Rail supplier news from Intramotev, Alstom and Stadler

Intramotev on June 8 hosted over two dozen regional leaders, freight and logistics experts, real estate development and transportation professionals and college students for a tour and presentation on the company's autonomous, battery-powered rail technologies and vehicles. Intramotev's autonomous vehicles can pull multiple rail cars at once on existing rail infrastructure, providing flexibility for a range of freight movements, including in mines and at industrial plants, Intramotev officials said in a press release. Last year, the company's vehicles hauled 350,000 tons, or about 12,000 container loads. CEO and Co-founder Tim Luchini emphasized how the company leverages artificial intelligence to drive innovation. In everyday operations, AI systems churn through monotonous routines while humans stay flexible and adaptable. "We need both of those things in the future, and our product is going to lean into that," he said.

Alstom and the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) on June 8 entered four new autonomous people movers (APMs) into service on the airport's Plane Train system. The four vehicles are the first of 63 Innovia APM R cars Alstom is manufacturing for the airport to expand and modernize its fleet, Alstom officials said in a press release. Combined with guideway improvements, the new APMs enabled the airport to increase service frequency ahead of the FIFA World Cup games being held in Atlanta between June 15 and July 15. Alstom built and installed the Plane Train system 45 years ago and has maintained and operated it since. It connects seven concourses and two terminals across a 2.8-mile underground system. The new Innovia APM R cars are easier to maintain, are more energy efficient and offer improved security and safety features, Alstom officials said.

Stadler last week unveiled the design of new locomotives for SBB Cargo Switzerland during an event held at Stadler's Valencia, Spain, facility. SBB Cargo Switzerland is the launch customer for Stadler's new EURO DuFour platform and will be the first operator to use the company's latest generation of Bo'Bo' locomotives, Stadler officials said in a press release. The design incorporates SBB's red theme and visual elements from the wider SBB fleet. About two years ago, SBB Cargo Switzerland ordered 36 mainline locomotives from Stadler, 22 of which are battery-equipped locomotives, with contract options for up to 93 more vehicles.