Zagreb–Split hybrid train debuts as prefect calls 8-hour trip unacceptable
The first Zagreb–Split hybrid train from a six-train Končar order entered regular service on 15 September, running on a 429 km line with just 103 km electrified.
Passenger Rail News
New Haven Union Station gets $24.8 million overhaul and invites retailers
Connecticut is funding a $24.8 million New Haven Union Station renovation that includes new retail and food space and two bars, with interior work due to finish in late 2028.
EU rail passenger-km rose 5.8% in 2024, down from 11.3% a year earlier
EU rail passenger transport rose 5.8% in passenger-kilometres in 2024, reaching its highest level since Eurostat’s series began in 2004, though growth was about half 2023’s 11.3%.
15-minute S80 trains due only in 2036 as €511.5m Vienna upgrade starts
Work has begun on the Verbindungsbahn upgrade in Vienna, a project worth around €511.5 million, but S80 trains every 15 minutes, twice the pre-construction frequency, are not expected until 2036.
Auckland rail beats its 2019 weekly record in City Rail Link’s first week
Auckland's trains logged 528,007 boardings in the City Rail Link's first week, 13–19 September, beating the network's previous weekly high of 504,380 set in March 2019.
St. Louis will retest single-car MetroLink trains, one per line at first
Metro Transit in St. Louis will test single-car MetroLink trains instead of two-car consists on Oct. 3, saying one-car operation could cut yearly maintenance costs by $800,000 to $4.8 million.
Chiltern Railways now publicly owned; tickets and Delay Repay unchanged
Chiltern Railways public ownership began on 20 September, and the operator says existing tickets, railcards, season tickets and Delay Repay compensation stay valid and unchanged for its passengers.
Ottawa funds Victoria–Langford rail study; 2020 commuter estimate was C$230M
The federal government is putting C$500,000 into a Victoria–Langford rail study on Vancouver Island, joining C$523,100 from the Capital Regional District for work on potentially restoring rail service.
VIA Rail will end Train 641; its early option reaches Toronto at 9:37 a.m.
VIA Rail Train 641, launched in 2024 with an 8:48 a.m. arrival in Toronto, is withdrawn from October 25, and the early-morning alternative, Train 41, will arrive at 9:37 a.m.
Queensland Rail to restore 91% of full timetable from October 12
Queensland Rail services will return to 91% of the full South East Queensland timetable from October 12 after in-principle deals on the operator’s last three enterprise agreements.
Deutsche Bahn to test bodycam audio from 5 October after fatal attack on staff
Deutsche Bahn is widening staff safety measures about seven months after train attendant Serkan Çalar was fatally attacked on a regional train, with a bodycam audio test from 5 October.
74% of EU adults say promoting rail matters for greener tourism
Support for promoting train travel for sustainable tourism reaches 74% among EU adults, although 19% list environmental impact among the main factors in choosing transport, a CER survey shows.
