Media

A Shadow Operator performs a key role in the definition, planning and delivery of new rail projects in situations where an actual rail operator has yet to be appointed. Network Rail Consulting (NRC) recognises that early operator engagement or input is crucial to ensure "best for business" decision making and outcomes throughout the course of the project lifecycle.

Operational Readiness refers to the transition phase in which an enterprise, its people, processes, technology, and systems are fully prepared to accept and operationalise the outputs and outcomes of a project. It’s a pivotal factor in determining the success or failure of a project.

Configuration Management is the backbone of efficient railway projects. It ensures accurate design translation, controlled changes, and consistent documentation, vital for seamless operations, regulatory compliance, and delivering reliable rail systems.  

If you are not already doing so, for any rail development project, no matter how small the change, a question should be asked not only on the impact of the change on the operation of the railway, but equally important 'What is the impact of the change on the timetable?

Whilst there has been a shift away from the weekday peaks, NRC is observing major new opportunities for rail to grow at other times.

“No one has done it, but everybody's starting to think about” relying solely on renewables, said Ryan Scott, director of high-speed systems for Network Rail Consulting, a U.K. firm that’s helping California plan its power system.

As the world increasingly looks to technology to deal with climate change, can railways use emerging Solar and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to become a true zero-carbon form of travel?

Australia has embarked on the journey of an increased infrastructure spend, particularly throughout Victoria and New South Wales, with over a decade of work currently in the pipeline for the rail sector in these states.

The majority of Victoria’s railway which is used by nearly all passenger trains and most intra-state freight is broad-gauge (1600mm). However, there is also a separate standard-gauge (1435mm) network which runs through Victoria, used for inter-state freight and a handful of passenger services.

Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) launched the Grand Central Madison (GCM) commuter rail terminal, an $11.1 billion, 700,000-sq ft station located below the historic Grand Central Terminal (GCT) in Manhattan midtown east.