Conclusion
The French Light Train project [12] is an example that combines both train and transport system innovation. Small French railway lines are experiencing renewed interest, which requires rethinking the system to make it more attractive and less expensive. The project aims reduce to operating costs by 30%, thanks to advanced technologies and a whole-systems approach, making the lines profitable again.
The project involves designing a light train built around a modular platform that can be adapted to the needs of passengers. It uses an electric motor powered by batteries and hydrogen fuel cells to reduce transport costs and limit its carbon footprint. It offers a modular interior layout in order to adapt to as many needs as possible. This new train is designed to run on the existing rail network and requires less maintenance.
As well as train design, this systemic project includes signaling, command and control systems, and infrastructure monitoring. The train uses sensors and driving aids to optimize routes, and efficient signaling, which could ultimately evolve towards autonomous driving.
Technology evolves more quickly than in the past - some of today's trains are older than the first iPhone. New technology for trains must be flexible. Thus, building an open, adaptive, high- bandwidth environment on our trains, tracks and operations is a prerequisite to using them even more efficiently in the future.
All of this is a steep path that can be difficult to climb without the right resources, knowledge, or assets and methodologies to make the right choices. Many digitization programs (not just in rail) fail because of a lack of experience, consistent approaches, or attention to detail.
Finding the right partner for your journey is essential to your success. You should seek one with deep experience in rail digitization and other safety-critical industries. In addition, look out for those with a track record of putting skin in the game by making technology investments like AI and Gen AI to accelerate industry transformations and are prepared to bring transformative technologies to the rail sector at large, both operators and OEMs. Capgemini meets these criteria.
Railroad Industry Solutions Lead, Capgemini Engineeringmichael.davis@capgemini.com
CTO / Lead Architect Rail, Infrastructure & Transportation, Capgemini Engineering
jose.pattyn@capgemini.com
Our World in Data, “Cars, planes, trains: where do CO₂ emissions from transport come from?” https://ourworldindata.org/co2-emissions-from-transport
Eurostat, "Railway passenger transport statistics - quarterly and annual data” https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Railway_passenger_transport_statistics_-_quarterly_and_annual_data
Capgemini Engineering, "FUTURE RAILWAY MOBILE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS” https://prod.ucwe.capgemini.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/FRMCS_position-paper_April-23_final.pdf
Capgemini Research Institute, “Turbocharging software with Gen AI” https://www.capgemini.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CRI_Turochanging-Software_Final.pdf
UK Department for Transport, “Rail factsheet: 2023” https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/rail-factsheet-2023/rail-factsheet-2023
Capgemini Research Institute, “THE PEOPLE EXPERIENCE ADVANTAGE” https://prod.ucwe.capgemini.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/People-Experience-Research_Report.pdf
The MaaS Alliance, https://maas-alliance.eu/
International Union of Railways (UIC), “The journey toward AI-enabled railway companies” https://uic.org/com/IMG/pdf/uic_layout_web_05032024.pdf
International Railway Journal, “Megatrends: what the rail sector needs to know” https://www.railjournal.com/opinion/megatrends-what-the-rail-sector-needs-to-know/
Capgemini Invent, "CULTURE FIRST!” https://www.capgemini.com/de-de/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/08/Culture-First-Capgemini-Invent_web.pdf
Capgemini, “Digital Culture” https://prod.ucwe.capgemini.com/gb-en/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/08/Capgemini_A_Digital_Culture.pdf
Capgemini, "TELLi, redynamiser les territoires en relevant les défis ferroviaires“ https://www.capgemini.com/fr-fr/actualites/cas-clients/train-leger-innovant/
Gen AI is not enoughhttps://www.capgemini.com/solutions/elevate-gen-ai-with-augumented-engineering/
