Ian Hodkinson of Alstom joins Karen Christensen to discuss exactly what’s involved in making train lines more resilient in terms of extreme heat or cold as well as sea-level rise and flooding. He details the ways in which trains provide flexible and resilient transportation, and points out that they create resilience by offering alternative means of travel and moving product. Especially relevant to regional rail is Ian’s explanation of the options for electrifying train routes, and the ways that battery-powered cars now being used in Europe might provide solutions in North America. The discussion also included information about the manufacture of train cars—”equipment” or “rolling stock”—and how that could be made faster and less expensive.

Train Time is a media project focused on passenger rail’s potential for making the world a better place. Please support us with a paid subscription or sponsorship.

Get full access to Train Time at traintime.substack.com/subscribe