Latest news with #HitachiRail
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Europeans intend to travel more by train than by any other form of transport in the next five years
Train travel is enjoying a booming renaissance, and Europeans are all for it, according to new research. A survey of 11,000 people commissioned by rail manufacturer Hitachi Rail found that almost half of the respondents intend to travel more by train and less by plane in the next five years. Globally, over seven in ten said they would use public transport more if it were better connected, and over half would use it even if it cost more. The new research found that citizens in countries around Europe and in North America anticipate train travel to soar in the coming years at the expense of flying. Rail travel already accounts for around one-third (29 per cent) of long-distance journeys - those which are 2.5 hours or more. One-third of people surveyed also expect to travel more by train in the next 12 months. For rail travel in the next five years, that increases to 40 per cent across countries and 49 per cent across cities. In contrast, plane travel is set to stagnate, with only around 2 per cent expecting to fly more in the same time period. Respondents said they anticipate their car travel growing, but by 50 per cent less than rail. The eagerness for more train travel in the future is also complemented by a clear majority (62 per cent) backing legislation to ban short-haul flights where high-speed rail alternatives exist. In Europe, where there are an increasing number of high-speed rail routes, support rises to 67 per cent. Such legislation has already been introduced in France, and has been proposed in Spain too. In both countries, more than twice as many respondents are in favour of the ban as opposed to it, the research found. Those surveyed in both countries said they would even support stronger additional legislation (63 per cent in Spain and 56 per cent in France). Across every place surveyed, more people backed funding new rail infrastructure with increased air or road taxes than those opposed to it. The research also explored how to grow public transport usage, with passengers identifying crowding, affordability and convenience as the biggest challenges. Related Taking the train can be almost twice as fast as flying for some journeys in France Journey through the rainforest in luxury on Malaysia's last remaining sleeper train Across all countries included in the survey, over seven in ten said they would use public transport more if it were better connected, and this remained at over half even if it cost more. 'Those surveyed expect to increase their rail usage more than any other form of transport in the next five years, and they support government action to enable this,' said Edoardo La Ficara, group chief markets officer at Hitachi Rail. 'We, as an industry, have a crucial opportunity to meet this public demand by delivering a great sustainable mobility transition.'
Euronews
13-05-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Half of Europeans say they will travel more by train in next 5 years
Train travel is enjoying a booming renaissance, and Europeans are all for it, according to new research. A survey of 11,000 people commissioned by rail manufacturer Hitachi Rail found that almost half of the respondents intend to travel more by train and less by plane in the next five years. Globally, over seven in ten said they would use public transport more if it were better connected, and over half would use it even if it cost more. The new research found that citizens in countries around Europe and in North America anticipate train travel to soar in the coming years at the expense of flying. Rail travel already accounts for around one-third (29 per cent) of long-distance journeys - those which are 2.5 hours or more. One-third of people surveyed also expect to travel more by train in the next 12 months. For rail travel in the next five years, that increases to 40 per cent across countries and 49 per cent across cities. In contrast, plane travel is set to stagnate, with only around 2 per cent expecting to fly more in the same time period. Respondents said they anticipate their car travel growing, but by 50 per cent less than rail. The eagerness for more train travel in the future is also complemented by a clear majority (62 per cent) backing legislation to ban short-haul flights where high-speed rail alternatives exist. In Europe, where there are an increasing number of high-speed rail routes, support rises to 67 per cent. Such legislation has already been introduced in France, and has been proposed in Spain too. In both countries, more than twice as many respondents are in favour of the ban as opposed to it, the research found. Those surveyed in both countries said they would even support stronger additional legislation (63 per cent in Spain and 56 per cent in France). Across every place surveyed, more people backed funding new rail infrastructure with increased air or road taxes than those opposed to it. The research also explored how to grow public transport usage, with passengers identifying crowding, affordability and convenience as the biggest challenges. Across all countries included in the survey, over seven in ten said they would use public transport more if it were better connected, and this remained at over half even if it cost more. 'Those surveyed expect to increase their rail usage more than any other form of transport in the next five years, and they support government action to enable this,' said Edoardo La Ficara, group chief markets officer at Hitachi Rail. 'We, as an industry, have a crucial opportunity to meet this public demand by delivering a great sustainable mobility transition.'
The Sun
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Prasarana, Hitachi Rail to upskill 1,000 Malaysians
PETALING JAYA: Prasarana Malaysia Bhd has launched a long-term workforce development initiative that aims to train 1,000 Malaysians over five years in rail and smart mobility disciplines, as part of its strengthened commitment to the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Policy 2030. Group CEO Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah said the initiative named Prasarana TVET Programme, supported through a strategic partnership with Hitachi Rail, positions Prasarana at the forefront of public transport talent development in the country. 'The new programme is set to roll out in the fourth quarter of 2025, likely by November, which will focus on three core areas of electric bus operation, rolling stock maintenance and cybersecurity. 'Participants will receive the nationally recognised Malaysian Skills Certificate (Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia or SKM), preparing them for real-world roles in the increasingly technical landscape of urban mobility. 'We are not just building rail systems, we are building people. This initiative will equip 1,000 individuals over the next five years with the skills to lead Malaysia's smart transport transformation,' he told reporters at the memorandum of understanding signing ceremony between Prasarana and Hitachi Rail, yesterday. He remarked that the TVET programme will span between 9 to 12 months, blending theory-based learning, technical training, and on-the-ground exposure across Prasarana's operational and maintenance sites. 'Participants will undergo extensive hands-on training, which includes site visits to operations control centres and depots, ensuring they gain critical insights into the real-time dynamics of running urban rail systems. 'This is not a short, introductory course, it is a full commitment to developing skilled professionals,' he said. He noted that the programme will enroll an average of 200 participants per year, culminating in a total of 1,000 trainees by 2030. 'These individuals will be selected from a mix of school leavers, vocational students, diploma holders, and university graduates, ensuring inclusivity across educational backgrounds. 'This is our talent pipeline. By nurturing them early, we identify potential and bring them into the ecosystem, something that is essential given our scale consists of five MRT lines, 1,000 buses, and over 13,000 employees across the country,' he explained. Additionally, he said Prasarana is also running a parallel Protege programme, which includes two streams, a marketing-focused pathway, and the Prasarana TVET Programme. 'The latter involves immersive field-based learning experiences designed to familiarise young talent with the operational demands of the rail industry. 'Currently, 57 participants are enrolled across the two Protege streams, with around 29 individuals per cohort. 'These placements include structured learning with a focus on personal and professional development. 'This partnership with Hitachi Rail is more than a corporate alliance, it is a shared vision to build local expertise, reduce talent gaps, and uplift the prestige of technical careers in Malaysia.' As the country advances toward becoming a regional smart mobility leader, Mohd Azharuddin said the Prasarana-Hitachi collaboration is expected to significantly support national goals in economic competitiveness, innovation, and sustainable development. 'This is how we support the national TVET policy, not just in spirit, but through action. We believe in nurturing a generation that can carry forward the vision of smart, inclusive, and sustainable transportation for Malaysia.'
The Sun
23-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Prasarana TVET Programme aims to train 1,000 individuals
PETALING JAYA: Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana) aims to train 1,000 individuals through the Prasarana TVET Programme as part of efforts to support the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Policy 2030. Prasarana president and Group chief executive officer Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah said the TVET programme, commencing in the fourth quarter of this year and implemented in phases within five years, would involve about 200 trainees each year. He added that the training would be for 12 months and the areas of training offered are electric bus operations, rolling stock maintenance as well as cyber security and all participants would be eligible to receive the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM). 'All the programmes are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of this year, with the target of training 1,000 individuals comprising school leavers, vocational institution students, diploma holders and university graduates. 'This effort is in line with the needs of the industry and supports the National TVET Policy 2030, which aims to produce skilled workers with high income,' he said during the 'Prasarana Strengthens Efforts to Develop the Future Workforce in Line with the National TVET Agenda' Programme here today. Mohd Azharuddin said that basically, Prasarana is a major company that manages 1.3 million workers and it intends to continue to contribute towards producing new talents with early exposure to Prasarana operations. In another development, Prasarana also inked a strategic collaboration with Hitachi Rail to strengthen and expand the implementation of the TVET programme in Malaysia. He said the strategic collaboration is in support of the joint focus on human capital development, and a special session was held involving 29 participants of the Hitachi protege programme, with an opportunity to have networking sessions with senior leadership, study visits to the rail operations control centre and maintenance depot. Meanwhile, Hitachi Rail managing director for Urban Rail Signalling Ziad Rizk said such protege programmes enabled them to help produce a highly skilled workforce among the local youth. 'Hitachi Rail is proud to strengthen its commitment to developing skills and strategic innovation. The 30-year collaboration with Prasarana as well as the implementation of the SelTrac technology played a crucial role in improving rail operations and we are excited to continue to advance the rail industry in Malaysia,' he said.
Barnama
23-04-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Prasarana TVET Programme Aims To Train 1,000 Individuals
PETALING JAYA, April 23 (Bernama) -- Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana) aims to train 1,000 individuals through the Prasarana TVET Programme as part of efforts to support the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Policy 2030. Prasarana president and Group chief executive officer Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah said the TVET programme, commencing in the fourth quarter of this year and implemented in phases within five years, would involve about 200 trainees each year. He added that the training would be for 12 months and the areas of training offered are electric bus operations, rolling stock maintenance as well as cyber security and all participants would be eligible to receive the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM). "All the programmes are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of this year, with the target of training 1,000 individuals comprising school leavers, vocational institution students, diploma holders and university graduates. "This effort is in line with the needs of the industry and supports the National TVET Policy 2030, which aims to produce skilled workers with high income,' he said during the 'Prasarana Strengthens Efforts to Develop the Future Workforce in Line with the National TVET Agenda' Programme here today. Mohd Azharuddin said that basically, Prasarana is a major company that manages 1.3 million workers and it intends to continue to contribute towards producing new talents with early exposure to Prasarana operations. In another development, Prasarana also inked a strategic collaboration with Hitachi Rail to strengthen and expand the implementation of the TVET programme in Malaysia. He said the strategic collaboration is in support of the joint focus on human capital development, and a special session was held involving 29 participants of the Hitachi protege programme, with an opportunity to have networking sessions with senior leadership, study visits to the rail operations control centre and maintenance depot. Meanwhile, Hitachi Rail managing director for Urban Rail Signalling Ziad Rizk said such protege programmes enabled them to help produce a highly skilled workforce among the local youth.
