This week’s round-up of news from the urban transport sector.
Karlsruhe’s Albtal-Verkehrs-Gesellschaft and Central Bohemian transport association IDSK have signed a bilateral memorandum of understanding to share expertise for the potential future introduction of tram-train services around Praha. The MoU covers topics including legal frameworks, rolling stock technology, operational standards, infrastructure management and economic issues.
Two Chengdu metro extensions were inaugurated simultaneously at 10.00 on September 17. Phase 3 of Line 10 runs 5·9 km from Taipingyuan to Wuhou Shrine, taking the 100 km/h line to a total length of 41·5 km. A further extension to Luomashi station is scheduled to open in 2027. Line 17 has been extended 24·8 km eastwards from Jitouqiao through the city centre to Gaohong, taking the 140 km/h express line to 30·3 km.
Rouen Métropole Normandie has awarded Transdev a €1·2bn contract to operate its Astuce branded public transport services from 2026 to 2031. The contract includes an increase in tram services, and studies for a potential route to serve a new railway station.
Moskva Metro opened a 10·3 km extension of Line 16 on September 13, running north from Novatorskaya to Vavilovskaya, Akademicheskaya, Krymskaya and ZIL; this takes the line to 25 km with 11 stations. ZIL will provide an interchange with the future Line 18. A second extension of Line 16 currently at the design stage would run south for 16·8 km from Novomoskovskaya to Troitskaya, adding six stations.
A 6·5 km eastern extension of Karaj metro Line 2 from Ayatallah Taleqani to Shahid Soltani on Line 5 opened on September 6. There is one intermediate station, with two more to open later.
Following a competitive bidding process, Delhi Metro Rail Corp has awarded Alstom a 10-year contract worth €42·1m to undertake a comprehensive annual maintenance of Bombardier-made trains and the associated workshop equipment at its Badli depot, and for the maintenance of the onboard signalling equipment installed in all 103 trains used on lines 1 and 2.
Tallinn operator TLT has launched a procurement process to acquire 10 trams within the next three years, with options for a further 12. The vehicles are required to be at least 80% low-floor, with a capacity of at least 160 people including at least 50 seated. They must have a service life of at least 40 years, operating 66 000 km/year in a Nordic climate. ‘The residents of Tallinn love trams’, said Deputy Mayor Kristjan Järvan on September 17. ’We are working hard to build additional tramways to Liivalaia Street and Pelguranda by 2029. Additional tramways also need modern rolling stock to serve public transport users. We are making an effort every day to make Tallinn’s public transport even better.’
Following a successful trial, Hong Kong’s MTR Corp is to allow cats and dogs to be carried on light rail services during weekends and on public holidays. Animals must be fully enclosed in carriers, while their owners are required to board and alight from the last doors and remain at the rear of the vehicle.
Gdańsk and the Centre for EU Transport Projects have agreed to co-finance the 800m złoty construction of a 3·8 km double-track tramway extension to serve the Wrzeszcz district, with seven stops. Nearly 260m złoty of European Funding is expected. Procurement is planned for later this year, enabling work to start in 2026 for opening in 2029.