Rail & Road
Trial finds ‘world-first’ system protects tracks from damage
A world-first system of shock absorbers made from recycled tyres has been shown to be effective in protecting railway tracks from damage.
The new technology was tested over a two-year period by a collaborative team from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Sydney Trains, Transport for NSW, and industry partners EcoFlex and Bridgestone.
Researchers installed track sections with a rubber underlay made from tyres alongside conventional track sections for a direct comparison, monitoring vibration, track settlement, and ballast degradation at a live Sydney Trains freight line in Chullora.
The results showed that the sections with the rubber underlay showed “significantly less degradation and greater stability”.
To make the shock absorbers, tyre cells are placed in a specific layout made from recycled tyres infilled with waste materials such as spent ballast and coal wash.
Recycled rubber grids cast from worn out conveyor belts from mining sites are also placed directly beneath the ballast.
The technology addresses a long-standing engineering challenge: the high cost of maintaining conventional tracks.
UTS researcher Distinguished Professor Buddhima Indraratna, the original inventor of this technique, and Director of the UTS Transport Research Centre, said the rubber-based underlay effectively protects the ballast, preventing it from being pulverised and extending the life of the entire track structure.
“Additionally, the underlay controls the way the train load is distributed to the deeper, softer and often wet soil beneath the track, preventing unacceptable soil settlement and weakening of the overlying track.
“This translates directly to lower maintenance costs, fewer track closures for the public, and improved network reliability.”
Dr Richard Kelly, Chief Technical Principal for Geotechnical Engineering at SMEC Australia and an advisor on this project, said: “If widely adopted by railway asset owners, this will save Australian rail industry millions of dollars annually by reducing the demand for freshly quarried rock for ballast that is very expensive and not carbon friendly.”
The project also provides a novel way to address tyre waste – with over 50 million end-of-life tyres generated in Australia each year.
“We have proven we can turn a significant waste stream into a high-value asset that makes our critical infrastructure more resilient and advances the circular economy,” said Professor Cholachat Rujikiatkamjorn from the UTS Transport Research Centre.
The research team will now expand its work through a $740,000 Australian Research Council Linkage Project grant, testing the technology in more challenging locations – such as at bridge approaches and junctions, where abrupt changes in track stiffness create high-impact zones prone to rapid degradation.
As the c2c rail franchise transitions to public ownership under the Department for Transport on, formally becoming c2c Railway Limited, Trenitalia reflects on what it describes a meaningful and productive chapter in its UK journey – one marked by sustained investment, operational innovation and a shared commitment to delivering high-quality rail services – while reaffirming its continued role in supporting the long-term development of the UK transport sector and contributing to national and regional economic growth.
While rail industry reform continues to take shape, Trenitalia says it remains firmly committed to its future in the UK market and to maintaining investment across the broader mobility ecosystem. This includes its recent application to operate high-speed services between London and Paris, forming part of a broader commitment to building a more interconnected and sustainable European rail network.
As part of the FS Group, with more than a century of rail experience across Italy and internationally, Trenitalia’s transition from franchise operator marks not an exit, but a repositioning to strategic partner, ready to contribute its expertise to the vision set out by Great British Railways and its interaction with local bodies while running the railway as a national network.
In doing so, Trenitalia continues to foster partnerships with UK-based SMEs, universities and innovation hubs, supporting knowledge exchange and long-term sector resilience.
Since acquiring c2c in 2017, it says its goal was ambitious: to translate the skills, discipline and customer-focused excellence developed in the highly competitive Italian market for British customers. This has included a significant focus on service quality, technological advancement and long-term value for passengers.
Over the past eight years, c2c has supported over 315 million passenger journeys and operated 935,000 services and has been consistently recognised as one of the UK’s most punctual train operators, achieving a 94.5% overall customer satisfaction score in most recent Transport Focus survey period – the highest of any UK train operating company.
A substantial programme of investment underpinned this performance. Highlights include the introduction of 10 new Alstom electric trainsets, representing a £100 million commitment to fleet modernisation, and the delivery of the UK’s first fully contactless national rail network, now used for over 10,000 daily taps across the c2c route.
In parallel, improvements to ticketing with Trenitalia’s fully digital PICO system, replacing multiple outdated legacy UK ticket systems, passenger compensation, and upgrades to station facilities have further contributed to a smoother, more modern customer experience.
Trenitalia’s management of c2c has also played a material role in supporting the wider regional economy and community. Each weekday, over 25,000 commuters rely on c2c services into London, with independent analysis showing that rail travel contributes approximately £590 million annually to businesses in the East of England.
Operational excellence has remained a consistent focus, supported by effective fare compliance measures that recovered £596,000 from evasion in the most recent year. c2c has also earned multiple independent accreditations recognising its commitment to passenger and staff safety, including certifications in Health & Safety, Safeguarding, Secure Stations and the White Ribbon initiative.
Complementing these efforts, working in lockstep with the government through targeted investments such as the Station Improvement Fund and the Customer & Communities Investment Fund (CCIF) has significantly enhanced the passenger experience by upgrading facilities and services across the network’s stations.
Ernesto Sicilia, Managing Director at Trenitalia UK, commented: “Our management of c2c has been grounded in a resolve for continuous improvement and being in tune with the needs of the communities we serve.
“As the franchise moves to public ownership, we acknowledge both the progress made and the ongoing challenges of unifying a fragmented rail industry. In the meantime, we will continue to support and deliver services on the Avanti West Coast franchise until it too transitions to public ownership in 2026.
“While our role as operator is ending, our dedication to sharing knowledge, supporting innovation and fostering collaboration remains unchanged. We recognise that building a resilient and integrated rail network takes time and Trenitalia is determined to play a constructive part in that journey.”
As the c2c franchise returns to public hands, Trenitalia has said it extends its sincere appreciation to the teams, passengers and industry partners who have contributed to this journey. Trenitalia has said it takes great pride in the achievements realised during this time and looks forward to contributing to the next chapter of UK rail.
Rail & Road
Renfe Achieves Record-Breaking Growth in First Half of 2025 with Over Two Hundred Seventy Million Passengers, Setting New Milestone in Spain’s Rail Industry
Sunday, July 20, 2025
Renfe has achieved a remarkable milestone in the first half of 2025, carrying over two hundred seventy million passengers, marking a 3% year-on-year increase. This unprecedented growth sets a new record for the Spanish rail operator and underscores the rising demand for rail travel across the country. The growth is driven by a combination of enhanced services, modernized fleet, and affordable fare schemes, which have all contributed to Renfe’s ability to meet the growing needs of both commercial and public service passengers. This milestone highlights Renfe’s position as the leading rail operator in Spain and reinforces its role in shaping the future of rail transportation.
Surge in Demand for High-Speed and Long-Distance Rail Travel
Renfe’s high-speed services, including AVE, Avlo, and Alvia, have seen a substantial increase in passengers. More than 17.9 million travelers used these fast services, reflecting a 10.9% rise compared to the same period in 2024. This surge is attributed to the convenience and speed of these services, which offer an attractive alternative to air and car travel for both domestic and international passengers.
The highest traffic day occurred on June 20, with over 135,600 passengers traveling on Renfe’s network, a testament to the growing demand for efficient rail connections across Spain. The impressive growth in high-speed rail travel shows that Spain’s rail network is becoming increasingly popular as a preferred method of transportation for a broad range of passengers.
Modernization of Fleet to Enhance Service and Capacity
One of the key contributors to Renfe’s growth is its continuous investment in modernizing its fleet and improving service offerings. In line with its strategy to improve passenger experience, Renfe has introduced the advanced S106 AVE and Avlo trains, which have replaced older Alvia models. These new trains are equipped with modern technology, offering better energy efficiency and enhanced comfort, which have contributed to the rise in ridership.
The introduction of these new trains has helped Renfe improve service quality and attract more customers. The modern fleet supports the growing demand for high-speed travel, ensuring that Renfe can maintain its competitive edge while providing a comfortable and efficient travel experience. With better capacity and shorter travel times, Renfe is well-positioned to continue expanding its ridership.
Growth Across Public Service Routes
Renfe’s public service routes have also experienced a boost in passenger numbers, reinforcing its overall growth. Public transport services saw a total of 259.5 million passengers, which represents a 2.8% increase compared to the previous year. The Cercanías network, which connects major cities and metropolitan areas, accounted for the majority of this growth, with 235.9 million passengers—a 3.91% increase over 2024.
Additionally, Renfe’s Avant services, which connect regional cities with high-speed rail options, saw a significant rise in passengers, reaching a total of 6.7 million. This was an increase of 139,000 compared to the first half of 2024, demonstrating the growing appeal of shorter high-speed routes.
Affordable Fare Schemes Fuel Growth
A major factor in Renfe’s success is its commitment to affordability and accessibility. Since 2022, Renfe has issued more than 21 million multitrip passes, making rail travel more affordable for regular commuters and frequent travelers. The multitrip pass system has proven to be extremely popular, with 7.1 million passes distributed in 2023 and 7.7 million in 2024. By mid-2025, Renfe had already issued more than 4 million passes, further boosting its ridership.
Renfe introduced new monthly passes in July 2025, offering unlimited travel across the Cercanías, Rodalies, and Media Distancia networks for just €20 ($22) for adults. Youth passengers, aged between 1999 and 2010, can access the same pass for €10 ($11), making travel even more affordable for younger commuters. These passes have helped increase the overall number of passengers using Renfe’s services, especially on the busy commuter lines.
Renfe’s Path to Continued Growth and Sustainability
Renfe’s ability to increase its ridership while maintaining affordability reflects its strong position as a leader in Spain’s rail transport sector. The company’s focus on fleet modernization, improved service quality, and cost-effective ticketing is driving its sustained growth. As Renfe continues to make strategic investments and enhancements to its services, it is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for efficient, sustainable, and accessible rail travel.
Renfe’s future growth prospects are promising, with ongoing efforts to expand its national network, improve customer experience, and enhance the sustainability of its operations. By balancing modern infrastructure with affordable fare schemes, Renfe is set to continue its expansion, further solidifying its status as Spain’s primary rail operator.
With its focus on providing high-quality services and enhancing connectivity across Spain, Renfe is poised for continued success in the coming years.
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