AbstractThis paper discusses the effects of inerter-based passive networks in the design of novel mechatronic solutions for improving the vertical performance of a bogied railway vehicle. Combinations of inerter-based structures and active suspensions comprise distinct novel mechatronic solutions for the vertical secondary suspension of the vehicle. The parameters of the active and passive parts of the overall configuration are optimised so that a synergy arises to enhance the vehicle vertical performance and simplify common mechatronic suspension design conflicts. The study is performed by combining inerter-based suspensions with well-established active control (output-based and model-based) strategies for ride quality enhancement. Also, a novel nonlinear control strategy, here called ‘Adaptive Stiffness’, is incorporated for suspension deflection regulation to complement the well-known local implementation of skyhook damping. This would complete a significant set of control strategies to produce general conclusions. The vehicle performance is assessed through the vertical accelerations of the vehicle body as an initial investigation. Attained results show the potential of the inerter concept for innovating mechatronic technologies to achieve substantial improvements in railway vehicle vertical ride quality with reduced actuator force.Keywords: inerterpassive suspensionactive suspensionrailway vehiclemechanical controlhybrid suspension AcknowledgmentsWe thank SIMPACK UK for the support in providing a free limited license of SIMPACK Rail module. We are also thankful for the helpful discussions with Professor Malcolm Smith and Dr Jason Jiang Zheng on the inerter applications and technology.Additional informationFundingThis work was supported by Universidad de Los Andes, Venezuela and via a departmental scholarship from the School of Electronics, Electrical and Systems Engineering, Loughborough University, UK.