Asia: Tokyu Setagaya Line in Tokyo becomes first in Japan to be fully powered by renewable energy
Tokyu Corp. has begun running Tokyo’s Setagaya Line with electricity generated 100 percent from renewable energy sources. It is the first urban train service in Japan that relies entirely on renewable energy. [japantimes.co.jp]
Australia commits $1.42bn for proposed Melbourne-Geelong fast rail
The 160 kmh (100 mph) service planned to run along the 80 km (50 mi) link between Australia’s 2nd and 11th largest cities will cut journey times in half — to 32 minutes. [railway-technology.com]
USA: Project should hasten Metrolink and Amtrak trips in Southern California
Orange County’s OCTA regional transit agency is building a 1.8-mile passing track in San Juan Capistrano. The extra track will allow trains to pass without one having to stop and wait for the other to go by. [ocregister.com]
UK: This New Low-fare Train Will Get You From London to Edinburgh for Only $33
Beginning in late 2021, rail operator FirstGroup will make travel between London and Edinburgh, Scotland easier — and cheaper when it debuts 4-hour service for less than £25 GBP ($33 USD). [travelandleisure.com]
Asia: How a kingfisher helped reshape Japan’s bullet train
Japan’s famous Shinkansen bullet train used to make a loud boom when it travelled through tunnels. But, thanks to a spot of bird-watching, an engineer was able to fix the problem after being inspired by a kingfisher. [bbc.com]
