Rail Transport Research Articles

How Road and Rail Transport Respond to Economic Growth and Energy Prices: A Study for Poland

Transport drives economies. This statement covers complex and multifaceted economic, environmental, and political issues. The literature mainly describes the unidirectional impact of transport on the economy, and far less often bilateral or reverse impacts. This is the context in which this study was conducted. The question of whether the economy (GDP and exports and imports) and energy prices (crude oil and diesel) have an impact on road and rail transport in Poland was examined. The research was based on correlation methodology and VAR modelling for the January 2010–March 2024 period (quarterly data). It was found that there is no sufficiently strong basis to speak of an inverse relationship, i.e., that the economy is the cause of transport. This confirms the majority of studies, but it has been shown that this relationship occurs in the current period. And this statement means that both road transport, which is developing, and rail transport, which is declining in Poland, are able to serve the economy on a continuous basis. Moreover, rail transport is positively affected by changes in fuel prices, but the basic energy resource used in rail transport is not fuel but electricity. Therefore, as fuel prices rise, investment in rail transport or combined transport can have positive economic and environmental effects in the future.

Potential Reduction in Carbon Emissions in the Transport of Aggregates by Switching from Road-Only Transport to an Intermodal Rail/Road System

Aggregates are the second-most consumed product in the world after water. This geological resource is used as building and construction material, and its production in quarries and delivery to customers generates several environmental problems. Their transport from quarries to consumption points, almost entirely done by truck, also generates impacts such as an increase in traffic and noise and the emission of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. Transportation and storage of goods account for 15% of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe and will increase significantly by 2050. To mitigate this, the European Union suggested shifting 30% of long-distance road freight to cleaner alternatives, such as rail or waterborne transport. This approach neglects the enormous volume of short-distance freight movement and its impact on achieving the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In this study, the hypothesis to test is whether the use of an intermodal rail/road transport mode, instead of just roads, for the transport of some products can help reduce global CO2 emissions even for short distances. To test this, this study investigates the carbon emissions (and transport cost reduction) generated by rail/road intermodal aggregate transport for short distances in the Madrid region (Spain), rather than the currently used direct truck transport. An analysis of variables, such as aggregate supply, demand locations and amounts, and road and rail networks, using a geographical information system provides the associated carbon emissions of the different transport alternatives. To obtain a reduction in CO2 emissions, this study proposes the establishment of intermodal transfer facilities near consumption centers, where materials are primarily transported by rail, with road transport limited to the final delivery to consumption areas. The results anticipate a notable decrease in carbon emissions in aggregate transport and allow the establishment of more efficient and environmentally friendly rail/road intermodal transport that would help to meet the goals of reducing climate change while making the use of aggregates more environmentally friendly.

Numerical investigation of soil arching and integral abutment bridge in a pile-supported railway embankment

ABSTRACT Rail transport plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable mobility and tackling environmental challenges. However, the construction of a railway track on soft soil poses significant challenges due to the inherent instability and potential for excessive settlement. To address these issues, this study numerically assessed a pile-supported embankment and an integral abutment bridge. Two different numerical models are simulated in two-dimensional (2D) plane strain conditions. Findings from numerical analyses of the pile-supported embankment revealed that soil arching is significantly influenced by embankment height and pile spacing. The maximum settlement of the embankment decreases with an increase in embankment modulus and friction angle. Furthermore, a correlation among soil arching indicators was established. Conversely, the analysis of integral abutment railway bridges (IARBs) indicates that the performance of the transition zone is significantly influenced by factors such as approach slab geometry and multiple axle passages.

Investigation of container strength when fixed in an open wagon equipped with pneumatic bags

Ensuring the efficiency of railway transport in international traffic needs the development of combined transport systems. Container transportation is the most relevant among them. Containers are usually transported by rail on platform wagons. Along with this, the lack of platform wagons in operation makes it necessary to use other types of wagons for container transportation, such as open wagons. The fastening of containers in open wagons is carried out using pneumatic bags. To study the effectiveness of applying such a fastening scheme, the load of the container during transportation in an open wagon was determined. The conducted research will contribute to creating recommendations for improving rail transport operations' efficiency.

Research on an Algorithm for High-Speed Train Positioning and Speed Measurement Based on Orthogonal Time Frequency Space Modulation and Integrated Sensing and Communication

The Doppler effect caused by the rapid movement of high-speed rail services has a great impact on the accuracy of train positioning and speed measurement. Existing train positioning algorithms require a large number of trackside equipment and sensors, resulting in high construction and maintenance costs. Aiming to solve the above two problems, this article proposes a train positioning algorithm based on orthogonal time–frequency space (OTFS) modulation and integrated sensing and communication (ISAC). Firstly, based on the OTFS, the positioning and speed measurement architecture of communication awareness integration is constructed. Secondly, a two-stage estimation (TSE) algorithm is proposed to estimate the delay Doppler parameters of HST. In the first stage, a low-complexity coarse grid search is used, and in the second stage, a refined off-grid search is used to obtain the delay Doppler parameters. Then, the time difference of arrival/frequency difference of arrival (TDOA/FDOA) algorithm based on multiple base stations is used to locate the target, the weighted least square method is used to calculate the location, and the Cramér–Rao lower bound (CRLB) for positioning and speed measurement is derived. The simulation results demonstrate that, compared to GNSS/INS and OFDM radars, the algorithm exhibits enhanced positioning and speed measurement accuracy.

Analysis the Principle and Applications for Locomotive Engine

Abstract. The evolution of locomotives is the cornerstone of modern transport and has had a profound impact on economic growth and social mobility. From the pioneering steam locomotives of the 19th century, which marked the beginning of a transformative journey for rail transport, to today's complex diesel and electric locomotives, each technological advance has shaped the efficiency, speed and environmental impact of rail systems. With this in mind, this study will offer a systematically analysis for the principle as well as applications for such engine. Steam locomotives revolutionized the transportation of goods and passengers, laying the foundation for the future of rail travel. Diesel locomotives further enhance operational flexibility and reliability, while electric locomotives are becoming mainstream due to their energy efficiency and low emissions. This study explores the historical development of locomotives, highlighting key technological milestones and their impact on rail transport. Meanwhile, the current advances in locomotive technology, including the integration of hybrid power systems and alternative energy sources, are studied. As the rail industry faces increasing pressure for sustainability, it is important to understand the evolution and future prospects of locomotives. By analyzing these developments, this paper aims to provide insights into different locomotive principles and how locomotive technology is evolving in an era of increased environmental awareness and technological innovation, shaping the future of rail transportation.

A literature review on the applications of artificial intelligence to European rail transport safety

A literature review on the applications of artificial intelligence to European rail transport safety

Machine Vision AI in Railroad Safety: Advanced Inspection Techniques

This article explores the transformative impact of machine vision AI in railroad safety, focusing on advanced inspection techniques. It examines the integration of technologies such as line scan cameras, LiDAR, and IoT sensors in enabling comprehensive 360-degree inspections of railway infrastructure and rolling stock. The article discusses key innovations in continuous monitoring, data processing, and AI-driven analysis, highlighting their potential to significantly enhance defect detection accuracy, reduce maintenance costs, and prevent accidents. Real-world applications in structural integrity assessment and overhead line inspection are presented, along with an analysis of current challenges and future developments in the field. The article underscores the paradigm shift from reactive to proactive maintenance strategies, promising a safer and more efficient future for rail transport.

Inter-regional rail travel and housing markets connectedness between London and other regions

Taking London as a location with which to measure the ripple effect in the UK housing market, this study aims to explain and verify the high degree of correlation between inter-regional transportation and the regional correlation of the housing market. Based on the literature on the relationship between short-term mobility and long-term migration, this paper illustrates that the extent to which people use trains for travel across regions will be related to the ripple effect in the regional housing markets. Frequent railway transport behavior, whether for commuting or traveling, might increase people's desire to relocate between regions, and thus leading to information transmission effects across regional housing prices and transaction volume. First, we estimate a dynamic indicator for the ripple effect. Then, the empirical tests use panel data, including the ripple indicator and passenger number data across time (1996–2022) and regions (nine regions). It is found that if London house prices drive other regional house prices to rise, inter-regional transportation demand will increase, and in turn, the increase of house prices in other housing markets will again drive up London house prices. The number of passengers will affect the information transmitted by the housing market transaction volume in other regions to the London housing market. This implies that higher inter-regional transport needs may lead to migration between London and other property markets, causing their transaction volumes to change in the same direction. The results of this paper verify that travel behavior between regions is a crucial factor in the leading/lagging behavior of regional housing market performance, implying a relationship between short-term travel and long-term migration. The results also indicate that incorporating variables of housing market correlations may help in the prediction of passenger numbers or transportation demand.

Adequacy of measures to threats as one of the fundamental ­principles of safety riskology

Purpose. To justify the need to apply the “principle of adequacy of probabilities” as a measure to improve the risk management methodology, to prevent (counteract) existing and emerging risks (threats) to the security of complex systems. Methodology. The well-known methodological principle called “Ockam’s Razor” was used. In the course of the research, a complex method was used, which included formal and logical analysis of normative and scientific and technical literature, analysis of statistical data, synthesis, abstraction, experiment, observation, generalization of data, description. Findings. In the course of the research, one of the threats (danger, risk) was identified, which simultaneously affects the existence of such a system due to traffic safety of rolling stock of rail transport enterprises, and the full implementation of the system’s capabilities due to axle loads, mass and speed movement of rolling stock, level of operating costs, passenger flow, regularity of transportation, etc. Experimental application of the lubricant “Mariol NT” in SPP 12-5, GS-3 lubrication systems showed a decrease in wear intensity by 240 %. Due to the use of a new lubricating material applied to the friction surface of wheel rims as part of the paint coating, the wear intensity of flanges of twin-wheel rims is reduced by 2.2 times, and that of locomotives by 2.4 times. Originality. It was determined that the “principle of adequacy of probabilities” as a measure of improvement of the risk management methodology, prevention (counteraction) of existing and prospective risks (threats, dangers) during the safety assessment of complex systems is currently not applied, but its consideration helps to prevent (countermeasures) to existing and emerging risks (threats) to the safety of complex systems. Practical value. The use of the “principle of adequacy of probabilities” allows for the theoretical and experimental determination of the numerical value of the ratio between the probability of an event occurring, caused by the action of an identified threat that negatively affects the state (level) of safety and operability of system elements at all stages of its existence, and the probability of a positively compensatory effect of the developed countermeasure to the identified threat.

Service Quality and its Impact on Usage Intention in Malaysian Rail Transportation

Service Quality and its Impact on Usage Intention in Malaysian Rail Transportation

Reliability of Road and Rail Transportation in the Distribution of Goods Commodities on the Makassar-Parepare Route

Reliability of Road and Rail Transportation in the Distribution of Goods Commodities on the Makassar-Parepare Route

Analisis Tingkat Risiko Penyebab Rel Patah pada Jalur Kereta Api Wilayah Divre IV Tanjung Karang

The increase in the volume of passengers and goods in rail transportation in Indonesia has an impact on the condition of railway infrastructure, especially railway infrastructure. The main focus of this condition is the risk of rail damage, especially broken rails. So a holistic assessment approach is needed to identify the root causes and formulate appropriate treatment and improvement strategies. The aim of the research is to identify the factors causing the rail to break and analyze the causes. This research uses a risk level value analysis method by multiplying the results of probability and impact, thus producing a risk value. Risk variables such as extreme rain events, expansion in the alignment area, and mud pumping are high level risks. This is followed by medium, low and very low risks, according to the classification of each risk variable analyzed. Therefore, the priority scale for handling broken rail repairs is grouped based on the risk level value starting from the highest risk to the lowest risk. The conclusion is that risk variables such as extreme rain produce a risk value of IDR 296,881,200 with a probability value of 0.99% and an impact of IDR 29,988,000,000, expansion in the straight area produces a risk value of IDR 376,992,000 with a probability value of 1.10% and impact IDR 34,272,000,000, and mud pumping produces a risk value of IDR 394,128,000 with a probability value of 1.15% and impact IDR 34,272,000,000, these three risk variables are classified as high risk.

A comparative analysis of cross-sectional study and natural experiment in rail transit-travel behavior research: A case study in Wuhan, China

There has been a global increase in investment in rail transit, driven by its potential to enhance transportation efficiency, reduce air pollution, and stimulate economic growth. Both cross-sectional studies and natural experiments have contributed to the growing body of evidence supporting these claims. While natural experiments are commonly preferred for evaluating the impact of rail transit, cross-sectional studies remain popular due to their ease of data collection. However, there is a scarcity of studies that compare these two approaches using the same dataset to assess the robustness of cross-sectional studies. Using a two-wave panel dataset from Wuhan, China, this study used both cross-sectional and natural experimental analyses to examine the relationship between urban rail transit and travel behavior. The study attempted to enhance the credibility of the cross-sectional analysis by controlling for confounding variables and by combining it with the propensity score matching (PSM) method, respectively. The results revealed that the cross-sectional analyses could produce similar results, when setting a more stringent significance level. The findings suggested that well-designed cross-sectional studies can be reliable and represent a cost-effective alternative to resource-intensive natural experiments.

The role of physical and social environments on the loyalty toward urban rail services: A consideration of stations and onboard

Although urban train services have been introduced in various developing countries, ridership for this mode of public transport (PT) remains low. In response, urban planning authorities are seeking ways to boost passenger loyalty to these services. However, the existing literature has scarcely examined the role of physical and social environments in fostering passenger loyalty. Additionally, how loyalty is developed throughout the passenger experience - both at stations and onboard - remains unclear. Addressing this gap, the current study develops a model based on the 'service quality-satisfaction-behavioural intentions' paradigm and the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) model to examine how the physical and social environments, both at rail stations and onboard trains, impact passenger loyalty in the context of urban train services. Additionally, this study validates the multi-dimensionality of physical environments and social environments in this context. Data collected from urban rail passengers in Hanoi, Vietnam is analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that the physical and social environments onboard trains significantly influence loyalty towards the urban train services, while the environments at stations do not have the same impact. Furthermore, both satisfaction at stations and onboard trains significantly affect the loyalty, though the influence of satisfaction with the onboard experience is much stronger than that of satisfaction with the stations. Practically, the findings assist PT authorities in evaluating existing systems and devising future PT development strategies. Also, the study informs PT providers of ways to improve passenger satisfaction and loyalty.

A high-precision visual detection method for rail profile based on Scheimpflug condition

Rail profile is an important indicator of rail service status, which should be always kept in good condition. How to efficiently collect rail profiles with high precision is a critical issue for their condition-based maintenance. This paper focuses on the method for accurate visual detection of rail full profile (RFP), including optical modeling, visual calibration, and error compensation. The proposed optical unit, featuring double line structured-light sensors, introduces an innovative method under the Scheimpflug condition to avoid the limitation of depth of field in RFP measurement. Subsequently, double visual sensors are calibrated together using the common reference target to extract the internal and external parameters respectively. The dynamic errors resulting from the impact of vehicle vibrations are ultimately investigated to rectify the distorted profiles to the normal. Both laboratory and field tests are performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed system in terms of precision and efficiency.

A Security Framework for Railway Platform Development

The different modes of transport are air, water, and land transport, in which land transport includes rail transport, road transport and off-road transport. Most commonly using transport system are Roadways, Railways and Airways. In these frequently we use the railways, because it is cheaper and it is more convenient than other transport systems. The third largest railway network in the world is Indian railway network. But the accident’s occurs in the railways is higher. Mostly the accidents in the railway station occur between the railway platform and to the train, because of the platform gap. The platform gap is the gap exists between the train and to the platform. To avoid these accidents that the Indian government come with an indicative to increase the height of the platform. But it is not easy job to increase the height. At the time of working we cannot access the platforms. By applying my project it is easy to avoid the accidents as well as we can use the platform too. A human fall down in the gap exist between the platform and to the train can be totally avoided by introducing Mechanical platform edge extensions known as platform gap fillers which is used to bridge the gap between platform and to the train. This is more useful in the case of safeguard the human life and also it is cheaper than the cost which is involved for increase the height of the platform. In this regard the safety barrier setup present at the bottom of the platform will be automatically uplifted with the help of sensor, so the platform gap is closed with the safety barrier. And then it will retract again into the bottom at the platform after leaving the station. By this project the platform gap accidents can be avoided.

Integrated and sustainable performance evaluation of urban rail transit systems using fuzzy sustainability index

The complexity of prominent dimensions in urban rail transportation sector arises from the involvement of several stakeholders and the various interacting variables for evaluating transportation performance. This study uses a fuzzy logic-based method to present an index-based framework for sustainable performance assessment. The proposed framework presents 4 main indicators which include environmental, economic, financial and social sustainability, 14 sub-indicators, 4 main indicators for transportation system effectiveness with 13 sub-indicators and 1 main indicator for multi modal integration with 6 sub-indicators. The performance ratings and importance weights of the transport sustainability attributes are evaluated using a fuzzy logic approach. A numerical illustration is provided to demonstrate the applicability of the approach. The results show that system capacity (passenger capacity of a route), comfort and customer service (passenger environment and ride quality, maintenance cycle) and multimodal integration (park and ride facilities) were found to be weaker attributes. The proposed methodology facilitates the systematic understanding of the prominent attributes for achieving integrated and sustainable transport performance by using the ‘Fuzzy Transport Sustainability Index’.

Railways Health Monitoring Employing KSK Approach: A Novel AIIoT based Decision-Making Approach for Railways

Central to this AIIoT approach is the implementation of machine learning algorithms that can process vast amounts of data generated from the sensors. These algorithms can identify patterns and anomalies that might indicate wear and tear or incipient failures in critical systems. For example, vibration sensors on trains can detect irregularities in wheel dynamics, while track-side monitoring systems can check for track integrity. By integrating these insights into a centralized health monitoring platform, railway operators are not only able to understand the current health status of their assets but also make informed decisions about maintenance schedules and resource allocation. Moreover, the innovative use of edge computing in this AIIoT framework allows for localized data processing, reducing latency and enabling immediate responses to critical situations. This is crucial in a railway environment where timely interventions can prevent accidents and improve service reliability. Additionally, the combination of AIIoT with cloud computing creates opportunities for advanced data analytics and machine learning models that can continuously improve their accuracy over time as more data becomes available. In essence, this novel AIIoT approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also aligns with broader initiatives aimed at making rail transport more sustainable by reducing unnecessary maintenance trips and optimizing resource utilization. The system informs the decision based on Track condition, speed of train, train condition to the authority.

Energy Demand Estimation in Turkey According to Road and Rail Transportation: Walrus Optimizer and White Shark Optimizer Algorithm-Based Model Development and Application

Transport energy demand (TED) forecasting is a crucial issue for countries like Turkey that are dependent on external resources. The accuracy and effectiveness of these forecasts are extremely important, especially for the strategies and plans to be developed. With this in mind, different forms of forecasting models were developed in the present study using the Walrus Optimizer (WO) and White Shark Optimizer (WSO) algorithms to estimate Turkey’s energy consumption related to road and railway transportation modes. Additionally, another objective of this study was to examine the impacts of different transport modes on energy demand. To investigate the effect of demand distribution among transport modes on energy consumption, model parameters such as passenger-kilometers (P-km), freight-kilometers (F-km), carbon dioxide emissions (CO2), gross domestic product (GDP), and population (POP) were utilized in the development of the models. It was found that the WO algorithm outperformed the WSO algorithm and was the most suitable method for energy demand forecasting. All the developed models demonstrated a better performance level than those reported in previous studies, with the best performance achieved by the semi-quadratic model developed with the WO, showing a 0.95% MAPE value. Projections for energy demand up to the year 2035 were established based on two different scenarios: the current demand distribution among transport modes, and a demand shift from road to rail transportation. It is anticipated that the proposed energy demand models will serve as an important guide for effective planning and strategy development. Moreover, the findings suggest that a balanced distribution among transport modes will have a positive impact on transport energy and will result in lower energy requirements.