Railcoop plans freight launch this year ahead of passenger market entry
FRANCE: Start-up open access operator Railcoop aims to launch its first freight services later this year. If the co-operative’s plans come to fruition, Railcoop would follow up in 2022 with the launch of inter-city passenger services on the Bordeaux – Lyon via Périgueux route.
Brazilian rail tender draws bidders’ interest
BRAZIL: A 35-year ‘sub-concession’ to operate freight services on the 537 km section of Ferrovia de Integração Oeste-Leste between Caetité and the port of Ilhéus is attracting more interest than expected.
Pension funds invest in rolling stock leasing company
ALPHA TRAINS: Investment manager AMP Capital and Canada’s Public Sector Pension Investment Board have separately agreed to sell their stakes in rolling stock leasing company Alpha Trains to Dutch pension providers APG, which already owns an indirect interest, and PGGM Infrastructure Fund.
ICE4 inspection and maintenance contract awarded
GERMANY: Deutsche Bahn has awarded Siemens Mobility a contract for the first scheduled inspection and maintenance of 40 ICE4 high speed trainsets, with an option covering a further 50.
SNCB divests remaining stake in freight operator Lineas
BELGIUM: SNCB has sold its remaining 10% stake in part-privatised freight business Lineas to the federal government’s holding and investment company SFPI, as part of the national train operator’s strategy of focusing on its core passenger activities.
Railpool financing package agreed
EUROPE: Leasing company Railpool’s plans for the acquisition of new vehicles are being supported by KfW IPEX-Bank, ABN AMRO Bank, Crédit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank and ING Bank, which are providing equal amounts of debt capital totalling €150m in a seven-year financing package.
