Alstom has developed a simulator for Barcelona metro operator TMB which incorporates the latest virtualisation, gamification and virtual reality technologies to train metro staff and automatic line operation technicians. The simulator reproduces real routes, conditions and obstacles to create realistic scenarios, and includes a full-scale reproduction of the cab of Metropolis trains on lines 9 and 10.
PSI Polska has won a contract to design and deploy a depot management system for the Annopol tram depot in Warszawa. To be built in 2021-25 at a cost of €67m, the 12 ha depot will have 14 km of track able to accommodate 150 trams. The management system is to be based on the PSItraffic/DMS software deployed at Poznań and elsewhere, and will manage all processes, including traffic management and optimisation of tram movements.
NJ Transit is to use Ultimate Kronos Group’s Dimensions cloud suite (formerly Workforce Dimensions) for real-time staff management and automated rostering. Employees, including those assigned to remote locations, will be able to clock in and out of shifts from their smartphone as well as view information pertinent to their role.
The European Investment Bank has approved €75m of financing for the €185m reconstruction and modernisation of Sarajevo’s tram and trolleybus networks, including the purchase of new vehicles and infrastructure rehabilitation.
The European Investment Bank has approved €44m of financing to support PKP SKM’s planned €93m purchase of 10 EMUS and depot equipment for tri-city region of Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia.
Barcelona metro operator TMB has taken delivery of the first of four five-car second-generation CAF Series 6000 trainsets ordered to increase capacity on Line 1. Entry into service is planned for November.
Southern California’s Metrolink has launched the SoCal Explorer loyalty programme. Passengers earning one point for every mile (1·6 km) they travel, which they can redeem for free tickets. People signing up receive enough points for a round-trip ticket, so they can try out the service for free. Discounts are also offered at local businesses.
The Department of Transportation & Public Works of Miami-Dade has awarded OHL USA a $368m contract to convert the 30 km South Corridor South Dade Transitway into a bus rapid transit route. This is one of six rapid transit corridors of the Strategic Miami Area Rapid Transit Plan and the first to move to the construction phase.
