Hitachi Rail has announced it will manufacture rolling stock for the new Fine Dining Train “vies”, developed in collaboration with Seibu Railway. The train is scheduled to enter service in March 2028, with its name and logo design now confirmed.

The project aims to deliver a premium travel experience by combining high-quality dining with advanced train design. Building on the success of Seibu Railway’s existing restaurant train, “Fifty Two Seats of Happiness”, the new service will offer a more refined and exclusive environment for passengers.

Premium design inspired by Laview

The new train will be based on the Seibu Railway flagship limited express Laview, also manufactured by Hitachi Rail and introduced in 2019. Known for its large windows and open interiors, Laview provides panoramic views and a comfortable travel environment.

Hitachi Rail will apply its expertise in rolling stock engineering to create a seamless integration of dining and travel. This includes spacious interiors, design elements that complement surrounding landscapes and technologies that enhance comfort, safety and operational stability.

Beyond manufacturing, Hitachi will contribute system and control technologies to ensure smooth and reliable operation. The goal is to create a travel experience where dining, design and journey quality are closely connected.

The name “vies”, derived from the French word for life, reflects the concept of enriching passenger experiences through food, travel and shared moments. The plural form symbolises multiple lives coming together, while also subtly referencing Seibu when read in reverse.

The logo design incorporates flowing curves inspired by the train’s form and emphasises a relaxed and indulgent experience, prioritising comfort over speed.

Seibu Railway has previously collaborated with Hitachi Rail on its restaurant train concept. “Fifty Two Seats of Happiness”, launched in 2016, operates primarily on weekends between Ikebukuro, Seibu Shinjuku and Seibu Chichibu, offering full service dining in a setting inspired by local culture and landscapes.

The introduction of vies marks the next phase in this concept, combining proven rolling stock design with enhanced hospitality to attract both domestic and international passengers.

Siemens Mobility and Akiem have signed a framework agreement for up to 80 Vectron locomotives, including a firm order for 50 units and the launch of a new Dual Mode Electric Battery variant.

The agreement builds on a long standing partnership between the two companies. Since 2021, Akiem has already ordered 120 Vectron and Vectron Dual Mode locomotives. The first deliveries under the new contract are scheduled for 2029 to 2030, with Akiem set to offer the locomotives for lease across the European market.

Battery powered dual mode operations

The new Vectron Dual Mode Electric Battery locomotive expands the Vectron platform by replacing the diesel engine with a modular traction battery system. This enables operation under overhead line electrification as well as on non electrified routes, supporting seamless cross network operations.

Designed for flexibility, the locomotive can be configured with battery capacity of more than 2 MWh and delivers up to 2,400 kW of power in both battery and electric modes. It is capable of speeds up to 160 km/h and offers a tractive effort of 300 kN, making it suitable for both freight and passenger services.

Andre Rodenbeck of Siemens Mobility said the development represents a major step in expanding the Vectron family with a fully electric solution that enhances operational flexibility while supporting sustainable rail transport.

Fabien Rochefort of Akiem added that the locomotive will meet a wide range of customer requirements, reducing operational costs and emissions while maintaining performance on routes without continuous electrification.

The new platform supports rail decarbonisation by reducing reliance on diesel traction, particularly on partially electrified corridors. Siemens Mobility continues to expand its portfolio of alternative traction solutions, including battery and hydrogen technologies, to support climate friendly rail operations.

Britain’s railway has taken a significant step forward in the development of quantum navigation technology, with a new system designed to measure train position with high precision now tested on the national network.

Quantum inertial navigation uses ultra sensitive sensors to detect small changes in motion and rotation, allowing trains to determine their position without relying on satellite signals. Unlike GPS, the system can operate in tunnels, dense infrastructure or areas affected by interference, offering a more resilient alternative to existing positioning methods.

First mainline trial of quantum positioning

The Rail Quantum Inertial Navigation System was recently tested on a mainline service operated by Govia Thameslink Railway between central London and Welwyn Garden City. The trial provided real world data on system performance within a live railway environment, marking the first time this technology has been tested on a mainline anywhere in the world.

The technology is being explored as a potential replacement for fixed trackside positioning infrastructure, which can be expensive to install and maintain and may be vulnerable to disruption or failure. A successful rollout could reduce costs while improving operational reliability and resilience.

Credit: GBRX

The programme builds on earlier work by the Ministry of Defence and Transport for London, extending quantum sensing research into heavy rail applications.

Development is being led by a consortium including MoniRail Ltd, Imperial College London, University of Sussex, QinetiQ, PA Consulting and National Physical Laboratory, with support from Innovate UK and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

The initiative is coordinated by GBRX to accelerate adoption of emerging technologies across the rail network.

Rail Minister Peter Hendy said the development continues the UK’s legacy of rail innovation and will help improve reliability and passenger experience.

Toufic Machnouk of GBRX added that quantum sensing could reshape railway operations by reducing reliance on trackside systems and enabling smarter, more efficient networks.

Transport for London is progressing plans to transform South Kensington Tube station, following its inclusion in the latest business plan, with a major redevelopment set to improve accessibility, capacity and passenger experience.

The project will be delivered in partnership with Native Land and Places for London, combining station upgrades with a wider transport oriented development around the site.

The scheme will introduce step free access to all platforms within the Grade II listed station, alongside a new eastbound platform for the Circle and District lines. A new accessible entrance on Thurloe Street will connect directly to the ticket hall, platforms and subway links to nearby museums, significantly improving access for passengers with reduced mobility.

Transforming a key London transport hub

South Kensington station serves tens of millions of passengers each year and provides access to one of London’s most important cultural districts. The redevelopment aims to modernise the station while preserving its historic features, including restoration of the existing shopping arcade and surrounding retail units.

The wider development will deliver around 50 new homes, including affordable housing, alongside new office space and retail units. A new four storey building, known as the Bullnose, will be constructed at the front of the station, providing food and beverage outlets at ground level with office space above.

The project has been designed by RSHP and received full planning permission in December 2023. Both the station upgrade and surrounding development will be coordinated under a single programme to minimise disruption to passengers and local residents.

Detailed design and procurement work is now underway, with enabling works for the surrounding development expected to begin later in 2026.

Bruno Carr, Head of Investment Planning at Transport for London (TfL), said the project represents a major step forward in delivering step free access and improving the station environment for millions of users.

Alasdair Nicholls, Chief Executive of Native Land, highlighted the wider benefits of the scheme, including improved public realm, new housing and enhanced connectivity to London’s cultural institutions.

The redevelopment will also support economic growth in the area, which already generates significant value through tourism, education and healthcare institutions.

Alstom has been selected by George Bush Intercontinental Airport to modernise its Skyway automated people mover system and provide operations and maintenance services for 15 years.

The contract, valued at approximately €380 million, includes the delivery of 16 new Innovia APM R vehicles, upgraded automatic train control and communications systems, a new operations control centre and the replacement of station doors across all terminals.

The project supports the airport’s wider expansion programme, which is responding to growing passenger demand. The airport handled more than 48 million passengers last year, making reliable inter terminal transport increasingly important.

Enhancing airport connectivity and reliability

The upgraded Skyway system is designed to reduce service disruptions, improve passenger flow between terminals and enhance the overall travel experience. Digital monitoring and communication upgrades will support higher operational reliability, particularly during peak periods.

As part of the contract, Alstom will install its Urbalis automatic train control system to improve safety and capacity. Enhanced communications infrastructure will also be introduced to strengthen system performance.

A dedicated on site team of 48 personnel will support operations and maintenance throughout the contract period. Interim bus services will be provided when required to minimise disruption during upgrade works.

Michael Keroullé, President of Alstom Americas, said modernising the Skyway system is essential to meeting the needs of one of the fastest growing airports in the United States.

Alstom has operated and maintained the Skyway system for more than 20 years, using its Innovia APM 100 vehicles. The new agreement builds on a long standing partnership between the company and the airport, reinforcing Alstom’s role in delivering airport mobility solutions.

The Innovia automated people mover platform is widely deployed across airports, providing driverless transport between terminals. Alstom has delivered more than 30 APM systems globally and supports operations at 15 airports in the United States.

Connected Places Catapult has announced four companies selected to trial new rail technologies at Bristol Temple Meads as part of its Station Innovation Zone programme.

Delivered in partnership with Network Rail and supported by Innovate UK, the programme provides a live testbed for rail innovators, investors and operators to collaborate on solutions aimed at improving station environments and passenger experience.

Trials focused on passenger experience and resilience

The selected companies will undertake six month trials beginning in spring, with each project receiving up to £45,000 to support deployment. This year’s cohort focuses on two key challenges: improving interchange experience by reducing passenger stress and confusion, and enhancing station resilience to weather related issues such as surface condensation.

DataWharf will trial a journey support tool designed to provide personalised multilingual guidance to passengers navigating stations and disruptions. XRAI and Ampetronic will collaborate on an artificial intelligence powered announcement system offering real time translation, captions and accessible audio.

Trace Surveys will deploy a multi sensor device capable of predicting condensation hazards while monitoring noise, vibration and air quality within the station environment.

The projects were selected from a shortlist of eight small and medium sized enterprise led proposals announced in November. Since 2023, the programme has supported 32 companies, with 11 progressing to live trials at Bristol Temple Meads.

Dr Alan Peters of Connected Places Catapult said the initiative focuses innovation on areas that deliver meaningful benefits for passengers while helping stations adapt to future challenges.

Brian Wortman of Network Rail added that the programme provides an opportunity to test new technologies in an operational setting while improving accessibility and safety.

Siemens Mobility has successfully demonstrated the Nordic region’s first automated train operation using European Train Control System Level 2 combined with Automatic Train Operation on a mainline route in Finland.

The trial took place on the 19 kilometre section between Juurikorpi and Hamina, using a modernised train owned by Pääkaupunkiseudun Junakalusto Oy and operated by VR-Yhtymä Oyj. The demonstration marks a key milestone in the digitalisation of Finland’s railway infrastructure.

Advancing automated rail operations

The test runs showcased semi automated train operation at Grade of Automation 2, delivering precise stopping accuracy within 30 to 80 centimetres from speeds of up to 100 km/h. The system also demonstrated smooth acceleration and controlled braking, highlighting the stability and repeatability of automated operations under real world conditions.

By combining ETCS Level 2 with ATO, the system enables continuous supervision of train movement while automating key operational functions such as acceleration, coasting and braking. This integration improves punctuality, optimises traffic flow and enhances energy efficiency.

Marc Ludwig, CEO Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility, said the demonstration represents a major step in modernising Finland’s rail network and supports more efficient and sustainable operations.

The project forms part of Finland’s Digirail programme, led by the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, which aims to introduce ETCS nationwide and replace legacy signalling systems. Siemens Mobility has secured contracts to equip trains with onboard systems and modernise infrastructure using its Signaling X platform.

The first commercial section of the Tampere to Pori Rauma line is scheduled to be operational by 2029, supporting improved safety, capacity and reliability across the network.

Hitachi Rail has launched its new BV700 validator, expanding its portfolio of digital ticketing solutions designed to enhance passenger experience and support the shift towards more connected and frictionless mobility.

The BV700 builds on the success of the BV600 validator, which has been deployed in 10 countries with more than 50,000 units sold. The new device introduces enhanced interaction capabilities, improved maintainability and a reduced environmental footprint.

The validator integrates with Hitachi Rail’s TRANSCITY ticketing platform, a digital solution designed to support multimodal and multi operator transport networks at city, regional and national levels.

Next-generation validator for modern ticketing

The BV700 has been developed to meet evolving passenger expectations and operator requirements. It is available with two touchscreen formats, five inch and seven inch displays, enabling flexible layouts and intuitive passenger interactions.

The system supports multiple fare media including contactless cards, EMV payments and QR codes, enabling open loop ticketing. It also supports emerging technologies such as ultra wide band hands free ticketing and facial recognition.

The device has been designed with operational efficiency in mind. Its modular structure improves maintainability, reduces servicing time and minimises downtime while preserving the user friendly experience that made the BV600 widely adopted by transport operators.

Designed, engineered and manufactured in France, the BV700 reflects Hitachi Rail’s commitment to industrial expertise and quality engineering.

The validator also follows eco design principles, with modular components that extend product lifecycle and reduce waste. This approach allows transport operators to upgrade systems without replacing entire devices, supporting long term sustainability goals.

The BV700 will be presented publicly for the first time at Transport Ticketing Global in London on 17 and 18 March.

Digitalisation of the railway industry has become crucial to its development, with digital twining its most imperative step to success. Digital twining (or digital twins), concisely, is a virtual or physical representation of real assets. These virtual representations are continuously filled with real-time data.

As Marc Silverwood, Onboard Systems Manager, at Northern, simply stated:

“The idea is mirroring reality.”

LNER (London North Eastern Railway) began developing a team for digital twining five years ago. Head of Business Transformation at LNER, Adrian Varma, explains that they decided not to outsource, as it was seen to be too strategically important.

LNER has used digital twinning for tackling service delivery and on-the-day performance, including disruption and delays.

Where it has been effective for LNER, according to Adrian, is in its ability to deliver more relevant information, further stating:

“In terms of day-to-day operational performance, our service delivery team has traditionally made decisions based on core operational information, headcodes, train positioning and the nature of the incident, alongside available diversion routes and standard operational planning.

That remains the case, but now we also have a digital twin that provides much richer, contextually relevant information. We can incorporate customer data where available, alongside commercial and revenue data, customer experience insights and crew planning information. This gives us a far more complete operational picture when making decisions.”

The digital twin allows operators to understand far more about the real-time impact of operational decisions. Teams can see how many customers are on a specific train, the commercial value associated with that service, potential delay repay compensation costs, and which diversionary routes are available based on crew availability. It also provides visibility of expected passenger movements at individual stations, including how many people are due to board or alight if a train is terminated early.

This level of insight enables more informed disruption management decisions, particularly when arranging rail replacement transport. Rather than relying on precautionary over-ordering of buses and coaches, operators can better estimate actual demand. By using data-led forecasting, the digital twin supports a more balanced approach that protects customer experience while improving cost control.

“The digital twin around service delivery and performance planning has been vital in helping people understand the impact of operational decisions. It is less about reviewing events after the fact or being critical in hindsight, and more about using live data in the moment to make better decisions. It allows teams to see the wider consequences of an action before it is implemented.” Says Adrian.

Not just virtual

Northern, as Marc explains, began digital twinning 10 years ago. Building up initially from a software digital twin, however, also realised the importance of physical digital twining. The idea of mirroring reality does not need to be confined just to virtual reality.

In a secure lab, Northern has equipment set up to mirror a train, which receives live updates. From here, they can test and run software updates.

The benefits for efficiency are clearly laid out, as Marc explains:

“As often happens, you’ll update one system, but it’s connected to eight others, so you need to ensure everything is properly integrated.”

This allows Northern to simulate a software or system update and understand its real-world impact before deployment. Northern can begin to identify potential consequences in advance, so they do not affect live service. It proves highly valuable when updating systems or applying patches and upgrades.

The real-world impact

The real-world benefits that digital twinning bring is the prevention of the downtime of physical assets. Trains ultimately cost a lot of money in rentals. If you’re standing them down to test, when you could do that in a digital twin environment, you instantly start to keep trains out there generating revenue.

Marc further explained that:

“You also don’t impose any risks to the train fleet by testing on a train. You test in a twinned environment to ensure that any bugs or glitches are picked up first by the developers, and you have a robust testing process.”

Northern runs thousands of services every day, so testing through digital twins first maximises their efficiency and revenue.

Areas where digital twins lag

Though digital twins are revolutionary for the industry, the multiple operating systems behind them still need exploring. Standard computers operate with either Windows or Mac. Linux-based software, however, is used by rail as it is more robust and secure. To digital twin all systems is complex. 

“With anything, if you took a Windows XP computer from 1998 and then all of a sudden put a brand spanking new Linux piece of operating system on it, it would struggle from a hardware point of view,” explained Marc.

The challenge lies in accurately modelling older operating systems and ageing hardware within a digital twin environment. Many legacy systems in rail remain operational because they are isolated, tightly controlled and risk-managed.

Digitally recreating those historical software environments and then testing their compatibility with modern operating systems is not always straightforward.

Digital twinning offers a pathway to safely test upgrades, identify hardware constraints and understand integration gaps before deployment, but the industry is still developing more sophisticated ways to mirror complex, multi-operating-system environments.

As Marc emphasised, in rail, safety is always the priority. Therefore, building reliable models that can anticipate the real-world impact of system changes remains an area where further advancement is needed.

For Adrian, digital twining is an iterative process. Rather than a finished product, it requires constant refinement, review and optimisation as operational needs evolve. Like any major transformation programme, implementation does not end once the technology is deployed. Instead, teams must continuously assess how it is being used and where improvements can be made.

LNER has therefore looked beyond rail to understand how digital twins have been successfully applied elsewhere. Visits to organisations such as Copenhagen Airport, alongside analysis of wider industry solutions and previous proof-of-concepts undertaken with Network Rail, have helped shape its approach. Learning from both successful and unsuccessful deployments has been central to avoiding what Adrian describes as: “introducing technology for technology’s sake.”

A key challenge for digital twins, he suggests, is proving tangible value. The focus is not simply on building advanced models, but on understanding whether the technology actually changes decision-making. To measure this, LNER carried out an observational study following the launch of its digital twin within the service delivery team, examining how operational decisions differed before and after adoption.

The findings helped identify new requirements and highlighted how real-world usage drives further development. Demonstrating measurable outcomes, whether in customer experience, operational efficiency or performance improvements, remains essential. Digital twins must therefore continue to evolve alongside the organisations that use them, ensuring investment delivers clear business and public value.

Adrian Varma is a business transformation leader at London North Eastern Railway with over 17 years of experience in digital innovation, AI and automation. He drives strategic programmes that improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and enhance customer experience, delivering long-term value through technology, collaboration and forward-thinking transformation initiatives.

Alstom has secured a €1.03 billion contract with Comboios de Portugal to supply 153 Adessia Stream trains as part of the largest train acquisition in Portugal’s history.

The agreement supports the renewal of the country’s ageing rail fleet and will increase capacity across suburban and regional passenger routes. The base contract, signed in October 2025 for 117 trains, has now been expanded to include 36 additional units while also accelerating the delivery schedule. The first trains are expected to enter service in 2029.

Strengthening commuter and regional services

Under the contract, 98 commuter trains will operate on suburban routes serving Lisbon, Porto and Cascais, while 55 trains will be deployed on regional services. The new fleet is designed to improve reliability, comfort and accessibility for passengers while helping to meet growing travel demand across the Portuguese network.

Each three car train will accommodate up to 450 passengers and is based on Alstom’s Adessia single deck commuter platform. The trains are designed specifically for Portugal’s rail network and incorporate features to improve passenger experience and operational efficiency.

Accessibility has been a key design priority. The trains will include step free access, level floors throughout the trainsets, spaces for wheelchairs and bicycles and enhanced passenger information systems. Onboard Wi Fi and digital monitoring systems will also support improved connectivity and maintenance.

Alstom will establish a new train manufacturing facility in Matosinhos near Porto to deliver the project. The site will cover more than 20,000 square metres and will be equipped with modern production technologies. Construction will be carried out in partnership with Portuguese civil engineering company DST Group.

The new facility is expected to create close to 300 direct jobs, including engineering, technical and skilled trade positions. Around 15 per cent of roles will be reserved for young unemployed people, the long term unemployed and individuals with health conditions or impairments.

David Torres, Managing Director of Alstom Portugal, said the project supports the national operator’s vision to deliver more reliable and accessible rail services while preparing the network for future demand.

Bruno Florence, Project Director for the contract, added that renewing regional and suburban rolling stock is essential to support Portugal’s wider goals for sustainable mobility, industrial development and job creation.