Reducing brake dust to improve air quality
FRANCE: Paris transport operator RATP is testing Wabtec’s Green Friction braking materials, which are designed to help improve the air quality in tunnels by reducing the amount of microparticles emitted.
Real-Time Asset Management research grants awarded
USA: The Federal Transit Administration’s Real-Time Asset Management research programme has awarded grants totalling $1·37m to six projects which aim to enhance asset management and safety by deploying innovative technologies.
Metrolink operating contract awarded
USA: National passenger operator Amtrak has beaten four other bidders to win the next contract to operate Southern California Regional Rail Authority’s Metrolink commuter services.
Berlin to establish rolling stock company
GERMANY: The Berlin Senate has decided to establish a rolling stock agency to procure and lease vehicles for use on local rail services.
Karachi Circular Railway section revived
PAKISTAN: The long-proposed resumption of services on part of the Karachi Circular Railway was celebrated with an inaugural train on November 19.
State budget backs Melbourne ring line
AUSTRALIA: Prequalification will start by the end of 2020 for work on Melbourne’s orbital Suburban Rail Loop, Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews announced on November 16.
Sydney travel app adds social distancing information
AUSTRALIA: Transport for New South Wales has worked with Amazon Web Services, digital services company Tigerspike and transport software developer AppJourney to add physical distancing and passenger occupancy notifications for Sydney Trains and metro services to the Opal Travel app.
London Overground completes introduction of Class 710 EMUs
UK: The last two of 54 Class 710 Aventra electric multiple-units have entered service with London Overground, the operator has announced.
Berlin S-Bahn extended to BER airport
GERMANY: Berlin S-Bahn services were extended to the new Berlin Brandenburg International airport on October 26, in preparation for the start of full operations at the end of the month.
Hangzhou – Shaoxing line trains unveiled
CHINA: The first of 18 trainsets for the Hangzhou – Shaoxing inter-urban link has been unveiled by the CRRC Puzhen.
Siemens Mobility and Newag sign traction equipment agreement
POLAND: Siemens Mobility and Newag have signed a five-year framework agreement for the supply of up to 200 traction drives for Impuls 2 electric multiple-units ordered by commuter operator SKM Warszawa.
Morley – Ellenbrook line construction contract awarded
AUSTRALIA: The MELconnx Consortium has been awarded the contract to design and build the 21 km Morley – Ellenbrook line to serve the northeast suburbs of Perth.
Boston commuter operator hit by ransomware attack
USA: Boston commuter rail operator Keolis Commuter Services was subjected to a ransomware attack on its computer systems on the morning of October 10.
Malolos – Clark Railway civil works contracts awarded
PHILIPPINES: Construction of the Malolos – Clark Railway Project is expected to ramp up rapidly, following the signing of a further three civil works contracts worth more than US$1·7bn.