Strict environmental and climate protection targets apply in the mobility sector. Operators must adapt their systems to meet the legal requirements, for which they have access to an ever-increasing range of options: More sophisticated alternative drive technologies are now available on the market. This is true for both local and long-distance rail and road transport. But many rail lines are still not electrified. Trains with diesel locomotives operate on these routes, and along with diesel buses, they are major drivers of carbon emissions. Operators will likely be required to replace all diesel engines with hydrogen technology or electric drive systems.

Both urbanization and urban sprawl are increasing. This means growing requirements for additional mobility offerings. There is an increasing preference for transport by rail rather than road. This applies for both passenger and goods transport, which must both be shifted from road to rail. This is the only way the internationally agreed climate targets will be achieved. The capacity of rail infrastructure needs to be significantly increased by 2030 – and this will involve massive investment.

Operators have to modernize structures and plant in order to safeguard operations and improve quality. They need to improve the perception of train stations, as many customers do not feel at home in them. There are no shops selling everyday items and many existing facilities no longer meet today’s standards. New vehicle concepts only partially fit the existing infrastructure and workshops.