Rail supplier news from Progress Rail, Thales, TransmetriQ and Railinc (Aug. 27)

Progress Rail has approved the use of up to 20% biodiesel blend (B20) across its range of 645- and 710-series engines. The move is part of the company’s commitment to offering sustainable solutions by providing products that facilitate fuel transition, increase operational efficiency and reduce emissions. “Progress Rail is leading the rail industry in providing the greatest range of fuel flexibility, making a meaningful, positive impact on the environment and supporting our customers’ energy savings goals,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Marty Haycraft in a press release.

Thales has teamed up with a Montreal-based technology startup to help shape the future of autonomous rail technology. Supported by the Evolution of Networked Services through a Corridor in Quebec and Ontario for Research and Innovation (ENCQOR) 5G program, the partnership between Thales and One Silicon Chip Photonics aims to test a high-performance optical inertial sensor system on an autonomous train platform. Thales is one of the five global technology leaders of the ENCQOR 5G, which fosters Canada-Quebec-Ontario partnerships in the field of 5G wireless technologies.

TransmetriQ, a new unit of rail industry information technology provider Railinc Corp., has launched Wheelset Intelligence reporting for owners, lessors, repairers and users of North American freight cars. Wheelset Intelligence’s ability to accurately predict wheelset failures was developed to support safe and optimized operations of North American rail services, Railinc officials said in a press release. "Wheelset Intelligence helps to reduce maintenance costs by ensuring repairs are done at the optimal time and location for the equipment owner, which also increases rail-car availability,” said Ward Proctor, director of business solutions at TransmetriQ.