Rail supplier news from AITX and Hitachi Rail (May 14)

American Industrial Transport Inc. (AITX) has named Folu Adepitan as vice president of leasing, South. This "strategic leadership hire" strengthens AITX’s growth in the Houston region and underscores the company’s continued investment in the energy sector, according to an AITX press release. Previously, Adepitan held commercial and sales leadership roles at Union Pacific Railroad and Canadian Pacific Kansas City. In her new role, she will concentrate on expanding AITX's presence in the Houston market, a major hub for freight rail and energy. “Folu brings a fresh, customer focused perspective, a deep understanding of the rail markets and a proven ability to deliver creative solutions," said AITX Chief Commercial Officer Tina Beckberger.

Hitachi Rail published a new study that found that citizens around Europe and North America anticipate train travel to soar in the coming years at the expense of flying. Almost two-thirds also back legislation to enforce this change, supporting a ban on short-haul flights where high speed rail alternatives exist, according to a Hitachi Rail press release. Carried out by SavantaComres, the survey collected the opinions of 11,000 people from cities and countries across the globe. While rail currently accounts for around a third (29%) of long-distance journeys – judged as 2.5 hours or more – one-third of people also expect to travel more by train in the next 12 months, increasing to between 40% (across countries) and 49% (across cities) in the next five years. By contrast, plane travel is set to stagnate, with only net 2% expecting to fly more in this time period. Respondents also anticipate their car travel growing but 50% less than rail, the study found. To read Hitachi Rail's report, click here.