AIL VEHICLES CONTINUE to develop to not only attract riders, but to also make the them run more effi ciently and eff ectively. On-Board Technology “Wi-Fi connectivity is something that is part of our day-to-day world outside of trains, but it is also inside of trains now. We’re not the only ones off ering this obviously, but this is something that is implemented in many projects that we have,” said André Th ibault, head of vehicle platform design — Americas, Bombardier. “One of the things that we are proud of in some of passenger coaches is we’re increasing the bandwidth and speed of the Wi-Fi access. Th ere is enough bandwidth for all passengers to be using it at once. Th at is something that we see as a common demand,” said Michael Cahill, president of Siemens Rolling Stock. Adding Wi-Fi isn’t simply added so passengers are able to scroll through social media on their phones. Cahill said, “Th e use of digital data and the use of better information to passengers is something The Latest in Rail Vehicles that is coming across the board in reaction to their passenger’s requirements and desires. Th ere is a need to get more modern, innovative displays that give them real-time information. For the example is telling them what the next stop is and what the stop aft er that would be.” Cahill explained that real-time information is something that is valuable for riders who aren’t regular commuters or are new to line and need more information. “Along with this Wi-Fi connectivity comes a series of information that is now becoming available and connects the train to the wayside,” added Th ibault, the train system can be monitored as well. “Information can now be transferred to a central control location and basically there can be a lot of action using that information, whether it is dispatching support, dispatching maintenance activities or also improving passenger fl ow. One of the parameters that is being monitored for example is the load of the cars, so how many people are on board so that way central control can basically advise and send messages at stations to say if the next train is full, half-full or which car 26 | Mass Transit | MassTransitmag.com | APRIL/MAY 2017 should be boarded and therefore help passenger movement on the station. In rush-hour for certain cities like New York, which could be very helpful.” Energy Storage and Automation Developments in rail technology has also allowed for systems to become more fl exible. “I think that our most impressive new feature is our on-board energy storage system,” said Adam Mohney, marketing specialist at Brookville Equipment Corporation. “It enables off -wire applications for streetcars, one of the challenges that a lot of our customers face is implementing a streetcar where there is preexisting infrastructure or there might be a spot in their city along the line that they want the streetcar BROOKVILLE WORKED with DART for the Dallas Streetcar - which had to travel without catenary across the historic bridge. By Maile Bucher As the rail industry continues speeding down the track of innovation there are some clear forefronts to what agencies are looking for and what technologies rail companies are further developing. Brookville R ONE OF three Siemensproposed designs to be chosen by the SFMTA. Siemens
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