The future of rail – trends, challenges, and collaboration
How do you see the railway industry evolving, and where do you think it’s headed?
Jan Scheepers: The industry is moving towards more sustainable and safe solutions. There is a growing emphasis on reducing carbon emissions, enhancing safety, and improving passenger experience. Technologies such as hydrogen and battery propulsion, digital twins, and automation are becoming increasingly central to the development of future rail systems. And let’s not forget interoperability, ERTMS and standardization – important trends from the past 20 years that will continue to influence mainline rail networks for years to come.
Walter Wagner: We are seeing increased investment in electrification, automation, and innovative technologies, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The future of rail is interconnectivity, with seamless integration between different modes of transport and advanced data analytics shaping operations.
How are those changes impacting the way rolling stock is designed, developed, or validated today?
Jan: From a sustainability and interoperability perspective, these changes mean that the sector must adapt its processes to accommodate new technologies and standards. We are increasingly involved in the early stages of projects, assuring that designs meet safety and performance criteria before implementation.
Walter: The shift towards sustainability and digitalisation has significantly influenced rolling stock design. Designs now incorporate lightweight materials, energy-efficient systems, and advanced control technologies. Simulation and digital modelling now play a crucial role in optimising designs and ensuring compliance with evolving standards.
How do your companies complement each other in practice?
Jan: While Endego focuses on the design and simulation aspects, we at Ricardo ensure that these designs are thoroughly specified, validated, certified, and comply with all necessary standards. Our collaboration ensures that not only do we provide cutting-edge designs, but we also ensure safety, compliance, and efficiency.. Clients benefit from a comprehensive approach that guarantees both innovative design and rigorous assurance.
Walter: We complement each other by offering a complete range of services. At Endego, our focus is on the technical side—developing innovative designs, optimising performance, and ensuring sustainability. Ricardo, on the other hand, excels in system assurance, validation, and certification, ensuring these designs meet regulatory standards and performance requirements.
What is the key message for rail manufacturers, operators, or suppliers currently navigating major technical or strategic decisions?
Jan: As rail systems become more complex, it’s crucial to have a partner who can provide both technical expertise and regulatory assurance, and help the industry make future-proof decisions. Embracing new technologies is essential, but it must be done with a clear understanding of how these innovations impact safety and performance.
Walter: I would echo Jan’s message. The railway industry is evolving rapidly. My advice would be to embrace innovation while ensuring that safety and compliance remain a priority. Collaboration is key in this journey, and working with companies that offer integrated solutions can make all the difference.
Jan Scheepers, Sales Manager Europe at Ricardo Rail
Ensures that every new system or technology entering the rail network is safe, compliant, and ready for real-world conditions. With expertise spanning ERTMS, signalling, system validation and certification, his role is to ensure innovation is not only possible – but reliable.
=> Do you want to get in touch @ TRAKO?
Please contact me: jan.scheepers@ricardo.com
Visit the Ricardo-Endego stand to talk to us about:
- Mechanical & electrical design
- Systems engineering & integration
- Virtual validation & prototyping
- Certification, compliance & safety cases
- Requirements management
- Operational support & optimisation
- Strategic consultancy
Walter Wagner, Sales Director at Endego
Works at the forefront of modern rolling stock design, simulation, and modernization. From lightweight materials to digital modelling, his focus is on delivering efficient, sustainable solutions that meet the complex demands of today’s operators – and tomorrow’s passengers.
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