THE European Union’s (EU) Transforming Transport big data research project, which was launched in January and runs through to June 30 2019, is preparing to launch a rail pilot project in Spain as one of 13 pilot schemes in Europe covering all modes of transport.

Finding a cost-effective solution for the conversion of existing diesel trains to hybrid traction could help to reduce emissions and fuel consumption on non-electrified secondary lines. Keith Barrow looks at the DB-led EcoTrain project, which is harnessing lithium-ion battery technology as an alternative to diesel operation.

THE European Commission (EC) is inviting transport infrastructure investment proposals which combine €1bn of grants through the Connecting Europe Fund (CEF) with other sources including the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) and public and private finance.

THE European Union’s (EU) Shift²Rail public-private partnership research initiative aims to help rail to achieve a 50% reduction in life-cycle costs, to double capacity, and improve reliability and punctuality by up to 50%. This should make rail more competitive and achieve a shift from other modes to rail as its name implies. Overall, Shift²Rail will reinvigorate railway research and innovation in Europe.

THE Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) says the European Commission (EC) is putting rail freight, which is subject to customs clearance at European Union borders, at risk by imposing a system developed for road transport which is inappropriate for rail.

THE European Commission adopted an implementing regulation on January 5 for the new ERTMS European Deployment plan (ERTMS EDP), which sets a target of equipping 50% of Core Network Corridors by 2023.

SLOVAKIA’s national train operator ZSSK has scrapped a tender for the purchase of 25 EMUs amounting to €160m.

MOLDOVAN Railways (CFM) has issued an international invitation to tender for a contract to supply 12-15 locomotives and rehabilitate maintenance facilities.

THE European Commission (EC) confirmed on December 19 that a public funding scheme launched by the Italian government to encourage modal shift of freight from road to rail is compliant with European Union (EU) rules on state aid.

THE European Parliament voted to adopt the market pillar of the Fourth Railway Package at a plenary session in Strasbourg on December 14 in the final stage of a legislative process which will open Europe’s railway sector to greater competition.