Contargo Expands Electric Fleet with 33 DAF XD Electric Trucks, Advances Towards 2045 CO2 Neutrality Goal
German transport company Contargo has significantly expanded its electric truck fleet by deploying 33 new DAF XD Electric trucks. This addition brings their total electric truck count to 90, reinforcing the company's commitment to achieving CO2 neutrality by 2045. The trucks, featuring a 525 kWh battery capacity and over 500 km range, will operate across 15 German locations for container transport.
Italy Braces for Widespread Travel Disruption in February Due to Nationwide Strikes
Italy is facing extensive travel disruption throughout February 2026, with over twenty strikes impacting air, rail, and port services. Travelers should anticipate significant delays and cancellations, particularly on key dates affecting national airlines, major railway operators, and port activities.
Paris Public Transport Faces Week-Long Disruptions for Modernization Work
Public transportation across Paris and the Île-de-France region is experiencing significant disruptions from February 2 to 8, 2026. Metro, RER, Transilien, and tramway networks operated by RATP and SNCF are affected by ongoing modernization work, leading to cancellations and delays. Commuters are advised to check schedules for impacted lines, including Metro Line 1, Line 14, RER C, RER B, and Tram T1 and T2.
South Africa Shifts High-Speed Rail Focus to Gauteng-Limpopo Line with 2030 Target
South Africa has missed its 2025 deadline for a high-speed rail service, with attention now on a Gauteng-Limpopo line projected for completion by 2030. Construction for this 500km route, aiming to significantly cut travel times, is anticipated to commence in late 2026.
France Implements New Policy Changes on Savings, Tolls, and Air Travel Refunds
Starting February 2026, France introduces several new measures: the Livret A savings rate decreases to 1.5%, motorway tolls see an average increase of 0.87%, and the process for claiming airline ticket refunds becomes more complex, requiring mediation before legal action.
India Unveils Seven High-Speed Rail Corridors and Rare Earth Corridors in Union Budget 2026-27
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced seven new high-speed rail corridors and dedicated rare earth corridors across four states in the Union Budget 2026-27. These initiatives aim to boost sustainable transport, enhance connectivity, and reduce India's reliance on external sources for critical minerals, particularly from China.
Iceland Proposes Sweeping Reforms for Taxi Market to Boost Safety and Transparency
Iceland's Minister of Infrastructure, Eyjólfur Ármannsson, has introduced a draft proposal for new regulations aimed at overhauling the nation's taxi industry. The reforms seek to enhance safety, transparency, and professionalism, addressing widespread dissatisfaction and issues that emerged following legislative changes in 2023. The proposal is now open for public consultation.
EIB Considers €500 Million Financing for Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Regional Rail Upgrade
The European Investment Bank is evaluating a project to provide €500 million in financing for the acquisition and renewal of rolling stock for regional rail services in France's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The initiative aims to modernize the fleet, including electric and dual-mode units, and construct a new maintenance workshop.
Western Balkan Truck Drivers Block Borders Protesting EU Entry/Exit System
Truck drivers from Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and North Macedonia initiated a coordinated blockade of freight border crossings on January 26, 2026. The protest targets the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) and the strict enforcement of the 90-day stay rule within the Schengen Area, which drivers claim threatens their livelihoods. The action has caused significant disruptions and an estimated €100 million in daily export losses.
Montenegrin Truck Drivers Join Regional Blockade Protesting EU Entry Rules
Truck drivers from Montenegro and other Western Balkan nations initiated a 48-hour blockade of freight border crossings on January 26, 2026. The protest targets the EU's Entry/Exit System and stricter enforcement of the 90-day stay rule, which drivers claim severely impacts their livelihoods and the region's supply chains.
Historic First: Baby Born at Riyadh Metro's Al Andalus Station
A momentous event unfolded recently at Riyadh Metro's Al Andalus Station, as a baby was born on the platform, marking the first childbirth recorded on the network. Metro staff provided immediate and professional assistance, ensuring the safety of both mother and newborn.
SAR Launches Tender for 10 New Passenger Trains to Boost Northern Network Capacity
The Saudi Arabian Railway Company (SAR) has issued a tender for 10 new passenger trains for its Northern Network, aiming to triple operational capacity and increase annual seating to over 2.4 million. Bids are due by May 11, 2026, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.
Nationwide Warning Strike Paralyzes German Transport on March 27, 2023
A major nationwide warning strike across Germany on March 27, 2023, orchestrated by Verdi and EVG unions, brought public transport, airports, and railways to a standstill. The 24-hour action, demanding significant wage increases amid high inflation, caused widespread travel disruptions for millions.
SNCF Strike and Maintenance Works Cause Significant Transport Disruptions in Paris and Île-de-France
Public transport in Paris and the Île-de-France region experienced notable disruptions from January 12 to 18, 2026, primarily due to a nationwide SNCF strike on January 13 and ongoing maintenance works. The strike, organized by Sud Rail and CGT unions, demanded wage increases, severely impacting RER D, RER E, and Transilien Line R services.
SNCF Voyageurs Orders Ten New Régiolis Trains for Nouvelle-Aquitaine
SNCF Voyageurs has placed an order for ten additional Régiolis regional trains from the CAF-Alstom consortium, valued at approximately €80 million. These bimode, four-car trains will enhance the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region's fleet, bringing the total to 64 units and offering modern amenities for 208 passengers per train.
EQT Real Estate Acquires Four-Asset Logistics Portfolio in Northern Italy
EQT Real Estate, through its EQT Exeter Europe Logistics Core-Plus Fund II, has acquired a portfolio of four high-quality logistics assets totaling approximately 107,000 square meters. The properties are strategically located in key Northern Italian markets including Milan, Bologna, and Verona, reinforcing EQT's presence in a supply-constrained European logistics market.
German Long-Distance Train Services Gradually Resume After Winter Storm Elli
Long-distance train services across northern Germany began a gradual resumption on Saturday, January 10, 2026, with more widespread limited services by Sunday, January 11, following severe disruptions caused by Winter Storm Elli. The storm, which swept through the region from January 8-11, brought heavy snow, freezing rain, and hurricane-force winds, paralyzing rail traffic and causing significant travel chaos.
Turkish Airlines Unveils $2.3 Billion Investment for World's Largest Cargo Terminal and Catering Facility in Istanbul
Turkish Airlines has announced a significant investment exceeding $2.3 billion (100 billion Turkish Liras) to construct the world's largest air cargo terminal and an integrated in-flight catering facility at Istanbul Airport. This strategic move aims to bolster Istanbul's role as a global logistics hub and is projected to create 26,000 new jobs.
Heavy Snowfall Strands 3,000 Vehicles in 23-Kilometer Traffic Jam on Japan's Sanyo Expressway
Heavy snowfall in western Japan caused a 23-kilometer traffic jam on the Sanyo Expressway, trapping approximately 3,000 vehicles between Hiroshima and Yamaguchi Prefectures. The incident, which began Friday evening, affected New Year holiday travelers and led to challenging conditions for stranded motorists.
Belgian Rail Unions Announce Five-Day Strike Over Reforms and Funding Cuts
Belgian rail unions, including CGSP-Cheminots/ACOD-Spoor and ACV-Transcom, have declared a five-day strike from January 26 to 30, 2026. The action protests government reforms impacting civil-service status for new recruits, pension changes, and a €675 million funding cut for railway operators SNCB/NMBS and Infrabel. The strike is expected to severely disrupt national rail services.
