Features & Analysis – Page 37
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NewsTackling the challenges to standard train control
ETCS: Some decisive action needs to be taken soon in order to ensure the evolution of a truly standardised European Train Control System.
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NewsTrain scheduling research benefits commuters
OPERATIONS: While automatic generation of timetables remains a goal for many train operators, the Sujic programme optimises passenger benefit and is seen as a valuable decision support tool.
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NewsFerroeste consolidates its expansion plans
Samuel Gomes, Chairman & CEO, Estrada de Ferro Paraná Oeste SA This year will be a decisive time for Ferroeste, as we press ahead with our long-term expansion strategy. By the end of the year, we expect to have completed all the technical and environmental studies for a series of ...
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NewsSeeking cost efficiency through benchmarking
USA: In order to learn from international best practice, Amtrak has started to benchmark its infrastructure performance and expenditure against a group of European operators.
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NewsNS may lose its stations
NETHERLANDS: Further reforms are needed to open up the rail market, according to a review commissioned by Transport Minister Camiel Eurlings. A committee chaired by former minister Winnie Sorgdrager was asked to consider the relationship between NS, ProRail and the state. Its report, Over 't Spor, was published on April ...
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NewsInfrarail brings logistics expertise to major projects
FRANCE: Through the creation of Infrarail, SNCF is giving its infrastructure services business a more commercial focus as the sector becomes increasingly competitive. Laurent Charlier reports.
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NewsA vision of the intelligent railway
AUTOMATION: Communications-based train control is putting more intelligence on board trains, along with high capacity data links that can be harnessed to carry other systems. Invensys Rail Group CEO James Drummond tells Chris Jackson that rail is starting to copy the convergence of technologies seen in other industries.
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NewsLevel 2 rolls out across the Danish network
DENMARK: Politicians approved funding for Banedanmark to resignal the entire national rail network with ETCS and CBTC in January. Tendering is expected to get underway immediately, with the whole project to be completed by 2021.
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NewsConfidence in a buoyant market
MATISA: Swiss track equipment specialist Matisa shows little sign of suffering in the global recession as orders continue to arrive from railways across the world.
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NewsExhibits inside and out
IAF: Swiss group Speno International will have products on display both indoors and outside in Münster.
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NewsPermanent Way industry makes tracks to Münster
INFRASTRUCTURE: More than 150 companies representing all aspects of the permanent way industry will be present in Münster for the 25th International Exhibition of Track Technology taking place on April 21-23.
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NewsFull order book in Freilassing
ROBEL: Driven by a robust export market and sub-contracted work from its parent company Plasser & Theurer, German track equipment supplier Robel is increasing capacity at its base in the south of the country.
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NewsSuppliers expect strong interest at Münster exhibition
IAF: Full order books are keeping track machinery suppliers busy, while economic regeneration programmes should lead to more contracts in the medium term. We look at some of the machines on show at iaf 2009 and talk to suppliers about the market.
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NewsHaenel urges change at SNCF
FRANCE: Anyone studying French railway policy over the last 20 years will find that one name stands out as a supporter of proposals to steer strategy towards a more commercial and viable future. That name is Hubert Haenel, Senator for Haut-Rhin, who, since he chaired an inquiry into SNCF in ...
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NewsDaunting tasks lie ahead
INDIA: Commending Indian Railways as scaling ‘a new pinnacle every year’, buoyed by a steady year-on-year increase in freight and passenger output during the last five years, Railways Minister Lalu Prasad told the Lok Sabha on February 26 that IR was now standing at ‘the zenith of success’. Introducing the ...
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NewsThree-stage programme to update RZD’s fleet
RUSSIA: Plans to give Russian Railways a fleet of modern diesel and electric locomotives are being implemented as part of a two-phase network expansion strategy. Boris Lukov reports.
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NewsThe bloodbath is coming
EUROPE: Liberalisation of international passenger services is intended to boost customer choice, but fierce competition between rail and air could result in consolidation, says Christian Rossi.
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NewsTraining in a virtual world
SIMULATORS: The latest driver training programmes offered by Orca Railway Systems include fuel saving and train-handling strategies to cut operating costs; remote diagnostics allow software maintenance and upgrading via the internet. Mary Anne Throop reports from Vancouver.
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NewsTighter times ahead
UK: Economic recession is starting to put strains on the UK rail industry, after steady growth in the years following privatisation. Stringent efficiency targets have been set for Network Rail over the next five years, and concerns are emerging that some franchises may not meet ambitious revenue projections.
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NewsMRS Logística switches to CBTC
BRAZIL: This month will see the start of commercial operation using a new communic ations-based train control system as MRS Logística replaces its existing CTC with the equivalent of ETCS Level 2.