Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Control car

A control car, also known as a cab control car or driving trailer, is a non-powered railway passenger vehicle equipped with a driver's cab containing controls for operating the train, typically connected via multiple-unit (MU) cabling to a at the opposite end, enabling push-pull operations without the need to reposition the at terminals. Control cars have been integral to efficient passenger rail services since the early , particularly in where they were first introduced in the for steam-hauled trains, and later adapted for diesel and electric to streamline operations on busy commuter and intercity routes. In , the concept was pioneered in 1960 by the Chicago & North Western Railway (C&NW) with the introduction of bi-level cab cars like No. 151, which allowed for the first push-pull commuter services from , revolutionizing terminal operations by eliminating time-consuming locomotive runarounds. These vehicles are commonly used in modern systems, such as those operated by and , where they support high-frequency services with capacities for 150 or more passengers, head-end power supply, and safety features like event recorders and interfaces, enhancing both operational flexibility and passenger comfort.

Definition and Terminology

Core Concept

A control car is a non-powered rail vehicle equipped with one or more control stands, enabling operation of a positioned at the opposite end of the train through electrical connections and signaling systems. This setup facilitates push-pull train operations, where the train can be driven bidirectionally from either the or the control car without requiring the to be repositioned, thereby minimizing delays at terminal stations. Essential components of a control car include the driver's , which houses the control desk for , braking, and signaling functions; communication systems such as radio links and the (TCN) for data exchange between vehicles; and typically integrated passenger seating or baggage compartments to maximize utility. The TCN, a standardized backbone for intra-train networking, ensures reliable transmission of control signals, diagnostics, and safety information across the consist. Control cars were first introduced in during the 1920s to enhance efficiency in suburban rail services, with early examples appearing in as part of electric multiple-unit designs by . Notable implementations included the ET 41 series in 1927–1928, where control cars were paired with motor cars to form economical quarter-train sets for routes like Leipzig-Halle. The primary advantages of control cars in push-pull configurations include reduced turnaround times at endpoints by eliminating locomotive shunting, which improves overall scheduling and operational throughput on busy lines. Additionally, these systems yield cost savings through decreased fuel consumption from optimized acceleration and braking, as well as lower crew requirements by avoiding manual repositioning tasks.

Variants and Synonyms

Control cars, also known as cab cars in , are unpowered vehicles equipped with a driver's cab for operating trains in push-pull configurations. In , the equivalent is often termed a control trailer or driving trailer, which may include additional features like a for freight or mixed services. These terms distinguish the vehicles by region and primary use: cab cars prioritize accommodation in , while driving trailers in the UK and frequently incorporate braking capabilities for versatile operations. A specialized variant is the Non-Powered Cab Unit (NPCU), used by for intercity services, combining cab controls with baggage space in converted locomotives. Unlike powered railcars such as multiple-unit trains or self-propelled motor coaches, control cars entirely lack onboard and rely on a at the opposite end. They also differ from remote-control locomotives, which retain motive power but allow operation from a trailing position without a dedicated car. Synonyms for control cars include driving cab car and push-pull trailer, reflecting their role in bidirectional operations without locomotive repositioning. In the United States, converted locomotives repurposed as control cars are colloquially called "cabbages," a slang term blending "cab" and "baggage" functions. The terminology has evolved from early European "control trailers" introduced in the 1930s for steam-hauled push-pull services to contemporary "cab cars" in North American , adapting to and electric technologies. Rare variants include double-ended control cars, featuring cabs at both ends for enhanced bidirectional flexibility on lines without runaround tracks, though these are uncommon due to added complexity.

Historical Development

Early Innovations

The earliest concepts for control cars originated in during the early 1900s, primarily to facilitate push-pull operations on steam-hauled trains using rudimentary cable or mechanical connections for remote locomotive control. In the , the Great Western Railway (GWR) pioneered the use of autocoaches—trailers equipped with driving cabs—that allowed a single steam locomotive to push or pull short branch-line trains without uncoupling or repositioning at terminals. These systems relied on vacuum brakes or linkages routed through cables along the train's length to transmit control signals from the trailing cab to the locomotive, enabling the driver to operate the train in reverse formation while maintaining visibility. During the 1930s, developments advanced with adaptations of control systems originally designed for electric multiple units, extending them to locomotive-hauled trains for more reliable remote operation. In the UK, the Southern Railway's push-pull sets used control systems for suburban services, improving efficiency. Post-World War II advancements in the 1950s leveraged to enable through-wiring for electric locomotives, allowing continuous electrical control circuits across the train consist. These innovations addressed the limitations of steam-era mechanical links by providing more robust electrical pathways. A key milestone occurred in 1960 when the & North Western Railway in the United States introduced purpose-built bi-level cab cars for commuter push-pull service, directly inspired by designs to reduce crew needs and improve efficiency on Chicago-area lines. The initial order of 50 cab cars and 66 coaches from Pullman-Standard featured control desks connected via 27-wire cables to trailing locomotives, enabling operation from either end without repositioning. Early implementations faced challenges with the reliability of control cables, which were prone to wear from vibration and environmental exposure, leading to intermittent signal failures, and difficulties in integrating with existing signaling systems that required precise synchronization for safe reversals.

Expansion and Evolution

The adoption of control cars expanded significantly during the 1960s and 1970s, particularly in commuter rail networks such as Germany's systems, where push-pull configurations with control cars improved turnaround times and operational efficiency on suburban routes. In the United States, began exploring cab control cars in the 1970s as part of efforts to modernize inherited equipment, though widespread conversions, such as those from Metroliner cars, occurred later in the 1980s to support corridor services. By the 1990s and 2000s, control cars integrated with high-speed rail technologies, exemplified by Germany's ICE-T tilting trainsets, which featured dedicated control cars in seven-car (Class 411) and five-car (Class 415) formations capable of 230 km/h operations on both dedicated high-speed lines and conventional tracks. This period also saw a shift toward digital control systems in control cars, enabling more precise communication between the cab and locomotive via electronic interfaces, reducing reliance on traditional mechanical or electrical linkages. In the , safety regulations for control cars evolved in response to incidents like the 2005 Glendale, California, crash, where a Metrolink cab car-led train derailed after striking an , resulting in 11 fatalities and prompting the (FRA) to advance crash energy management (CEM) standards for new cab cars ordered after 2000. These enhancements included stronger collision posts and occupant protection features, influencing procurement for operators like Metrolink. More recently, initiated conversions of GE P42DC locomotives to non-powered control units (NPCUs) in 2024, starting with unit No. 184 renumbered as P42C No. 9700, to extend fleet utility amid transitions to new Siemens ALC-42 locomotives. The global spread of control cars extended to in the , with introducing push-pull configurations on select lines. Evolutionary trends in control car technology progressed from mechanical linkages in early designs to wireless and (ETCS)-compatible setups by the 2020s, incorporating Ethernet-based train control and management systems (TCMS) for and real-time monitoring across networks.

Design and Operation

Cab Configuration

The cab in a control car is typically positioned at one end of the vehicle, facing forward to enable in push mode, with a control desk layout that mirrors those in conventional locomotives. This includes primary controls such as the , dynamic brake, independent brake, and automatic brake handles, alongside monitoring displays for speed, pressure, and train status, arranged to prioritize frequent-use elements within easy reach of the seated . Ergonomic design emphasizes driver comfort and efficiency during extended operations, featuring adjustable seating with , lumbar support, and height adjustment to accommodate the 5th to 95th of adult operators, ensuring controls remain accessible without excessive stretching. Visibility is enhanced through large windscreens compliant with EN 15152 standards for unobstructed forward views, supplemented by side windows, rear-view mirrors, and systems for monitoring the train consist. Climate control systems maintain cab temperatures between 18°C and 26°C via HVAC units providing at least 2.5 kW cooling capacity and 30 m³/hour per occupant, reducing on long shifts. In , these systems comply with EN 14813 for air conditioning in driving cabs, ensuring under varying conditions. Control car cabs are frequently integrated into the end of passenger coaches, incorporating seating or luggage compartments immediately behind to maximize , with overall vehicle lengths standardized at approximately 25-26 meters to align with conventional coach dimensions. Variations in cab design include single-cab configurations for lighter-duty applications versus full-width cabs that span the vehicle's end for improved structural integrity and space efficiency. High-speed control cars, operating at 200 km/h or more, incorporate aerodynamic fairings on the cab exterior to minimize drag and pressure waves, often featuring streamlined nose shapes and flush glazing. Standardization ensures interoperability and safety, with European control cars adhering to UIC 651 for cab layout and other standards for dimensions, typically featuring cab heights of 3.0-3.5 meters above rail and widths of 2.5-2.7 meters, while North American designs comply with FRA requirements under 49 CFR Part 238 and APTA guidelines for cab dimensions and structural interfaces.

Control and Safety Systems

Control cars rely on through-wiring systems to enable multiple-unit (MU) control, which connects the cab in the control car to the at the opposite end of the , allowing the to manage traction, braking, and other functions as if the locomotive were directly attached. This electro-pneumatic setup typically uses a multi-pin , such as the 27-point MU receptacle standard in , to transmit control signals for coordinated operation. In , similar through-wiring integrates with systems for seamless command transmission across the consist. Communication protocols facilitate reliable data exchange between the control car and . In , the (TCN), standardized under IEC 61375, employs the Multifunction Vehicle Bus (MVB) for intra-vehicle signaling and the Wire Train Bus (WTB) for inter-vehicle links, supporting real-time control of propulsion and diagnostics. In , LOCOTROL systems from enable remote control, including operations where signals are sent via radio or wired links to synchronize multiple units from the control car's . Safety systems in control cars incorporate vigilance devices like the deadman's handle, which requires continuous input—typically a foot pedal or handle—to maintain train operation, automatically applying brakes if released due to incapacitation. Automatic Train Protection (ATP) systems, such as those integrated into cab controls, enforce speed limits and prevent signal passed-at-danger incidents by interfacing with trackside equipment. Under U.S. (FRA) regulations (49 CFR Part 238), cab cars must demonstrate static end strength of 800,000 pounds without permanent deformation, incorporating anti-telescoping designs and energy-absorbing structures. Modern control cars integrate advanced signaling like the (ETCS) Level 2, which uses continuous radio communication via to transmit movement authorities directly to the cab, eliminating reliance on lineside signals for high-speed operations. began testing converted HHP-8 units (designated HHP-8C) as control cars in 2023, with the units entering revenue service on the in 2025 after completing crew qualification, incorporating updated AC traction control interfaces for compatibility with modern electric locomotives. A key limitation in push-pull mode arises from reduced signal visibility when the control car leads, as the operator faces away from the direction of travel; this is mitigated by rear-facing cameras mounted on the trailing or end car, providing live video feeds to cab monitors for monitoring signals and track conditions.

Usage in North America

Converted Locomotives

Converted locomotives, often nicknamed "cabbage cars" for their combined and functions, represent a practical approach to creating cars in by repurposing surplus diesel locomotives. This process typically involves removing the prime mover, main generator, and traction motors while preserving the engineer's , control systems, and underframe structure to enable push-pull operations. For instance, Amtrak's conversions of locomotives in the mid-1990s entailed stripping propulsion components and installing a roll-up door in the former engine compartment, allowing the units to serve dual roles in handling and . The practice gained prominence with , which rebuilt 22 F40PH units into non-powered control units (NPCUs) starting with No. 200 (renumbered 90200) around 1996, deploying them on shorter corridor services where turning facilities were limited. These conversions addressed fleet efficiency by enabling a single powered to operate at either end of a trainset, eliminating the need for wyes or runarounds at terminals. More recently, initiated conversions of P42DC locomotives in 2024, beginning with No. 184 (renumbered 9700), as part of a plan to produce up to 20 such units to replace aging F40PH NPCUs and support (NEC) services amid the phase-out of P42DCs for newer ALC-42s; the first unit entered service in 2025. Unlike the F40PH rebuilds, P42DC conversions retain internal components for to maintain and ride quality, though without the added baggage door due to the locomotive's design and evolving service needs. A key advantage of these conversions lies in their cost-effectiveness, allowing railroads to extend the utility of retired locomotives without the expense of purpose-built passenger cars, thereby optimizing surplus assets for modern push-pull configurations. For example, the F40PH NPCUs have supported Amtrak's regional trains by providing reliable cab controls and baggage space, contributing to operational flexibility on routes like the Empire Corridor. However, drawbacks include non-standard designs that complicate maintenance, as the modified structures require specialized parts and procedures not aligned with typical passenger equipment. Early F40PH NPCUs also suffered from rough rides due to insufficient ballast after component removal, a issue partially mitigated in later P42DC versions through retained weighting.

Purpose-Built Cab Cars

Purpose-built cab cars represent a specialized class of rail passenger vehicles manufactured from the ground up to serve as the leading end in push-pull operations on North American commuter and intercity routes, integrating a full-width control cab with passenger seating to optimize efficiency and capacity without requiring locomotive repositioning. These cars are predominantly bi-level designs, allowing for doubled passenger space compared to single-level equivalents while accommodating the cab infrastructure. Leading manufacturers include Bombardier Transportation (now part of Alstom) and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, which have supplied fleets to major operators such as Metra in Chicago and Caltrain in the San Francisco Bay Area. Bombardier delivered bi-level cab cars to Caltrain starting in 2002, featuring dedicated bike spaces and trailer configurations for seamless integration into electrified services. Similarly, Kawasaki produced bi-level cab cars for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) in 1992–1993, with dimensions of 26 meters in length, 3.05 meters in width, and 4.72 meters in height, weighing approximately 560 kN when ready to run. In operations, these cab cars pair with diesel locomotives like the , enabling the engine to trail the consist during inbound runs while the cab car leads, reducing turnaround times at terminals. pioneered widespread adoption of such bi-level gallery-style cab cars in the late , building on earlier Chicago & North Western designs from the 1970s to expand capacity on high-density routes. began testing HHP-8 electric cab cars (designated HHP-8C), converted from retired locomotives, in 2023 to support upgrades on the (NEC); by 2025, crew familiarization runs were underway, with the units nearing entry into service, though these represent a approach rather than fully new builds. Following the 2015 Oxnard derailment involving a Metrolink cab car leading train that collided with a truck on the tracks, resulting in four cars derailing, operators implemented safety enhancements including reinforced couplers and temporary restrictions on cab-car-leading configurations, often adding locomotives at both ends for added crashworthiness. Typical specifications for these cab cars emphasize passenger comfort and , with seating capacities ranging from 120 to 162 passengers in bi-level layouts, including accessible areas for wheelchair users to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards such as level boarding, clear floor paths, and dedicated spaces. The full-width cabs provide ergonomic controls for engineers, and designs support operational speeds up to 110 mph (177 km/h) on the , with some rated for 125 mph (201 km/h) in tested configurations. In the , trends have shifted toward , incorporating recycled materials in interiors and low-emission manufacturing processes, alongside digital dashboards that integrate real-time signaling, , and displays to enhance crew and operational efficiency.

Usage in Europe

Austria

The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) extensively employs control cars in push-pull configurations to enhance operational efficiency across regional, suburban, and high-speed services. These unpowered vehicles, equipped with driver's cabs, allow locomotives to operate from either end of the train formation, reducing turnaround times at terminals by eliminating the need for locomotive repositioning. This setup is particularly beneficial in Austria's dense rail network, where services like the Vienna S-Bahn utilize bi-level push-pull trains consisting of one control car and four intermediate cars, hauled by locomotives such as the ÖBB Class 1144. Key types of control cars in operations include driving trailers integrated into regional push-pull sets, such as the Cityshuttle configuration with a two-car formation featuring a dedicated control car offering 44 seats and supporting speeds up to 160 km/h. For high-speed services, trains incorporate specialized control cars as the trailing vehicle in seven-car consists, enabling push-pull operation at maximum speeds of 230 km/h on lines like the Vienna-Salzburg route. These control cars are part of coach families, designed for interoperability across , , and other networks. Control cars in fleets are increasingly integrated with the (ETCS) for enhanced safety and capacity, particularly on upgraded lines. Under a 2024 framework agreement, is retrofitting up to 449 vehicles, including Railjet consists with control cars, with ETCS Baseline 3.6 onboard units to support Level 2 operations and automatic train protection. In the 2010s, delivered over 50 such control car units as part of broader coach procurements for push-pull services, including expansions for Railjet and regional fleets. In the network, control cars facilitate frequent services on electrified lines, such as S1 and S2, where push-pull formations avoid locomotive swaps at endpoints like Vienna Praterstern or Hütteldorf, supporting up to 30-minute headways and accommodating peak-hour demand. Adaptations for Austria's mountainous terrain, including the Semmering and lines, feature reinforced braking controls in control cars to manage steep gradients—up to 26 —ensuring stable push operations during descent.

Belarus

Belarusian Railways inherited its initial fleet of control cars and related from the Soviet era, with the ER9 series electric multiple units—produced by the Car Building Factory from 1962 to 2002—serving as a key component for suburban operations. These units, designed for 25 kV AC electrification, feature integrated cabs at both ends for multiple-unit (MU) operation, allowing efficient push-pull functionality on commuter lines without the need for separate locomotives. Post-independence in 1991, the network focused on maintaining this legacy stock amid economic challenges, with limited conversions in the 1990s adapting locomotive cabs and intermediate cars into control trailers to extend service life on non-electrified branches. Control trailers are paired with locomotives for push-pull on select lines, with a modest fleet of dedicated units emphasizing cost-effective adaptations over new builds. These trailers enable basic control systems, relying on electro-pneumatic braking and simple cab signaling without advanced digital overlays like ETCS. EMUs like ER9 and newer (EPm, EPr) provide similar bidirectional functionality via integrated cabs but are not control cars. Operations center on Minsk commuter services, where control cars facilitate bidirectional running on radial lines to destinations like Brest, Gomel, and Vitebsk, handling peak-hour passenger volumes with formations of 4 to 7 cars. This setup supports the 1,520 mm Russian gauge standard, ensuring seamless interoperability with Russian and other CIS networks for cross-border suburban extensions. However, the systems lack modern enhancements, sticking to analog controls inherited from Soviet designs. Challenges persist due to aging and , with much of the fleet exceeding 30 years in service and facing reliability issues from wear on electrical and braking components. As of 2025, limited new investments continue due to sanctions, with focus on EMU maintenance rather than control car expansions, leading to deferred modernizations and reliance on overhauls rather than fleet renewal. Efforts to integrate with broader Eurasian gauge standards highlight Belarus's strategic position, but without substantial investment, remains limited compared to EU neighbors.

Belgium

In Belgium, the Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Belges (SNCB) introduced push-pull operations with control cars in the 1980s to enhance efficiency on InterCity (IC) services, particularly for international routes like Amsterdam-Brussels starting in 1985 using Class 11 locomotives paired with driving trailers. These early implementations allowed locomotives to operate from either end of the trainset, reducing turnaround times at terminals. Control cars in the SNCB fleet primarily feature driving cabs integrated into passenger coaches, such as the double-deck series introduced between 2001 and 2011, where Bx variants serve as cab-equipped second-class cars with 136 seats. More recently, the Desiro ML electric multiple units (EMUs), classified as MS08 and ordered in 2010, incorporate integrated control cabs at the ends of their three-car formations for autonomous operation without separate locomotives. The SNCB maintains a fleet exceeding 100 control cars, including approximately 64 M6 double-deck units and 21 single-deck I11 driving trailers (BDx), capable of speeds up to 160 km/h on regional services. These vehicles support push-pull configurations on dense urban routes, notably the Regional Express Network (S-Train) lines, where they facilitate frequent commuter traffic around the capital. An ongoing migration to the (ETCS) Level 2 is equipping the fleet, with full implementation targeted for completion across the network by the end of 2025 to align with interoperability standards. Cab interiors include bilingual signage in and to accommodate Belgium's linguistic regions, ensuring accessibility for operators in multilingual areas like . Post-2010 safety upgrades have focused on cars with advanced systems, including ETCS onboard units and like TBL1+, improving braking response and collision avoidance on electrified lines.

Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, control cars, known as řídicí vozy, were first explored in the as part of efforts to enhance suburban rail efficiency around . Prototypes designated SM 487.0 emerged in 1966 from Vagonka Tatra Studénka, forming three-car units with driving trailers to enable push-pull operations on regional lines; however, these were abandoned due to issues and capacity limitations. Modern adoption accelerated in the mid-1990s, with the series 943 marking the first dedicated control cars in (ČD) history, influenced by Central European push-pull trends to reduce turnaround times and operational costs. ČD's control car types include driving trailers such as the Bftn 791 series for standard passenger services and more advanced ABfbrdtn 795 units paired with class 854 motor cars. High-speed variants feature in the class 680 tilting EMUs, which incorporate cab ends for operations up to 200 km/h on upgraded lines like to . The fleet comprises approximately 150 units, encompassing early builds like the 11-car series 943 and 10-car series 954, alongside additions from , including 20 Viaggio Comfort control cars for the ComfortJet push-pull sets. These vehicles primarily support regional express services on routes such as to Rakovník and Ostrava-area lines, enabling bidirectional travel with locomotives at either end to boost frequency and passenger comfort. EU-backed funding has driven upgrades, including a €300 million loan in 2024 for retrofitting 219 passenger coaches—many control cars among them—with modern amenities and safety systems like ETCS Level 2. Double-deck driving trailers, such as those in Transportation's five three-car push-pull rakes delivered since 2020, exemplify ongoing enhancements for suburban density.

Denmark

The Danish State Railways (DSB) pioneered the use of control cars in during the post-war era to improve efficiency on commuter and regional lines, with conversions of 21 Class cars beginning in 1950 for multiple-unit control functions. By the 1970s, DSB expanded push-pull capabilities with new steering wagons (styrevogn) built specifically for intercity services, allowing locomotives to operate from either end of the train formation and reducing turnaround times at terminals. These early innovations laid the groundwork for modern applications, particularly in the context of 's dense rail network connecting to regional hubs. DSB employs driving trailers primarily in electric push-pull configurations for (IC) and (EC) sets, paired with Vectron locomotives (Class EB). Notable examples include the double-deck ABs-class cars, constructed by Bombardier in 2002, which feature full cabs for remote and accommodate up to 180 km/h operations on electrified lines. These trailers integrate advanced safety systems, such as time-division multiplex (TDM) signaling for train , enabling seamless integration with intermediate passenger coaches for variable-length consists. The DSB control car fleet exceeds 40 units, encompassing legacy conversions, double-deck models, and recent procurements designed for high-speed routes. Key assets include 13 Bombardier double-deck control cars acquired in the early for regional and IC services, alongside older single-level trailers from the still in limited use after rebuilds. All units support speeds up to 180 km/h, with compatibility for Denmark's 25 kV 50 Hz system. Control cars are central to DSB's intercity operations, including cross-border services to via the Öresund Bridge, where push-pull trains facilitate frequent Copenhagen-Malmö connections using Vectron-hauled consists. This setup allows locomotives to remain at the opposite end during platforming, optimizing dwell times on the bridge's combined rail-road infrastructure opened in 2000. In the 2020s, DSB has advanced electrification expansions across its network, incorporating new control cars to support greener, high-speed services. A 2023 order added 16 Talgo 230 driving trailers for EC routes, enabling push-pull with Vectron locos at up to 200 km/h on lines like Copenhagen-Hamburg and extensions to Sweden; these units feature identical cabs to the locomotives for unified operation. Deliveries began in 2025, aligning with Denmark's goal to electrify 80% of mainlines by 2030 and replace diesel fleets.

Finland

In Finland, the operates control cars primarily for push-pull operations on long-distance services, enabling efficient turnaround times at terminals without relocating locomotives. These vehicles are adapted to the country's harsh climate, featuring winterized cabs with heated controls and robust insulation to ensure reliable performance in sub-zero temperatures and heavy snow. The design prioritizes passenger comfort on extended routes, incorporating double-decker configurations to maximize capacity on the broad-gauge network. The Edo class, including Edi variants, represents the core of VR's control car fleet, with 62 units as of 2025, constructed by Transtech Oy. Introduced starting in 2014, these double-decker driving trailers were developed to pair with Sr2 and Sr3 electric locomotives, supporting speeds up to 200 km/h on upgraded lines, with 42 units delivered by 2017 and 20 additional Edi units delivered between 2023 and 2025. Unlike traditional locomotives, the Edo cars integrate passenger accommodations, including seating for up to 140 people per unit in a 3+2 layout on the upper deck, while the lower deck houses the driving cab and technical equipment. This setup allows for seamless integration into high-speed formations, enhancing operational flexibility for routes like Helsinki to . Historically, VR's adoption of control cars evolved from earlier commuter experiments in the , such as specialized Eikd-class vehicles tested on Helsinki-area routes, but modern implementations began with the 2011 order for the initial batch of trailers to modernize push-pull capabilities. The fleet is exclusively compatible with VR's Sr2 locomotives for electrified lines, facilitating energy-efficient operations without multiple powering units. These cars feature advanced signaling interfaces, including compatibility with the Finnish Train Control System (JKV-STM), ensuring safe high-speed running through curved sections. In operations, Edo control cars are deployed on Pendolino-linked InterCity services, where they extend train consists for peak demand while maintaining tilting dynamics for 200 km/h travel on routes like Helsinki-Turku. For long-haul night trains, select push-pull configurations incorporate control cars at the rear, paired with sleeper coaches and Sr2 power, allowing overnight journeys to northern destinations such as Rovaniemi without intermediate shunting— a unique adaptation for Finland's remote, weather-challenged network. This setup reduces dwell times at remote stations and supports VR's focus on sustainable, climate-resilient rail travel in subarctic conditions.

France

SNCF, the French national railway company, has employed control cars extensively in push-pull configurations to optimize operations in regional and services, enabling locomotives to be remotely controlled from the trailing end for faster turnarounds at stations. Development of these systems began in the late and accelerated in the 1980s with the adaptation of Corail intercity coaches for push-pull operation, powered by locomotives such as the BB 22200 class from the , which allowed for more flexible scheduling on conventional lines. For high-speed applications, cab designs in sets, introduced in the 1990s, and TGV Atlantique power cars, capable of 320 km/h since their 1989 debut, incorporate advanced control interfaces compatible with the (Transmission Voie-Machine) signaling system used on dedicated high-speed lines (LGV). Key types of control cars include the VB2N (Voiture de Banlieue à 2 Niveaux) double-deck driving trailers, first delivered in 1975 for suburban services and numbering around 14 units in initial batches for reversible operation with electric locomotives on lines. These trailers feature multi-level seating for high-capacity commuter runs, with later batches adding more for lines from Paris-Saint-Lazare and Paris-Montparnasse. The Corail B6Dux series, classified as second-class driving trailers, supports intercity push-pull sets and totals 28 units in the fleet. SNCF's control car fleet comprises hundreds of units across various series, including VB2N, Corail, and regional variants, facilitating efficient operations on dense networks. In the 2020s, these have been integrated into Classic low-cost services, launched in 2022, using refurbished Corail push-pull trainsets on conventional tracks between major cities like , , and to offer affordable intercity travel. Operations primarily serve Paris suburbs via networks, where VB2N-equipped trains handle peak-hour demands, and extend to intercity routes connecting to lines for seamless passenger transfers. Control cars in service are equipped with TVM signaling for compatibility on lines adjacent to high-speed infrastructure, ensuring safe integration with operations. Following the 2015 Eckwersheim TGV test derailment, which highlighted vulnerabilities in high-speed , implemented post-2015 safety reinforcements across its fleet, including enhanced structural integrity and standards for control cars to mitigate collision risks in push-pull configurations. These measures align with broader European standards like ETCS for future .

Germany

In Germany, control cars, known as Steuerwagen, were first prototyped in the 1930s by the to enable push-pull operations with , with initial implementations appearing in on the Lübeck-Büchener-Eisenbahn line. Following , the saw a significant expansion of control car usage starting in the , driven by the need to improve turnaround times and in densely trafficked suburban and regional networks, leading to widespread adoption in commuter services by the 1960s. Key types of control cars in Deutsche Bahn's (DB) fleet include the DABpbz double-deck variants, such as the DABpbzfa 767 series, designed for regional services with a maximum speed of 160 km/h, featuring 5 first-class and 77 second-class seats, and built primarily by Bombardier for high-capacity urban and intercity routes. For high-speed applications, the (Class 402) incorporates Class 808 control cars limited to 250 km/h when leading, while the (Class 412) uses advanced end cars also rated at 250 km/h, allowing flexible configurations in push-pull mode without locomotive repositioning. These designs emphasize aerodynamic efficiency and passenger comfort, with the series control cars integrating systems for seamless high-speed travel. DB operates over 1,000 control cars across its networks, with major builds from and Bombardier; for instance, the program alone delivered 1,511 cars including numerous control units to form 137 trainsets, while Bombardier contributed around one-third of components for additional regional double-deck control cars. This extensive fleet supports DB's push-pull operations, particularly in the system where control cars enable rapid direction changes on high-frequency urban lines, reducing dwell times at terminals. In curvy regional routes, DB deploys configurations with control cars, such as those paired with Class 612 diesel multiple units, allowing speeds up to 30% higher than non-tilting equivalents through active body lean mechanisms. In 2025, began upgrading its control cars and overall fleet with systems, deploying the world's first commercial 1900 MHz (n101) network on test tracks to support Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) standards, enhancing exchange for and .

Hungary

In Hungary, the (MÁV) began deploying control cars in the 1960s to facilitate push-pull operations on low-traffic branch lines, with significant expansion in the to support commuter services around . These early units, such as the series built between 1962 and 1970, were designed for compatibility with electric like the V43 class, allowing the locomotive to push the train from the rear while the cab in the control car enabled direction from the front. By the late , additional types like the Bmxt series (constructed 1988–1990) were introduced, enhancing efficiency on urban and suburban routes. MÁV's control car fleet comprises approximately 80 units across various series, including the and Bmxt trailers paired with V43 locomotives for traditional push-pull setups. In modern operations, electric multiple units (EMUs), which incorporate integrated driving cabs functioning as control cars, have been adopted for regional and suburban services since 2013, with 123 units now in service covering lines around and eastern . These FLIRT sets provide seating for up to 211 passengers and feature , passenger information systems, and spaces for bicycles, improving comfort on non-electrified and regional routes. Control cars are primarily utilized on MÁV's regional network, including suburban commutes from and connections to rural areas, where they reduce turnaround times at terminals. As part of EU-driven modernization efforts, MÁV has invested over €10 billion in the past decade to upgrade and infrastructure, including equipping 59 FLIRT trains with 's ETCS Level 2 train control system to enhance safety, speed, and across European borders. This includes renovations of V43-compatible control cars for continued use on secondary lines, aligning with broader post-Soviet transitions toward standardized European rail practices.

Ireland

In the 1990s, introduced push-pull operations utilizing control cars to enhance service efficiency on its and intercity routes, building on initial deployments from the late . These innovations allowed locomotives or powered units to propel trains from the trailing end, reducing turnaround times at busy terminals like Heuston and Connolly stations. The systems were particularly suited to 's radial network centered on , where frequent reversals were common. Control cars in Ireland primarily consist of driving trailers adapted for push-pull configurations. For intercity services, driving trailers were paired with locomotives like the 201 Class, enabling flexible operations without dedicated shunting. Later developments included generating control cars with the fleet for high-speed intercity runs. On the cross-border service to , De Dietrich driving control cars support similar push-pull functionality. While the 22000 Class Railcars operate as self-contained multiple units, additional driving trailers have been integrated in formations for extended commuter and intercity workings. The control car fleet exceeds 30 units, including 24 driving trailers introduced in 1989 for initial push-pull sets, 8 CAF-built generating control cars with the Mark 4 coaches from 2006, and 4 De Dietrich units from 1996. These vehicles feature custom cab designs with locomotive-style controls, underfloor generators for train power, and adaptations for Ireland's 5 ft 3 in (1,600 mm) broad gauge. CAF's contributions to the Mark 4 emphasized modular construction and accessibility, reflecting Ireland's insular status that necessitated bespoke engineering isolated from continental European standards. Operations center on the region, with services employing driving trailers in formations for suburban electrified lines, and intercity push-pull sets serving routes to , , and . Maximum speeds reach 160 km/h on key intercity segments, supported by for cab signaling between the control car and . This setup, influenced by neighboring practices in cab control systems, optimizes capacity on Ireland's constrained .

Italy

In Italy, the use of control cars by () began in the for regional services, where push-pull operations with driving trailers (carrozze pilota) were introduced to streamline terminal maneuvers and improve service frequency on suburban and inter-regional routes. These early implementations focused on loco-hauled trains with dedicated pilot cars to enable of locomotives, marking a shift from traditional multiple units in dense traffic areas. By the early , the MDVC series of driving trailers, designed for high-capacity regional duties, entered service, featuring modular interiors for second-class seating and command equipment compatible with FS electric locomotives like the E.646 and E.444 classes. High-speed rail development in the 1990s integrated advanced control cabs into electric multiple units (EMUs), with the ETR 500 family serving as a cornerstone of FS's Frecciarossa services. Introduced in 1993 and manufactured by the TREVI consortium (including AnsaldoBreda, Alstom, and Bombardier), the ETR 500 features aerodynamic driving end cars with integrated cabs designed by Pininfarina, supporting distributed power and speeds up to 300 km/h while accommodating up to 700 passengers in 11-car formations. These cab ends incorporate ergonomic driver interfaces and safety systems for high-speed running, enabling push-pull-like flexibility within the EMU configuration without separate trailers. The Frecciarossa branding, applied from 2008, emphasizes these cabs' role in premium services, with variants like the ETR 500P (multi-voltage) optimized for cross-border operations. Tilting Pendolino trains represent another key type, with control cabs adapted for dynamic curve negotiation. The Pendolino concept originated with the ETR 401 prototype in 1974, developed by (later ) at the Savigliano factory, introducing passive tilting technology to maintain passenger comfort on winding conventional lines at speeds up to 250 km/h. Subsequent models like the ETR 450 (1988) and ETR 460/470 series feature end cabs with tilt control systems, allowing up to 8° inclination via hydraulic actuators, which reduces travel time by 30-35% on routes with sharp curves compared to non-tilting trains. These cabs support modular train lengths of 3 to 11 cars, facilitating flexible regional and deployments. FS's control car and cab-equipped fleet exceeds 200 units across regional and high-speed categories, including approximately 65 Pendolino sets (each with dual cabs) and over 50 ETR 500 formations, alongside hundreds of MDVC driving trailers for loco-hauled regional trains. This diverse inventory supports nationwide operations, with Frecciarossa services on the Milan-Rome high-speed line (part of the 1,000 km network) achieving modal shares of up to 74% for passenger-km by 2023, operating routinely at 300 km/h to connect major cities in under three hours. In the , AnsaldoBreda (acquired by in 2015) has led upgrades to the ETR 500 fleet, including revamping contracts for component repairs, interior modernizations, and enhanced safety systems to extend service life amid fleet expansion. These efforts, part of broader initiatives valued at over €1 billion, ensure compatibility with evolving high-speed infrastructure while incorporating sustainable features like improved .

Netherlands

In the , () adopted push-pull operations with control cars in the early 1980s to enhance efficiency on intercity services, allowing to haul passenger coaches in both directions without repositioning. This system was introduced alongside the Intercity Rijtuig (ICR) coaches, with initial deliveries occurring between 1980 and 1982, followed by additional units from 1986 to 1988. The configuration typically consists of a at one end and a control car (stuurstandrijtuig) at the other, enabling the train driver to operate from the cab car while the locomotive pushes or pulls the formation. This approach reduced turnaround times at terminals and improved capacity on busy routes. Key types of control cars in intercity fleets include the series driving trailers, converted from ICR coaches, with 32 units in service by the early for push-pull sets of up to 12 cars. These are paired with standard ICR coaches (78 first-class A, 131 second-class B, and 51 original BKD control cars built overall). Complementing these loco-hauled formations, self-propelled electric multiple units (EMUs) like the ICMm (modernized Intercity Materieel, nicknamed Koploper) feature integrated driving cabs at both ends for flexible operation without dedicated control cars. The VIRM (Verlengd Materieel) double-deck EMUs, introduced in the 1990s, also incorporate driving cabs and operate in coupled formations, providing high-capacity intercity services with over 176 double-deck vehicles in the fleet as of 2022. NS operates these control car-equipped push-pull trains and cab-end EMUs extensively on the Amsterdam-Rotterdam corridor, a core route spanning approximately 100 km through the densely populated region, with services running at up to 160 km/h on upgraded lines. This setup supports frequent, bidirectional traffic, integrating briefly with services to for cross-border continuity. The overall fleet exceeds 150 units across control cars and driving cab-equipped sets, emphasizing reliability in a network prone to high passenger volumes.

Poland

In the 1990s, following the collapse of the communist system, (PKP) initiated major upgrades to its as part of economic and modernization efforts to revive passenger and freight services amid declining traffic volumes. This era marked the introduction of control trailers designed for push-pull operations, enhancing flexibility and reducing turnaround times at terminals, particularly in collaboration with existing electric locomotives. These developments aligned with broader Eastern European rail transitions toward more efficient, market-oriented systems. Key types of control cars in PKP's inventory include dedicated control trailers adapted for EU07-series electric locomotives, which enable remote operation from the trailing cab during push-pull configurations for improved acceleration and passenger comfort on intercity routes. Additionally, the ED250 high-speed trains incorporate advanced driving cabs at both ends, supporting tilting technology and bidirectional control for smoother travel on curved tracks. PKP maintains a fleet of approximately 120 such control units across its operators, primarily under , to support diverse passenger formations. These cars play a central role in operations on the Warsaw-Gdansk high-speed corridor, where sets achieve up to 200 km/h, connecting the capital with the coast in about 2.5 hours and serving as a for PKP's modernization. EU07-paired push-pull trains with control trailers also operate on this and similar routes, optimizing schedules during summer . As of 2025, PKP is advancing ETCS implementations to comply with interoperability standards, with the national plan targeting deployment across key lines including the Warsaw-Gdansk route, enhancing safety and capacity through onboard and trackside upgrades integrated with existing control car systems. This includes equipping locomotives like the EU07 and units with ETCS Level 2 for automatic train protection.

Slovakia

ZSSK, the primary passenger railway operator in , employs control cars in push-pull configurations to facilitate efficient regional and services across its network, which spans approximately 3,622 km of track. These vehicles enable locomotives to operate from either end of the train, reducing turnaround times at terminals and enhancing capacity on busy routes. Due to the shared railway heritage with the following the 1993 , some ZSSK control cars are compatible with Czech for cross-border operations, such as on lines connecting to . A key development in ZSSK's adoption of control cars occurred in the early , with the introduction of modern double-deck push-pull trainsets. In 2009, ZSSK contracted for 10 three-car sets, each comprising a double-deck driving trailer (control car) and two intermediate cars, designed for a maximum speed of 160 km/h on electrified lines equipped with the (ETCS). These sets provide 362 fixed seats in a single class, accommodation for 352 standees, air-conditioning, retention toilets, CCTV surveillance, and electronic passenger information systems, primarily serving the –Nové Mesto nad Váhom– corridor for regional and fast services. ZSSK's fleet also includes driving trailers adapted for diesel locomotives, such as the , which are rebuilt from older and used in non-electrified regional operations around and other areas. These configurations support push-pull running on lines like those in the western part of the country, where is limited. Additionally, ZSSK has planned the acquisition of nine push-pull sets for routes including and Margecany–Fiľakovo, further expanding control car usage in diesel-dominated regional services. Private operator integrates control cars into its Slovak operations, enhancing connectivity on key regional lines. Since 2019, has deployed two five-car double-deck push-pull trains, each with a control car at one end, hauled by ER20 diesel locomotives and leased double-deck coaches from . These operate at up to 160 km/h on the line, offering high-capacity regional transport with modern amenities to complement ZSSK's services.

Sweden

In Sweden, the adoption of control cars began in the 1960s alongside the growth of commuter rail services in the Stockholm region, operated primarily by SJ (Statens Järnvägar), the national railway company. The electrification of key lines and the introduction of Rc-class electric locomotives in 1967 facilitated early push-pull configurations, improving efficiency for frequent urban and suburban runs by allowing trains to reverse direction without repositioning the locomotive. Key types of control cars in include driving trailers integrated into the X2000 tilting trainsets, which enable high-speed operations on winding tracks through active tilt technology. These trailers, positioned at the opposite end from the power car, support push-pull mode and were first deployed in regular service in 1990, with ordering 20 initial sets. Complementing this are dedicated control cars like the AFM7 series, built in 1988 by modifying 1980s passenger coaches with Rc locomotive cabs for use with Rc locomotives in push-pull formations on non-tilting services. SJ and regional operators maintain a fleet of more than 100 control cars and driving trailers, drawn from X2000 sets (with approximately 40 driving trailers across 36 active trainsets) and other push-pull compatible vehicles, serving Sweden's 12,000 km rail network. This fleet supports diverse passenger demands, from daily commutes to long-haul routes. These vehicles are notably used in SJ's night train services to , such as the route, which spans over 1,500 km and operates in push-pull to expedite turnarounds at remote stations. Capable of reaching 200 km/h on upgraded sections, the trains provide seating, couchettes, and sleeping accommodations for overnight travel. For operations north of , control cars incorporate specialized adaptations like enhanced insulation, electric heating for couplers and brakes, and corrosion-resistant components to endure temperatures below -40°C and heavy snowfall.

Switzerland

The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) introduced control cars in the late 1950s as part of the Einheitswagen I series, enabling push-pull operations to improve efficiency in suburban and regional services that formed the basis for modern S-Bahn networks like those in Zurich and Basel. These early driving trailers, such as the BDt types paired with Re 4/4 locomotives, allowed bidirectional running without relocating the locomotive, reducing turnaround times at terminals and enhancing frequency on dense urban routes. By the 1960s, over 100 such units were in service, supporting the expansion of commuter rail amid Switzerland's post-war economic growth. Contemporary SBB control cars include integrated control units in the RABe series of regional multiple units, particularly the double-deck RABe 511 and RABe 512 built by Stadler Rail for S-Bahn and InterRegio services. These units feature cab ends for flexible push-pull configurations in urban environments, accommodating high passenger volumes with capacities exceeding 400 seats per four- or six-car set. The Giruno (RABe 501), also from Stadler, incorporates high-speed cabs rated for 250 km/h operations, with a low-floor design and modular interiors optimized for long-distance comfort; its 11-car formation seats 405 passengers and supports double-traction for up to 810. These control elements prioritize accessibility, with step-free entry from 550 mm platforms standard in Switzerland. SBB maintains a fleet of more than 360 control cars across various classes, with Stadler constructing a significant portion of recent additions, including 93 RABe 511 units since 2012 and 60 RABe 512 since 2023. These vehicles operate on major corridors like to , where push-pull trains with Bt EuroCity control cars hauled by Re 460 locomotives provide hourly links covering 280 km in under three hours. In trans-Alpine services, control cars enhance tunnel safety through features like pressure-sealed cabins and fire-resistant materials compliant with stringent European standards for long bored tunnels. These control cars often incorporate tilting technology to navigate mountainous terrain efficiently. In the 2020s, SBB integrated control cars with the , the world's longest railway tunnel at 57 km, using the Giruno fleet of 41 units (with deliveries ongoing through ) specifically engineered for the tunnel's restricted and aerodynamic requirements. The Giruno's lowered roof profile and automatic adjustment ensure safe passage at up to 250 km/h while minimizing pressure waves, supporting daily services from to via the tunnel since 2019. This integration has boosted north-south capacity by 30%, handling over 20,000 passengers daily with enhanced evacuation systems and real-time monitoring for operational resilience.

United Kingdom

In the , control cars, commonly referred to as Driving Van Trailers (DVTs), facilitate push-pull operations for loco-hauled trains, allowing the locomotive to remain at one end while the train is driven from the opposite cab-equipped trailer, thereby avoiding time-consuming shunting at terminals. The origins of such s trace back to the 1950s, when standardized (MU) controls using a 27-way introduced in 1951, enabling synchronized operation of locomotives from trailing positions as a precursor to modern push-pull configurations. Early experiments in high-speed push-pull occurred in 1964–1965 on the Southern Region, where Class 73 electro-diesel locomotives achieved 100 mph (161 km/h) speeds with modified trailer controls between Ashford and . By the late 1980s, purpose-built Mark 3 DVTs were developed and produced by (BREL) at , entering service to support services with improved reliability and accommodation integrated into the design. The DVTs, totaling 52 units built between 1988 and 1990, feature a driving cab at one end, luggage space, and guard's compartment, designed for at up to 125 mph (201 km/h) with locomotives such as Class 47 diesels or Class 90 electrics. These vehicles evolved from earlier (DBSO) trailers introduced in the 1970s for the Southern Region's 4-REP services on routes like Waterloo to , where push-pull formations with 4-TC trailer composites began full operations in 1967. For high-speed applications, Mark 4 DVTs—32 units constructed by at from 1989 to 1992—were specifically engineered for the sets on the electrified (ECML), supporting speeds up to 140 mph (225 km/h) in service, though limited to 125 mph routinely. These DVTs include advanced through-cabling for time-division multiplex (TDM) control, allowing remote without physical reconfiguration. The fleet comprises over 80 active DVT units, primarily and Mark 4 variants, deployed by operators such as () on ECML intercity routes from London King's Cross to and , and by for services from London Marylebone to . (GWR) has utilized formations in heritage and charter push-pull configurations, though its core intercity fleet shifted post-2010 toward bi-mode Class 80x units following . Operations emphasize efficiency in no-shunt terminals, with examples including LNER's Azuma bi-mode sets occasionally supplemented by loco-hauled DVT workings during peak demand. The Tilt Authorisation and Speed Supervision () system, overlaid on existing signaling since the , provides automatic speed supervision for compatible tilting services but integrates with push-pull controls to ensure safe operation on curved, electrified routes like the ECML, preventing overspeeding via trackside balises and onboard supervision.

Usage in Oceania

Australia

Driving trailer cars, unpowered passenger vehicles with integrated driving cabs, were incorporated into ' electric multiple unit (EMU) fleet starting in the 1970s as part of double-deck train expansions to address overcrowding on Sydney's suburban and routes. These configurations enabled bidirectional operation without the need for locomotive runarounds, supporting efficient turnarounds in the all-EMU network. The C sets, built by A Goninan & Co. between 1986 and 1987, included driving trailer cars in 4- or 8-car formations for services, marking early use of such cars in double-deck EMUs. In , driving trailer cars form key components of double-deck EMU sets like the Waratah Series 2 (A and B sets), delivered from 2018 onward, with cabs integrated into unpowered end cars connected via multiple-unit cabling to motor cars for bidirectional suburban and intercity operations on the network. These 8-car sets, each with two driving trailer cars, support high-frequency services on lines including the T1 North Shore and T2 Inner West. In , the 3000/3100-class diesel multiple units (DMUs), built between 1987 and 1990, consist of powered cars with driving cabs (eight bi-cab 3000-class and twelve single-cab 3100-class) paired with unpowered trailer cars lacking cabs, allowing flexible 1- or 2-car configurations for urban and regional services on the network. As of 2025, the fleet of 44 vehicles (including 24 trailers) has been refurbished to battery-hybrid propulsion for reduced emissions, supporting runs to destinations like Mount Barker and Gawler on the state's 1600 mm broad gauge lines. As of 2025, operates dozens of driving trailer cars in double-deck sets, contributing to a national fleet exceeding 100 such vehicles when including DMU trailers, though strict locomotive-hauled control cars are limited. Operations emphasize efficiency on Sydney's suburban lines, with recent enhancements including contactless readers installed in cabs and interiors since 2017 for fare validation. Broad compatibility remains key in for integration with legacy infrastructure.

New Zealand

In , driving trailer cars (control cars) have supported push-pull operations in locomotive-hauled passenger services since the mid-20th century, with utilizing them for regional and long-distance routes as of 2025. Early experiments in integrated locomotive-trailer operations occurred in the , evolving into modern configurations. A revival in the early 2000s involved converting imported carriages into push-pull sets at Hillside Workshops in , allowing locomotives to operate from either end. KiwiRail's driving trailers primarily serve loco-hauled services, such as the SD class vehicles featuring cab controls, generators, and passenger accommodations, enabling a single or DFB class diesel locomotive to push or pull the train and reduce turnaround times. These were initially developed for Auckland's suburban network before relocation to regional duties. Wellington's commuter services use electric multiple units without dedicated driving trailers for push-pull. Following the , control cars received seismic resilience upgrades, including structural reinforcements. The fleet includes approximately 20-30 driving trailers across configurations, supporting KiwiRail's passenger operations. These units operate on key routes such as the service between and , utilizing refurbished driving trailers in push-pull formation with DFB locomotives. Similarly, the Capital Connection commuter train from to employs push-pull sets with SD-class driving trailers and a , providing links along the .

Usage in Asia

India

Indian Railways began adopting control cars, primarily in the form of driving trailer coaches, during the to enhance efficiency in its dense suburban networks, particularly for Mumbai's local services. These vehicles, which allow train operation from the trailing end without requiring locomotive repositioning, were integrated into (EMU) and mainline (MEMU) sets as part of modernization efforts. The (RDSO) issued specifications in 2010 outlining basic MEMU units with one driving motor coach and three trailer coaches, enabling flexible formations that include driving trailers for bidirectional control. In Mumbai's suburban EMUs, 12-car rakes typically incorporate two driving trailer vehicles alongside motor and trailer cars to support high-frequency operations. Control cars in encompass driving trailers for sets, which operate on 25 kV AC with top speeds up to 105 km/h, and Linke-Hofmann-Busch (LHB) push-pull configurations for longer intercity routes. driving trailers facilitate short- and medium-distance services, with each basic four-car unit featuring a cab-equipped trailer for , while LHB push-pull trains use end control cars coupled to locomotives for accelerated starts and stops. The LHB variants, introduced progressively from the late , employ control couplers on end walls to enable operation from either direction, improving turnaround times on busy corridors. The fleet of control cars has grown significantly, exceeding 200 units across / and LHB formations by the mid-2020s, driven by production ramps at coach factories. As of 2025, plans to procure 50 additional Amrit Bharat push-pull trains, further expanding the fleet. These are deployed on key routes like -Pune, where push-pull trains achieve maximum speeds of 130 km/h, reducing travel times to under 2 hours 40 minutes through faster and no need for swaps. Operations emphasize high throughput, with suburban running over 3,000 services daily using driving trailers to maintain schedules in peak hours. Challenges in deploying control cars center on adaptations for severe in suburban networks like , where daily ridership exceeds 7 million. Driving trailers in EMUs have been modified to include additional standing space and reinforced doors to handle crush loads, while push-pull LHB designs incorporate wider aisles and non-slip flooring for safer movement during surges. These adaptations prioritize capacity enhancement without compromising cab functionality, though integration with legacy infrastructure remains ongoing to boost frequency and alleviate platform congestion.

Israel

Israel Railways introduced double-deck control cars in the early 2000s to accommodate surging passenger demand on its commuter and lines serving the metropolitan area along the Mediterranean coast. Initial deliveries of double-deck coaches, including control cars, from occurred between 2002 and 2006, totaling 143 first-generation vehicles manufactured at facilities in and assembled locally in , marking a significant upgrade to the fleet's capacity with bilevel designs offering up to 50% more seating than single-level cars. These vehicles were specifically tailored for high-frequency services on the densely populated coastal corridor, enhancing efficiency on routes like to and . By 2019, the total double-deck fleet had reached 586 coaches. The control cars are equipped with driving cabs to enable push-pull operations, where the locomotive hauls the consist in one direction and the cab car leads in the reverse, eliminating the need for time-consuming turnarounds at terminals. They pair with a mix of diesel and electric locomotives, including JT42BW diesel units for non-electrified sections and Bombardier TRAXX electric locomotives on upgraded lines, forming flexible eight-car trainsets with capacities exceeding 800 passengers. Subsequent orders from Bombardier, such as the 2018 batch of 54 coaches including 11 control cars and the 2019 addition of another 74 with 11 more cab units, have expanded the fleet while maintaining compatibility across propulsion types. In operations, these control cars support key Mediterranean-focused services, including frequent commuter runs from northward to at speeds up to 140 km/h, as well as intercity extensions. On the electrified A1 line, they facilitate high-speed services between and , covering 58 km in approximately 28 minutes at maximum speeds of 160 km/h, utilizing advanced signaling and to handle peak-hour volumes of over 20,000 daily passengers on this corridor. The design emphasizes passenger comfort with wide gangways, , and features, while adhering to Israel's rigorous safety protocols for .

Japan

In , the adoption of control cars within the Japan Railways (JR) Group accelerated during the 1990s, particularly for enhancing operations on scenic and regional lines following the privatization of in 1987. This period saw the integration of control cars to support efficient push-pull configurations, allowing locomotives to operate from either end of a train without repositioning, which was especially beneficial for tourist-oriented services on picturesque routes. For instance, the establishment of the in 1990 as a JR West subsidiary emphasized preserved heritage lines with adapted , incorporating control features to maintain scenic appeal while improving turnaround times. Control cars in JR systems primarily take the form of driving trailers paired with diesel multiple units (DMUs) like the KiHa series, where non-powered cab-equipped trailers enable flexible formations on non-electrified lines. In high-speed contexts, sets feature dedicated end control cars designed for operational speeds up to 300 km/h, as seen in series such as the N700A, which prioritize aerodynamic efficiency and advanced signaling integration. These trailers house driver's cabs with direct communication to powered cars, supporting bi-directional travel without additional locomotives. The JR Group's fleet includes hundreds of control cars deployed across conventional and high-speed networks. Operations leverage these cars for tourist services offering passengers unobstructed views, while in urban electric multiple units (EMUs), they enable rapid acceleration and frequent stops on commuter routes like the Tokaido Main Line. A distinctive feature of Japanese control cars, especially in Shinkansen fleets, is the integration of earthquake early detection systems. These incorporate seismometers and the Urgent Earthquake Detection and Alarm System (UrEDAS), which trigger automatic emergency braking within seconds of sensing P-waves from seismic events, often stopping trains before destructive S-waves arrive. This technology, refined since the 1990s, has prevented derailments in major quakes, including the 2011 Tohoku event, underscoring JR's emphasis on seismic resilience.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Railways introduced control cars, primarily in the form of driving trailer cars (DTCs), during the late 2010s to improve efficiency on suburban commuter services around . These units were integrated into Diesel-Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) train sets supplied by India's (ICF) starting in 2018, addressing growing demand on urban routes amid the legacy of colonial rail infrastructure established in the . The primary types include DTCs designed for DEMU operations, such as those in the Class S13, where each 13-car rake features two driving power cars (DPCs) with economy seating, two DTCs with economy seating, two DTCs with air-conditioned seating, alongside intermediate coaches for varied classes. These configurations support push-pull functionality on main lines, allowing the to be controlled from either end without relocating the , which optimizes turnaround times for frequent Colombo-area services. The fleet consists of 24 DTC units across six S13 DEMU rakes, dedicated to commuter operations including the Kelani Valley Line, a 59 km route from Maradana in to . These trains operate at maximum speeds of 100 km/h, facilitating reliable service in a tropical environment prone to heavy rainfall. To endure monsoonal conditions, the DTCs incorporate anti-corrosive bodies and specialized coatings for and exposure, ensuring durability in Sri Lanka's coastal and wet climate.

References

  1. [1]
    [PDF] railway freight and passenger train brake inspection and safety rules
    Sep 29, 2023 · “cab control car” means a railway vehicle without propelling motors with one or more control stands. “calibrated” means an indication on the ...
  2. [2]
    [PDF] RAILWAY FREIGHT AND PASSENGER TRAIN BRAKE ...
    Nov 17, 2017 · 3.10 “cab control car” means a railway vehicle without propelling motors with one or more control stands. 3.11 “calibrated” means an ...
  3. [3]
    [PDF] Train Communication Networks - Status and Prospect
    Oct 9, 2019 · A conventional pas- senger train consists of a locomotive at one end, often a control car with cab at the other end of the train and multiple ...
  4. [4]
    German Railcars and Multiple Units from 1920 to 1945 - loco-info.com
    Each quarter train consisted of one motor car and one control car. Later, the control cars were replaced by trailers and all existing control cars were ...
  5. [5]
    Explained: Railways' Push-Pull Technology In Amrit Bharat Train
    Dec 28, 2023 · The locomotive can move to the other end, and the control car becomes the leading or "pushing" element. Efficiency and Time-saving: This setup ...
  6. [6]
    Indian Railways receives award for innovative 'push pull operation ...
    Dec 1, 2020 · The key benefits of push pull operation are reduction in train journey time due to improved acceleration. Also, the process of shunting the ...
  7. [7]
    [PDF] Commuter rail syst - Caltrain
    Cab Car – A passenger car equipped with train controls for an engineer. Generally used at one end of a push-pull train with the power for the train provided ...
  8. [8]
    Full length ComfortJet trains enter service | News - Railway Gazette
    May 5, 2025 · National operator České Dráhy has put into service the first full rakes of ComfortJet coaches, adding the missing driving trailer and restaurant cars.
  9. [9]
    DB unveils details of ECx Talgos | News - Railway Gazette
    Mar 14, 2019 · Described as a mix blending features from ICE and IC trains, each ECx set of 17 Talgo cars including a driving trailer will be matched with ...
  10. [10]
    Amtrak NPCU 'Cabbage' locomotives - Trains Magazine
    Nov 4, 2024 · While officially called NPCUs (Non-Powered Control Unit) by Amtrak, these earned the nickname “cabbage car” for its dual-use cab car/baggage car ...Missing: variants synonyms trailer
  11. [11]
    [PDF] Compendium of Definitions and Acronyms for Rail Systems
    Jun 20, 2019 · The Compendium of Definitions and Acronyms for Rail Systems reflects common terminology used in the rail industry by rail operating and planning ...
  12. [12]
    First ComfortJet on test | News | Railway Gazette International
    Sep 27, 2023 · ... driving trailer and restaurant cars to sets which had until now been operating in short formation. In April 2021 ČD awarded a ... CD ...
  13. [13]
    Louisville & Nashville 314 - Illinois Railway Museum
    It was later sold to the Long Island Railroad in New York, which rebuilt it as a “cab car” for use on double-ended (“push-pull”) commuter trains. It is the ...
  14. [14]
    Coaches and Passanger traffic - Wye Valley Greenway
    The GWR autocoach, sometimes called an autotrailer, was used by the Great Western Railway for push-pull trains powered by a steam locomotive. The autocoach ...
  15. [15]
    [PDF] Railway Technical Web Pages Push-Pull Trains in Britain
    Sep 12, 2011 · Push-pull trains have unpowered sets with a propulsive unit at one end, controlled by multiple unit equipment. Historically, a locomotive was ...<|separator|>
  16. [16]
    Inox et Grand Confort. French TEE carriages and posters around 1970
    Mar 26, 2020 · Industrial designer Paul Arzens (1903-1990) created aerodynamically shaped experimental cars in the 1930s. From 1947 onwards he worked for the ...<|separator|>
  17. [17]
  18. [18]
    Electric Locomotives of the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB)
    The SBB introduced the Ae 3/5 built by the SLM from 1922 onwards. Since the electrical part came from SAAS, it was nicknamed “little Sécheron”.
  19. [19]
    C&NW Gallery Cars - Illinois Railway Museum
    The push-pull operating concept, made possible by the cab car design pioneered by our C&NW 151, proved so successful that all locomotive-hauled commuter rail ...
  20. [20]
    [PDF] the safety of push-pull - Federal Railroad Administration
    Jun 1, 2006 · Control cables run the length of the train, as do ... train control (PTC) systems and various improvements in highway-rail grade crossing.
  21. [21]
    [PDF] 831 PART 238—PASSENGER EQUIPMENT SAFETY STANDARDS
    Locomotive, cab car means rail rolling equipment intended to provide trans- portation for members of the general public that is without propelling mo- tors ...
  22. [22]
    [PDF] Train Drivers Cab design and ergonomic requirements
    Apr 3, 2024 · The construction and design of the train driving cab is one of the factors highly influencing the performance of the train driver in matters ...Missing: car | Show results with:car
  23. [23]
    [PDF] Design and Construction of Passenger Railroad Rolling Stock
    This standard contains structural and crashworthiness requirements for all types of passenger rail equipment, including locomotive-hauled, MU, and cab cars, to ...Missing: UIC | Show results with:UIC
  24. [24]
  25. [25]
  26. [26]
    US Locomotive MU Control | The Railway Technical Website
    MU control allows multiple locomotives to function as one, controlled from any unit, using air brakes and a 27-wire cable for other functions.
  27. [27]
    [PDF] 16. APTA PR-E-RP-017-99 Recommended Practice for 27-Point ...
    Mar 22, 2004 · Receptacles for a given function (MU, car control, etc.) should be provided on all four corners of the locomotive. Exception: The black MU ...
  28. [28]
    LOCOTROL® Distributed Power | Wabtec Corporation
    Rating 5.0 (1) LOCOTROL® Distributed Power (DP) is a control system enabling coordinated braking and traction between lead and remote locomotives, increasing hauling capacity.
  29. [29]
    Locomotive Crashworthiness - Federal Register
    Jun 28, 2006 · FRA is issuing comprehensive, minimum standards for locomotive crashworthiness. These crashworthiness standards are intended to help protect locomotive cab ...
  30. [30]
    News photo: Amtrak “Hippos” near return as cab cars - Trains
    Apr 14, 2025 · Amtrak began testing the depowered locomotives in a cab-car role in 2023 [see “News photo: Amtrak HHP8 tests …,” Trains News Wire, Dec. 3, 2023] ...
  31. [31]
    [PDF] Evaluation of Alternative Detection Technologies for Trains and ...
    System 2 was evaluated as an integrated train and vehicle detection system. This system used double wheel sensors for train detection. A low power laser and ...
  32. [32]
    Caltrain Fleet
    Passenger Cars ; 219. 1. Bi-level Cab (Bike). Bombardier. 2002 ; 220 - 230 (b). 9. Bi-level Trailer. Bombardier. 2002 ; 119 - 120. 2. Bi-level Cab (Bike).
  33. [33]
    None
    Summary of each segment:
  34. [34]
    About Metra
    1980: The bankruptcy judge initiated the liquidation of the railroad. The RTA eventually bought the commuter service. 1983: The RTA was reorganized and the ...
  35. [35]
    Metrolink train cars that derailed in Oxnard had flawed parts ...
    Dec 16, 2015 · According to Metrolink, two couplers on passenger cars and the cow-catcher of a cab car at the front of the train broke in the collision ...
  36. [36]
  37. [37]
    Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) | FRA
    Nov 12, 2024 · Which Cars Does A Railroad Operator Have To Make Available To Passengers With Disabilities · Accessibility Standards Applying To Passenger Rail ...Missing: North | Show results with:North
  38. [38]
    ADAAG for Transportation Vehicles - Access Board
    The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires access to new or remanufactured transportation vehicles, including buses and vans, rail cars, automated ...Missing: North | Show results with:North
  39. [39]
    Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines for ...
    Dec 14, 2016 · The revised guidelines ensure that such vehicles are readily accessible to, and usable by, individuals with disabilities. The U.S. Department of ...
  40. [40]
  41. [41]
    Rail Driver Cab Display Market Size, Share|Trends Report 2025
    The rail driver cab display market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.17 billion in 2024 to $1.28 billion in 2025 at a compound ...
  42. [42]
    Travel Sustainably | Amtrak
    Riding Amtrak is one of the most sustainable ways to travel. That's because it's 46% more energy-efficient than driving and 34% more than flying.
  43. [43]
    ÖBB bi-level push-pull train
    A train set includes 1 control car and 4 intermediate cars. The push-pull train can be either pulled or pushed by an ÖBB locomotive. The bi-level cars are ...Missing: Steuerwagen | Show results with:Steuerwagen
  44. [44]
    S-Bahn Vienna, Lower Austria & Burgenland - ÖBB
    Following the 5 underground lines in Vienna, the two S-Bahn lines now have their own colours on the traffic maps as well as a correspondingly colour-coded ...
  45. [45]
    ÖBB Cityshuttle push-pull train
    Maximum speed: 160 km/h · Number of seats: 124 (44 in the control car, 80 in the intermediate car) · Comfort categories: 2nd class · Bicycle spaces: 8 · On-board ...Missing: Steuerwagen | Show results with:Steuerwagen
  46. [46]
    ÖBB Railjet
    ### Summary of ÖBB Railjet
  47. [47]
    ÖBB Railjet high-speed trains – technology that moves
    Jan 30, 2017 · Railjet is the most modern high-speed train in ÖBB's fleet and connects the whole of Austria with Germany, Switzerland, Hungary and the Czech Republic.
  48. [48]
    Alstom upgrades up to 449 ÖBB vehicles with latest ETCS technology
    Jul 17, 2024 · The system improves train control by allowing trains to run at shorter intervals and increases safety by automatically braking trains if they ...
  49. [49]
    Siemens Mobility: a further 21 Desiro ML trains for ÖBB
    Aug 23, 2021 · Four-car Desiro ML trains for ÖBB with more than 290 seats offer enhanced passenger comfort · Approval for four-car version already received.
  50. [50]
    ETCS train control - ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG
    ÖBB-Infrastruktur is expanding the ETCS network to 3,700 kilometers of ETCS Level 2 in three implementation phases. Here you will find an overview of the ...
  51. [51]
    Soviet Railways series ЭР1, ЭР2 and ЭР9 - loco-info.com
    The series ЭР1, ЭР2 and ЭР9 (ER1, ER2 and ER9) denote electric multiple units for suburban traffic, of which over 10,000 cars were manufactured and which ...
  52. [52]
    More Flirts for Belarus | News | Railway Gazette International
    Jan 4, 2013 · Belarusian Railways signed a firm order for Stadler Bussnang to supply a further six Flirt electric multiple-units in 2013-14.
  53. [53]
    Belarus Railways receives Stadler inter-city EMU
    Dec 30, 2015 · STADLER Minsk has rolled out the first of two 1520mm-gauge EPm-001 inter-city EMUs for Belarus Railways (BC).
  54. [54]
    [PDF] Belarus Belarus Railway and Logistics Strategy
    BCh is the third largest railway system in Europe (excluding Russia) after the railways in. Ukraine and Germany in terms of the volume of freight transported.Missing: inventory trailers
  55. [55]
    The Belgian Class 11 was specifically meant for the push/pull-trains ...
    Jun 28, 2024 · The Belgian Class 11 was specifically meant for the push/pull-trains of the Amsterdam to Brussels intercity service. From 1985, a total of 12 ...Prototype locomotive **SNCB 2401** (Belgium, 3000V DC) leading ...Brussels Central station, yesterday. SNCB 2872 (E186 122) and ...More results from www.facebook.com
  56. [56]
    Control car - Wikipedia
    The length of train consists in push-pull operations was originally limited to 10 cars for reasons of guidance dynamics.
  57. [57]
    SNCB NMBS - M6 Series - TrainsDepot.org
    SNCB NMBS - M6 Series. Vehicle type: Double-decker passenger coach. A 16-72 / 16-92. Also known as: M6. UIC number(s): 50 88 16-72, 50 88 16-92 ...
  58. [58]
    Desiro Main Line Passenger Trains - Railway Technology
    Mar 18, 2013 · Desiro ML features modular interior design to meet different passenger capacities. Belgium announced an order for 305 Desiro ML trains in 2010.
  59. [59]
    Belgian Railways Class 08 - Wikipedia
    The AM/MS08 series is a three-part electric multiple unit of the Siemens type Desiro Main Line (Desiro ML), a so-called lightweight trainMissing: cars | Show results with:cars<|separator|>
  60. [60]
    Siemens Mobility wins contract to upgrade Belgian Railways fleet
    Dec 21, 2021 · NMBS/SNCB has awarded a contract to Siemens to retrofit 390 trains and steering cars with ETCS Level 2 solution.
  61. [61]
    NMBS/SNCB I11 coach - Wikipedia
    The I11 is a type of passenger car used since 1995 in the network of the Belgian railway company NMBS/SNCB for long distance (InterCity) trains.Missing: fleet size
  62. [62]
    Brussels S Train | SNCB-NMBS
    The Brussels S Train is the Brussels Suburban Regional Express Rail (RER) Service. In addition to the capital, it covers an area of approximately 30 km around ...Missing: push- pull
  63. [63]
    Belgium: A 10-year learning journey in ETCS deployment
    Sep 27, 2025 · The subsequent evolution to ETCS also had to be completed by the end of 2025, bringing a tremendous enhancement to the safety of our railway.
  64. [64]
    Siemens to retrofit SNCB fleet for ETCS Level 2 operation
    Dec 20, 2021 · The contract announced on December 20 covers 305 Siemens-built Desiro ML EMUs plus 64 Class M6 double-deck and 21 single-deck I11 driving cars ...Missing: control | Show results with:control
  65. [65]
    Train conductor's bilingual morning greeting raises hackles in Belgium
    Dec 19, 2024 · Ilyass Alba welcomed passengers onboard a rush-hour train in Dutch and French – flouting strict language rules.Missing: car | Show results with:car
  66. [66]
    Operational safety | SNCB-NMBS
    Since 2013, all operational traction units in the SNCB-NMBS fleet intended for domestic traffic are fitted with the automatic braking system TBL1+. This system ...Missing: size | Show results with:size
  67. [67]
    Belgian train fleet to receive ETCS Level 2 retrofit
    Jan 4, 2022 · Siemens Mobility has been awarded a contract by NMBS/SNCB, the Belgian National Railways, to retrofit 390 trains and steering cars with European Train Control ...Missing: size | Show results with:size
  68. [68]
    [PDF] Koncepce řídicích vozů je na tratích ČD ve své podstatě novým prvkem
    Vědeckotechnický sborník ČD č. 24/2007. 3. Řídící vozy na tratích ČD. Také na tratích ČD se v roce. 1996 objevily v pravidelném provozu první vratné soupravy ...
  69. [69]
    [PDF] SM 487.0, SM 488.0, EM 488.0
    Řídící vůz Ř 487.0. Řídící vůz umožňuje řízení elektrické motorové jednotky cestou ovládání hnacích agregátů motorového elektrického vozu. Jde o ...Missing: ČD Prague
  70. [70]
    Czech trains to be upgraded with €300 million EIB loan to national ...
    Oct 30, 2024 · České dráhy will use the loan to purchase 180 passenger coaches and 20 electric locomotives. The company will also retrofit 219 existing coaches ...<|separator|>
  71. [71]
    Rolling stock | Sundborg MJ - WordPress.com
    After the war the Danish state railways (DSB) decided to introduce control cars. From 1950 onward a total of 21 of the Class CR commuter cars were converted for ...
  72. [72]
    Denmark - Diesel locomotives and diesel multiple units of DSB
    This is how the same DSB ADns-e steering wagons used to look like originally. Built in the seventies and rebuilt several times since, these coaches offered both ...
  73. [73]
    Pictures of DSB rolling stock
    Description: DSB class ABs cab-control coach (Styrevogn) 7907 emerges from Copenhagen Central Station. Double-deck coach built by Bombardier in 2002. The train ...
  74. [74]
    Denmark to purchase leased double-deck coaches
    Apr 3, 2014 · Danish State Railways (DSB) has been granted permission to purchase 67 Bombardier double-deck coaches, which it has leased from Luxembourg-based Ascendos since ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  75. [75]
    Denmark receives the first Talgo train operating at high speeds
    Jan 29, 2024 · The second phase of testing is expected to include tests with a non-motor coach with a control cab to enable push-pull operation. With a ...
  76. [76]
    DSB adds 50 more IC5 trains to order from Alstom - RAILMARKET.com
    Jul 1, 2025 · 2023: DSB expanded its Talgo EuroCity order by 8 additional carriages and 16 control cars. IC5 design was finalized, and production began ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  77. [77]
    Finland's VR tenders ETCS upgrade for up to a third of its fleet, but ...
    Apr 9, 2025 · Finland's state-owned operator VR has launched a tender to upgrade around a third of its applicable fleet to the European Train Control System.
  78. [78]
    VR's new steering cars to be tested | VR Group
    Apr 16, 2013 · VR's new steering cars will start tests at the end of April. The cars will start services next summer. The purpose of purchasing new rolling ...
  79. [79]
    In 1979, people knew that disco would never die. So VR, the Finnish ...
    Oct 24, 2021 · In 1979, people knew that disco would never die. So VR, the Finnish national railway company, built one-of-a-kind car, class Eikd, number 22348.
  80. [80]
    "Makuuvaunut" And Other VR News (2) - Railvolution
    Feb 22, 2023 · The Eds cars have additionaly compartments for families with children and part of the lower deck is adapted for disabled passengers, Class Edfs ...Missing: control | Show results with:control
  81. [81]
    Finland Pendolino Tilting Trains - Railway Technology
    Feb 9, 1999 · Finnish freight and passenger train services are the responsibility of VR or VR Group (VR-Yhtymä), a state-owned company. The project. The ...
  82. [82]
    France: Regions refine their rolling stock strategies - Railway Gazette
    May 6, 2025 · Several of these are nearing the end of their life, including push-pull Corail trainsets powered by BB 22200 locomotives dating from the 1970s.
  83. [83]
    How Corail coaches revolutionized SNCF
    Aug 26, 2025 · Fifty years ago, the 1ˢᵗ Corail coaches were unveiled, disrupting train travel thanks to their design, comfort and speed.Missing: control 1980s push- pull
  84. [84]
    Dernières missions pour les VB 2N - Rail Passion
    Jan 19, 2024 · Les VB 2N ont sillonné le réseau Transilien pendant une cinquantaine d'années. Aujourd'hui, seules 17 rames de six caisses sont encore en ...
  85. [85]
  86. [86]
    SNCF launches OUIGO Classic trains on historical tracks
    Apr 12, 2022 · The trains offer low-cost tickets to destinations on the Lyon-Paris-Nantes arch using refurbished rolling stock on some of France's most historical tracks.
  87. [87]
    SNCF guilty of involuntary homicide for 2015 accident that killed 11
    Oct 13, 2024 · French train company SNCF has been found guilty of 'involuntary homicide and injuries', and fined €400,000, for its role in a high-speed ...
  88. [88]
    DVD - Wendezug-Steuerwagen | online kaufen - EK Shop
    Die ersten Steuerwagen in Deutschland fuhren ab 1936 bei der Lübeck-Büchener-Eisenbahn, geschoben von einer kleinen Stromlinien-Dampflok ...
  89. [89]
    Steuerwagen - BahnStatistik.de
    Steuerwagen Deutsche Bahnen: DB – DR – DBAG. Fernverkehr, Regionalverkehr, S-Bahnverkehr, Messwagen. Steuerwagen für den Fernverkehr. Bauart 1168 Apmbzf ...Missing: DABpbz | Show results with:DABpbz
  90. [90]
    767 DABpbzfa - Deutsche-Reisezugwagen.de
    Jun 12, 2017 · DABpbzfa 767.2 ; Drehgestellbauart: Görlitz VIII ; Leergewicht: 53 t ; Höchstgeschwindigkeit: 160 km/h ; Sitzplätze erster/zweiter Klasse: 5/77 (S- ...Missing: DABpbz | Show results with:DABpbz
  91. [91]
    Siemens ICE 4 High Speed Train - Railway Technology
    Dec 21, 2018 · The 12-car unit has the capacity to accommodate 830 passengers and can run at a speed of 250km/h on DB's rail network. Interiors of ICE 4 train.
  92. [92]
    Largest order: Siemens is building ICE 4 trains for Deutsche Bahn
    All in all, DB will be receiving 1,511 cars with which it can configure 50 12-car, 50 13-car and 37 7-car trainsets. DB will keep two end cars in reserve.
  93. [93]
    Bombardier receives order as Siemens' partner and supplier
    Oct 4, 2018 · Bombardier's supply share is around one third of Deutsche Bahn's order of 18 7-car trains and 50 rail cars.
  94. [94]
    Vehicle Fleet – Our Trains - S-Bahn Berlin
    Anything you need to know about our train fleet's technical details, from the 480, 481, and 485 series to the new 483/484 series.
  95. [95]
    Learning lessons from tilting trains | News - Railway Gazette
    Apr 1, 2004 · DB's fleet of electric tilting trains for long-distance routes consists of 32 seven-car ET411 and 11 five-car ET415 trainsets. Another 28 ET411 ...
  96. [96]
    Nokia deploys world's first 1900 MHz 5G radio network on Deutsche ...
    Sep 15, 2025 · The contract extends Deutsche Bahn's ongoing test trials with Nokia's 5G SA core and 3700 MHz (n78) radio network, while upgrading to a new ...
  97. [97]
    MÁV / Hungarian State Railways — Trainspo
    flag MÁV DGKUm. Control cars. BDt, Bombardier, Ganz–MÁVAG, 1962−1970 (56), 1435. flag MÁV BDt · Bmxt 21-05, Ganz, Ganz–MÁVAG, 1988−1990 (20), 1435. flag MÁV ...
  98. [98]
    Hungarian Electric Locomotives - loco-info.com
    29 examples were built, which were used together with the three V60s on the Budapest-Hegyeshalom line. Since the V40s, with their high power, were also suitable ...
  99. [99]
    Hungarian MÁV-START signs contract for 21 FLIRT EMUs
    Jul 20, 2015 · FLIRT EMUs provide a seating capacity of 211, are equipped with passenger information systems, air conditioning, multifunctional areas for the ...Missing: cars | Show results with:cars
  100. [100]
    MÁV FLIRT: 300 million kilometers completed, 250 ... - Stadler Rail
    Jul 22, 2025 · Stadler FLIRT's fleet of 123 units has completed more than 300 million kilometers for MÁV. The fleet, which is only a third of its lifetime, ...Missing: control | Show results with:control
  101. [101]
    MÁV Start unveils its first FLIRT in Hungary - Railway Technology
    Mar 20, 2014 · MÁV Start received first two FLIRTs from Swiss locomotives manufacturer Stadler Rail, as part of a €267m contract signed in March 2013. Go ...Missing: control | Show results with:control
  102. [102]
    Here's how MÁV would improve its services in Hungary in the future
    Oct 6, 2024 · An EUR 10 billion investment is planned over the next decade to modernise outdated rail lines, upgrade rolling stock, and restructure MÁV.
  103. [103]
    Alstom has successfully equipped 59 electric trains with its proven ...
    Jan 25, 2024 · Alstom's digital control solution will allow MÁV-START's Flirt electric trains to travel safer and faster with a train control system that meets ...Missing: car | Show results with:car
  104. [104]
    TMH Hungary to modernise fleet of MÁV-Start - Railway Technology
    Aug 4, 2020 · TMH Hungary has received a contract from MÁV-Start, the passenger unit of Hungarian State Railways (MÁV), for the modernisation and maintenance of 403 cars.Missing: control | Show results with:control
  105. [105]
    Push—Pull Trains for Iarnrod Eireann — Irish Rail - R P Grainger ...
    This paper describes how Iarnrod Eireann modernized its mainline fleet by the introduction of new passenger rolling stock incorporating push–pull vehicles.
  106. [106]
    Iarnród Éireann InterCity Fleet Information - Irish Rail
    22000 Class InterCity Railcar (ICR) · 3 Car Set (3ICR), 28 ; Mark IV · Generating Control Car, 8 ; De Dietrich (Enterprise) · Driving Control Car, 4 ...
  107. [107]
    Iarnród Éireann DART Fleet Information - Irish Rail
    Iarnród Éireann DART Fleet Information. 85XX Class EMU (Electrical Multiple Unit) ... 8500 Series: 4 Car Set, 4, 160, 2000. DART services operate between ...Missing: trailer | Show results with:trailer<|control11|><|separator|>
  108. [108]
    Prontuario delle carrozze FS - Stagniweb
    Alcune unità da 180 km/h negli anni '70 (filetto rosso alla base della cassa); alcune unità da 200 km/h nel 1987 (primi IC cadenzati Milano-Roma in sostituzione ...Missing: storia | Show results with:storia
  109. [109]
    ETR 500 High-Speed Trains - Railway Technology
    Jul 31, 2012 · ETR 500 is a high-speed electric multiple unit, which has been in operation in Italy since 1993. It is manufactured by TREno Veloce Italiano (TREVI).Missing: Pendolino | Show results with:Pendolino
  110. [110]
    Alstom and Italian railways FS celebrate the 25th anniversary of ...
    Oct 3, 2013 · On this special occasion, two Pendolino models were presented; the ETR 401, the first prototype produced in 1974 at Alstom's Savigliano factory ...
  111. [111]
    [PDF] A Short History of High-Speed Rail Development in Italy - FS Italiane
    Jul 9, 2024 · Following the realization of the Italian High-Speed network, some new features were set up in addition to the simple transport service:.Missing: control cabs
  112. [112]
    [PDF] Hitachi Rail awarded contract by Trenitalia for the integrated logistic ...
    Mar 10, 2021 · The ETR 500 trains, commercially renamed as Frecciarossa in 2008, can travel up to a maximum speed of 300 km/h on the Italian high-speed lines.
  113. [113]
    The Dutch Railways at Railfaneurope.net
    Introduced: 1980-1982, 1986-1988. Maximum speed: 160km/h. Length: 26.400m ... In practice the coaches are used in long (10/11/12-car) push-pull sets. In ...
  114. [114]
    Dutch Railway's ViRM fleet to be retrofit with ETCS technology
    Sep 15, 2022 · 176 ViRM double deck rail vehicles will be retrofitted with the latest ETCS onboard technology for Dutch Railways.
  115. [115]
    PKP Intercity chce mieć swoje push-pulle - Rynek Kolejowy
    Aug 13, 2025 · PKP Intercity wciąż celuje w zakup wagonów sterowniczych, które stworzą składy push-pull z nowymi wagonami z FPS H. Cegielski oraz lokomotywami ...
  116. [116]
    “The Pendolino effect”: Alstom's high-speed train rides the wave of ...
    Jul 3, 2025 · The Pendolino depot in Warsaw was built from scratch because there wasn't a facility in Poland to cater to high-speed trains. PKP (Polish Rail) ...Missing: cabs | Show results with:cabs
  117. [117]
    Pendolino Trains in Poland | Comfort and Value for Money
    Pendolino trains offer comfortable travel with adjustable seats, individual lights, and electrical sockets. They provide good value, though seats are a bit ...
  118. [118]
    PKP Intercity boosts seaside travel with 200 km/h trains - RailTech.com
    Jul 28, 2025 · The Polish railway operator is also preparing for summer travel peaks. On the last Friday of July, PKP Intercity will run a double Pendolino ...Missing: control cabs
  119. [119]
    EU Rail Industry Meets in Poland, Urges Investment ... - UNIFE
    Jun 12, 2025 · Poland's 2024 National Implementation Plan outlines a strategic rollout of the ERTMS/ETCS system, aiming to equip approximately 9,800 km of rail ...
  120. [120]
    First ETCS system compatibility laboratory tests carried out in Poland
    Mar 15, 2024 · Alstom has conducted the first ETCS System Compatibility (ESC) tests in Poland on a Traxx locomotive equipped with ETCS on-board system.<|control11|><|separator|>
  121. [121]
    Skoda wins Slovak push-pull orders | News - Railway Gazette
    Aug 12, 2009 · SLOVAKIA: National operator ZSSK has awarded Skoda Transportation the first export order for the 109E locomotive design which was unveiled ...Missing: control | Show results with:control
  122. [122]
    The Slovak national carrier is renewing its fleet for passengers
    Jan 11, 2021 · ZSSK also plans to purchase a total of nine push-pull diesel sets. These should run between Zvolen and Žilina and also Margecany, Fiľakovo, and ...
  123. [123]
    RegioJet to use double-decker trains on regional line in Slovakia
    May 22, 2019 · Since 2 September RegioJet will start to operate two five-car double-decker trains on the Bratislava - Dunajská Streda - Komárno regional ...
  124. [124]
    History of Railways in Sweden (4b) - Swedish History - Hans Högman
    Mar 18, 2021 · The Swedish State Railways (SJ) began testing locomotives powered by electricity in 1905 on the Värtan Line (Swe: Värtabanan) in Stockholm. In ...
  125. [125]
    X2000 Tilting Trains operated by Swedish State Railways (SJ ...
    Nov 3, 1998 · Each unit can be made up of up to 16 intermediate vehicles with a maximum capacity of 1,600 passengers, but a typical train will only have five ...
  126. [126]
    Sittvagn AFM7 - Vagnguide - järnväg.net
    Rating 3.8 (13) Antal sittplatser: 41; Tillverkare: Kalmar Verkstads AB; Byggår: 1988; Byggt antal: 3; Ursprunglig nummerserie: 5543-5545; Tillhör: SJ AB. Egenskaper. Wifi ...
  127. [127]
    SJ Class X2000 Modernisation progress - Railvolution
    Feb 23, 2023 · The upgrade will cover a total of 228 intermediate cars and driving trailers as the 42 power cars. The difference between the number of 36 ...
  128. [128]
  129. [129]
    Travel with SJ Night train and wake up at your destination energised ...
    SJ operates night trains from Narvik in the north to Malmö in the south. Travel in a sleeping compartment, couchette or seating compartment.Food on SJ Night train · Sleeping compartment 2 class · Couchette 2 class
  130. [130]
    Schweiz - SBB Reisezugwagen Gepäckwagen - heinrich-hanke.de
    1955 wurden insgesamt fünf Steuerwagen zur Führung von Re 4/4 (I): drei Ft4 991-993 (Dt 50 85 92-33 900-902) und zwei FZt4 994 und 995 (DZt 50 85 91-33 900-901) ...
  131. [131]
    Electric high-speed multiple unit SMILE for SBB - Stadler Rail
    The multiple units, which SBB has named «Giruno», will travel through the Gotthard Base Tunnel as of 2019, connecting Zurich with Milan, and later Frankfurt ...
  132. [132]
    SBB orders more Giruno high-speed trains
    Feb 14, 2024 · November 3, 2025 | Fleet. SBB orders more Giruno high-speed trains ... The order will expand SBB's Giruno fleet to 41. Photo Credit: SBB.Missing: size | Show results with:size
  133. [133]
    Rolling stock - SBB Facts and Figures
    Multiple units, freight wagons or special infrastructure vehicles – the rolling stock owned by SBB reflects the breadth of an integrated railway company.<|control11|><|separator|>
  134. [134]
    Our trains: The SBB Passenger Traffic fleet
    The following overview provides insight into the current and future rolling stock of SBB's Passenger Traffic fleet. Giruno.Giruno · ICN · LD double-decker · AstoroMissing: 2025 | Show results with:2025
  135. [135]
    [PDF] InterCity 225 Fleet List
    A total of 282 Mark 4 coaches and 32 Driving Van Trailers (DVTs) were built by Metro-Cammell at Washwood Heath from 1989 until 1992. They were specifically ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
  136. [136]
    The curious case of the Class 805 improvement notice - Rail Engineer
    Oct 17, 2024 · Although TASS was installed to enable operation of the tilt mechanism, it also provides an automatic speed supervision system, a form of ...
  137. [137]
    Sydney's first double-deck suburban cars - Transport Heritage NSW
    Jul 17, 2019 · Sydney's first double-deck cars were proposed by Tulloch to address overcrowding, using aluminum and a steel frame, with a green color scheme, ...
  138. [138]
    Sydney Growth Trains | Transport for NSW
    Jul 5, 2021 · The new Waratah Series 2 trains provide priority seating, wheelchair spaces and hearing aid loops. Other features include: Double deck cars; Air ...
  139. [139]
    3000/3100 Class - Railways and Tramways of Australia
    The 3000/3100 class are diesel multiple units operated by Adelaide Metro, with 3000 class having two cabs and 3100 class one. 3000 class can operate as single ...
  140. [140]
    [PDF] Rail - Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics
    Jan 5, 2021 · The report analyses traffic levels, the provision of infrastructure and rolling stock, and railway performance. The Trainline series is a ...
  141. [141]
    [PDF] 2022 issue 2 Train Operating Conditions (TOC) Manual
    Nov 23, 2022 · This Train Operating Conditions (TOC) Manual is published by the AMB to provide an update from the April 2022 issue of the TOC Manual. This TOC ...
  142. [142]
    [PDF] Annual Report 2023–24 - ARTC
    Aug 21, 2024 · ARTC's rail network consists of approximately 8,500km of track across South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales,. Queensland and Western ...
  143. [143]
    Contactless Transport Payments case study
    Contactless payments now allow customers to conveniently tap on and off ferries, light rail and trains using a credit or debit card, or linked/wearable smart ...
  144. [144]
    D Class steam locomotive NZR no 197 a... | Items
    Inscription in Godber Album says \"First rail motor train. 1906\", though it is listed as a steam locomotive in Lloyd's register of steam locomotives. Quantity: ...
  145. [145]
    [PDF] A N N U A L R E P O R T - KiwiRail
    Aug 9, 2013 · Revenue growth over the last three years has been over 25% demonstrating the resilience of our growth strategy despite the global economic.Missing: resistant | Show results with:resistant
  146. [146]
    New Capital Connection carriages enter service next week - KiwiRail
    Jul 26, 2023 · The new Capital Connection includes five passenger carriages, a café car and a generator car. A sixth passenger carriage is expected to be added in September.Missing: control | Show results with:control
  147. [147]
    Dual-system EMUs will revitalise Mumbai suburban services | News
    Sep 17, 2008 · Each 12-car EMU will have four motor cars, six trailers and two driving trailer vehicles (Fig 1). Two cars will be provided with limited ...
  148. [148]
    Indian Railways To Introduce Revolutionary New LHB Push-Pull ...
    Oct 14, 2023 · Control couplers on end walls: The train will have control couplers on the end walls, which will allow it to be operated in push-pull mode ...
  149. [149]
    Indian Railways all set to procure 50 New Push-Pull Amrit Bharat ...
    Jan 8, 2024 · ... modernizing its fleet, the Indian Railways is set to place an order worth Rs 2,000 crore for the manufacturing of 50 push-pull trains. These ...Missing: control size
  150. [150]
    How is the push-pull technique going to benefit Indian Railways?
    Sep 2, 2019 · ... Mumbai – Pune – Mumbai Intercity to a Push-Pull configuration. The targeted schedule of 2 hours 35 minutes was achieved in the trial run. If ...Where in India does the push-pull train run? - QuoraWhy do Indian Railways deploy push-pull trains for short distances?More results from www.quora.com
  151. [151]
    WR: Notable Developments In 2019 On Mumbai Suburban Section
    Dec 18, 2019 · – A four coach EMU rake, which includes Two Driving Trailer coaches & Two Motorcoaches, has been modified in-house by EMU workshop Mahalaxmi ...
  152. [152]
    New LHB Push-Pull rake set to hit tracks by October-end - Railways ...
    Oct 14, 2023 · The new LHB Push-Pull Train will have 22 coach formations including 1 SLRD-4 GS-12 SCN -4 GS-1SLRD. The train has a faster acceleration for ...Missing: cars fleet size<|separator|>
  153. [153]
    [PDF] January 2000 Bulletin.pub - Electric Railroaders Association
    Jan 1, 2000 · Initially, 130 cars are to be or- dered, as follows: 50 control cars and 80 trailer coaches. ... Member David Klepper wrote that Israel Railways ...
  154. [154]
    Bombardier to supply Israel Railways with 74 more double-decker ...
    Jun 7, 2019 · The new order consists of 11 control cars for operation with TRAXX ... Each of the eight-car trains currently in-service feature seating capacity ...
  155. [155]
    [IL] +54 Twindexx Vario double-deck coaches for the railways of Israel
    Jan 3, 2018 · The new order consists of eleven control cars, eleven intermediate coaches with dedicated space for people with reduced mobility and 32 trailer ...
  156. [156]
    Jerusalem - Tel Aviv rail line runs first test - Railway PRO
    Aug 22, 2017 · The fast railway, up to a 160 km/h speed has been under construction since 2001 and will complement the existing, slower Jaffa-Jerusalem railway ...
  157. [157]
    About Sagano Romantic Train
    Sagano Scenic Railway Co., Ltd. was established in 1990 with only nine staff members, including the president. The purpose of the company was to utilize the ...Missing: control | Show results with:control
  158. [158]
    N700A Shinkansen | Hitachi Rail
    The N700A adopts the tilting system introduced on the N700, which allows operation at up to 285km/h on the Tokaido Shinkansen and 300km/h on the Sanyo ...
  159. [159]
    JR East to trial fuel cell multiple-unit | News - Railway Gazette
    Jun 7, 2019 · The Series FV-E991 unit will be formed of one motor car and a driving trailer. Two 180 kW polymer fuel cell stacks able to operate at ...
  160. [160]
    JR-EAST:Press Releases - Shinkansen Early Earthquake Detection ...
    Improvements include switching to SI units, estimating earthquake focus, adding power shutoff, increased seismometers, and emergency braking without ATC.
  161. [161]
    [PDF] Earthquake Countermeasures of the Shinkansen
    The Early Earthquake Detection System demonstrates its extraordinary effectiveness each time an earthquake hits, ensuring the safety of the high-speed rail ...Missing: JR | Show results with:JR
  162. [162]
    ICF rolls out anti-corrosive, special body train for Sri Lanka
    Nov 10, 2018 · Each DEMU rake will consist of 13 cars in a combination of two driving power cars with economy class seating (DPC), two driving trailer cars ...
  163. [163]
    Indian Railways to export DEMU train rake to Sri Lanka
    Nov 14, 2018 · Each DEMU rake consists of 13 cars in a combination of two driving power cars with economy class seating, two driving trailer cars with ...
  164. [164]
    ICF unveils Sri Lanka Railways diesel-electric multiple units
    Nov 12, 2018 · There are two driving trailer cars in each set each with 60 economy class seats, plus two air-conditioned chair cars with 52 rotatable seats and ...Missing: S13 DEMU<|separator|>
  165. [165]
    Srilanka DEMU ICF, Chennai India - BFG International
    Project: Srilanka DEMU Train Sets: 6 Train (78 Cars) Components: Train Interiors, Toilet cabins. Operator: Indian Railways Train Builder: ICF
  166. [166]
    Kelani Valley rail renovation gets underway | News - Railway Gazette
    Sep 18, 2023 · A programme to renovate the 59 km Kelani Valley railway between Maradana and Avissawella was launched on September 7 with a ceremony at Homagama station.Missing: push | Show results with:push
  167. [167]
    Sri Lanka Railways S10 - Wikipedia
    Class S10 DEMU Formation. Formation, Number of Cars, Key. DPC + 4 TC + DTC, 6. DPC - Driving Power Coach; TC - Trailer Coach; DTC - Driving Trailer Coach. The ...