Innovation

This week has seen the start of testing at speed for the world’s first operational steam locomotive to be fitted with ETCS (European Train Control System) technology. Tornado – a modern steam locomotive built in 2008 – is the first...

Network Rail and partners Drone Major Limited and Dronecloud have begun trials of “beyond visual line of sight” aerial operations on the railway to test a concept that could bring major improvements for passengers and rail freight customers. Beyond visual...

The Rail Safety Standards Board (RSSB) has launched a Sustainable Insights Reporting Tool to streamline and improve the collection and reporting of sustainability data within the rail industry. The tool is designed to collect comprehensive sustainability data from the rail...

Leading provider of intelligent train technology, Petards Rail, took home two awards at Insider Media’s Made in the North East Awards 2025 on Thursday 13 March, 2025. The Gateshead-based manufacturer of CCTV systems and software that supports safety and efficiency...

Network Rail’s Air Operations team has been testing a powerful new camera system that combines high-resolution photography with laser surveys and near-infrared images to give engineers an incredible view of the network. The Multi-Angle Camera System (MACS) fits in a...

Network Rail has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Transport for NSW in Australia to develop rail technology, improve reliability, and drive sustainability that will benefit millions of rail passengers on both sides of the world. It marks the...

Network Rail’s 25 million neighbours – people living within 500m of a railway line – are set to benefit from a new digital service that will let people know about upcoming railway engineering work, emergency work, and get updates...

Long-distance train operator CrossCountry has announced the award of a multi-year contract to develop their digital customer platform to Arriva Customer Engine (ACE) following a competitive procurement process. Digital platform ACE currently powers websites and mobile apps for various UK...

Siemens Mobility is leading the way to a greener future for the rail industry with a comprehensive range of low-carbon investments at its Goole Rail Village.  The Rail Village now has minimal operational emissions, with green energy generation, clean heating...

Construction has now commenced to further modernise Porterbrook’s Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre (RIC) in Warwickshire with a 3.5km electrified track. This major development to the UK railway’s only test loop will open the site for electric fleets at speeds...