Trains are an essential component of modern transport infrastructures. As with trams, their role is becoming more significant as people attempt to use more clean and efficient modes of transport. The role of train systems is two fold - transportation of people and transportation of goods.

trains offer significant benefits over road haulage and commuting by road. The main benefits are speed and fuel economy. Diesel trains use a combined powertrain called 'diesel-electric'. As the name suggests, a diesel engine generates electricity which in turn drives electric motors. The diesel engine runs at optimum revolutions at all times allowing it to work at peak efficiency. The electric motors are continuously variable, requiring no gear changes like typical motor vehicles.

Given the modern trend for time saving and mobile communications, it seems that trains can offer an attractive alternative to the car for commuters. Time spent on a train need not be wasted. Mobile phones, portable computers and similar devices can be put to use whilst travelling. It is likely that train companies will increasingly introduce power sockets and similar connections and services to lure commuters away from their cars; it is possible that the typical working day could begin before a person reaches their place of work.

The British train infrastructure has seen considerable neglect in the last twenty years or so and is only now beginning to be regenerated. On the other hand, French and German networks have very fast, efficient locomotives. It is only in these newer vehicles that aesthetic and ergonomic improvements can be seen. Aerodynamics are an essential factor - particularly in the case of the high speed trains. The fronts of locomotives are designed to reflect the aerodynamic considerations, visual differences come from window arrangements, light configurations and slight proportional variations.