Home Future Tech 5 Developments that Can Change The Future Of Train Travel

5 Developments that Can Change The Future Of Train Travel

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4. Driverless trains

5 Developments that Can Change The Future Of Train Travel

Much like the impact that driverless cars are supposed to have on the future of automobiles, autonomous trains, too, are expected to be the game-changer for the future of rail in the coming decade. Driverless trains have, in fact, already become operational in places like Brazil, China, Turkey, and Malaysia. These autonomous trains are managed from a central control station and have the benefit of running more frequently with lesser staff. These trains are also equipped with ATP (automatic train protection) that will automatically apply the brakes if the train passes a red signal or is traveling too fast, thus preventing collisions.

Driverless trains reduce human error and minimize energy consumption by controlling the speed and taking delays into account while also promising smoother changes of acceleration compared to manual control. Their benefits are many and we are sure to see driverless trains become a more regular feature of our travel in the future.

5. Solar-powered and hydrogen-powered trains

Solar-powered trains could play an important part in our future. The world’s first fully solar-powered train (video above) is already operational in Byron Bay, Australia, since 2017 and runs solely on clean energy. The solar panels on its roof and at pit stops supply all of the power needed for its 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) route. Initially, the train only had two diesel engines, but one has been replaced by batteries and an electric motor while the other functions as a backup in case of an emergency.

This solar train will also run under a cloudy sky because of a 77kWh battery. Currently, the train seats 100 passengers and completes one round-trip journey every hour. But since this system will help make train travel even more sustainable, we can expect more fully solar-powered trains making their way on to the tracks in the coming years.

5 Developments that Can Change The Future Of Train Travel

Solar-powered trains aren’t the only ones making news, though. In 2016, Germany had unveiled the Coradia iLint, the world’s first hydrogen-powered train. This zero-emission train emits low levels of noise and its exhaust is only steam and condensed water. It is a true alternative to diesel power and is specifically designed for operation on non-electrified lines.

Other countries like the UK and India too have realized its benefits and have already made plans to introduce hydrogen trains into their railway networks.




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