Latest news – Page 21
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NewsNS signs contract to operate core passenger train services to 2033
NETHERLANDS: The Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management and national incumbent operator Nederlandse Spoorwegen have signed a public service operating contract covering the designated core passenger rail network, ahead of the EU deadline for direct awards. The Hoofdrailnet concession agreement runs from January 1 2025 to ...
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NewsFirst section of Mexico’s Trans-Isthmus Railway opens
MEXICO: The newly rebuilt ‘Line Z’ of the Interoceanic Railway of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec was inaugurated on December 22.
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NewsJapanese DMUs to support DR Congo route modernisation scheme
DR CONGO: Seven cars of an ex-JR Hokkaido Kiha 183 trainset were delivered to the port of Matadi on December 13 for use by Office National des Transports. The intermediate and driving cars were built by Fuji Heavy Industries and Niigata Engineering between 1979 and 1992. ...
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Metro Report International‘Truly unique’ history-inspired tramway to be built in Saudi Arabia
SAUDI ARABIA: The Royal Commission for AlUla has awarded Alstom a €500m contract to supply a ‘truly unique’ tramway inspired by heritage including the historic Hedjaz Railway. Alstom said the 22·4 km line would be the world’s longest catenary-free tramway, and will ‘encapsulate richness, history and ...
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NewsAmtrak begins procurement to renew Long Distance train fleet
USA: Amtrak has issued a request for proposals for a ‘once-in-a-generation, multi-billion-dollar’ procurement of double-deck rolling stock to replace its Long Distance fleet. The RFP was informed by the responses to a request for information issued in December 2022. Amtrak is soliciting offers from established companies ...
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NewsItalian regional operators order hydrogen trains
ITALY: Ferrovie del Sud Est and Ferrovie Nord Milano have placed orders for Alstom Coradia Stream H hydrogen multiple-units to replace diesel trainsets.
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NewsAlstom wins Victoria fleet maintenance contract
AUSTRALIA: Alstom has won a €900m contract to maintain the VLocity and Classic regional train fleets in Victoria. The VLocity diesel multiple-units which were built at Alstom’s Dandenong plant will be maintained alongside the Classic fleet at sites in West Melbourne, South Dynon and Ballarat East. ...
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NewsDB launches Schenker sale
GERMANY: Deutsche Bahn has begun the process of selling its logistics and road haulage subsidiary DB Schenker.
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In depthComment: A long way from København
Comparing COP15 in København to the recent COP28 summit in Dubai reveals a shift in the visibility of rail in climate discussions. Nick Kingsley reflects on COP28’s commitment to the transition away from fossil fuels and how addressing transport pollution remains an urgent challenge.
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Rail Business UKConverting passenger information into sign language
UK: Signapse is aiming to improve access to real-time passenger information by using AI to translate messages at stations and on trains into British Sign Language. The specialist technology company is working with Network Rail, South Western Railway and Whoosh Media on the project, which has ...
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In depthData systems: Managing the transition to next-generation communications
The emergence of packet-based MPLS-TP data networks offers infrastructure managers a means to move away from legacy technology such as Time Division Multiplex, enabling them to keep pace with demands for an increasingly digital railway.
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Metro Report InternationalPassenger Transport Driver apprenticeship programme now includes trams
UK: The Passenger Transport Driver apprenticeship programme has been expanded to cover the light rail sector. This follows work by industry body UKTram and the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education to ensure the course meets the requirements of light rail operators. ‘In an ideal world, ...
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NewsEIB provides more support to Koper second track project
SLOVENIA: The European Investment Bank has signed a €250m loan agreement with project promoter 2TDK to co-finance the ongoing construction of the second rail track to the port of Koper. A 27 km single-track line on a new alignment will add capacity in conjunction with the ...
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Rail Business UKTrain toilet servicing vehicle delivered
UK: Vogelsang has taken delivery of a Bradshaw PFB1500-1100 electric vehicle which will be used for servicing train controlled emission toilets. The company needed a vehicle which could carry its CET wastewater units while offering user-friendly operation, low noise and the ability to service several trains ...
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NewsJoint border crossing to speed up Balkan rail transport
EUROPE: The European Bank for Reconstruction & Development and the European Union are to fund a joint border crossing on the Corridor X rail route between North Macedonia and Serbia. The new and upgraded facilities will be shared by the two countries, to improve efficiency, reduce ...
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NewsERA launches railway factsheets
EUROPE: The EU Agency for Railways has launched ERA Railway Factsheets, giving what it calls ‘a comprehensive overview of the rail sector across European countries with one-click access’. Covering aspects such as transport statistics, railway organisations, rolling stock, infrastructure, safety, market structure, and the legal framework, ...
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NewsSoftware expands ticket vending machine capabilities
ITALY: Trenord is the first customer to deploy a ticket machine software platform which Conduent Transportation has developed to provide a user experience similar to a web app and to enable the future sale of new products. The ticket machines accept payment by digital payment apps, ...
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NewsPort link and Trans-Siberian tunnel inaugurated
RUSSIA: A 49·7 km railway line to the port of Lavna, and a 926 m long double-track tunnel on the Trans-Siberian railway line were inaugurated on December 15. The inauguration events were attended by President Vladimir Putin via a video stream. Port link The newly built ...
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In depthResilient Infrastructure: Reducing rail noise with acoustically optimised crossings
The noise generated by trains passing over turnouts can pose problems for railways, particularly in residential areas. Laboratory trials have shown the potential benefits of high-damping polyurethane composites, and a field test is currently underway on the ÖBB network in Austria.
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In depthJapan: Rural railways struggle against a changing climate
Recent storms have caused huge damage in parts of Japan, wrecking some rural railways and forcing others to close. Mike Bent examines how local lines can be revived against the odds.