RMR | Rail Market Research

In the face of climate change and increasing natural disasters, one question is becoming more and more urgent: How can we make our transport infrastructure more resilient? The Deutsches Zentrum für Schienenverkehrsforschung (DZSF) projects Conceptual design of a cross-modal database for the documentation of natural hazard-related disruptions and their consequences and Exemplary development of data sources on the impact of river flooding on transport infrastructure deal with precisely this question in the broadest sense. With RMR | Rail Market Research, we report on interesting and current research projects in a monthly newsletter. The latest issue can be found here: https://lnkd.in/dBdMEeMR

#Rail is the least polluting mode of transport and the sector is sustainable, especially compared to other industries. But can we do more?   In a new project initiated by the UIC - International union of railways #UICrail#UICrail, project participants are exploring how zero waste can be integrated into the #railway sector. The ZEROWASTE II project aims to promote circular economy principles in the railway sector. It runs for 36 months from January 2024 and builds on the Zero Waste Railways workshops and the REUSE project. Key objectives include reducing material #footprint and #greenhouse gas emissions, supporting EU Green Deal commitments and improving cross-sector collaboration. The project includes workshops and webinars to share best practice. Key members include NMBS-SNCB (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Belges), Ns Nederlandse Spoorwegen, ProRail, Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane S.p.A., Trafikverket and SBB CFF FFS. With RMR | Rail Market Research, we report on similarly exciting and current research projects in a monthly newsletter. The latest issue can be found here: https://lnkd.in/dBdMEeMR

World Passenger Festival #PassengerFest in #Vienna On 25 and 26 June, leading representatives from the transport sector met in Vienna to discuss #mobility and the #shift to public transport. The focus was also on #customer experience, #digitalisation, end-to-end information chains, smart ticketing and commercial strategies. The global market for traveller information systems is growing sustainably. Just in time for the World Passenger Festival #PassengerFest, RMR | Rail Market Research has added a new product to its portfolio: Global Railway Passenger Information System Market Growth (Status and Outlook) 2023-2029 by LP Information.

The #condition #monitoring of #rail #vehicles plays a key role in the #safety and efficiency of rail transport. Reliable monitoring helps to recognise #maintenance requirements at an early stage and avoid unplanned downtimes.  The use of condition monitoring (CM) systems plays a major role here. Despite the increasingly widespread use of such CM systems, there is still no standardisation or holistic monitoring. The result is mainly expensive isolated solutions that only focus on individual components and status variables.   With the project "Minimum sensor equipment of passenger coaches, multiple units and locomotives for effective and economic condition monitoring" launched in May, the Deutsches Zentrum für Schienenverkehrsforschung (DZSF) aims to develop a holistically optimised sensor concept for equipping rolling stock. iMAR Navigation GmbH & Schild & Partner GmbH will develop an optimal sensor concept within the 35-month project period with a focus on #economic #efficiency, avoidance of redundancies and utilisation of information fusion. With RMR | Rail Market Research, we report on similarly exciting and current research projects in a monthly newsletter. The latest issue can be found here: https://lnkd.in/dBdMEeMR

Rising temperatures and increasing natural disasters also have an impact on our transport networks. In a new Deutsches Zentrum für Schienenverkehrsforschung (DZSF) research project, a cross-modal database is to be set up to categorise disruptions and their consequences caused by natural hazards. May also saw the launch of two other DZSF projects: a project on condition monitoring and a feasibility study on dust extraction for ballast levelling machines. With RMR | Rail Market Research, we report on interesting and current research projects in a monthly newsletter. The latest issue can be found here: https://lnkd.in/dBdMEeMR

Height differences between platforms and vehicle entrances make access to #rail #vehicles difficult or impossible, especially for people with disabilities or limited #mobility, such as wheelchair users.   The "Development and testing of boarding assistance systems" project of the Deutsches Zentrum für Schienenverkehrsforschung(DZSF) aims to solve this problem by developing on-board boarding assistance systems. At present, these systems cannot usually be operated by the #passengers themselves, meaning that independent access for people with reduced mobility is not possible, which contradicts the principle of the greatest possible independence in personal mobility (Article 20 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities - UN CRPD). The accessibility required by the Basic Law and the UN CRPD has not yet been fully achieved.   The DZSF project "Development and testing of boarding assistance systems" will investigate the requirements for independently operable on-board boarding assistance systems and evaluate possible applications and the feasibility of these systems in real railway operations. To this end, comprehensive catalogues of requirements will be developed in #collaboration with the relevant stakeholders, including disabled and/or mobility-impaired passengers, rail operators and #manufacturers.   The project will draw up a detailed catalogue of requirements for #selfservice on-board boarding aids and ensure that these are tailored to the needs and expectations of the relevant stakeholders. The results will serve as a basis for the further development and practical implementation of such systems in order to promote greater independence and accessibility in rail transport. With RMR | Rail Market Research, we report on similarly exciting and current research projects in a monthly newsletter. The latest issue can be found here: https://lnkd.in/dBdMEeMR

As passenger numbers in rail transport increase, the demands on the mode of transport are also changing. Long-distance journeys should be as fast as possible from A to B and trains should be designed to be barrier-free. The Deutsches Zentrum für Schienenverkehrsforschung (DZSF) will soon be conducting research into how these requirements can be met and to what extent concepts such as #Hyperloop are already fully developed. With RMR | Rail Market Research, we report on similarly exciting and current research projects in a monthly newsletter. The latest issue can be found here: https://lnkd.in/dBdMEeMR 

In a groundbreaking effort, the Institute of #Railway Engineering and Transport Economics at Technische Universität Graz has joined forces with Plasser & Theurer Export von Bahnbaumaschinen G.m.b.H. to pioneer research in #fossil-free track work machinery. Their collaborative initiative seeks to #revolutionize the industry by replacing traditional fossil-based drive technologies with #sustainable #alternatives. Through meticulous analysis of all track #maintenance machines and their operational modes, the project aims to formulate tailored recommendations for alternative drive systems. #Electric propulsion emerges as a frontrunner, particularly for machines with energy demands of up to 800 kWh, showcasing significant potential for widespread adoption. Furthermore, hybrid solutions integrating batteries and overhead lines, alongside #hydrogen fuel cells, present promising alternatives for machines with higher energy requirements. Looking ahead, the project envisions a future where purely battery-powered solutions could become standard, marking a pivotal shift towards greener practices in the rail industry. In a parallel endeavor titled #CO2FREE, the project collaborates with esteemed technical universities specializing in the production of prestressed monoblock concrete sleepers and other concrete structures like bridges. This joint effort aims to elevate the production standards of concrete sleepers while reducing their carbon footprint. Leveraging the profound expertise of these universities, particularly in working with CEM II and CEM III concretes, ensures adherence to established industry standards such as EN 197 "Cement", EN 206 "Concrete - Specification, performance, production, and conformity", and IRS 70713 "Recommendations for the design and use of prestressed monoblock concrete sleepers". Through these initiatives, the project underscores a commitment to sustainability and innovation, driving the #rail #industry towards a greener, more #environmentally-conscious future. In our RMR | Rail Market Research project, we report on similarly exciting and current research projects in a monthly newsletter: https://lnkd.in/e3idXfJD

The global use of #drones has developed rapidly in recent years, and their versatility makes them a valuable tool for various industries. In the #railindustry, drones show particularly promising applications. Traditionally, inspection tasks in the rail sector have been carried out using dedicated vehicles or converted road vehicles, which is not only expensive but can also affect track capacity. In addition, inspection in areas that are difficult to access poses a high risk to personnel. Drones offer an #innovative solution here. Their ability to be fitted with high-quality equipment and #sensors allows them to carry out inspection tasks precisely and efficiently. This not only helps to improve safety, but also maximizes track capacity and optimizes maintenance. With DRONE4RAIL, the project partners around Deutsche Bahn - such as Ns Nederlandse Spoorwegen or ProRail - aim to explore the possibilities and limitations of drone use and develop guidelines for their effective use. This will help to improve #safety, increase #efficiency and #maximize track capacity - an important step towards a modern and innovative railroad infrastructure. In our RMR | Rail Market Research project, we report on similarly exciting and current research projects in a monthly newsletter: https://lnkd.in/e3idXfJD The latest issue can be found here: https://lnkd.in/enK7Syip

Linking #business and #science more closely   The #rail sector faces a number of challenges in the coming years, whether it is coping with increasing traffic volumes, improving energy efficiency or introducing innovative technologies to modernize infrastructure and handle major projects. In order to overcome these and other challenges in the rail sector, it is crucial that networking between business and science takes place on a broader level. This cooperation can contribute to a better understanding of the sector's particular challenges and the joint development of innovative solutions. By working closely together, companies can benefit from the knowledge and research findings that are developed in the scientific fields. At the same time, scientists and researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the real needs and requirements of the industry, which can lead to more effective and practical solutions. In recent years, exciting research projects have been realized, the results of which will benefit us in overcoming future challenges. The successes in the field of artificial intelligence #AI is just one example. However, although there is a close connection between researchers and industry in the rail sector, many of the projects do not receive the attention that would justify their significance for the industry. The RMR | Rail Market Research newsletter aims to change this. We aim to strengthen the exchange between science and industry by presenting our subscribers with the latest findings from research projects or drawing their attention to interesting research projects. We want to bring together researchers and interested parties from industry and business and promote the exchange of research results. If you are currently working on an exciting research project and would like to present it to a wider audience, please send me a DM. #railway, #innovation, #research