and barrier-free intermodal freight transport in Europe. The new service along the 1,200 km route reduces CO₂ emissions by... more
Trialling alternative drives and fuels
Two IDS partners are currently testing a number of green transport projects in Germany. The Geis Group is exploring the use of HVO100, a biogenic fuel obtained from residual and waste materials such as used cooking oil and wood residues. The diesel substitute reduces CO2... more
EU-Ukraine 'solidarity lanes' are a lifeline
Since May 2022 'solidarity lanes' have allowed Ukraine to export around 154 million t of goods. In total, around 153 million t of Ukrainian grain, oilseeds and related products were exported along these routes (50%) and the Ukrainian Black Sea ports (50%) between May 2022 and... more
25 new Vectrons for continental Europe
UK-based rolling stock lessor Beacon and Siemens Mobility have signed a major framework agreement for the delivery of Vectron multi system locomotives. The initial contract includes 25 units with a power of 6.4 MW and will supplement Beacon’s existing Vectron fleet. It... more
Electronic toll solution now covers 18 countries
UTA Edenred has once again expanded the number of toll contexts available for its interoperable toll box, adding Croatia and Slovenia to its network. The 4G-compatible UTA on-board unit (OBU) for the European Electronic Toll Service (EETS) can now handle 20 toll contexts in 18... more
More investment on the Gotthard axis
Switzerland’s government has released around CHF 80 million to implement railway projects, which will enable SBB to further enhance services on the Gotthard axis with construction projects, among other things. Specifically, the Swiss Railways is planning track upgrades... more
DP World doubles rail services
The newly introduced mid-week train will be operated by Freightliner from today, 1 October 2024. It augments the existing weekend service, providing customers with increased access to extensive storage and handling, freight forwarding and delivery services at London Gateway... more
Zambia Lobito rail project goes ahead
Once completed, a new rail corridor in southern Africa will provide an alternative route to international export markets and will offer the shortest route for export and imports, linking key mining regions, agricultural clusters and businesses in Zambia and Congo to the port of... more
Autonomous 120 t road train for mining operations
The manufacturer Scania and the Australian metal mining company Fortescue have joined forces to develop and validate a fully integrated autonomous road train solution support the transformation of the global mining industry and meet the increasing demand for autonomous... more