In the article, possible ways of using energy recovered during regenerative braking of trains are presented. It is pointed out that the return of recovered electricity directly to the catenary and its use in the energy cooperation of vehicles can be a no-cost method (without additional infrastructure). The method of energy cooperation between trains and its main assumptions, that uses the law of conservation of energy, are described in detail. An original model is proposed which assumes optimization by controlling the train arrival time at the station within the technical time reserve. Optimization method was used metaheuristic and adapted swarm algorithm called the firefly algorithm. An exemplary simulation of the energy cooperation of trains for selected stops of a double-track railway line of the Tricity Rapid Urban Railway has been done and the obtained results are presented. Finally, in discussion and conclusions, the results were summarized and the significance of the development of the discussed method for transport rationalization was presented.

Reducing energy consumption should be treated as crucial for contemporary information and communication technology (ICT) projects under conditions of Industry 4.0. This research proposes a wider look at the factors influencing the success of ICT industry projects, considering not only technological and procedural conditions or implementation methods but also information and competency resources, thus allowing for correct decisions to be taken during project implementation. The article analyzes the information gap in Industry 4.0 projects completed in enterprises based in Poland, following the concept of sustainable development and minimization of energy consumption. The research was completed between 2018 and 2021 in medium enterprises, and the result is a qualitative characteristic of the information gap in ICT projects from the client’s perspective. The research can help develop a complete methodology for Industry 4.0 ICT projects to limit the level of uncertainty and risk while reducing energy consumption.

Ride comfort is one of the key issues in passenger transport. Its level depends on many factors related to both environmental factors and individual human characteristics. Ensuring good travel conditions translates into higher quality transport services. This article presents a literature review, which shows that ride comfort is most often considered in the context of the impact of mechanical vibrations on the human body, while other factors are usually neglected. The aim of this study was to conduct experimental studies that take into account more than one type of ride comfort. These studies concerned metro cars in the Warsaw metro system. Three types of comfort were evaluated: vibrational, thermal, and visual, based on vibration acceleration measurements, air temperature, relative air humidity, and illuminance. The ride comfort in the vehicle bodies’ front, middle, and rear parts was tested under typical running conditions. The criteria for assessing the effect of individual physical factors on ride comfort were selected based on applicable European and international standards. The test results indicate good thermal and light environment conditions in every measuring point. The slight decrease in passenger comfort is undoubtedly due to the effects of vibrations occurring while mid journey. In tested metro cars, horizontal components have a more significant impact on reducing vibration comfort than other components.

The paper includes a short review of selected problems in railway vehicle-track system dynamics which are related to the running safety. Different criteria used in assessment of the running safety are presented according to the standards which are in force in Europe and other countries. Investigations of relevant dynamic phenomena, including the mechanism of railway vehicle derailment, and the resulting modifications of the running safety criteria are also discussed.

One of the assumptions made during the modernization process of diesel shunting locomotives is the replacement of a diesel traction motor with a DC generator with an electric asynchronous traction motor. The article aimed to develop a method of selecting energy-efficient parameters of an asynchronous electric traction motor for diesel shunting locomotives, which will ensure that its operating energy efficiency will be as high as possible. The method was verified on the example of a locomotive series ChME3 (ЧMЭ3, ČME3, ČKD S200). It has been found that using a traction asynchronous electric drive on a ChME3 locomotive, its efficiency increases in comparison with DC electric motors by 3–5% under the long-term operation modes and by 7–10% during locomotive operation with traction at the adhesion limit. Using a new traction gearbox with a higher gear ratio expands the speed range in which the asynchronous traction drive operates with a high-efficiency factor. It is effective to use a traction asynchronous electric drive to modernize ChME3 diesel locomotives in case of their use under the modes requiring the implementation of maximum traction forces at low speeds. A further increase in the efficiency of the traction asynchronous electric drive is possible based on the optimal design of the wheel-motor unit and the asynchronous traction electric drive.