SBB Cargo restructured its domestic wagonload services on May 29. The Fokus project cuts the number of locations served to 323, which SBB says retains 96% of traffic with around 5150 wagons handled every day; services are also provided to 90 depots on Switzerland’s independent railways. SBB Cargo no longer receives grants for its wagonload business, but Director Daniel Nordmann says that ’thanks to higher productivity we can operate wagonload services economically over the long term’.
Georgian Railway, Azerbaijan Railway and RZD reinstated through passenger services between Tbilisi and Moscow on May 27 after a break of 13 years. Pending progress with the reinstatement of the war-damaged line through Abkhazia, now expected to cost US$241m, the thrice-weekly service must run via Baku, taking three days for the 3015 km trip.
French Transport Minister Dominique Perben is due to participate in ceremonies on July 3 to mark the start of construction on the first section of TGV Rhin-Rh
