GO Transit and UP Express operating contract extended
CANADA: Greater Toronto area transport agency Metrolinx has awarded Alstom a five-extension to its operation and maintenance contract covering GO Transit commuter rail and Union Pearson Express airport services.
Ontario buys tracks for Northlander passenger train service
CANADA: Ontario has bought the 205 km Newmarket Subdivision between North Bay and Washago from CN as part of the provincial government’s programme to reintroduce passenger services from Toronto Union to Timmins-Porcupine.
GoVolta launches to make international rail travel ‘affordable, comfortable and accessible to everyone’
EUROPE: GoVolta has launched low-cost passenger services from Amsterdam to Berlin and Hamburg as the first steps in its ambitious plan to make international rail travel more accessible as an alternative to short and medium-haul flights and car journeys.
AI booking tool shows that travel demand from disabled passengers is higher than thought
UK: Software developer Transreport says that the market for travel by disabled and older people is higher than had previously been thought, as until now data has reflected ease of access to the booking system rather than the underlying demand.
First phase of München Westtangente tram route inaugurated
GERMANY: The first section of München’s western orbital tram corridor is inaugurated, closing a gap in a network that had been focused on radial routes to and from the city centre.
Railway supply industry news round-up
This week’s news from the global railway supply chain.
East Midlands Railway expands Secret Fare discounts
UK: East Midlands Railway has expanded the Secret Fare scheme operated in partnership with Seatfrog, which offers savings of up to 50% in exchange for being flexible with departure times.
ScotRail confirms Class 222 leasing deal to enable withdrawal of HSTs
UK: ScotRail has confirmed a deal to lease 22 five-car Bombardier Transportation Class 222 inter-city DMUs from Beacon to enable the replacement of its ageing High Speed Train fleet.
Light at the end of the tunnel in HS2’s Euston saga
UK: The launch of a second TBM to drive from Old Oak Common towards Euston offers renewed hope that High Speed 2 will eventually reach its long-planned London terminus. Chris Howe reports.
