Europe – Page 80
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Metro Report InternationalMediator proposes revised timetable for Liège tram completion
BELGIUM: Opening of the Liège tram route could be put back to January 2025 under proposals tabled by mediators appointed to review the delays and cost over-runs on the PPP-funded project. The 11·7 km line is being built for Wallonnie public transport operator OTW by the ...
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NewsEurostar check-in biometric verification goes live
The SmartCheck biometric check-in and UK border exit system has gone live at Eurostar’s London St Pancras station; Railway Gazette International tries it out and speaks to the high speed train operator and supplier iProov.
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NewsService enhancements announced as Vy signs Østlandet operating contract
NORWAY: Enhanced services are to be rolled out in eastern Norway following the signing of contracts for state-owned operator Vy to run the Østlandet network for 10 years from December 2023.
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NewsEurobahn contract extended to match battery train delivery
GERMANY: Westfalen-Lippe transport authority NWL has directly awarded Eurobahn a three-year extension to its contract to operate Ostwestfalen-Lippe Nord diesel-worked passenger services. The contract started on December 2013 and was due to run to December 2025. It has been extended so that the next tendered contract ...
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Metro Report InternationalGrand Paris Express Line 15 West construction contract awarded
FRANCE: Automated metro project promoter Société du Grand Paris has awarded the Intencités15 consortium a design and build contract for civil works on the first section of the orbital Line 15 West, running from Pont de Sèvres on Line 15 South to La Défense. The €2·7bn ...
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NewsSBB unveils inter-regional double-deck trainsets
SWITZERLAND: The first of 60 Stadler RABe512 double deck electric multiple-units for use on Interregio services was unveiled by Swiss Federal Railways at Zürich’s main station on July 7. SBB awarded Stadler a SFr1·3bn contract to supply the EMUs in 2021, having ordered similar units from ...
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Metro Report InternationalBergamo T2 tram order confirmed
ITALY: Škoda Group has finalised a contract to supply 10 customised trams to Bergamo over the next three years and provide three years of full-service maintenance. The tram order which was formally announced on July 12 forms part of a larger turnkey contract for a consortium ...
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NewsDB Regio awarded E-Netz Oberelbe operating contract
GERMANY: Oberelbe transport authority VVO has awarded DB Regio a contract to operate E-Netz Oberelbe passenger services from 14 years from December 2026. The contract covers services from Dresden to Leipzig, Cottbus and Hoyerswerda totalling 3·1 million train-km/year. The scope will be expanded in 2035 with ...
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NewsLong-term locomotive service contract signed
EUROPE: Leasing company Alpha Trains and Siemens Mobility have signed their largest servicing contract, covering the maintenance of Vectron locomotives over 15 years. Maintenance work will be undertaken at Siemens Mobility Service facilities in 13 countries, with major overhauls to be done at the Siemens Rail ...
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In depthIreland: Building confidence to secure a positive future
After five years as Chief Executive of Iarnród Eireann, Jim Meade sees bright prospects for Ireland’s national railway. Passengers are returning after the coronavirus pandemic, and the government has identified a valuable role for rail in its move to a more sustainable transport mix, he tells Tony Miles.
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NewsIndustry calls for rapid implementation of European Commission proposals to boost rail freight
EUROPE: Industry associations have welcomed the European Commission’s Greening Freight proposals to improve cross-border rail freight services and standardise information on transport emissions, but have expressed concern about permitting the use of larger and heavier lorries. Noting that railways are expensive to build and increasingly congested, ...
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Metro Report InternationalSofia orders Warszawa-style metro trains adapted for a hotter climate
BULGARIA: Sofia metro operator Metropolitan JSC has awarded Škoda Group a €65m contract to supply eight four-car trainsets. These will be a follow-on from vehicles supplied to Warszawa, but equipped with powerful air-conditioning suitable for the warmer climate and surface running sections of the Sofia network. ...
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NewsSpanish narrow gauge fares integrated
SPAIN: Fares on the metre gauge routes formerly operated by FEVE will be integrated with the rest of national operator RENFE’s fare structure from July 17. FEVE was merged with RENFE in January 2013, but the separate fare structures were retained, including a lack of through ...
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Metro Report InternationalBilbao Line 5 trains ordered
SPAIN: Euskotren has awarded CAF a contract to supply five Class 980 trainsets in 2026-27 for use on the future Bilbao metro Line 5. The 6·6 km Line 5 is under construction between Sarratu and Gldakao in the eastern suburbs of Bilbao. The four-car metre gauge ...
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In depthTrain Control: Say goodbye to lineside hardware with satellites and digital comms
A marriage of satellite communications with fully digital train control could eliminate lineside signals and related equipment, achieving huge savings and making the rail mode more affordable. Preliminary trials are already in progress.
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NewsSystra agrees to buy Atkins business in Scandinavia
EUROPE: International engineering consultancy Systra has reached agreement to acquire the Atkins businesses in Sweden, Denmark and Norway from SNC-Lavalin Group, strengthening its presence in the Scandinavian market.
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NewsTrain operators propose 32 000 km high speed rail ‘Metropolitan Network’
EUROPE: Proposals for a huge expansion of the high rail speed network have been drawn up by Deutsche Bahn working in partnership with nine other major European operators.
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In depthPoland: Making the strategic case for the CPK rail programme
The Centralny Port Komunikacyjny transport investment programme will improve connectivity in Poland and beyond, Marcin Horała, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Infrastructure, tells Railway Gazette International.
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In depthSpace Technology: European aerospace bodies see rail opportunities
European aerospace organisations ESA and EUSPA are developing dedicated initiatives aimed at facilitating the use of satellite technology in rail applications, with ERTMS a particular focus. Nick Kingsley reports.
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Metro Report InternationalHappiness in Angers as two tram lines open
Source: Angers Loire Métropole/Morganview FRANCE: Angers tram routes B and C have opened, triggering a recast of the local public transport services operated by RATP Dev Angers under the Irigo brand. Opening celebrations were held on July 7 and when the first services ran in July ...