Rail infrastructure operator HS1 is recruiting a design team to expand capacity at St Pancras International station in central London [Deadline: 12 February 2025]. The company – which has a 30-year concession to run the …
Continue readingCategory: Design
A new rail link & station for high speed trains under Florence (Mediarail)
Florence is about to undergo a major overhaul of its rail hub. To avoid high-speed trains having to turn around through the existing station, a new underground link is being created beneath the historic heart …
Continue readingREM Part Deux – Montréal’s new automated metro expands
Montréal’s Réseau express métropolitain (REM) is becoming known for its automated metro operation, and its extensive reuse of existing railway and highway infrastructure. We look at how the opening of the next branch of this …
Continue readingMetro Map Colour-Coding: Effect on Usability in Route Tracing (DiagrammaticRepresentation)
Abstract. Does the choice of colour-coding scheme affect the usability of metro maps, as measured by the accuracy and speed of navigation? Using colour to differentiate lines or services in maps of metro rail networks …
Continue readingWashington DC Union Station renovation project is making slow progress (Axios)
Why it matters: Union Station is already a critical part of travel infrastructure for the DMV and the Northeast Corridor, and the renovation project promises to triple passenger capacity and turn the station into a high-speed rail hub. State of play: After …
Continue readingFirst Serious Game Day is a Success (UIC)
Training and development remain a specific challenge within the rail sector, as apart from the legal obligations, many training hours are needed and required to bring new employees up to a level to perform their …
Continue readingUK designed foiling fast ferry enters build phase (TheEngineer)
A demonstrator “Tri-foiler” ferry designed by Southampton naval architect Chartwell Marine could take to the water as soon as March 2025. Currently being built by Southampton composites specialist Designcraft the vessel – a high speed electric trimaran …
Continue readingJourney by Design: Need to Think Bigger about Look & Feel of Public Transport (JonathanBray)
Why do we need to think bigger about the look and feel of public transport? Because the market is changing – Leisure is the new growth area for rail. Because buses are struggling with decline. …
Continue readingAmtrak Doubles Down on False Claims to Attack Penn Station Through-Running (PedestrianObvs)
Amtrak just released its report a week and a half ago, saying that Penn Expansion, the project to condemn the Manhattan block south of Penn Station to add new tracks, is necessary for new capacity. …
Continue readingFriday Reads – 25 October 2024
• East West Rail: First train tests on multi-billion pound route (BBC) • Paddington tube station design error is finally righted after a century! (London Rail) • Exploring Paris Métro Line 11’s eastern extension (Fabric …
Continue readingMonday’s Friday Reads – 7 October 2024
• A train driver responds (BusAndTrainUser) • North & West London Lines – Driver’s Eye View (Train_Paul 94) • Europe-wide train ticketing – only EU law is going to fix this mess (Jon Worth) • …
Continue readingStandardizing Stations & Rolling Stock the Right Way in the US (PedObservations)
Picking consistent standards in order to make use of economies of scale is an important part of good planning. In our construction costs report, we attribute a high cost premium on systems and finishes in New …
Continue readingThe Meaning, & Analysis, of Construction Costs Per Rider (PedestrianObservations)
I’ve written a lot about urban rail construction costs per kilometer, but from time to time, my colleagues and I have been asked about what happens if we compare costs, not per kilometer, but per rider. …
Continue readingThe Lost Art of Passenger Comfort & Good Design – Railway Interiors Part 1
Modern trains are expected to handle crush loads at times, rough use and vandalism, yet have pleasing interiors and comfortable seating that will last in good condition for 15-20 years or more. In addition, the …
Continue readingStation Dwell Times, Anglosphere Incuriosity, & NYC’s Penn Station’s Expansion Proposal (PedestrianObservations)
This is the second part of my series about the Regional Plan Association event about expanding capacity at Penn Station. Much of the presentation, at least in its first half, betrays wanton ignorance, with which area power …
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