Green energy sought to power Manchester light rail services
UK: Transport for Greater Manchester is planning to award a virtual Power Purchase Agreement contract for the long-term supply of wind or solar energy equivalent to the energy needs of the Metrolink light rail network.
Berlin freight tram plan needs legal clarity
GERMANY: The introduction of freight trams in Berlin could be feasible, an interim report has found, and further studies will be undertaken once there is greater clarity on the legal requirements.
Tramwaje Śląskie orders 50 trams
POLAND: Tramwaje Śląskie has awarded Pesa Bydgoszcz and Modertrans Poznań contracts to supply 50 trams worth 777m zloty.
Austin Light Rail construction procurement gets underway
USA: The procurement process has begun for a contract to design and build Austin Light Rail Phase 1.
Modernisation of Alexandria’s Raml network gathers pace
EGYPT: Hyundai Rotem is to supply LRVs as part of a wider programme to modernise Alexandria’s Raml tram network.
Warszawa seeks next-generation tram fleet
POLAND: Tramwaje Warszawskie has called tenders for up to 160 trams under a framework agreement seeking a proven design but delivering improved passenger comfort. It wishes to increase the proportion of low-floor vehicles in its fleet, but also provide capacity as the network grows.
UAE rail sector graduate scheme aims to nurture local skills
UAE: The first intake has completed what Dubai metro and tram operator Keolis MHI says is the region’s first graduate training programme of its kind for the rail sector.
Mexico: Guided buses challenge urban rail projects
While Mexico is enjoying a renaissance in rail investment at a national level, urban rail projects in several cities are coming under threat from cheaper bus options and Chinese-backed ART technology. Michael Dreyer reports.
Zagreb tram deliveries begin
CROATIA: Local manufacturer Končar KEV has delivered first of 40 NT2400 trams ordered by Zagreb public transport operator ZET.
Incoming Uruguayan government commits to Montevideo light rail
URUGUAY: The national government elected in the autumn is to ‘carry to an end’ Montevideo’s proposed tram-train project by the end of its term.
Trieste’s partly funicular tramway reopens
ITALY: The unusual tramway which links Trieste with Villa Opicina via a cable-hauled incline has reopened after being suspended in 2016.
Modertrans delivers updated tram to Poznań
POLAND: The first of 30 Moderus Gamma LF 04 AC BD trams that operator MPK Poznań’s in-house manufacturer Modertrans is supplying has arrived at Franowo depot.
Warszawa receives 2bn złoty to complete metro and tram extensions
POLAND: An agreement has been signed for Warszawa to receive 2bn złoty of co-financing from the EU for the completion of metro Line 2 and ongoing tramway projects.
Brazil: Urban rail projects battle local politics
Examples in Cuiabá and Canoas show how vulnerable Brazilian urban rail projects are to changes in local politics, as well as the temptation of alternative modes which are seen as less complex, even if the benefits are lower. Marcelo Benoit examines the two cases.