Independent electric transport news covering aviation, maritime, buses, trucks, rail and working machinery.
Romania has launched its first passenger service enabled by European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2. The service uses Alstom equipment and trackside infrastructure, marking a railway modernisation milestone.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority board unanimously approved buying 10 new battery-powered public transit trains. The order adds electric rolling stock to the system, though the source does not give delivery timing or cost.
Lithuanian Railways has put the first of 15 new Stadler FLIRT electric trains into service on the Vilnius–Kaunas–Vilnius route. The rest are due to enter operation over the coming months, replacing existing trains on some key domestic routes.
Stadler Rail Service UK has secured a two-year extension to maintain Greater Anglia’s fleet of 58 FLIRT bi-mode and electric multiple units. The extension is intended to keep maintenance and technical support in place for the fleet.
Stadler has started testing a hydrogen-powered narrow-gauge train built for ARST on a new test track in Switzerland. The trials are meant to assess the vehicle before it enters service in Italy.
Metra presented its new battery-powered passenger train at LaSalle Street Station in Chicago. The train is part of the operator’s plan to introduce zero-emission service on part of the Rock Island Line from 2028.
celduc relais has developed the SMI Series, a new range of compact high-voltage DC solid state relays for railway applications. The product is intended to support electrification, reliability and reduced maintenance in onboard electrical equipment.
Stadler and Metra presented a battery-electric FLIRT train developed for the North American market at APTA EXPO 2026. The project is intended to support zero-emission electric operation for Metra without requiring complete electrification of the network.
According to Railway-News, SŽ–VIT in Slovenia overhauled the first Siemens-built Vectron locomotive in-house and returned the unit to Beacon Rail. The Ljubljana Maintenance Section carried out the full overhaul of locomotive 191-023.
Richard AG says it has spent decades developing robust vacuum main switches for railway catenary systems. The company says the components are designed to meet high requirements for safety, availability and service life.
Union Pacific has started testing battery-electric locomotives in Southern California, with two of four Wabtec FLXdrive units delivered. The trial is intended to evaluate emerging technologies in operational railway conditions.
Stadler and Metra will present the first battery-electric FLIRT train developed for the US market at APTA EXPO 2026 in Chicago on 5 October. The presentation highlights Metra’s planned introduction of zero-emission rolling stock on its network.
ZF has launched the EcoFlex flexible coupling for electric rail drivetrains, designed to reduce maintenance requirements in service.
NEWAG has unveiled the Griffin 200 electric locomotive for PKP Intercity at InnoTrans 2026.
Hitachi Rail has shown Italy's first fully battery-electric intercity train at InnoTrans 2026, extending battery propulsion beyond regional services.