Eurostar appointed Christophe Fanichet, former CEO of SNCF Voyageurs, as its new CEO. He will oversee a EUR 2 billion fleet investment programme, including up to 50 Alstom double-decker high-speed trains under the Celestia programme, with first service expected in May 2031.
Everything we read, routed to your cluster
Alstom says the new-generation TGV M, based on its Avelia Horizon platform, has entered commercial service in France on SNCF’s Paris–Marseille route. The train offers higher capacity, lower energy use and predictive maintenance features, and is the first operational reference for the platform.
UIC lists ICHSC plenary sessions as a work meeting at SNCF Group HQ in Saint-Denis on 1–2 Dec 2026.
UIC Africa Region training session on security of major events, with case studies from SNCF, FS, RPF, SENTER and ONCF on managing crowds for Olympics, religious processions, the Africa Nations Cup and World Cup 2030.
Modal Group and Dunkerque-Port opened a EUR 25 million intermodal terminal at Loon-Plage in Dunkirk, with four 750-metre rail tracks and services to Lyon. The terminal handles containers, semi-trailers and swap bodies, and a Lyon–Piacenza extension is planned for 2027.
RailStock Finland has ordered 21 additional Stadler FLIRT electric multiple units, expanding a programme launched in 2022. The four-car trains will be built at Stadler’s Siedlce plant in Poland for Finland’s broad-gauge network and winter conditions, bringing the total fleet under the programme to 41 units.
UIC Rail Expert Group meeting 2026 will be held on 18–19 November 2026 in Hamburg, Germany, hosted by DB InfraGo.
GB Railfreight has appointed Jude Winstanley as CEO from 2 November 2026. John Smith will stay on in an advisory role on UK rail reform. The company says it continues investing in locomotives, maintenance facilities and depots, including Class 99 bi-mode locomotives.
UIC released a report on how liberalisation affects high-speed rail affordability, using Spain as the main case study and comparing Italy, France and Germany. It finds lower average fares, wider service choice and higher ridership in Spain, while stressing that results depend on local market and regulatory conditions.
UIC lists an event titled "Transport of Dangerous Goods Expert Group." No additional details were provided in the source text.
Spanish infrastructure manager Adif has awarded the operation of the Vitoria-Jundiz intermodal terminal to Terminal Intermodal Jundiz, a consortium led by Medlog Spain Logistic with port and regional partners. The terminal covers 55,000 m² and is expected to grow from 4,723 ITUs in 2025 to 60,000 annually from year three.
UIC will hold an online New Technologies Working Group Meeting on 24 Nov 2026 from 14:00 to 17:00.
British rail staff assaults rose 12% to 11,289 in 2025-26, with many incidents linked to late shifts. The article says operators can reduce risk through roster planning, station lighting, CCTV, body cameras, safe spaces and stronger incident reporting and follow-up.
UIC says the ERPC main group meeting in Rome will bring together procurement leaders from across the European rail sector.
FS Logistix ordered six more CZ LOKO EffiShunter 1000 diesel-electric locomotives for Mercitalia Shunting & Terminal. The four-axle Class D744 units will be used for shunting at ports and terminals, freight on non-electrified lines, and rescue duties. The group already operates earlier EffiShunter orders.
The Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society has formally taken ownership of steam locomotive 35025 Brocklebank Line. The group is assessing required restoration work, available parts and storage plans, with major components still needed for a future mainline return.
UIC lists an online WG3 Retail & Commercial Affairs meeting. No agenda or technical details are provided in the text.
Canada has shortened the timetable for Roberts Bank Terminal 2 at the Port of Vancouver to 2035, with a final investment decision expected by mid-2027. The project includes a widened causeway with road and railway infrastructure, while the federal government is also developing a broader rail strategy for the port.
Wabtec has reached 1,000 locomotives built at its Contagem plant in Brazil. Vale ordered 50 Evolution Series locomotives in 2025, and Wabtec also signed a USD 254 million deal with MRS Logística in September 2026 for locomotives, spare parts and maintenance through 2032. Some units are exported to Australia and Uruguay.
Alstom says the new-generation TGV, known in France as TGV M, has entered commercial service. It is the first train based on Alstom's Avelia Horizon very high-speed platform and builds on the company's long history in high-speed rail.
Renfe has awarded Siemens a contract for 30 seven-car Velaro Novo high-speed trains. The trains will run up to 350 km/h, seat 520 passengers each, and be delivered over 62 months, with the first five due within 40 months.
SJ has opened bookings for its 2026/27 winter timetable. Direct sleeper trains between Stockholm and Narvik will return from 13 December 2026 under a new agreement with Trafikverket. SJ also plans overnight services to Umeå and Duved, plus a new train-and-bus connection from Stockholm to Sälen.
Alstom cut its 2026/27 forecasts, with expected operating margin reduced from 6.5% to 1%, and delivery delays pushing some revenue into later years.
ÖBB and SBB extended their passenger rail cooperation to 2036, covering more than 30 daily direct services and six night train routes from Zürich. Passenger numbers on the joint services have grown strongly over the past decade, alongside ÖBB’s rollout of new Siemens-built Nightjet trains.
SRI Rail Invest ordered a Vectron Dual Mode locomotive for delivery in late 2027 or early 2028. In a separate deal, it arranged financing for Projektbahn to acquire former ICE 2 vehicles from DB Fernverkehr.