DB tests AI-equipped customer service “talking head”
German Rail (DB) has begun testing a Socio Empathic Human-Machine Interaction (Semmi) customer service robot that, using artificial intelligence (AI), is able to answer customer queries.
Author: David Burroughs
Dealing with disaster
As long as railways have existed, the threat of disaster has never been far away. But as trains have become faster and more sophisticated, the techniques, methods and systems put in place to prevent and mitigate potential disasters have also become more complex. International Railway Journal’s David Burroughs looks at how railways around the world are building resilience and recovery measures into their networks.
Public consultation key to infrastructure development
Sir John Armitt, the chair of Britain’s National Infrastructure Commission (NIC), told the 2018 Bentley Year in Infrastructure conference in Singapore that it isn’t any one technological feat that will solve the issues facing the world. It is collaboration.
Light rail project off; Vancouver SkyTrain funded
The Translink Mayors’ council, which oversees Metro Vancouver’s public transport operator, has voted to suspend the C$1.65 billion ($1.2 billion) development of a light rail network in Surrey, the second-largest city in British Columbia.
FTA awards grants for urban rail projects
The Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced that it has allocated $281 million in Capital Investment Grants to five rail projects in Arizona, California, and Texas.
Greenbrier and Saudi Railway Company to form joint venture
U.S.-based railcar builder The Greenbrier Cos. further extended its global footprint with an agreement for rail projects and freight cars in Saudi Arabia.
Texas HSR selects Renfe of Spain as strategic partner
Texas Central selected state-owned Renfe of Spain as strategic partner for operation and maintenance of the Dallas–Houston high-speed line.
Siemens splits Mobility division into separate company
Siemen’s’ Mobility division will be transferred into a legally separate company owned by Siemens in anticipation of its merger with Alstom, as part of a Siemens’ company-wide restructuring announced on August 1.
First ACS-64 rolling on SEPTA
No. 901, the first of 15 Siemens ACS-64 electric locomotives delivered to Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), made its inaugural run in revenue service on July 11.