Could trains be self-steering to allow the use of points without moving parts? That was a prospect outlined by Network Rail chief technology officer Andy Doherty at a track conference in Germany, and published in the August International Railway Journal. Professor Doherty was explaining the background to the European Railway Research Advisory Council's 920m euro Shift2Rail programme, against a prognosis that rail's market share will double by 2050. Doherty explained the challenge of "the four 'Cs'” - raising capacity and customer service whilst reducing costs and carbon emissions. Among other responses, he advocated embracing digital technology. - TS
- We've read it in: International Railway Journal, August 2014
