Latest news with #railinnovation
BBC News
07-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Dudley rail research firm goes into administration
A not-for-profit organisation which has been involved in a Very Light Rail (VLR) system for Coventry has gone into Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation (BCIMO) runs what it describes as a "unique world-class centre for rail innovation."The £32m VLR centre was built with money from a range of sources, including regional enterprise partnerships and Coventry City Council and Dudley Borough Council.A lack of anticipated funding and rising costs had led to cash flow challenges for BCIMO, administrators RSM UK said. The VLR centre remained open and continued to trade during the administration period, they added, but there had been a "small number" of to sell the business and assets were being "rapidly explored," with a view to keeping the centre going and rescuing the BCIMO brand, said RSM UK."BCIMO has been responsible for the important work undertaken at the VLR centre over the last few years," stated joint administrator Deviesh parties were encouraged to come forward in the "coming days." BCIMO came into being in 2019, ahead of the centre being completed by Dudley Council in is like a tram, but involves single, battery-powered cars that can each transport about 50 people, and do not need deep tracks to run Coventry the city council is working on a new system using special weight bearing concrete slabs and vehicles specially designed for tight has been developed in partnership with BCIMO and WMG at the University of Warwick. 'Business as usual' Coventry City Council said it was disappointed to hear that BCIMO was in administration, but it would not have any impact on Coventry Very Light Rail."It is absolutely business as usual for us," said cabinet member Jim O'Boyle."Following the really successful on road trial in the city centre, the vehicle is now in Alcester for the next stage of development," said the the vehicle is worked on, an 800-metre section of track is set to be laid from the railway station to the University Technology Park, to show how it can run in live traffic. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Forbes
03-07-2025
- Forbes
The Britannic Explorer Luxury Train Is Set For Its Inaugural Journey In England And Wales
One of the dining cars on the Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train Belmond The Britannic Explorer, a Belmond Train, the first luxury sleeper train to tour through England and Wales, embarks on its inaugural journey on July 21, 2025. This marks a noteworthy milestone for British trains and for Belmond, which has established its reputation with luxury trains such as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, The Royal Scotsman, and the British Pullman. The latter two set the bar for high-end rail excursions in Scotland and England. The Britannic Explorer extends that reach with journeys into further corners of England as well as Wales. "The launch of the Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train, marks a pivotal moment, forging a new chapter in British rail innovation.' Departing from London, the train will offer three-night trips on three different routes in the beautiful British countryside. It's part of the current trend for slow travel on luxury trains around the world, including Italy's new Orient Express La Dolce Vita. These are trains that pride themselves on their exceptionally high level of craftsmanship, flawless service, and curated journeys that are punctuated by memorable 'experiences.' "The launch of the Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train, marks a pivotal moment, forging a new chapter in British rail innovation,' said Hendrik Huebner, The Britannic Explorer's General Manager, in a press statement. As the author of National Geographic's 100 Train Journeys of a Lifetime, 2025), I think there's every reason to get excited about this new train, which provides a window onto some of the most scenic villages, historic cities, and countryside in Cornwall, The Lake District, and Wales. 'Designing the Britannic Explorer has been an extraordinary opportunity to tell a new story of British luxury - one rooted in craft, landscape, and character.' These are three-night voyages in each locale, though the routes are scheduled to allow travelers to combine two regional journeys into one trip, such as the Lake District and Wales or Cornwall and Wales, for a six-night trip. It will cater to a growing demand for over-the-top train journeys for a select few guests with bottomless pockets in some of the world's most scenic locations. A Suite on the Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train Belmond The interiors of the 18 cabins, which include three Grand Suites and 15 Suites, were created using materials crafted locally in Britain, with a design inspired by sweeping views of Britain's coastlines and rolling hills. The interiors were meticulously crafted by London-based studio Albion Nord, in collaboration with famed interior designers Luke Edward Hall, Mel Campion, and Olly Fathers. 'Designing the Britannic Explorer has been an extraordinary opportunity to tell a new story of British luxury - one rooted in craft, landscape, and character,' Camilla Clarke, Creative Director at Albion Nord, said in a press statement. 'We wanted the interiors to feel refined yet bold, timeless yet unexpected - much like Britain itself.' The two dining cars on the train, Malva and Samphire, were inspired by the English countryside, with large windows and mirrored ceilings. They feature artist Ed Burkes's depictions of dancing figures, paired with Adam Hall's multi-layered, hand-dyed fabric creations inspired by the lichen and algae found in nature and mounted onto the paneled walls. The dining experience was created by Michelin-starred British Chef Simon Rogan, known for his three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the Lake District, L'Enclume. A pioneer of the UK's farm-to-fork movement, he has emphasized seasonal menus inspired by the train's routes. Executive Head Chef Sven-Hanson Britt will execute these menus, showcasing the finest British produce and honoring provenance and a commitment to sustainability. The Observation Car on the Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train Belmond The bar in the Observation car features a botanically inspired design and, as might be expected, serves botanically inspired cocktails. The lavish carriage is intended to be the social hub of the Britannic Explorer. The train also offers a dedicated Wellness Suite, decorated by painter and printmaker Sarah Woods with a calming beach motif. Taken together, the design elements are a tapestry of British design, where every detail contributes to a stylish journey. Off-board excursions along the three routes include a private tour of the Lingholm Estate in the Lake District, where Beatrix Potter spent her summers. You can visit the Welsh town of Machynlleth, located at the southern edge of Snowdonia National Park, which is famed for its Museum of Modern Art. Other excursions include a boat tour in Fowey, Cornwall, wild swimming in the Lake District, dinner at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, a guided tour of the Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens in Penzance, or an after-party at a pub in Moreton-in-Marsh in the Cotswolds. A Belmond Train Belmond, which is owned by the luxury giant LVMH, is the world leader in creating such rarefied trains and journeys. Their Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the world's leading luxury train, making memorable rail journeys across Europe. The signature trip is from Paris to Venice. The British Pullman is a vintage train that offers day trips throughout England, while The Royal Scotsman takes guests on a journey through the dramatic Scottish Highlands. In South America, the company is behind the Belmond Andean Express and the Hiram Bingham Orient Express in Peru. Rates for The Britannic Explorer start at £11,000 (approximately $15,095) per person, based on double occupancy, and include a three-night itinerary, excursions, meals, wine, and alcoholic beverages—details at The Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train.
BBC News
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
GWR rapid-charging battery train trial successful
Battery-powered trains could be used more frequently after a successful trial by Great Western Railway (GWR).The rail company says using former underground trains and a rapid charging system has shown the technology could replace its existing diesel year-long trial was held in west London but the trains will eventually be rolled out in the Thames says it can now prove the concept works and hopes to take the initiative to government. GWR's railway franchise includes the west and south west of England, as well as routes between London and Didcot, Oxford, Reading and trains use an onboard FastCharge battery that delivers the equivalent of a full charge for a car in 85 director Simon Green said: "...we are at a position where we understand how the technology works, the fact the technology can work in many different contexts as well."Going forward, we think it's a viable technology for application across wider parts of the Great Western network and the national UK rail network as well." The rapid charging system works by installing huge trackside batteries, which are cheaper than fitting overhead the train pulls into the station, two shoes are extended to live rails between the tracks, topping up the onboard executive summary of the trial from GWR said: "The success of the trial allows GWR to look more confidently at a future without diesel, providing alternative options that are cheaper to deliver while achieving the common goal of a cleaner, greener railway." You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X, or Instagram.
Zawya
23-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Etihad Rail launches second edition of global rail innovation award
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Rail Network, has announced the launch of the second edition of its Global Rail Innovation Award. This prestigious initiative features an AED 1,000,000 grant designed to inspire and accelerate transformative solutions in transport, mobility, and logistics. The award is open for submissions from startups, research institutions, technology leaders, and innovators worldwide, with finalists and winners to be honored at the Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition & Conference 2025, taking place from September 30 to October 2 at ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi. Driving Innovation and Global Leadership The Global Rail Innovation Award underscores Etihad Rail's commitment to fostering next-generation advancements in rail and mobility, reinforcing the UAE's role as a global leader in transport innovation. Award Categories and Eligibility The competition welcomes solutions addressing key challenges and opportunities in the rail, transport, logistics, and mobility sectors. Entries will be judged on technical originality, commercial viability, scalability, and alignment with future global transport needs. The award is open to participants from around the world, emphasizing Etihad Rail's dedication to global collaboration and knowledge exchange. Key Dates and Event Details • Submission Deadline: July 31, 2025 • Finalist Showcase and Winner Announcement: Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition & Conference 2025, September 30 – October 2, ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi Celebrating Past Achievements Building on the momentum of the 2024 edition, which attracted over 75 international entries, the award continues to set new benchmarks for innovation. Previous winners include: • CEMIT – 'Monitoring in Motion': Real-time ride comfort and infrastructure analysis • LTTS – 'Innovative Way to Detect Visible Rail Defects in Real-Time': AI-driven rail defect detection • SYSTRA – 'Digital Twin for Railway Infrastructure': Predictive digital twin modeling for rail systems Impact and Future Opportunities Winners and finalists will gain international recognition and exclusive visibility at one of the transport sector's most significant gatherings, attended by government ministers, CEOs, investors, and industry leaders. Their innovations will be featured in the official conference program and highlighted in dedicated technical sessions, opening doors to global networking and collaboration with Etihad Rail and its partners. Next Steps for Participants Submissions are open until July 31, 2025. Interested innovators can find more details and submit their applications via the official portal: This initiative forms part of Etihad Rail's broader mission to build a smarter, more sustainable transport future, positioning the UAE as a hub for innovation and multimodal connectivity.
