A multilayer neural network has been designed to forecast average daily energy consumption of a railway marshalling yard. The suggested model comprises a multilayer perceptron using 22 inputs, the n-th number of hidden layers and one output. The number of hidden layers in the neural network and neurons in them was chosen experimentally. A comparative selection of activation functions and training methods has allowed for all other parameters to achieve a minimum average relative error. 
Two types of loads corresponding to holidays (non-working) and working days were identified. An additional input node with binary coding and two nodes for coding the season were introduced due to a certain repeatability characterizing samples of prediction of loads of energy consumption of the marshalling yard depending on type of a day and on a season. As accounting of the dependence of the forecast on load values in previous days and years (dynamic dependencies) is most important factor, this neural network takes into account the average daily energy consumption during four days of the current period, preceding
the forecasted date, and the average daily power consumption during four days prior to this date during last three years.
As a result, considering all factors and experimentally selected parameters of the neural network, the minimum resulting error of MAPE is about 1,4 %, which shows the advantage of the developed neural network in comparison with two other methods of solution of the problem, suggested by other researchers.

The article presents additional options for development of the previously described method [3] of covertly transmitting a QR code using steganography, which may be required for delivery of information related to the transportation process and other tasks solved in transport. In particular, a new detailed option of application of different mathematical methods used in various scientific fields (for example, multi-grid method for difference approximation of the Dirichlet boundary-value problem for the Poisson equation with a high degree of accuracy) was proposed. An effective iterative formula was constructed for cases of complex sources distribution. The method reduces the number of iterations and the likelihood of an error when restoring the original and allows to create a respective application software.

Transport systems are considered in terms of ensuring freedom of movement. Various features of transport systems that are important for ensuring freedom of movement and factors affecting them are studied, main and associated characteristics there - ofarehighlighted. The similarities and differencesin understanding of freedom of movement and of transport mobility are revealed.
It is shown that the existing modes of transport differ significantly in terms of the ability to ensure freedom of movement, and these differences have a significant impact on the choice of individuals in favor of a particular mode of transport. It is concluded that the need to prioritize the need for freedom of movement is to be considered in development of transport systems. It is proposed particularly to account for the modern emergi n g trend of hybridization of vehicles. As a perspective for development of this t rend, creation of multitransport is foreseen, which best combines various characteristics of vehicles and systems i n terms o f freedom of movement.

The article, dedicated to the 210th anniversary of creation of a single Russian transport administration and transport education and based on historical information, analyzes the relationship between development of transport and transport law in Russia.
The increasing need for legal regulation of more and more complicated and increasingly complex transport relations comprises development of transport law as one of the key tasks in achieving the goals of the transport industry.
When considering the current state of transport law in Russia, various approaches to the composition and degree of autonomy of the transport law area, as well as certain regulatory issues, are analyzed.
The general tasks of transport law in the sphere of regulation of the most relevant fields of transport activity are determined, the possibility of creating a single code of transport legislation and legal norms, the importance of intensifying transport and legal research are substantiated.

The advantages of introduction of modular freight electric trains in comparison with freight trains using locomotive traction are described, the main prerequisites for introduction of a distributed multiple-unit freight traction are indicated. The results of comparison of the technology of transportation with traction by locomotive situated at the head of the train and by the train with self-propelled coaches, as well as the analysis of traction calculations of two types of trains are suggested. The international experience of developing freight trains with distributed traction is described.
The main directions of implementation of the concept of accelerating freight transportation on the territory of the Russian Federation are noted. It is concluded that in modern conditions, when speed becomes an economic category, it is necessary to create rolling stock of a new generation (wheel and magnetic suspension), and introduction of freight trains with distributed traction becomes extremely relevant.

The relatively frequent change in the operating mode of a shunting diesel locomotive determines efficiency and feasibility of equipping it with an energy storage device. In addition to smoothing the load on the power plant, the energy storage device will allow to regenerate energy during braking, thereby increasing energy efficiency of a shunting diesel locomotive. This topic is frequently discussed in World of Transport and Transportation Journal, that is the evidence of its timeliness. 
The theoretical background for developing an inertial capacitive energy storage device, which is technically designed as a DC machine with a super flywheel that makes it possible to smooth the load on the power plant, thereby reducing its power and mass and dimensions, is presented. The increase in mass thanks to the energy storage device can be compensated by a decrease in the mass of the engine. As the diesel locomotive is equipped with electromechanical transmission, then it minimizes the framework of development for it of a considered inertial capacitive drive, making it even more advantageous. The article provides initial calculations and circuits.

In this paper, a simplified modal analysis procedure of circular plates procedures (on polar domains) through generalized (modernized) finite difference method (abbreviated next as – FDM) is developed.
Generally, circular plates are widely used for a plenty of modern civilian and industrial utilities, machine design and many other purposes. They form a spectrum of elements starting with trains’ bogies along with engine pistons, dampers and up to slabs and roofs over circular-shaped buildings, train stations
and other transportation facilities. 
Nowadays, FDM predominates the numerical solutions of partial differential equations (abbreviated next as – PDE) not less than the method of finite elements (abbreviated next as – FEM). This is wide-famous mathematical-discretization method that is economic to compute and simple to code, less regarding to computation tools in hands and how powerful/less powerful they are, since it bases on replacing each derivative by a difference algebraic quotient in a classical formulation. In a sense, a finite difference formulation offers a more direct approach to the numerical solution of the PDE especially in polar coordinates domain problems considering curvilinear dimensions that even FEM does not.
The generalized approach of FDM considers many parameters less regarded by the classical one.  Consequently, the use of classical approach negatively affects the accuracy of calculation (convergence to the exact solution values) and the tendency of results, the thing been healed by the generalized approach.

The technical and economic indicators of introduction of new type of smoothing reactors are calculated considering the features of the operating conditions of traction power supply systems of direct current 3,5 kV. Based on the data provided by operating and installation organizations, an assessment was made of cost indicators of catenary system repairs.The main financial items were formed, on the basis of which the calculation of net income and net present value was carried out in order to determine the payback period of inv estment costs.
The payback period based on the calculations (a little more than three years for equipment related to fixed assets with an assigned service life of twenty-five years) indicates a high level of investment attractiveness of a new type of smoothing reactor. The suggested method allows calculations using a large number of physical and operational parameters that affect the economic performance of the device.

The necessity of developing a mechanism for calculating tariffs for urban public transportation, taking into account international practices and the social importance of passenger transportation as a mixed public good, is substantiated. A formula for calculating a social tariff and an organizational-economic mechanism for development of a regional market of transport services to the population (at the example of St. Petersburg) are proposed, and its key principles are highlighted.
According to the author, it is necessary to suggest a mechanism for calculating tariffs for transport services to the population, based not only on the costs of carriers, but also on the basis of economic interests of passengers. It is proposed to calculate a social or socially oriented tariff, taking into account the average income of citizens, the average number of monthly trips, the share of transportation costs in the total monthly income and the share of trips with multiple travel tickets. At the same time, the tariff for transport services to the population should not exceed the social tariff.
The suggested concept of «organizational and economic mechanism for development of a regional market for transport services to the population» includes a set of principles, goals, facilities and subjects, as well as key elements of the mechanism comprising organizational and economic ones. This approach allows us to take into account the interests of all participants in the transport services market while developing of tariffs.
The basic principles of such a mechanism should be: focused objectives, parity, consistency, complexity, sociality, transparency, effectiveness.

The paper analyzes the cargo turnover of the seaports of the Caspian basin, examines the main seaports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, assesses the features of their port facilities, and their importance for the country’s transport potential. The study also comprises the analysis of the indicators of the transshipment of cargo in the seaport of Aktau, of its railway and maritime infrastructure, the SWOT analysis of the railways at the approaches to the port. The port’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as key forms of interaction between rail and sea transport and their sphere of effective use have been identified.
It is shown that the technical capacity of the port and port rail facilities plays a considerable role in ensuring the further growth of cargo turnover of Kazakhstan’s ports. Main tasks of the optimal interaction of rail and sea transport at the port transport hub are formulated. It is concluded that it is necessary to develop a model for the rational interaction between the port facilities and railways in order to increase their capacity, reduce the downtime of wagons and locomotives at stations and berths, as well as to reduce the cost of rail transportation within the port.

This article proposes a solution to the problem of choosing an option for routing of a railway line among two previously developed options. As initial data, materials were used for designing Elegest–Kyzyl–Kuragino railway line. On this section, two routing options are considered, which must be compared in order to choose the best one. The first option of the line (Eastern) takes place in a recess outside the village of Podgorny, which excludes the cost of demolition of residential buildings and relocation of residents, but provides for a large amount of earthwork. In the second option (Western), the line is laid through the village of Podgorny. With this development of the line, the volume of earthwork is much smaller, but it is necessary to take into account demolition of residential buildings, relocation of residents, as well as installation of noise barriers.
The conclusion drawn by the designers of CJSC Vostsibtransproekt was reviewed and analyzed. During the study, the applied decision-making method required some refinement with regard to this problem and additional analysis. To select the best option, the analytic hierarchy process was used.

The article considers the technological aspects of organization of passenger and baggage transportation by taxi cabs in megacities, referring particularly to the practices of a number of countries.
The authors analyze l e g a l regulation and technological development of taxi services in Moscow metropolitan area, including the current system for organizing the work of passenger taxi dispatch services taking into account centralization of information flows in a single city system.
An analysis of methods for planning placement of taxi ranks shows that outdated approaches are used to solve that problem without using modern information and communication technologies. In this regard, the methodological foundations of planning the organization of taxi ranks based on geoinformation data in the city of Moscow are proposed.
The studies and analysis made it possible to determine relevance and feasibility of existing and justification for planning of new taxi ranks, taking into account the requirements for rationality of location of taxi ranks from the point of view of ensuring a small walking distance for passengers, as well as reducing time of car delivery. The proposed method using accurate coordinates transmitted by the largest taxi dispatch service companies into the Unified Regional Navigation and Information System of the city of Moscow allows to implement these requirements.

The article deals with development of the system of border checkpoints operating within the objects of transport infrastructure.
A classification of three blocks of tasks related to infrastructure, control technologies, and administration has been proposed.
The necessity of unification of requirements for design, construction, reconstruction, equipment and technical equipment of buildings, premises and facilities necessary for organization of border, customs and other types of control carried out at checkpoints, their integration with transport infrastructure facilities (sea and river ports, airports, railway stations) at the design stage are explained.
Optimization approaches are proposed, including use of promising information technology in organization and operation of border checkpoints. In addition, it is concluded that it is necessary to organize training and advanced training of specialists in this field on the basis of transport universities.

The article discusses some issues of transport occupational health in the Russian Federation with attention particularly paid to the legal regulations of health checks of various categories of transport employees, as well as of their medical examination and health assessment. The review of national regulatory legal acts governing the health services provision to the transport employees in the Russian Federation is carried out as well.
The issues of providing first medical assistance to passengers, service users are also considered; problems related to the medical aspects of preventing and eliminating the consequences of transport emergencies are addressed.
The study of the current situation results in conclusion on the need to improve legislation in the field of health services provision in transport industry, to eliminate its fragmentation and bring it in line with international law.

Road traffic accidents cause enormous material and moral damage both to the society as a whole and to individual citizens. According to the data, the Russian Federation is among countries with highest road traffic mortality rates within European Region of the World Health Organization.
The objective of the study was to attempt to identify possible causes of high mortality rates from traffic accidents on the roads of the Russian Federation and to reveal ways to reduce those rates.
To that purpose a survey of citizens of the Russian Federation who are driver’s license owners and who are experienced drivers was conducted in different regions of the country. The results identified low medical literacy in terms of provision of first aid to the injured persons as one of the causes.
Other factors, potentially capable to reduce the number of fatalities in road traffic accidents, once their performance indicators improve, have also been considered. Those indicators comprise time of arrival of ambulance crews at the site of an accident with enough medical equipment and medicines, interaction of emergency services, growth of efficiency of training in providing primary medical care at driving schools.

The authors, on the basis of analysis of growing motorization, particularly at the regional level (using the example of Penza region of the Russian Federation) confirm the urgency of the tasks of preserving life and health of road users, note changes in frequency of accidents of various origin, the positive role of insurance instruments in dealing with the consequences of road traffic accidents.
At the same time, fraud in the field of compulsory motor third party liability insurance (MTPL) is one of the most important and urgent issues for insurance companies. One of the most common schemes of fictitious accidents is an attempt to get repair or replacement of existing damage at the expense of the insurer. In this regard, the use of transport trace evidence examinations has become widespread.
It is this type of transport expertise that reliably and accurately determines conformity of damage to vehicles to the mechanism and circumstances of a road traffic accident. Trace evidence analysis is always assigned when it comes to currently notorious «staged crash». It is impossible to understand the nature of accidents associated with lane change by vehicles moving along the way without study of trace materials. Particularly many problems arise in a situation where both participants in the accident claim that they were moving without changing the direction of movement, and that was the opponent who made a maneuver of lane change not complying with the requirement of the road traffic rules of the Russian Federation on priorities in traffic movement.
As an example, the article presents an expert study of a road traffic accident that raised doubts about reliability of circumstances set out by policyholders.

In 2017 the number of motor vehicles, being in operation in the world, exceeded 1,5 billion units. Motorization has caused serious problems for safety of the environment, life and health of humans.
This article discusses various factors of impact of motorisation and automobilisation on the environment.
Until recently, harmful emissions from vehicles have been considered as the main significant factor in environmental pollution. Due to implementation of the technical policy for implementation of EURO environmental standards, the «center of gravity» in the problems of improving the environmental safety of vehicles is moving towards minimising the heat entering the environment after being emitted by motor vehicles engines. The greatest practical interest is associated with the recovery of energy spent on traction, as the recovery increases the energy efficiency of road transport while reducing the negative impact on the environment.
A comparative assessment of cars with internal combustion engines and battery electric vehicles showed that the overall negative impact of comparable vehicles on the environment currently differs slightly.
It is necessary to continue research and development in the field of energy recovery problems.

To perform the basic management functions, a developed organizational culture is required. It is based on a system of common values, beliefs and norms that are formed for all employees of a given organization as a result of a complex process of interacting.
The article proposes to consider the «safety culture» (including, for example, traffic safety culture, environmental safety, labor activity safety culture) as an element interconnected with all other elements of organizational culture. This is especially relevant for transport companies, including JSC Russian Railways, where technology development and technological sophistication are progressing rapidly and
where, for objective reasons related to nature of the activity, the level of occupational injuries is high.
Organizational culture is considered in the article, as a set of functional cultures in the field of corporate management, interaction and communication, labor organization, safety culture, and interaction with external clients.
JSC Russian Railways uses modern technologies and sophisticated technology in its activities, while there are infrastructural restrictions; all this is a source of safety risks and threats. Therefore, the maturity level of safety culture, as well as its assessment are of great importance both for development of the organizational culture, and for the company.

The success of modern transport enterprises depends largely on availability of highly qualified employees, motivated for effective work. The formation of a competent team of employees is impossible without involvement of new young personnel who make an informed choice in favor of working in transport field. The most important tool for this is organization of career guidance in secondary schools, which allows schoolchildren to make a right choice for their future, and permits enterprises to get a well-informed and involved employee.
There are many known methods of conducting career guidance work, however, taking into account the peculiarities of development of new generations of schoolchildren, it is necessary to offer innovative programs and change approaches to implementation of existing ones.
The article discusses the experience of joint career guidance activities of branches of JSC Russian Railways and educational organizations in Zabaikalsky region.

The article analyzes Russian historical and legal heritage containing the norms governing social relations that arose in the process of development of water and inland roads, transportation, state administration in the transport field, and studies the most important norms of Russian transport legislation. 
The purpose of the research was to study legal regulation of transport relations in the historical period from 9th through 18th centuries in order to identify the main stages of development and periodization of domestic transport law.
The study was carried out using methods of legal analysis, including formal-dogmatic method, which allowed to reveal some of shortcomings and gaps of legal regulation; historical and legal method, that, in combination with the methods of taxonomic analysis, made it possible to carry out authors’ periodization of formation of transport legislation during the studied period. The use of achievements of legal hermeneutics and tools of the linguistic-semiotic and semantic approaches provided an opportunity to clarify the content of legal norms and legal documents referring to the period under review.
The results of the study are of interest from the point of view of revealing historical patterns of development of transport law, make it possible to assess the role and place of transport legislation in the system of legal regulators of public relations. The presented scientific results, taking into account already existing and practically substantiated developments, can serve as a starting point for further discussion about the prospects, trends and directions of development of Russian transport law and transport legislation.

The material on this topic was published in our previous issue (see World of Transport
and Transportation, Iss. 2, 2019). We continue this theme, as it was continued in 1909
by «Zheleznodorozhnoe delo» [Railway Business] Journal.

We publish a selection of materials about the problems that arose and the prospects for development of Moscow transport hub that were discussed 110 years ago. Some projects have been implemented, and we have been using their results for a long time, some ideas and aspirations remained unworkable projects, and some issues, such as launching new rapid passenger routes to the nearest cities, are still on the agenda.

Brief presentation of Transport Problems scientific journal.
Published since 2006, minimal number of issues per year: 4. Average annual number of articles: 65.
Publisher: Silesian University of Technology, Poland. p-ISSN: 1896–0596; e-ISSN2300–861X.
Topics of articles:
• road transport, railway transport, air and space transport, sea and river transport;
• industrial transport;
• urban communication, transport issues for smart cities;
• transport management in megacities, modeling of transport systems, traffic control;
• bicycles, scooters and motorcycles, as means of transport;
• preparing cargo, cargo forwarding and delivery, coordination of cargo handling operations;
• logistics centers, integrated transport systems;
• intermodal, multimodal and combined transport;
• computer systems for design of vehicles;
• mechanical engineering, rolling stock and vehicles’ manufacture;
• technical troubleshooting of vehicles;
• active and passive safety features, safety of transport systems;
• traffic forecasting and regional requirements, transport statistics;
• impact of safety legislation on transport;
• transport automation;
• transport economics;
• transport and environmental problems;
• impact of transport on health problems and ergonomics;
• transport infrastructure;
• education for transport industry;
• more specific issues of transport (by agreement with the editors).
The journal is included in most international reference databases, including Scopus (since 2012) and WoS (since 2016).
The journal has the status of Open Access and is included in the database DOAJ. All articles are available for download in PDF format.
Web-page of the journal: http://transportproblems.polsl.pl/en/default.aspx contains information on publication requirements, editorial and licensing policies, as well as the adopted review procedure are published there.

The monograph considers the features of the dynamics of drilling vessels designed to work in the sea. The complex of theoretical studies included in the monograph is aimed at solving problems related to substantiation of features of dynamic positioning system of a drilling vessel, necessary for its operation in the open sea conditions.
The conditions for operation of the automatic position-keeping system of a vessel are determined by the wind and wave roughness and the allowable flow speed.
The proposed algorithms for solving problems of control of a drilling vessel represent a digital-analog complex, that is due to non-linearity of tasks being solved and the presence of logical conditions in the algorithms.
The control model developed by the authors provides the possibility of its technical implementation.