Wabtec worked on several projects during the research period related to alternative power units for rail vehicles, and the company also undertook a project aimed at advancing the European rail freight sector.

One novel project saw the company collaborate with freight transportation firm BNSF Railway to conduct a biofuel pilot. The project will look at the effect of alternative fuels on Wabtec locomotives’ emissions, durability, and performance.

Another partnership saw the company team up with French national operator Fret SNCF and regional operator RDT13 (Régie des Transports des Bouches du Rhône), to launch the MONITOR Project to expand freight rail in Europe.

The project includes the installation of sensors for railcars for the monitoring and prevention of derailment risks, untimely brake applications and lowering train preparation time. It primarily focuses on four crucial technologies, including radio communication between cars along the train, brake and bogie monitoring and testing of automated brakes.

Finally Wabtec also entered into a $600m MoU with Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) for the supply of 50 FLXdrivebattery-electric shunters.

The deal also covers modernization work for the conversion of the mainline fleet into NextFuelliquid natural gas-powered (LNG) locomotives.

Company Profile

Wabtec is a provider of technology-based equipment and services for freight rail and passenger transit industries.

It offers products such as positive train control equipment, railway electronics, air compressors and dryers, track and switch products, and traction motors.

Wabtec provides locomotive overhauls and fleet maintenance services, component repair, upgrade and reconditioning and signal design and engineering services.

Its customers include leasing companies, publicly traded railroads, original equipment manufacturers of locomotives and freight cars and utilities, municipalities and public transit authorities, and buses and subway car manufacturers.

The company operates in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific and Africa.

Wabtec is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the US.