The trains of Ukraine go to war
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began, one striking aspect of the war has come to the fore: the critical role played by Ukraine’s railway system. The nation’s extensive network of freight and passenger lines is at once a life-saving humanitarian resource, a tool of diplomacy — and a potent weapon of self-defense. On March 17, Oleksiy Arestovich, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, called for a “total rail war” against the invading troops — simultaneously keeping supply lines to the front open and disrupting any in use by the Russians. [bloomberg.com]
Will Amtrak expansion ever happen in Ohio?
The Cleveland Amtrak station can be a quiet place during the day, trains passing through here for Chicago and New York do so under cover of darkness in the middle of the night. But Amtrak is hoping to change that in a big way with $66 billion in new funding under the Infrastructure Act. What Amtrak wants to do in Ohio would restore rail service for the first time in 55 years between Cleveland and Cincinnati with stops in Columbus and Dayton. Despite being less than 250 miles apart, the last time Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati were connected directly by rail was in 1967. [news5cleveland.com]
Incredible ‘infinity train’ recharges with gravity
Australian engineering company Fortescue Future Industries has announced the development of the world’s first infinity train. Instead of relying on renewable energy generation to charge it, the train will recharge its battery using gravity. Part of what makes the world’s first infinity train so intriguing will be its ability to recharge in motion. Fortescue says the electric battery will recharge using the force of gravity during downhill sections of its rail network. That means it won’t need to recharge or refuel once it reaches a station. [bgr.com]
For many Eutropeans, rail is the way to go
Amid concerns about climate change, Europe is investing heavily in trains. The idea is to make rail more appealing, especially as an alternative to short-haul flights.Train travel in Europe is on the upswing, thanks to growing interest from travelers, a renaissance in sleeper trains, and new investments in high-speed rail lines across the continent. But to see major growth in passenger traffic — which is one of the goals of the European Green Deal — the continent’s railways will have to overcome a number of challengess. [nytimes.com]
