Environment / Transport / Railways

Under the wheels. By Bethany Rielly.

Tom Haines-Doran explores the recent disputes between Britain’s train operating companies and rail union RMT over driver-only operation – and asks why railway workers are both willing to take strike action and successful in doing so.

The history of the railways is steeped in the development of capitalism and imperialism. But it has also been profoundly shaped from the bottom up. Conrad Landin profiles five trailblazers who left their mark on the tracks.

The low-friction, high-capacity technology of railways means the economic and environmental costs of expanding them are worthwhile, argues Gareth Dennis.

Half a century after Tanzania and Zambia built a railway to reduce the latter’s dependence on its white-ruled neighbours, East Africa’s railways are once again on the up. Can new lines help African countries trade with each other – or are they just a beacon of the new imperialism? Priya Sippy reports.

Networks, speed, traction, environment, and the safety of railways.

Initiatives, action, and further reading on railways.

On every continent, the railways are experiencing a renaissance. But what will it take to reshape them in the interests of people? Conrad Landin investigates.