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Inter-urban Zero-Emission Rail Technology: Analyses of Emerging Passenger and Freight Transportation System Retrofits

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Transportation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 8265

Image courtesy of Dr. Gord Lovegrove and The University of British Columbia

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Gord Lovegrove

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Applied Science, School of Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, 1137 Alumni Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
Interests: safe & sustainable transportation, including hydrail passenger tram-trains & freight rail linking inter-urban regions; affordability, housing & homelessness; sustainable quality of life & development patterns
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Holger Busche

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Scientific Advisor for Climate & Transport, Provincial Parliament of Schleswig-Holstein, Berlin, Germany
Interests: hydrail; energy; rail transport
Dr. Mohamed Hegazi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Okanagan Campus, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
2. DB E.C.O. North America Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada
Interests: zero emission rail; data analytics; freight rail

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The scope of this Special Issue relates to sustainable, inter-urban passenger and freight rail innovations that can help retrofit our rural and semi-rural regions with de-carbonized, safe, equitable, and affordable mobility. Its purpose is to share leading research and case studies of climate-friendly rail transport system analyses for the benefit of engineers, planners, researchers, and decision-makers, seeking a sustainable quality of life for all.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) were motivated by overarching social, environmental, and economic priorities, not the least of which speaks to the climate crisis (SDG 13). Clearly, there is a need to move away from unsafe, polluting, inefficient auto dependence and carbon-based fuels, which contribute between 20 and 50% of GHG emissions. Mobility solutions abound on how to plan for, and retrofit, urban areas globally to move people and freight, including rail and non-rail solutions. Given most urban travel consists of trips of less than 5 to 10 kilometers, many auto-alternative or ‘active transport’ (walk, bike, bus, truck, and light rail) solutions have been successfully researched, economically justified, and/or implemented via urban-based (e.g., density) arguments. However, the same cannot be said for, and the solution space is lacking with respect to, travel in rural and semi-rural regions between cities, where communities also need auto-alternative and de-carbonized solutions, but density does not justify costly traditional (e.g., grade-separated light rail) solutions.

As a result, these much-longer, inter-urban trips remain auto- and carbon-fuel dominated, and significant GHG emissions continue to wreak environmental havoc across low-density rural and semi-rural regions. Affordable, climate-friendly, auto- and carbon-alternative solutions are needed for all people in all communities, especially in these regions where longer trip distances mean GHG emissions are higher and contribute as significantly as in urban areas. However, solutions in rural areas must be practical, affordable, system-based, and convenient in order to shift people and freight from roads to rail. Yet, there are also urban interface issues with traditional diesel–electric freight and passenger rail (e.g., emissions, noise, and vibrations).

A century ago, rail-based public and freight transport was prevalent across rural Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. But ubiquitous, affordable automobiles, trucking, and national highway systems provided attractive, convenient, economic, and technological substitutes. Today, our global climate and UN SDG imperatives are dictating a return to more sustainable inter-urban, regional transport systems, including de-carbonized rail systems. Retrofitting our inter-urban regions and communities to (re-)introduce traditional and carbon-based rail-based technology (e.g., diesel–electric and/or catenary–electric) would be cost prohibitive and not address the climate crisis. Full cost accounting and lifecycle assessments must lead technological innovation to address the UN SDGs post haste. Fortunately, there are affordable, climate-friendly, and sustainable passenger and freight rail innovations emerging that can inform our global community.

In keeping with the aims of the journal Sustainability, this Special Issue brings to bear what those innovations are, some of which revisit and refine traditional technologies, but all of which introduce new and improved innovative rail technologies for rural passenger and freight mobility.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Zero-emission rail power, such as:
    • Plug-in and/or opportunity rail charging stations;
    • Hydrogen fuel cell/battery electric rail power (hydrail);
    • Track-side hydrogen fuelling stations.
  • Rail vehicle innovations, such as:
    • Hydrail tram-trains;
    • Battery electric passenger and/or freight locomotives;
    • Hydrail freight locomotives;
    • Onboard energy storage.
  • Feasibility studies on:
    • Lifecycle assessments of emerging hydrail technology;
    • Economic (i.e., full cost accounting) feasibility in low-density rural areas;
    • Technical feasibility in mountainous, curvilinear, and extreme climates.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Gord Lovegrove
Dr. Holger Busche
Dr. Mohamed Hegazi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • rail transport
  • retrofit
  • de-carbonized
  • zero emissions
  • hydrogen fuel cell
  • hydrail
  • battery electric
  • passenger rail
  • freight rail
  • low-density
  • inter-urban
  • affordable

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

27 pages, 32380 KB  
Article
Decomposition and Decoupling Analysis of Transportation Carbon Emissions in China Using the Generalized Divisia Index Method
by Zhimin Peng and Miao Li
Sustainability 2025, 17(18), 8231; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17188231 - 12 Sep 2025
Viewed by 285
Abstract
The transportation sector is crucial for achieving China’s “dual carbon” strategic goals, yet its emission drivers and decoupling mechanisms exhibit significant provincial heterogeneity that remains underexplored. Existing studies predominantly rely on the LMDI method, which suffers from limitations in handling multiple absolute indicators, [...] Read more.
The transportation sector is crucial for achieving China’s “dual carbon” strategic goals, yet its emission drivers and decoupling mechanisms exhibit significant provincial heterogeneity that remains underexplored. Existing studies predominantly rely on the LMDI method, which suffers from limitations in handling multiple absolute indicators, and rarely quantify the policy-driven decoupling effort. To address these gaps, this study employs the generalized Divisia index method to decompose transportation carbon emissions across thirty Chinese provinces from 2005 to 2022. Furthermore, we innovatively integrate the Tapio decoupling model with a novel decoupling effort model to assess both the decoupling state and the effectiveness of emission reduction policies. Our key findings reveal that: (1) economic output scale was the primary driver of emission growth, while output carbon intensity was the dominant mitigation factor; (2) driving mechanisms varied considerably across provinces, with 83% of provinces primarily driven by economic scale expansion; (3) the national decoupling state improved from weak to strong decoupling, with 53% of provinces achieving decoupling advancement; and (4) intensity effects were the core driver enabling decoupling efforts, while scale effects represented the primary inhibiting factor. This study provides a robust analytical framework and empirical evidence for formulating differentiated decarbonization strategies across Chinese provinces. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inter-urban Zero-Emission Rail Technology: Analyses of Emerging Passenger and Freight Transportation System Retrofits)
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34 pages, 3016 KB  
Article
Ammonia from Hydrogen: A Viable Pathway to Sustainable Transportation?
by Gaydaa AlZohbi
Sustainability 2025, 17(18), 8172; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17188172 - 11 Sep 2025
Viewed by 562
Abstract
Addressing the critical need for sustainable, high-density hydrogen (H2) carriers to decarbonize the global energy landscape, this paper presents a comprehensive critical review of ammonia’s pivotal role in the energy transition, with a specific focus on its application in the transportation [...] Read more.
Addressing the critical need for sustainable, high-density hydrogen (H2) carriers to decarbonize the global energy landscape, this paper presents a comprehensive critical review of ammonia’s pivotal role in the energy transition, with a specific focus on its application in the transportation sector. While H2 is recognized as a future fuel, its storage and distribution challenges necessitate alternative vectors. Ammonia (NH3), with its compelling advantages including high volumetric H2 density, established global infrastructure, and potential for near-zero greenhouse gas emissions, emerges as a leading candidate. This review uniquely synthesizes the evolving landscape of sustainable NH3 production pathways (e.g., green NH3 from renewable electricity) with a systematic analysis of technological advancements to investigate its direct utilization as a transportation fuel. The paper critically examines the multifaceted challenges and opportunities associated with NH3-fueled vehicles, refueling infrastructure development, and comprehensive safety considerations, alongside their environmental and economic implications. By providing a consolidated, forward-looking perspective on this complex energy vector, this paper offers crucial insights for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, highlighting NH3’s transformative potential to accelerate the decarbonization of hard-to-abate transportation sectors and contribute significantly to a sustainable energy future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inter-urban Zero-Emission Rail Technology: Analyses of Emerging Passenger and Freight Transportation System Retrofits)
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21 pages, 21837 KB  
Article
Decoding China’s Transport Decarbonization Pathways: An Interpretable Spatio-Temporal Neural Network Approach with Scenario-Driven Policy Implications
by Yanming Sun, Kaixin Liu and Qingli Li
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 7102; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17157102 - 5 Aug 2025
Viewed by 512
Abstract
The transportation sector, as a major source of carbon emissions, plays a crucial role in the realization of dual carbon goals worldwide. In this study, an improved least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) is used to identify six key factors affecting transportation [...] Read more.
The transportation sector, as a major source of carbon emissions, plays a crucial role in the realization of dual carbon goals worldwide. In this study, an improved least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) is used to identify six key factors affecting transportation carbon emissions (TCEs) in China. Aiming at the spatio-temporal characteristics of transportation carbon emissions, a CNN-BiLSTM neural network model is constructed for the first time for prediction, and an improved whale optimization algorithm (EWOA) is introduced for hyperparameter optimization, finding that the prediction model combining spatio-temporal characteristics has a more significant prediction accuracy, and scenario forecasting was carried out using the prediction model. Research indicates that over the past three decades, TCEs have demonstrated a rapid growth trend. Under the baseline, green, low-carbon, and high-carbon scenarios, peak carbon emissions are expected in 2035, 2031, 2030, and 2040. The adoption of a low-carbon scenario represents the most advantageous pathway for the sustainable progression of China’s transportation sector. Consequently, it is imperative for China to accelerate the formulation and implementation of low-carbon policies, promote the application of clean energy and facilitate the green transformation of the transportation sector. These efforts will contribute to the early realization of dual-carbon goals with a positive impact on global sustainable development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inter-urban Zero-Emission Rail Technology: Analyses of Emerging Passenger and Freight Transportation System Retrofits)
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28 pages, 3104 KB  
Article
The Economic Feasibility of (Re-)Introducing Tram-Trains in Canada: Okanagan Valley Electric Regional Passenger Rail
by Tye Boray, Mohamed Hegazi, Holger Busche and Gord Lovegrove
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4081; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104081 - 13 May 2024
Viewed by 2486
Abstract
Population and tourism growth has increased congestion, collisions, climate harming emissions, and transport inequities in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia (B.C.), Canada. Surveys indicate a willingness among residents to switch from cars to public transit featuring better service levels and connections. We conducted [...] Read more.
Population and tourism growth has increased congestion, collisions, climate harming emissions, and transport inequities in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia (B.C.), Canada. Surveys indicate a willingness among residents to switch from cars to public transit featuring better service levels and connections. We conducted an analysis on the economic feasibility of an Okanagan Valley Electric Regional Passenger Rail (OVER PR) powered by zero-emission (ZE) Fuel Cell/Battery Hybrid Rail (Hydrail) technology along a 342-km route between Osoyoos, B.C., at the US Border and Kamloops, B.C., the Canadian VIA rail hub. Hydrail passenger light-rail has operated successfully since 2018 in Germany and was demonstrated in Quebec, Canada, in 2023. Technical analyses have confirmed the feasibility in B.C. on steep Highway (Hwy) 97 grades and mountainous weather, with mode shift forecasts in the range of 30%. OVER PR economic analyses were also favorable, with net present value (NPV) = CAD 40 billion (CDN, base year 2023), benefit–cost ratio (BCR) = 9:1, and Return on Investments (IRR) = 33% over 30 years. Subject to additional stakeholder consultations and final design reviews, these results were tested against risks using Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) and Reference-Class Forecasting (RCF), including worst-case risks such as 70% cost over-runs. OVER PR promises an economic transition to clean energy, sustainable transportation, and more livable communities, benefiting all Valley communities through greater transportation equity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inter-urban Zero-Emission Rail Technology: Analyses of Emerging Passenger and Freight Transportation System Retrofits)
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18 pages, 4317 KB  
Article
Technical Feasibility of a Hydrail Tram–Train in NA: Okanagan Valley Electric Regional Passenger Rail (OVER PR)
by Tye Boray, Mohamed Hegazi, Andreas Hoffrichter and Gord Lovegrove
Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 3042; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16073042 - 5 Apr 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3332
Abstract
Booming population and tourism have increased congestion, collisions, climate-harming emissions, and transport inequities in The Okanagan Valley, Canada. Surveys suggest that over 30% of residents would shift from cars back to public transit and intercity tram–trains if regional service and connections were improved. [...] Read more.
Booming population and tourism have increased congestion, collisions, climate-harming emissions, and transport inequities in The Okanagan Valley, Canada. Surveys suggest that over 30% of residents would shift from cars back to public transit and intercity tram–trains if regional service and connections were improved. Intercity streetcars (aka light-rail tram–trains) have not run in Canada since their replacement in the 1950′s by the national highway system. UBC researchers analyzed a tram–train service fashioned after the current Karlsruhe model but powered by zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell/battery hybrid rail power (hydrail) technology, along a 342 km route between Osoyoos, B.C. at the US Border and Kamloops, B.C., the Canadian VIA rail hub. Hydrail trains have operated successfully since 2018 in Germany and were demonstrated in Quebec, Canada in 2023. However, hydrail combined with tram–train technology has never been tried in Canada. Single-train simulations (STSs) confirmed its technical feasibility, showing a roughly 8 h roundtrip travel time, at an average train velocity of 86 km/h. Each hydrail tram–train consumed 2400 kWh of energy, translating to 144 kg of hydrogen fuel per roundtrip. In total, five tons of H2/day would be consumed over 16 h daily by the 16-tram–train-vehicle fleet. The results provide valuable insights into technical aspects and energy requirements, serving as a foundation for future studies and decision-making processes in developing zero-emission passenger tram–train services not just for Okanagan Valley communities but all of Canada and NA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inter-urban Zero-Emission Rail Technology: Analyses of Emerging Passenger and Freight Transportation System Retrofits)
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