Malta metro study proposes three-line network
MALTA: Transport Malta has published a feasibility study and a strategic business case for the development of a 35 km underground driverless light metro network serving the principal urban area around Valetta.
Driverless pod technology planned for Shildon and Kampala
UK: UrbanMass has announced plans for a demonstration installation of its Floc concept for driverless electric pods which would use existing roads to collect passengers on-demand, and then ‘flock’ together as trains on dedicated elevated tracks.
Porto unveils CRRC LRV design
PORTUGAL: Metro do Porto has unveiled the design of the 18 Class CT light rail vehicles it has ordered from CRRC Tangshan.
Alstom awarded Grand Paris Express Line 18 rolling stock and automation contract
FRANCE: Alstom has been awarded a contract to supply rolling stock and automation systems for the future Grand Paris Express driverless metro Line 18.
Lisboa metro and tram extensions funded
PORTUGAL: The national government, municipality and operator Metropolitano de Lisboa have signed the contracts to fund the southwestern extension of the metro Red Line from São Sebastião to Alcântara, as well as the planned Odivelas/Loures light rail corridor.
Platform edge gates ordered for Marseille metro automation programme
FRANCE: A €60m contract for the supply of platform edge gates as part of the conversion of Marseille’s two-line rubber-tyred metro to driverless operation has been awarded to Wabtec subsidiary Faiveley Transport, Eiffage Génie Civil Méditerranée and Eiffage Energie Systems Mediterranee.
Paris tram framework contract awarded
FRANCE: Paris transport authority Île-de-France Mobilités and operator RATP have selected Alstom for a framework contract to supply up to 120 trams worth €310m.
UKTram consults on draft light rail strategy
UK: Light rail industry body UKTram is seeking comments on its draft Light Rail Strategy for the UK, which is due to be submitted to ministers and the Department for Transport later this year.
Wien approves northern tram expansion
AUSTRIA: The Wien city government has approved the construction of a new tram route serving the Aspern district, as a branch off the orbital Strebersdorf – Hausfeldstrasse route 26 on the northern side of the River Donau.
Blackpool Transport radios go digital
UK: TES Communication Solutions is to replace the analogue radio equipment on Blackpool Transport Services’ tram and bus fleets with a digital system.
Financing agreed for Wien’s U2xU5 metro extensions
AUSTRIA: The national government and the City of Wien have agreed a 50:50 split for financing the €6bn second phase of the U2xU5 metro expansion package, which covers extensions to both lines.
Tramway road-rail vehicles delivered
BELGIUM: Zagro Bahn- und Baumaschinen has delivered four Unimog U423 road-rail vehicles to Brussels transport operator STIB.
Grand Paris Express appoints shadow operator
FRANCE: Following an international tender, Société du Grand Paris and transport authority Île-de-France Mobilités have appointed a consortium of Transamo, Transdev and Strides International as shadow operator for the capital’s driverless metro network.
Go-Ahead and Arup set out vision for sustainable transport hubs
UK: Ways to improve the integration of public transport with walking, cycling, micromobility and digital services to create an attractive alternative to car travel have been presented by train and bus operator Go-Ahead Group and engineering consultancy Arup.
Funding sought for West Midlands Metro expansion
UK: The West Midlands Combined Authority Board has approved bids for £2bn of government funding for investment in tram, rail, bus and cycling infrastructure over the next five years
London Underground’s Battersea Power Station extension opens
UK:·A 3·3 km two-station branch of London Underground’s Northern Line to serve the Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station redevelopment area opened on September 20.
Crown Bridges tramway construction approved
FINLAND: Construction of the Crown Bridges tramway in Helsinki is expected to get underway shortly, after the city council formally approved a revised budget setting the estimated cost at €326m.
Bespoke London Underground doors pass fire test
UK: Rhino Doors has successfully fire-tested bespoke self-closing doors designed for the cross passages of Transport for London’s Moorgate station. The doors are intended to provide passengers with reduced mobility with a place of refuge during emergencies, and feature panic bars and vision panels.
Warszawa tram network extended to Winnica
POLAND: Tramwaje Warszawskie has started revenue operation on a 1·3 km extension of tram routes 2 and 17 from Nowodwory to Winnica in the north of the city.
Paris awards T3b tram extension contracts
FRANCE: Paris transport operator RATP has selected Colas to build a 3·2 km western extension of orbital tram route T3b from Porte d’Asnières to Porte Dauphine.