A video clip on YouTube titled Seven-Minute Miracle has been viewed more than six million times. It is about a marvellous Shinkansen train cleaning crew finishing their job within seven minutes.

China has redoubled its commitment to rail infrastructure investment as it seeks to stave off a slowdown in economic growth and boost development in areas that are poorly served by the network. Keith Barrow looks at the prospects for rail spending under the 13th Five Year Plan and considers some of the potential obstacles ahead.

JR East is a private company, so generating earnings is important. To grow earnings, we have to be hungrier and step up the pace of measures. In fiscal 2016, our business results were comparatively favourable. But at times like these, complacency is a danger. Treading water lowers employee morale and saps a company’s vitality.

THIRTY years after France introduced the Regional Express Transport (TER) brand to reflect the decentralisation of regional passenger operations, French regions are looking to expand their role in the specification and procurement of local rail services.

SITUATED in Central Europe and with relatively flat terrain, on the face of it Poland has the ideal conditions for railways to flourish.

THE European Rail Freight Association (ERFA) brings together newcomers on the European rail market. ERFA covers the whole value chain of rail transport across Europe and all members are united in a commitment to work towards a competitive and innovative single European railway market underpinned by attractive, fair and transparent market conditions for all railway companies.

AFTER a hugely challenging year in 2015, German Rail (DB) witnessed a return to growth in its long-distance passenger business during 2016 and has also enjoyed success in the German regional rail market, retaining several major contracts whilst winning back some routes previously lost to competitors.

2016 was a challenging year for Transdev Germany employees. The accident at Bad Aibling, resulting in 12 fatalities, four of whom were Transdev train drivers, demanded a lot of strength. Colleagues across the Transdev group in Germany have shown incredible solidarity and support to overcome this crisis.

2017 is a landmark year for Norway’s rail sector as competitive tendering begins for two passenger operations packages, and a reformed administration, including a revamped infrastructure manager, starts work. Kevin Smith visits Oslo to find out more about the reforms and what the government is hoping to achieve.

THIS year Austria will celebrate the 180th anniversary of its railways, and while many will pause to reflect on the many historical achievements that shaped the modern network, it is also a good opportunity to consider what the future might hold.