A comparison of functional characteristics of railway rolling stock based on resilience indicators

• Rail systems are sustainable and high-performing, but highly vulnerable. • Service reliability and operational resilience are essential considerations. • Rolling stock procurement significantly impacts network resilience. • Resilience metrics should inform rolling stock acquisition decisions. • Methodology illustrated through a real-world metro case study. Rail systems are recognized for their sustainability and high operational performance; however, they remain highly vulnerable to disruptions. Therefore, service reliability and operational resilience result to be a critical priority for transport operators. Among the factors influencing network resilience, rolling stock procurement plays a significant role, yet its impact is often underestimated. This study emphasises the importance of incorporating resilience metrics into rolling stock acquisition decisions to enhance overall system robustness. To illustrate how this approach can be applied, Line 1 of the Naples metro system in Italy has been selected as a case study.