Amtrak reveals renderings of new Siemens locomotives
Amtrak has revealed renderings of the new Siemans ALC-42 diesel-electric locomotives that are set to replace the current fleet on the national network, including all of the operator’s long-distance services and many of the state-sponsored routes. The locomotives feature Positive Train Control (PTC) and crash energy management. The diesel engine will power an electrical AC alternator-rectifier which will provide power to the traction motors, giving these locomotives a top speed of 125 mph. The Tier 4 class engine will emit 89 percent less nitrogen oxide and 95 percent less particulate matter and will also reduce diesel fuel consumption. [railway-news.com]
The problem with ‘Mobility as a Service’
Traveling around town used to be a lot simpler. Options included driving a car, riding public transit, walking, biking, or hailing a taxi. But then a wave of mobility innovation arrived, and new services like car-sharing, ride-hailing, and ride sharing entered the mix. Enter “ Mobility as a Service,” or MaaS, which envisions choosing from all available modes on a single app. MaaS remains a trendy concept but difficulties in collecting trip commissions, tension with transit agencies, and inability to contriol transportation policy are limiting growth. [bloomberg.com]
Plans for huge revamp of Edinburgh’s Waverley Station unveiled
Edinburgh Scotland’s Waverley Station is set to undergo a transformational revamp making it more accessible, environmentally friendly and fit to accommodate projected passenger growth over the next 30 years. The proposed Concept Masterplan is built around ten key components: development opportunity, servicing, passenger amenities, public space strategy, transport interchange, accessibility, entrance strategy, the roof, station layout and operations. [scotsman.com]
