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2010

2010

Era of Japanese maglev trains might not begin with Japanese travellers

A discussion on the imminent commercial operation of Japan's superconducting maglev trains. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is pushing for overseas sales of the maglev train, and it is possible that the U.S. might start maglev services before Japan. A line between Tokyo and Nagoya is planned to run by 2027.

The Nikkei Weekly, Magazine Special, winter 2010. pp.30-31.


China plans huge railway spree

Plans are being made for China to lay up to 10,000km of high-speed lines, including lines to the ASEAN region. Lines are planned to Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Bangladesh. Companies from japan and Germany hope to gain business opportunities from these projects. A map of proposed routes is included.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.48. no.2,470. 20 Dec. 2010. p.15.


ONCF orders duplex

The national Moroccan railway has contracted Alstom Transport to supply 14 Duplex double-decker high speed trainsets for the Tanger-Casablanca service. Development of the trainsets will take place at the company's La Rochelle plant; facilities supplying trainset parts are listed.

Railway Gazette International, vol.167, no.1. Jan.2011. p.12.


Infrastructure: UK

Engineering design services for High Speed 2 Ltd are to be supplied by a consortium consisting of URS Corp., Mott MacDonald and Grimshaw.

Railway Gazette International, vol.167, no.1. Jan.2011. p.18.


Cutting the weight of high speed trains

The use of multi-functional body panels based on composite and sandwich technologies is being studied at the Centre for ECO Vehicle Design, Royal Institute of Technology Stockholm, as a means of reducing train bodyshell weight. Energy consumption, cost-effectiveness and other benefits are discussed, along with some possible negative impacts.

Railway Gazette International, vol.167, no.1. Jan.2011. pp.30-32.


Growth predicted for composites in passenger rail market

A report from Lucintel - Opportunities for Composites in the Worldwide Passenger Railway Market 2010-2015 - predicts that composites use in passenger railcar applications will see double-digit growth during 2010-2015 to reach $732M by 2015. It says that composites consumption in the passenger rail industry is driven by growth in the overall passenger rail market, and by increases in composites penetration in passenger railcar models. The passenger rail industry is highly dominated by glass fibre composites. Glass/polyester accounts for the majority of the composite materials consumed, while usage of glass/phenolic composites is confined to fire risk applications.

http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/view/14685/growth-predicted-for-composites-in-passenger-rail-market/


Railway Strategies Live

Railway Strategies for Senior Management Live 2011: From Good to Great. This supply chain conference is being held at the National Motorcycle Museum, Thursday 7th April 2011. For further information go to http://www.railwaystrategies.co.uk/events.php.

karen@railwaystrategies.co.uk


Its linear motion will make new shinkansen appear to have wings

The future Chuo Shinkansen maglev should be the most advanced bullet train in the world. Currently Germany's Transrapid maglev technology is in the lead, and is in practical use for the Shanghai Transrapid between Shanghai and its Pudong International Airport. There are currently three routes under consideration for the Chuo Shinkansen.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.48. no.2,465. 15 Nov. 2010. p.32.


JR Tokai, allies in race for high-speed rail in Florida

Details of the plans of Central Japan Railway Co. (JR Tokai) to team up with a consortium to bid for a high-speed rail project in Florida, USA. Seven overseas teams are expected to take part in the pre-bidding process.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.48. no.2,467. 29 Nov. 2010. p.8.


Calif. gets $624M for high-speed rail, but future funding cut

The California High-speed Rail Authority obtained the new funding after the US Department of Transportation made available nearly $1.2 bn in previously awarded grants after incoming governors of Wisconsin and Ohio said that they would reject the funds because the projects were too costly. The rail authority said that the new funds should allow it to extend its initial 65 mile Borden to Corcoran line in the Central Valley, due to break ground in 2012, closer to either Merced or Bakersfield.

http://bit.ly/g42qeJ


Net income at Bombardier fell 15% to $143m in the three months to the end of October, compared with earnings of $168m a year ago.

The Times, 3rd December 2010, p.62.


Need to know: Transport

The Department for Transport plans to deliver 2,100 extra rail carriages by 2019 to address overcrowding on the busiest lines, but has deferred a decision on replacing intercity trains. It is going ahead with rolling stock orders and electrification worth about £8bn, but passengers will face an average rise in fares of 6.2% to help pay for it.

The Times, 26th November 2010, p.62.


LO maglev car order

14 LO (linear, zero emission) pre-production maglev trains are to be built by Central Japan Railway to act as test prototypes. It is expected that the maglevs will be used on the Tokyo-Osaka Chuo Shinkansen from 2027. Some details of the vehicles are given.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.12. Dec.2010. p.8.


Amtrak locomotive order

Siemens Mobility has won the contract to supply 70 ACS64 electric locomotives for use on the Northeast and Keystone rail corridors. The contract is the first Siemens has won in the US market. The Amtrak Cities Sprinter will be based on the Eurosprinter with adaptations to meet US regulations, and production will take place in California, Ohio and Georgia.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.12. Dec.2010. p.9.


Rail dollars rolling

The round 2, top 10 high speed rail projects and their funding are discussed.

ENR - Engineering News Record, vol.265, no.13. 8 Nov.2010. pp.56-57.


Rail replacement service

Eurostar International is contracting Siemens to supply 10 Eurostar e320 trains, and Pininfarina to overhaul existing rolling stock. The new vehicles will travel faster and carry 20% more passengers.

The Engineer, vol.295, no.7804. 18 Oct.2010. p.14.


Rail plans hit bumps

Rail building project cancellations following the US elections on the 2nd November are discussed. At least two high speed railway lines will be erased by Republican governors in Wisconsin and Ohio, even though they won US Department of Transportation funding. The Orlando-Tampa line in Florida may follow if state funding is required. Funds not spent on the above projects will be reallocated to other rail projects in the US. The issues are discussed in detail.

http://enr.ecnext.com. 17 Nov.2010.
http://bit.ly/i0QPmU


The beckoning - is railway a potent market for sensor applications?

A new market survey from Frost and Sullivan looks at the future use of sensors in rail transportation. As rail becomes a mode of smart transportation, sensors and accompanying software will increasingly have key roles. The benefits of rail transport for passenger and freight (carbon emissions, energy savings, etc.) are listed and examples of sensor use are briefly considered. A trend of increasing sensor use in the rail industry is forecast.

http://www.frost.com/prod/servlet/market-insight-top.pag?docid=207896092. 27 July 2010


Corridor X funds awarded

Two EU loans to support the development of the Pan-European Corridor X through the Balkans have been approved by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.11. Nov.2010. p.7.


Government backs Y

The UK transport secretary has announced the government's preferred high speed route between London and Birmingham. Further consultation is timetabled for 2011. The Y route carries the HS2 London-Birmingham line on from the West Midlands to Manchester/West Coast Main Line, with another arm through the East Midlands and South Yorkshire to Leeds/East Coast Main Line.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.11. Nov.2010. p.8.


Only Pendolinos bid

The sole bidder for the supply contract for 20 high speed trains for PKP Intercity (Poland) was Alstom Transport. The company has offered its New Pendolino, with a first delivery by the end of 2012. PKP is hoping to raise funds for the trains through commercial debt.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.11. Nov.2010. p.12.


Speed record

A new land speed record for trains has been set on the Shanghai-Hangzhou line at the end of September, when a CRH380A trainset, manufactured by China South, reached a speed of 416.6 km/h.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.11. Nov.2010. p.12.


HEMU-400X to roll in 2011

Hundai Rotem hope to have its prototype high speed train ready during 2011. Some technical specifications for the train are given.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.11. Nov.2010. p.14.


Victoria picks Bombardier

Bombardier has been contracted by the government of Victoria, Australia, to supply 50 low-floor trams for Melbourne, redevelop a tram depot and carry out maintenance until 2017.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.11. Nov.2010. p.16.


News in brief [1]

Rail Research UK Association has been set up by the UK Rail Safety and Standards Board. The RSSB will manage research and development, carried out at the Association, on behalf of the rail industry. Three years of funding have been secured.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.11. Nov.2010. p.20.


News in brief [2]

Track and train engineering at Deltarail is to end with some loss of jobs. The company is to specialise in signalling, geometry, maintenance and structures.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.11. Nov.2010. p.20.


Contracts

The Centre for Railway Research and Education, Birmingham University, is working with Atkins to develop energy-saving technologies for the Spanish high speed and commuter train networks.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.11. Nov.2010. p.22.


Velaros launch cross-Channel battle

Competition between the international services of Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn is discussed.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.11. Nov.2010. pp.27-28.


Co-operation and innovation cut life-cycle costs

How the Swiss railway network reduces its costs is discussed, with reference to the close co-operation between its infrastructure managers and their contractors, in order to maximise maintenance and renewals efficiency.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.11. Nov.2010. pp.37-40.


Trimming the cost of track inspection

Emerging cheaper alternatives to conventional track inspection methods are described and discussed.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.11. Nov.2010. pp.43-46.


Brazil's largest locomotive order

GE Transportation has been contracted by MRS Logistica for the supply of 115 AC44i locomotives, with the option of another 100. Delivery is from 2011 to 2015. The units will be produced at GR Transportation South America (Contagem, Brazil).

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.11. Nov.2010. p.74.


Feds confirm $715M for high-speed rail in Central Valley, Calif[ornia]

The Bakersfield Californian newspaper reports on the construction of a new, high speed railway in Central Valley, starting in 2012. The line will eventually form part of an express passenger service between Los Angeles and San Francisco

ENR - Engineering News Record. 29 Oct.2010. http://enr.construction.com/yb/enr/article.aspx?story_id=151633946


Virginia gets $45M Federal grant for high-speed rail

The Free Lance-Star reports that the state of Virginia has been awarded funds to start groundwork for a high-speed rail line between Richmond and Washington. The goal is to achieve a Southeast Corridor. The US Department of Transportation has a total of $2.4 bn to fund 54 high-speed rail construction and planning projects nationwide. Further details of rail projects in Virginia are given.

ENR - Engineering News Record. 29 Oct.2010. http://enr.construction.com/yb/enr/article.aspx?story_id=151620323


Rail projects in Wash[ington] State get $31M boost from Feds

The Seattle Times reports on how the funding, from the two Federal Railroad Administration programmes to develop high-speed intercity passenger rail in the USA, will be spent in Washington State.

ENR - Engineering News Record. 29 Oct.2010. http://enr.construction.com/yb/enr/article.aspx?story_id=151626883


Florida to seek bidders for $170M high-speed rail project

The project is to prepare the median of Interstate 4 for the planned high-speed train linking Orlando and Tampa. Construction is supposed to start next year on the $2.8bn train, which is being funded by the federal government.

http://bit.ly/93WhK1

The rail market in Germany

A 49 page report on the state of the German rail market has been published by Mack Brooks, and is available via their website at www.brooksreports.com.

Railway Strategies, no.63. Oct./Nov.2010. p.16.


New director

The new director/general manager for UK business projects at Balfour Beatty Rail is Alan McCarthy-Wyper.

Railway Strategies, no.63. Oct./Nov.2010. p.19.


Railway track for the 21st century

The UK Engineering and Physical Science Research Council is supporting Track21, a collaborative project between industry and academia, that aims to develop an understanding of the engineering, economic and environmental performance of railway track in order to provide a basis for an overhaul in techniques for track design, construction and maintenance. The businesses and universities involved in the project are listed.

Railway Strategies, no.63. Oct./Nov.2010. p.19.


Final tracks laid on Britain's longest passenger line for 100 years

The Airdrie to Bathgate line was completed by Network Rail at the end of August. The 24 km line is the longest new build for a century.

Railway Strategies, no.63. Oct./Nov.2010. p.19.


More Metrolink trams

A consortium of Bombardier and Vossloh Kiepe have signed an option to provide an additional 14 Bombardier Flexcity Swift light rail vehicles for the Manchester Metrolink.

Railway Strategies, no.63. Oct./Nov.2010. p.29.


Material solutions for the next generation of rail vehicles

NewRail, the railway research centre at Newcastle University, is working with Alstom Transport, Bombardier Transportation and Siemens Transportation Systems, on the development of new concepts for rail vehicle components and structures based on advanced materials and manufacturing processes. The project is discussed.

Railway Strategies, no.63. Oct./Nov.2010. pp.127-127.


Rail dollars rolling

The US Department of Transportation is to invest $2.5bn in another high-speed rail funding round and will increase the actual flow of obligations from its $8bn first rail round. The investment will help finance 54 projects in 23 states, with rail corridors receiving $2.15bn and individual projects $278.4M. The two largest awards were made to California and Florida.

http://bit.ly/aydMcB


Wisconsin halts high-speed rail plans

Preliminary work has ceased on Wisconsin's plans for high-speed passenger train service between Milwaukee and Madison, placing the $810M federally funded project in jeopardy. The proposed route would connect with Amtrak's existing Hiawatha service between Chicago and Milwaukee and would increase top train speeds from 79mph to 110 mph. The decision follows the election of Republican Scott Walker as Wisconsin's next governor. Walker campaigned against building a high-speed rail network, saying his priority would be to repair roads and bridges. He called the passenger rail project a waste of taxpayer money.

http://bit.ly/9g5TB1


BS EN 14730-1:2006+A1:2010 Railway applications. Track/ Aluminothermic welding of rails. Approval of welding processes. Amendment 1. (BSI Committee RAE/2)
 [BSI] Update Standards. Oct.2010. p.26.

US Department of Transportation reveals uniform high-speed rail design standards

The US is to introduce uniform technical standards for the manufacture of intercity passenger trains. The aim is to create a level playing field and economies of scale through common design and technical requirements. Repair and maintenance costs will also be reduced through the use of common platforms and equipment.

Welding Journal, vol.89, no.10. Oct.2010. p.8.


Industry notes

Rail Sciences, Inc. (Atlanta, GA, USA) a rail industry consulting and train dynamics company, has been acquired by TUVRheinland®.

Welding Journal, vol.89, no.10. Oct.2010. p.13.


DB Schenker to spend

DB Schenker Rail is to spend around 410 million euros during this year on fleet modernisation, focusing on wagons for coal, steel, chemical and automotive freight, plus 71 new locomotives.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.10. Oct.2010. p.12.


Partnership targets China

Alstom transport, CNR Corp and Shanghai Electric Group are to form a strategic partnership for the development of mass transit equipment, such as traction systems and complete rolling stock.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.10. Oct.2010. p.25.


Cutting the cost of authorisation

The need to reduce the complexity of vehicle testing and acceptance procedures across Europe, leading to significant savings, is discussed. The first steps towards formalising the equivalence between European and national rules, and the simplification their structure to minimise overlaps and duplication, are considered.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.10. Oct.2010. pp.34-38.


Rail Industry

Special report on the rail industry

Financial Times, 21st September 2010


Fiery baptism for Network Rail boss

Network Rail has appointed a new chief executive as it faces spending cuts. David Higgins, currently chief executive at the Olympic Delivery Authority will take over from Iain Coucher from February 1st. Network Rail is awaiting the results of a review of it's efficiency by Sir Roy McNulty. According to ministers and the Office of Rail Regulation, the company has proved to be less efficient than its continental counterparts.

Daily Telegraph, 29th September 2010, p.B4.


Trenitalia orders 50 highspeed trains

The Trenitalia board has selected a joint bid from Bombardier Transportation and AnsaldoBreda for a contract to supply 50 high speed trains. A prototype is to be supplied within 300 days, with entry into service by 2013. Derived from Bombardier's Zefiro platform as supplied to China, but heavily adapted to meet European Technical Specifications for interoperability, the 200m long non-articulated V300Zefiro trains will have distributed traction. The planned maximum speed in revenue service will be 360km/h.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.9, Sep 2010. p.9.


EC approvers DB takeover of Arriva

The European Commission has approved Deutsche Bahn's planned acquisition of Arriva, subject to DB's commitment to divest Arriva's rail and bus activities in Germany. Arriva is expected to become a wholly owned subsidiary of DB UK Holding. DB will not be able to influence Arriva's German activities, which it intends to sell as a single package.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.9, Sep 2010. p.15.


CAF will supply Amtrak coaches

Amtrak has awarded CAF USA a $298.1M contract to supply 130 single-deck vehicles for use on long distance routes in the west of the country, where clearances are insufficient for double-deck Superliner stock. Alstom, Bombardier and Kawasaki had also bid for the contract.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.9, Sep 2010. p.16.


Huge order for largest electric locomotive manufacturer

The Ministry of Railways' Chengdu Railway administration has placed an 8.6bn yuan order with China South for 590 six-axle 7.2 MW electric locomotives with AC drives to be built by CSR Zhuzhou (420) and CST Ziyang (170) for delivery within 12 months.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.9, Sep 2010. p.16.


Channel tunnel in DB's sights

Deutsche Bahn chairman and CEO Dr. Rudiger Grube has said that the company plans to send an ICE3 test train through the Channel tunnel this autumn as part of preparations for a possible service to London. The company is also in talks with SNCF to launch a passenger service from Frankfurt to Lyon and Marseille from 2012.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.9, Sep 2010. p.23.


Chennai orders Alstom trains

Chennai Metro Rail has selected Alstom Transport to supply 42 four-car trains for the two-line metro currently under construction. The contract is worth Rs14.7bn and includes the supply and commissioning of 168 vehicles along with associated spare parts, specialist tools and staff training.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.9, Sep 2010. p.27.


Asia dominates a growing market

The world railway market is set to continue growing at an average of 2.4% a year, according to a new study by UNIFE. Asia-Pacific is now the biggest market and also the fastest growing. Demand for signalling and automation is expected to increase significantly.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.9, Sep 2010. p.51.


The long haul to recovery

Says that attempts to halt the decline in rail freight in France have so far failed to achieve their objectives. Investigates whether the government's Euros 7bn rescue plan will succeed. The plan recommends the development of high speed rail freight as an alternative to air freight and the elimination of bottlenecks.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.9, Sep 2010. pp.114-124


'We will be the biggest port on the Baltic'

Reports on the new port taking shape at Ust-Luga in northwest Russia. It is expected to generate over 100M tonnes of rail freight a year and will require extensive upgrading of connecting rail links throughout the Leningrad region.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.9, Sep 2010. pp.131-138


Growing traffic from the heart of Europe

Luxembourg company CFL Cargo, a joint venture of CFL and Arcelor Mittal, has joined the Xrail alliance as it strives to develop international traffic to complement its core metal business. The company feels that it has to develop pan-European services for its long term survival, given the limited size of the Luxembourg market. It also feels that it has a geographical advantage at the crossroads of western Europe with good access to the principal north-south and east-west freight corridors.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.9, Sep 2010. pp.140-141.


Battle is joined for the aftersales market

SCI Verkehr's latest market study considers rolling stock maintenance around the world and suggests that a market value of Euros 37bn is set to grow by 3.8% a year. Says that around 70% of the total market is still accounted for by railway operators maintaining their own rolling stock. However many are planning to focus on the core business of moving passengers and freight, offering manufacturers and third-party rolling stock maintenance companies potential opportunities for strategic growth in the maintenance segment.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.9, Sep 2010. pp.196,198.


Network Rail is 40% less efficient than foreign firms

The UK's rail infrastructure body Network Rail is trailing far behind comparable European companies when it comes to efficiency, according to UK rail regulators. The "efficiency gap" between NR and the rest of Europe is said to be 34-40%, the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) said. It was also found to have failed to meet the body's expenditure expectations in investment and running by almost £1bn. The carrying out of "possessions" - when NR takes over the track for engineering work - is one of the areas where the company fares less well than others in Europe, the ORR said.

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/uk/Network-Rail-is-4037-less.6521303.jp


Need to know: Engineering

Bombardier reported a 27% fall in Q2 net profits to $148m from $202m a year ago, and said the economic uncertainty would continue to hurt its aerospace unit.

The Times, 2nd September 2010, p.36.


HS1 up for sale

The government has begun the sale of the rights to operate Britain's first high speed railway, 'High Speed 1'. Bidders interested in running the 68 mile line linking London to the Channel Tunnel are now being invited to come forward. The successful bidder will become the owner of 'HS1 Ltd', which has a 30-year concession to run the line and stations.

Railway Strategies, Aug-Sep. 2010. p.29.


Independent review to report early

Transport secretary Philip Hammond has asked for Sir Roy McNulty's review of value-for-money in the rail industry to report back in time to inform government decisions on public spending in the autumn. The review was originally asked to report in March 2011.

Railway Strategies, Aug-Sep. 2010. p.29.


Demand for rail returns to pre-recession levels

A significant increase in demand for rail travel during the first six months of 2010 has seen a return to growth in passenger numbers on the railways, not witnessed since before the recession. Analysis published at the beginning of August by the Association of Train Operating Companies shows that October 2009 marked a turning point when demand on the railways began to recover and that since the start of 2010 overall demand for rail travel has begun to grow significantly.

Railway Strategies, Aug-Sep. 2010. p.29.


Why investing in rail infrastructure will boost the wider UK economy

Richard King, director at rail specialist Osborne, discusses how investment in rail infrastructure can boost the UK and also the crucial role that major rail suppliers and their supply chains must play in supporting both the industry and the wider UK economy during a period of major financial reform. Argues that it is essential to promote an increase in third party investment and that best practice should be shared between supplier organisations for the benefit of the UK rail industry.

Railway Strategies, Aug-Sep. 2010. pp.38-39.


National Centre contract

BAM Construction has ben awarded the main contract to build Network Rail's new National Centre in Milton Keynes. The Centre will save Network Rail nearly £20M every year as the amount of office space it rents at locations across the country will be greatly reduced. Some 3,000 employees will be located together under one eco-friendly roof.

Railway Strategies, Aug-Sep. 2010. p.63.


Electrostar units well into production

Bombardier has confirmed that production of its class 379 Electrostar trains for National Express is well under way at its site in Derby. With two production lines running in parallel, all 120 cars are on track for delivery between March and June 2011.

Railway Strategies, Aug-Sep. 2010. p.133.


Britain relies on rail freight

Research from Network Rail has revealed that the British economy is boosted annually by £870M from the rail freight industry. The freight industry also indirectly supports an economic output of £5.9bn, over six times its direct turnover. The study - 'Value and Importance of Rail Freight' - also shows the benefits of a switch from road to rail and predicts that rail freight demand will grow by 30% over the next decade.

Railway Strategies, Aug-Sep. 2010. p.153.


Bristol's new freight terminal

Network Rail and Freightliner have jointly reinstated a short section of disused track near Bristol Temple Meads enabling seven wine trains to terminate at South Liberty Lane depot every week. This initiative supports Trans Ocean's wine bulk liquid logistics business in managing the movement of all wine imports into one of Europe's largest wine facilities in Avonmouth.

Railway Strategies, Aug-Sep. 2010. p.155.


Biomass wagons showcased

GB Railfreight has showcased its newly modified biomass wagons, which will be used for its multi-million pound contract with Drax Power. The wagons, which are the first of their kind, have top and bottom doors that are operated automatically by the use of magnets and sensors controlling a pneumatic cylinder on each door.

Railway Strategies, Aug-Sep. 2010. p.155.


The Future of High Speed Rail

The conference, subtitled 'Adapting to competition, realising new lines and increasing modal share' is to be held on the 20-21 October 2010 in Amsterdam. For speakers and further details see the link below.

www.marketforce.eu.com/highspeed


The Future of Rail

The conference, subtitled 'Creating an efficient and modern railway in an era of spending constraints' is to be held on the 18th November 2010 in London. For speakers and further details see the link below.

www.marketforce.eu.com/rail


'S' stock enters passenger service; Bombardier and Invensys shortlisted for signalling

The first of a fleet of 191 walk-through trains, being built by Bombardier (Derby), has entered service on the London Underground. Bombardier and Invensys are on the shortlist for the sub-surface network resignalling contract.

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.744. Sept.2010. p.6.


Mawhinney says no pressing need for Heathrow HS2 link

The report by Lord Mawhinney, the former Conservative transport minister, has concluded that the high speed rail link to the airport is not needed until the high speed network has reached Manchester or Leeds, as it would divert funds from improving lines with greater value to the taxpayer or train operator.

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.744. Sept.2010. p.8.


Study confirms importance of rail freight

A study by Network Rail has revealed that the rail freight industry puts £870M into the British economy per annum and supports an economic output of £5.9bn. The report, 'Value and Importance of Rail Freight' can be viewed at http://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/Press-Releases/Britain-relies-on-rail-freight-new-study-confirms-14d5/SearchCategoryID-2.aspx.

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.744. Sept.2010. p.12.


Green traction: the reality

Professor Rod Smith of Imperial College discusses what can really be achieved by carbon reduction programmes in the rail industry.

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.744. Sept.2010. pp.38-41.


The death of research?

The state of research in today's railway industry is examined, and compared with past triumphs. A way forward is suggested.

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.744. Sept.2010. pp.42-48.


Green light for Metrolink airport line

The boost to the Manchester tram network by the go-ahead for three new Metrolink lines is discussed. MPact-Thales (MPT) has been appointed to design, construct and maintain the lines. MPT is a consortium of Laing O'Rourke, VolkerRail and Thales UK. A consortium of Bombardier Transportation and Vossloh Kiepe are supplying articulated vehicles for the lines.

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.744. Sept.2010. pp.50-52.


Caterpillar completes EMD acquisition

Progress Rail Services, a subsidiary of Caterpillar, has completed the purchase of Electro-Motive Diesel from Berkshire Partners LLC and Greenbriar Equity Group LLC.

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.744. Sept.2010. p.92.


Break up Network Rail, says former regulator

Former UK rail regulator Tom Winsor has called for the break-up of Network Rail. He proposes that it be split up into three or four regional companies that reflect more closely the areas covered by the different train operators.

Daily Telegraph, 27 Aug 2010. p B3


Cuts to rail projects will threaten recovery, warns BCC

The British Chambers of Commerce and smaller chambers from across the UK have warned the government about making hasty and ill conceived cuts to the rail network. It added that without government backing for projects such as rail expansion, the private sector will struggle to grow enough to put the economy on a sounder footing. The chambers identified three schemes which should be exempt from cuts: the Northern Hub project, electrification and extra carriages to increase UK-wide passenger capacity.

The Daily Telegraph, 9 Aug. 2010. p.B3.


Crossrail gets down to detail to survive cuts

Presents an interview with Terry Morgan, the chairman of Crossrail, who admits that he is working in an environment in which the government has to make some difficult choices. The company is undertaking value engineering, evaluating areas such as escalators, platforms and signalling as it attempts to find savings.

The Daily Telegraph, 9 Aug. 2010. p.B4.


China

China's Ministry of Railways has held a ceremony in Xuzhou on July 19 to mark the start of tracklaying on the Beijing-Shanghai high speed line, which is scheduled to open in 2012. (Item contains no further information).

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.8, Aug. 2010, p.7.


Higher funding agreed

Switzerland's Federal Transport Ministry has accepted that a higher level of funding will be needed to maintain the intensively-used national network in good condition. The government intends to contribute to SBB's short term needs by increasing funding for infrastructure maintenance in 2011 and 2012 by SFr160M a year.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.8, Aug. 2010, p.8.


Good case for Interconnector

The formal application for a Railway Order giving planning permission and powers to build the Dublin Interconnector project has been lodged. The 7.56km tunnel will link the Northern line to the Cork main line, with five underground stations in the city centre and a new surface station at Inchicore.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.8, Aug. 2010, p.17.


Lowest bidder named

Larsen & Toubro has emerged as the lowest bidder to construct the Rs122bn Hyderabad metro network on a design, build, finance, operate and transfer basis. The state of Andhra Pradesh has agreed to finance 20% of the total project cost, and the winning consortium is expected to raise around 60% in equity and debt, leaving the remainder to be met by the Indian government as 'viability gap funding'.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.8, Aug. 2010, p.18.


Rail opportunities open up for international suppliers

With one of the world's largest railway networks, rapid industrialisation and major cities grappling with congestion, India offers significant opportunities for suppliers in the rail sector. Reports that the UK India Business Council has been working with UK Trade & Investment to provide the requisite knowledge and resources to facilitate entry into the Indian market.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.8, Aug. 2010, pp.58-59.


BAA concerns over new rail links

Colin Matthews, BAA's chief executive, has claimed that the building of a new high-speed rail line to Heathrow will put more strain on the airport. He questioned the government's logic in cancelling the third runway at the airport while at the same time making it easier to get there.

Daily Telegraph, 29 Jul 2010. p B5


New Piccadilly Line trains axed

Bidders Alstom and CAF have been notified that tenders for the Piccadilly Line replacement trains have been cancelled. The Piccadilly Line project is to be re-examined to ensure that signaling would be compatible with the District and Metropolitan lines, which share track with the Piccadilly.

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.743, Aug. 2010. p.7.


Philip Hammond orders Heathrow and Leeds HS2 review

Transport secretary Philip Hammond has asked HS2 to carry out additional work on connections to Heathrow, building on work presented in their report in March on the north-south high speed railway. HS2 was also asked to carry out an assessment of the options for linking HS1 (the Channel Tunnel Rail Link) with HS2 (the north-south line).

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.743, Aug. 2010. p.10.


Saving fuel over the Pennines

Siemens and First TransPennine Express have been working together on an energy saving programme for FTPE's Class 185 diesel multiple units. Eco-Mode shuts down engines when a train has been standing for more than six minutes resulting in a 7% reduction in fuel burn. Drivers are encouraged to use the system along with sensible driving techniques.

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.743, Aug. 2010. pp.40-42.


Atkins and Jacobs pick up Crossrail jobs

Network Rail has awarded Atkins a contract to design the Acton dive-under for the Crossrail project while Jacobs Engineering will design alterations to the Stockley fly-over.

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.743, Aug. 2010. p.16.


Siemens launches Vectron multi-system locomotive

The locomotives are designed for use in a variety of formats ranging from mid-power 5,200kW AC or DC locos to high power 6,400kW multi system locos. All locos will come equipped for the European Train Control system with a preliminary equipment package that makes for easy conversion for operation in other countries.

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.743, Aug. 2010. p.68.


Pendolino overhaul programme completed

Alstom has completed the 1.5M mile overhaul programme for Virgin's 52-strong fleet of Pendolino trains. During the project over 19,000 components were replaced on every trainset. Work also involved the overhaul of 936 bogies and 104 pantographs.

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.743, Aug. 2010. p.74.


Hunslet introduces new shunter

The Hunslet Engine Company has introduced the first of three new diesel shunter designs. It is a multi-purpose three-axle diesel hydraulic which has been designed for short trip working as well as heavy shunting. The loco is energy efficient, being far more economical than the current fleet, and especially so when idling, when the fuel consumption is said to be no more than two litres per hour.

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.743, Aug. 2010. p.74.


Institute of Rail Welding 17th Technical Seminar

Recent developments covered at the event included rail head repair by aluminothermic welding, repair of tri-metal zones, closure welding, gas cylinders and rail welder training and qualifications.

Welding Lines, Issue 30, June 2010. pp.1-3.


Government calls for apprenticeships fall on deaf ears at Crossrail

Crossrail has admitted to the UK government that only 400 out of a total workforce of 14,000 will be apprentices.

The Times, 23 Jul 2010. p 41


Super station may link two new lines

Former transport secretary Lord Mawhinney has called on the government to build a rail hub at Old Oak Common. The station would be a terminus for a high-speed line from the West Midlands and northern England and would also act as an interchange for Crossrail. The proposal would entail scrapping plans to rebuild Euston station, which was to be the London terminus for the high speed line. Business leaders said that they need the line to come into central London and also a high speed link to Heathrow.

Daily Telegraph, 22 July 2010. p.4.


TfL reveals plans for cable car crossing

Transport for London has unveiled plans to create the UK's first cable car to cross the River Thames between the Greenwich peninsula and the Royal Docks. If plans go ahead, the cable car would allow pedestrians and cyclists to travel between the O2 and the ExCel centres in around five minutes. The scheme is being proposed in response to the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson's desire to increase the number of river crossings east of Tower Bridge.

www.theengineer.co.uk

Intercity train project thrown in doubt

A review of the Intercity express programme, to provide new carriages for intercity routes, discovered risks that trains would not work and that alternative approaches had not been properly evaluated.

Financial Times, 7 July 2010, p.4.

© The Financial Times Limited 2010


Network Rail's full-year results

Results show that the company continued to drive efficiencies in running Britain's railways, costs have been controlled, its debt to gearing ratio is sustainable whilst its strong financial performance meant that solid profits were reinvested in the railway.

Railway Strategies, June-July 2010. p.16.


End of PPP on the Underground

Amey (Ferrovial), along with Bechtel, its partner in the Tube Lines PPP, have entered into an agreement to sell their interests in Tube Lines to Transport for London for a total of £310M. The agreement is conditional on lenders' consent being obtained and certain other operational matters. Completion is expected by the end of June 2010.

Railway Strategies, June-July 2010. p.15.


Rail Alliance reaches the membership century

The Rail Alliance has recruited the ten founding companies of the Midlands Assembly Network to reach the 100 members milestone. The Alliance was originally launched in the West Midlands by Advantage West Midlands and the Manufacturing Advisory Service to provide platform to encourage innovation and collaboration amongst the region's 350 rail-focussed companies, but expanded in April 2009 to represent the wider UK rail industry.

Railway Strategies, June-July 2010. p.15.


Internationally recognised standards are key for manufacturers and suppliers to rail industry

Says that in an increasingly competitive global market, having staff trained to the IPC standard has become a vital aspect for many electronics companies. IPC standards are viewed as the bench mark by which a product is judged and are being turned to by the rail industry to ensure that electronic products and components hit the required quality mark.

Railway Strategies, June-July 2010. pp.32-33.


50 years of welding and still going from strength to strength

Reports that Thermit Welding (GB) has recently been awarded Innovation of the Year for its new Rail Head Repair technique which can be adapted and used on all kinds of track. Also describes the company's work in rail grinding and ballast bonding.

Railway Strategies, June-July 2010. pp.44-45


Ministers ready to bear debt for Network Rail

Transport secretary Philip Hammond has said that the government is willing to assume the £23.8bn debt of Network Rail if it proves necessary to take greater control.

Financial Times, 9 July 2010. p.5.

© The Financial Times Limited 2010


Welding plant opens

Reports on the opening of a rail welding plant at Ras Lanuf in Russia. The plant was built on a turnkey basis by welding equipment specialist Pskovelectrosvar and is expected to operate for 10 years with the capacity to produce 500 km of long welded rail per year to Russian and international standards.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.7, July 2010. p.8.


Fuel cell tram trial

By the end of the year, metre-gauge operator FEVE is planning to start trials with fuel cell traction between Ribadesella and Llovio on its non-electrified Oviedo-Santander route. A hydrogen fuel cell is to be installed in a 1970s tramcar to power four traction motors.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.7, July 2010. p.16.


5 in 10 agreement triggers 182 of 300

Greater Toronto transport agency Metrolinx has awarded Bombardier Transportation a C$770 M order for 182 Flexity light rail vehicles, immediately after the provincial government announced approval of Metrolinx's revised C$8.1bn '5 in 10' programme to complete five major transport projects in 10 years rather than eight to defer C$4bn of spending.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.7, July 2010. p.16.


Rise of the concept train

Reports that three new high speed train designs have been revealed in recent weeks by CAF, Alstom and a partnership of Bombardier and AnsaldoBreda. Suggests that, at a time of growing budgetary pressure across the industry, suppliers would surely be happier to generate economies of scale by selling reasonably standard products across different countries, with modular components giving a measure of local customisation.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.7, July 2010. p.23.


Maximising hybrid power density

Reports that BAE Systems is using its experience in the military, aviation and bus industries to develop hybrid drives and electronic control equipment for rail vehicles. Around 2,500 buses, mostly in the USA, use the company's Hybridrive technology that allies a lithium-ion battery bank with a liquid-cooled IGBT-based power converter. BAE feels that the technology is now reaching maturity and rail applications would be a logical extension.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.7, July 2010. p.35.


Fast-tracking the future

Says that the federal government's vision of high speed trains and expansion of conventional inter-city passenger services bodes well for Amtrak, as it prepares top support a range of state-funded initiatives. Notes that the backbone of operations is still the Northeast Corridor which carries more than half the 308 trains that the company operates on an average day. Adds that fleet renewal and expansion are key investment priorities following rapid growth in the past decade.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.7, July 2010. pp.44-47


Recovery Act kick starts Florida HSR project

The Federal Railroad Administration has issued a Record of Decision that paves the way for the Florida Department of Transport to begin design, land acquisition and construction of a high-speed line between Orlando and Tampa. The line has received federal funding and is the first stage in a state-wide project whose second stage will be a link joining Orlando with Miami.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.7, July 2010. pp.48-49


Device keeps track of rail movements

Nottingham Scientific limited is developing a pre-commercial device to explore the potential of satellite systems within the rail sector. NSI's research is part of a project called the Intelligent Railway via Integrated Satellite Services, which is being carried out in collaboration with East Midlands Trains and the European Space Agency. If the project is successful it is hoped that train operators will be able to gain access to live CCTV, passenger information, position and maintenance feeds as the train is on the move.

The Engineer, vol.295, no.7797, 28 June 2010. p.10.


Anger over £2.2m paid in bonuses to rail bosses

Reports that the Office of the Rail Regulator was powerless to intervene as Network Rail paid a total of £2.2 M in bonuses to senior managers, including £348,000 to Iain Coucher, the outgoing chief executive. Transport secretary Philip Hammond said that he was very disappointed by the decision. Nick Haythornthwaite, chairman of Network Rail, defended the payouts as the price of an improved railway.

Financial Times, 25 June 2010. p.2.


London mayor in tube pledge

London mayor Boris Johnson has promised a new era for the capital's underground system after Transport for London took over Tube Lines, the only remaining private contractor undertaking maintenance and upgrade work. He said that the system would now be free of the complexity and wrangling that had hindered it.

Financial Times, 28 June 2010. p.4.


Rail projects proliferate in Denmark

Reports that a green transportation policy combined with years of under-invest is spurring a boom in Denmark's railway infrastructure. Among the projects going ahead is a $3 bn installation of new signalling technology across the country's 2,300 km network. Heavy rail investments in the next decade will total $10.5 bn, including $1.6 bn for a new 60 km line between Copenhagen and Ringsted. Copenhagen's new $2.4 bn Cityringen metro line and a handful of light rail projects are included.

http://bit.ly/bueCFg


Eurotunnel buys GBRf

Groupe Eurotunnel has acquired the third largest British rail freight operator, GBRf, from First Group for Euros 26.3 M in cash. The purchase gives Eurotunnel's freight operating subsidiary Europorte 2 a ready-made arm in the UK to complement its own cross-Channel capabilities and the recently acquired Vela Cargo network in France.

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.742, July 2010. p.12.


Cuts - first slice revealed

Reports on the challenges facing Network Rail as the Department for Transport has to find £683 M in spending cuts. Network Rail will have to reduce spending by £100 M for 2010-11 and the Department for Transport will not be going forward with planned spend on the High Level Output Specification rolling stock schemes that have not already been contractualised.

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.742, July 2010. pp.18-20.


Caterpillar buys EMD

Electro-Motive Diesel has announced that it has been bought by Progressive Rail Services, a subsidiary of Caterpillar. EMD, manufacturer of the Class 66 and 67 locomotives used in the UK, has locomotive manufacturing plant in London, Ontario.

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.742, July 2010. New Trains Supplement. p.75.


Coucher quits as Network Rail faces 'difficult' funding talks

Network rail chief executive Iain Coucher has said that he is conscious that, because of the current economic position, the company would have to work 'doubly hard' to demonstrate that continued investment in the railways was a good thing. He announced that he was standing down to allow a new chef executive time to prepare for negotiations on funding for the five years starting in April 2014.

Financial Times, 18 June 2010. p.4.


Brussels backs Eurostar revamp

Operators of Eurostar have won European Commission approval for a proposed corporate reorganisation on condition that they make it easier for competitors to enter the market. The concessions include a commitment to release a certain number of 'slots' to operate services on the routes if new entrants are unable to obtain these through normal allocation procedures. The new single company structure will be controlled by SNCF and London Continental Railways, with Belgium's SNCB holding a non-controlling stake.

Financial Times, 19/20 June 2010. p.17.


Auction of high-speed rail link set to fetch more than £1.5 bn

Reports on the privatisation of High Speed One - which runs the line between St Pancras International and the Channel tunnel. This is part of a programme of asset sales announced by the previous government in an effort to restore public finances. Network Rail, which owns the rest of Britain's mainline rail structure, has ruled itself out of the bidding. Sources have said that both Eurotunnel and Goldman Sachs are expected to bid.

Financial Times, 21 June 2010. p.17.


Bombardier wins SBB's biggest ever order

Bombardier Transportation has been selected to supply 59 double-decker electric multi units for long distance services by the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). The 436 vehicle order is the largest ever placed by SBB. There is an option for 100 additional vehicles. Bombardier won the contract over competition from Diemens and Stadler Rail, a local company. The Bombardier bid matched the contract specifications and the offering was a very customer-friendly train.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.6. June 2010. p.7.


News in brief

Prior to the start of the commercial service in 2013, testing of the 110 km/h maglev on the 6 km line at Incheon International SAirport (South Korea) has commenced.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.6. June 2010. p.7.


Market intelligence

A 4 year extension to the existing track renewal contract for southeast England, a 4 year grinding contract and the upgrade contract for the Paisley Corridor (Glasgow), have been awarded to Balfour Beatty by Network Rail.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.6. June 2010. p.23.


Hard as rails

The first delivery of Super Pearlite Type 3 rail steel from JFE Steel (Japan) has been received by BNSF. SP3 has an ultra-fine microstructure with ensured internal and surface hardness; it is predicted to offer a 10% longer lifetime than previous types of head hardened rails, particularly when used on sharp curves.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.6. June 2010. p.26.


Greater certainty in rail welds

Corus has developed a semi-automated open arc welding technique for the repair of discrete defects on rail surfaces. Open arc welding with flux cored filler wire uses a lower preheat temperature (80°C instead of 350°C with MMA), reducing the depth of the HAZ and the risk of microstructural damage. The defect is removed by controlled milling. Both aspects of the repair remove the reliance on operator skills and is more time-efficient.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.6. June 2010. p.26.


Cutting life-cycle costs

The achievements of the four year Innotrack research project, now coming to an end, are briefly summarised. The project partners estimate that track life-cycle costs could be reduced by 25% in the next few years as developments are rolled out. The project has increased understanding of track stiffness, shown how to reduce dynamic loading at turnouts, revised the geometry and designed new crossings. Innovative track structures, such as Balfour Beatty's Embedded Rail System, were also studied. Many findings have already been published in project reports, and now technical recommendations will be produced.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.6. June 2010. p.34.


Labour's PPP dream fades as TfL takes over Tube Lines

The London mayor and Transport for London are to buy out Bechtel and Amey shares in the Public Private Partnership contractor Tube Lines. Freed from the complex PPP structure, TfL is sure it will be able to make substantial savings. Under the existing contract Amey, a subsidiary of Ferrovial, will continue to carry out management and maintenance for the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines for the next 7.5 years, and Bechtel will continue to work with London Underground for the interim to ensure a smooth hand-over.

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.741. June 2010. p.6.


DB takes over Arriva

Deutsche Bahn is acquiring Arriva, the British train and bus operator, for a total of £1.58 bn. The deal is DB's largest ever. Arriva's UK operations include Arriva Trains Wales and CrossCountry, and bus operations, plus it manages bus and rail operations in 11 European countries. DB will be required to sell Arriva's German rail operations. The Arriva HQ will remain in Sunderland. In the UK DB already runs Chiltern Railways, Wrexham & Shropshire rail, the London Overground joint venture with MTR, and the Tyne & Wear Metro operating concession.

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.741. June 2010. p.11.


First GBRf up for sale

The freight operating unit of First Group is to be sold in order to pay down debt. Potential buyers are Freightliner, SNCF and Eurotunnel.

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.741. June 2010. p.12.


Private high-speed rail for Italy

Italy's NTV, Europe's first privately owned high-speed train operator, is to launch services between Rome and Milan before gradually introducing services on all its routes from Salerno in the south to Venice and Turin in the north, by the summer of 2012. NTV will be the first operator of Alstom's new AGV train, the company's successor to its TGV design. The launch of the service follows Italy's introduction of legislation allowing for competition between operators on domestic long distance routes.

Financial Times, 26 May 2010. p.22.


Consortium bids $4bn for Australian coal network

A consortium representing many of the world's biggest iron ore and coal miners has made a preemptive attempt to buy Queensland's coal rail freight network with a fully funded bid of A$4.9 bn. The consortium is trying to head off the state government's plans for a 2010 initial public offering of QR National. The miners are opposed to the IPO and fear that a privatised QR National may not make the necessary investments in the rail network as coal mining expands in Queensland. They also argue that a monopoly owner of rail assets could inflate prices.

Financial Times, 27 May 2010. p.23.


The high speed journey begins

Reports on proposals that would revolutionise Britain's rail network by delivering an initial core high speed rail network linking London to Birmingham, Manchester, the east midlands, Sheffield and Leeds, with trains running at up to 250mph. Details potential time savings for a selection of journeys using the Crossrail interchange.

Railway Strategies, Issue 60, April-May 2010. pp.18-20.


Passenger journeys exceed one billion

Figures from the Office of National Statistics show that the number of passenger journeys made on the national rail network in Great Britain exceeded one billion in 2008/9. The last time passenger journeys exceeded one billion was in 1961, just before the Beeching cuts. Passengers using the London Underground also exceeded one billion.

Railway Strategies, Issue 60, April-May 2010. p.23.


First tracks

Reports on the installation of the first length of rail on the new 15-mile Airdrie and Bathgate link. The tracks will link with the existing Bathgate to Edinburgh and Airdrie to Glasgow lines by autumn 2010, with passenger services operating by December 2010.

Railway Strategies, Issue 60, April-May 2010. p.23.


Railway car makers lose traction

Says that Japanese rolling stock makers are facing problems in obtaining orders both at home and abroad. Domestically railway operators have demanded postponement of train deliveries and cancelled some orders on the grounds of deteriorating earnings due to declining numbers of passengers. Overseas they are facing competition from low cost rivals from China and South Korea.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.48, no.2,438, 10 May 2010. p.9.


Rail growth rates unsustainable

A government study has said that recent growth rates in the railway industry will be unsustainable if the sector's costs remain as high as at present. It adds that plans by the previous government to shift more of the burden for paying for the system from taxpayers to passengers are unlikely to be met. Fares for passengers may have to rise as part of a package of measures to reduce the sector's demands on government spending.

Financial Times, 15 June 2010. p.4


Eurotunnel buys GB Railfreight for £30m

Sources have said that Groupe Eurotunnel will pay about £30 M for GB Railfreight, which First Group, the bus and train operator, has owned since 2003. Strategically, Eurotunnel intends to link up GB Railfreight with the French operations of Vela Cargo, which it bought last year, to encourage cross-Channel freight traffic. Eurotunnel is also expected to make use of GB Railfreight's fleet of 41 locomotives.

Financial Times, 1 June 2010. p.18.


Reports says that high speed rail could cost just £6bn

A new report being considered by ministers says that a new high-speed rail network that could transform travel within the UK in a decade could be delivered for just £6 bn. The report puts the cost of the London to Birmingham service - the first stage of a national high-speed network - at less than half of the £15.8bn-£17.4 bn cost placed on the same route by High Speed Rail, the company established by the government to bring forward proposals for new rail lines. The new report suggests that the first stage could be built for a smaller sum by avoiding city centres, limiting the number of stations and creating a special purpose vehicle to fund the project.

Financial Times, 2 June 2010. p.3.


Eurotunnel hits at competition conditions in cross-Channel freight

Jacques Gounon, executive chairman of Groupe Eurotunnel, has criticised competitive conditions in the cross-Channel freight market, as he confirmed that his company was buying GB Railfreight from First Group. Mr Gounon criticised the record of the only established cross-channel operator, a consortium of the UK arm of Germany's DB Schenker and SNCF. He added that the company also faced unfair competition from ferries.

Financial Times, 2 June 2010. p.22.


Caterpillar to buy rail group EMD

The company has struck an $820 M cash deal to buy Electro-Motive Diesel, one of the US's largest rail locomotive manufacturers, from Berkshire Partners and Greenbriar Equity Group, the private equity houses. The company wishes to grow its presence in the global rail industry and feels that the purchase will enable it to take on General Electric as its main competitor in North America.

Financial Times, 2 June 2010. p.24.


Axe for InterCity carriages order feared

Reports that rail operators are bracing themselves for transport secretary Philip Hammond to cancel a £7.5 bn order for 1,400 train carriages to replace the ageing InterCity express fleet. Hitachi was named preferred bidder for the contract in early 2008. It is expected that Mr Hammond will cancel or delay the Hitachi agreement, possibly prompting legal action by the company to recover its costs. Mr Hammond has also ordered an urgent re-appraisal of a separate programme to purchase 1,300 new carriages, mainly for commuter trains in the south and Midlands.

Financial Times, 4 June 2010. p.4.


Network Rail set to face severe cuts

The company is discussing hundreds of millions of pounds worth of spending cuts with ministers as lower passenger demand and tighter public budgets force revisions to its five year programme. It has already cut maintenance costs by 7% in the year to March, in the first stage of efforts to cut the cost of each unit of work by 21% over five years. Says that in instances where the government decided to shelve plans to purchase extra trains for routes, it would make no sense to continue with planned improvements to handle trains, such as platform lengthening.

Financial Times, 4 June 2010. p.4


Funding constraints steer fierce debate / Planners dilemma as vision vies with cautious calculation

Says that Britain's transport policy makers are debating how to allocate limited resources to the transport network. The debate is intense over the priority that should be given to the construction of a dedicated high-speed rail network, which scores relatively poorly on traditional measures of value for money. However cost benefit sceptics believe that the important point is to decide what kind of networks the UK needs to achieve its policy goals and to construct them, even if they score poorly under existing value measures. Debates the benefits brought to the transport infrastructure even when individual projects are not always supported by value for money measures. Considers the Jubilee Line extension to the London underground, the Humber Bridge and the third runway at Heathrow.

Financial Times, 7 June 2010. p.3


DOT gears up for next round of rail grants

Reports that the US Department of Transportation is gearing up for a new batch of rail grants, totalling more than $2.3 bn. It is thought that slightly more than $2.1 bn will go for corridor projects and $245 M for specific rail projects. Unlike the previous round of grants, which were 100% federal money, the new round will include a 20% non-federal matching share.

Engineering News-Record, vol.264, no.12, 19 Apr. 2010. p.9.


Tube Lines input helps Amey advance

Reports that a substantial contribution from Tube Lines has helped Amey, its majority owner, report annual pre-tax profits of £105.6 M - a rise of 70% from a year earlier. Amey said that its Tube Services division accounted for more than a quarter of profit and a third of revenue. In spite of delays to the Jubilee Line upgrade the company praised the outstanding service that Tube Lines provided for Londoners

Financial Times, 29 Apr.2010. p.204.


Eurostar sales up 5% in first quarter

Reports that Eurostar achieved sales revenue of £178 M in the first three months of 2010 - up more than 5% on the same period in 2009. Passenger numbers totalled two million in the quarter, up from 1.9M in the first quarter of 2009. The number of travellers from overseas markets outside Europe increased by 22% and the number of leisure passengers travelling between the UK and the Continent went up by 6%. The bottoming out of the business market continued with sales broadly the same as in the last three months on 2009.

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.740, May 2010. p.6.


DB Regio Tyne & Wear begins operation

DB Regio Tyne & Wear commenced operation of Metro stations and trains on behalf of Nexus, the Tyne & Wear integrated transport authority, on April 1. The company has now started a countdown to the Metro's '100 Days Clean Up', beginning a programme of modernisation that will see Nexus invest almost £400 M over the next 11 years - including renewal of track, overhead lines, bridges, trains and stations.

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.740, May 2010. p.6.


New Street Metro approved at last

The DfT has given initial approval to the £127.1 M extension of Midland Metro, which will link the existing Metro Line One to Birmingham New Street station. The project will give a fast link between Birmingham's two major rail stations and will also provide an easy connection from New Street to the business district at Snow Hill. The extension is forecast to boost the regional economy by £50 M a year and create up to 1,300 sustainable new jobs.

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.740, May 2010. p.7.


Yeovil-Birmingham trains planned

The Go! Co-operative has launched fundraising to develop a train service between Yeovil Junction, Melksham, Swindon, Oxford and Birmingham. The Co-operative's prospectus says it is seeking to raise about £100,000 by June from small investors willing to put up £500 (or £100 for prospective train users). The company's mission is to 'reduce the social and environmental impacts of travel by providing mutually owned, high quality, inclusive public transport services that encourage people to choose more sustainable options'.

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.740, May 2010. p.8.


Hitachi campaigns for IEP support

Agility Trains, the Hitachi-led consortium chosen as preferred bidder for the Inter-city Express Programme, has asked for the support of UK suppliers in a campaign to ensure that the IEP 'remains a key government priority regardless of which parties form the incoming government'. The case for IEP is a new page on the Agility trains website (http://www.agilitytrains.com/agilitytrains_caseforiep.htm).

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.740, May 2010. p.9.


Wales rail improvement plan

The final version of Wales' latest National Transport Plan was published in March by the devolved Welsh government. Pledges in the plan, which covers a five year period, include: refurbish and invest in rolling stock; work with DfT on Great Western main line electrification; investigate opportunities for re-opening disused lines; and continue to provide freight facilities grants.

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.740, May 2010. p.10.


Northern Way studies gauge enhancement

The Northern Way has committed £1 M in commissioning Network Rail to develop detailed plans for the gauge enhancement of rail routes from Teesport to the East Coast main line, as part of an ongoing effort to improve routes for rail freight in the North. These improvements will give the ability to move high cube containers by rail.

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.740, May 2010. p.13.


Network Rail tenders Crossrail work

Network Rail has issued two design and build tenders for the surface sections of Crossrail. One covers a two mile stretch from Plumstead to Abbey Wood, and includes the design and build elements for the new Abbey Wood station. The other invitation to tender covers the remodelling of Stockley flyover.

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.740, May 2010. p.14.


Golden celebrations for Bombardier in Plymouth

The signalling division of Bombardier marked 50 years of serving the UK rail industry with a celebration at its Rail Control Solutions site in Plymouth in March. As part of the event the company demonstrated its record of development and delivery of its signalling technology to prominent projects in the UK.

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.740, May 2010. p.14.


IEP - credible alternatives lining up

Discusses the move to delay a decision on the future of the Inter-city Express Programme until after the general election. Notes that Sir Andrew Foster has been asked not only to assess the value for money of the IEP, but also the credibility and value for money of any alternatives meeting the IEP objectives. Details the various IEP configurations, ranking the trains in order of power to weight ratio.

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.740, May 2010. pp.18-22.


Digging begins on Crossrail

Keith Berryman, Land and Property Director of Crossrail, recalls the history of the project's development. Details the economic benefits as well as the time savings for commuters. Discusses the tunnelling programme and lists the contracting framework.

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.740, May 2010. pp.43-48.


2017 aim for Oxford-Bletchley reopening

Reports on progress on the East West Rail route recreating the railway line from Oxford to Cambridge. Phase 1 of the project comprises routes from Oxford and Aylesbury to Milton Keynes and will use stretches of lines that are largely intact. Notes the projected construction of 600,000 new homes in the south east of England and details the benefits that the completed line would bring for freight traffic.

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.740, May 2010. pp.60-64.


Single transportation administration for Sweden

From April 2010 Banevrket, the Swedish rail administration, has been subsumed into Trafikverket, a single body also taking over the role of Vagverket, the road administration, as well as certain activities of other transport related agencies. The new administration is charged with the task of developing an effective and sustainable system including all modes of transport, in close dialogue with regions and municipalities.

Modern Railways, vol.67, no.740, May 2010. p.69.


UK government

Reports that the UK government is providing £3 M of match funding to support a National Skills Academy of Railway Engineering, which will work with operators, suppliers and training organisations to develop common training standards for railway engineers and technicians. (Item contains no further information).

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.5, May 2010. p.7.


Private finance to the rescue

The Spanish government has unveiled an emergency infrastructure plan that aims to revive the national economy and create jobs by investing Euros 17 bn in 2010-11. Rail is expected to account for 70% of this spending. Tendering is due to begin in the second half of 2010, bringing forward planned investment by drawing on private finance that should also minimise the impact on the public deficit.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.5, May 2010. p.7.


Third heavy haul coal line planned

In China the Ministry of Railways has started planning a third heavy haul railway corridor to carry coal from Inner Mongolia to a coal export terminal being developed at the new port of Huludao on the Bohai Sea. Construction of the 300 km railway would enable annual coal production to reach 350 M tonnes by 2015.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.5, May 2010. p.7.


GE plans 1520 shunter

Reports that GE Transportation is to work with JSCV Locomotiv and Kurastyru to develop a diesel-electric shunting locomotive suitable for Kazakhstan and the 1520 mm gauge region. It will incorporate AC traction technology offering lower life cycle costs and higher availability than older DC designs.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.5, May 2010. p.8.


Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council

Funded by the UK's Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council, groups at Heriot-Watt and Edinburgh universities have begun a three-year research project looking at high-speed rail operation over soft clay embankments and the transition to bridges. (Item contains no further information)

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.5, May 2010. p.11.


The world's longest metro

Reports on the opening of Line 10 on the Shanghai metro. This makes Shanghai's network the longest in the world at 420 route km. With 11 lines and 282 stations, it is now carrying more than five million passengers a day.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.5, May 2010. p.15.


RET renews Sneltram fleet

In March Rotterdam operator RET presented its new Bombardier Series 5600 cars for use on Sneltram lines A and B, the former Caland Line. They will replace the Series T vehicles supplied by Duewag/Holec in 1980-84, which, despite a mid-life overhaul between 1998 and 2000, were considered noisy and outdated.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.5, May 2010. p.15.


Washington picks Kawasaki

Kawasaki Railcar has been nominated as preferred bidder to supply up to 748 new cars for the Washington DC metro network. Initially 64 Series 7000 cars would be ordered for Phase 1 of the Dulles International Airport extension, followed by another 300 units to replace the original cars, which are 35 years old. Four further options totalling 384 vehicles are included but are as yet unfunded.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.5, May 2010. p.16.


Chicago

After six months of non-revenue testing, 10 prototype cars have started carrying passengers on Chicago Metro's Red Line in April. Bombardier is supplying 406 cars to replace the life-expired Series 2200 and 2400 cars. Once the prototypes have finished test runs on all eight lines, CTA will settle on final specifications and series production will begin.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.5, May 2010. p.17.


Rail proves resilient

Bombardier president Pierre Beaudoin said that the rail market remained resilient in 2009 when he presented the company's annual results for the year to January 31 2010. 'Robust activity' which helped the transportation business increase its revenues to $10 bn from $9.8 bn the year before included demand for commuter, regional and metro trains in the company's traditional markets and a 'breakthrough' contract to supply 80 Zefiro high speed trains to China.

Railway Gazette International, vol.166, no.5, May 2010. p.23.


Tube staff seek work assurance

Union leaders have warned of industrial action unless assurances over jobs were given after the return of maintenance work on London Underground to the public sector. Transport for London said that it had entered into an agreement to buy the shares of Bechtel and Ferrovial's Amey from the Tube Lines consortium for £310 M. TfL said that the agreement would involve no extra financial call on the government, taxpayers or farepayers, adding that it was confident of generating substantial savings once freed from the complex public private partnership structure.

Financial Times, 10 May 2010. p.5.


BoC to invest $1.1bn in China railway

Bank of China has said that it will buy a 14.5% stake in a railway operator that will build the line to transport coal form inland Shanxi province to Shandong province on the eastern seaboard. China is expected to account for more than half of all global rail investment this year. A number of prominent Chinese experts have questioned whether the huge expansion is economically viable and the government has tried to entice private and foreign investors to help share the investment burden.

Financial Times, 11 May 2010. p.24.


Need to know: Engineering

Swiss rail company SBB has ordered 59 double decker trains from Bombardier for SwFr1.9bn (£1.15bn). The trains will be fitted with power sockets and wireless internet access.

The Times, 13th May 2010, p.44.


A boost for education

A UK National Skills Academy for Rail Engineering has been approved by the Learning and Skills Council. The facility, to be run by Crossrail, will receive £5 M in public funding and will develop new courses in design, manufacturing, engineering and construction, providing training for up to 1,800 people a year. A Tunnelling and Underground Construction Academy in Ilford has also been announced. (Item contains no further information).

Materials World, vol. 18, no. 4, Apr. 2010. p.17.


Deutsche Bahn backs £1.5bn bid for Arriva

Deutsche Bahn's supervisory board has approved the company's bid for British train and bus operator Arriva in a move that is likely to create one of the world's largest transport companies. The company is keen to expand outside Germany because its domestic rail market is being opened to competition as part of a wave of liberalisation of public transport markets across Europe. Suggests that the deal may trigger further consolidation in the sector.

Financial Times, 22 Apr. 2010. p.18.


BS EN 15085-3:2007 Railway applications. Welding of railway vehicles and components. Design requirements. Corrigendum 1. (BSI Committee RAE/1/-/2)
 [BSI] Update Standards. April 2010. p.21.

Hopes high for bullet-train tech getting Brazil nod

The Japanese government is considering financial support for a consortium of companies aiming to win a roughly ¥1.7 trillion project for a high speed railway in Brazil. Bidding could be held in May. The Brazilian government plans to award a 40-year contract for the construction, operation and maintenance of the 510km link between Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Campinas. It aims to complete the project before the 2016 Olympics to be held in Rio.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol. 48, no. 2,431, 8 Mar 2010. p.6.


Capital rail link set to turn orbital vision into reality

Reports on the imminent opening of the East London Railway which it is hoped will persuade about 50,000 people daily to change their commuting patterns. The line links New Cross with Dalston Junction and is costing £1bn. A further £500M is being spent on 57 new trains. The effects on commuting patterns are expected to become more pronounced when extensions are built to Highbury & Islington and Clapham Junction.

Financial Times, 5 Apr. 2010. p.3.


SNCF's plans threaten to derail freight initiative

A plan to introduce a key cost-saving method from the North American railways in France looks doomed after SNCF insisted that it was determined to stop serving customers with only small quantities of goods to move. US company Railroad Development Corporation signed a contract last April with Reseau Ferre de France, owner of France's rail infrastructure, and Caisses des Depots, France's development bank, to develop local, shortline rail operations. However RDC is unlikely to pursue the scheme if SNCF goes ahead with plans to abandon the wagonload freight service that RDC believes is vital to its success.

Financial Times, 5 Apr. 2010. p.19.


Chief of Japanese rail operator attacks China over risks to safety / China on track to be world's biggest network / Japan bites the bullet on Shinkanasen

Yoshiyuki Kasai, chairman of Central Japan Railway, operator of Japan's oldest and busiest bullet train link, has denounced China's growing high-speed rail industry for stealing foreign technology and compromising safety. Mr Kasai has forbidden JR Central from bidding on contracts in China for fear that its technology will be taken. French company Alstom has also complained that Chinese companies are competing for export contracts using foreign technology. Says that China's state controlled airlines are facing competition from the government's ambitious plans to expand the high speed rail network. Contrasts the differing levels of service on the country's airlines and railways. Reports that 50 years after its inception Japan rail groups are now stepping up efforts to market its bullet train to foreign buyers.

Financial Times, 6 Apr. 2010. p.15,p.18.


Mongolia's rail project on track to shift exports

Mongolia has taken the first step in building the infrastructure required for it to become a leading commodities exporter after it approved construction of more than 5,000 km of railways. The purpose of the east-west rail network is to connect the necklace of resource deposits that extend along its southern perimeter in the south Gobi desert. The government has aired the possibility of financing the project by public-private partnerships that could potentially be lucrative for international infrastructure contractors.

Financial Times, 14 Apr. 2010. p.9.


Experts stay on the right track for rail expansion

A report, released in mid-March by researchers from Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt Universities, is suggesting that guidelines for reinforcing railway tracks are required for lines operating over certain speeds. A point in train speed will be reached where a ground wave starts to develop ahead of the train, causing vibration then derailment. Guidelines would ensure that tracks are correctly designed and reinforced if necessary; Heriot-Watt is also researching the potential of high performance polymer geo-composites for ballasting.

The Engineer, vol.295, no.7791. 22 March 2010. p.6.


Partnership gets on board

The Great Western Partnership has been formed by local authorities and regional development agencies to campaign for a high-speed rail from London to South Wales and south west England.

The Engineer, vol.295, no.7791. 22 March 2010. p.6.


Investors may get onboard fast trains

Experts have said that private investors may be interested in US high speed rail projects if the federal funding stream remains consistent. Advocates are hoping that the Tampa-Orlando line, which still needs about $1.2 M more to be completed, will prove the mode's viability.

Engineering News-Record, vol. 264, no. 8, 15 Mar 2010. p.15.


'S' stock haulage job for First GBRf

First GBRf has signed a five-year contract with Bombardier to deliver 1,395 cars of new 'S' stock from Derby to London to fulfil the London Underground programme to replace all rolling stock on the sub-surface line. As part of the contract First GBRF has built translator units so that the carriages can be braked during transit, and has worked with Network Rail to achieve gauge clearance.

Modern Railways, vol. 67, no. 739, Apr. 2010. p.15.


Alstom looks forward

Interviews Paul Robinson, who was recruited by Alstom three years ago to revitalise its UK business. Discusses the company's approach to bidding for contracts and says that it will only pursue the most viable of opportunities. He says that the company was disappointed about being left off the shortlist for new trains for Thameslink, but will take this experience into account when the tender for Crossrail trains comes up. Notes Alstom's interest in high speed trains and track and signaling.

Modern Railways, vol. 67, no. 739, Apr. 2010. pp.80-85.


Jarvis to call in administrators

Rail maintenance company Jarvis has announced that it will go into administration after lenders refused to offer the company further credit. The company has seen big reductions in its business since the beginning of the recession in 2008. Jarvis said its creditors were now not prepared to offer it the money it needed to continue as a going concern. The company said it had no option but to enter administration, and had asked for its shares to be suspended. The decision means that the jobs of more than 2,000 Jarvis employees are at risk. Jarvis's businesses involve rail maintenance contracts and rail freight services. Network Rail said that it would be working closely with the administrators to ensure that work due to be undertaken by Jarvis would still go ahead. Jarvis came close to collapse in 2004 after racking up huge debts on over-ambitious bids for Private Finance Initiative contracts. In February, Jarvis said it expected to make losses of about £8m for this financial year, including £3m in restructuring costs.

BBC News Website, 25th March 2010.


Rio and Chinalco in Guinea iron ore partnership

The companies have confirmed plans to form a partnership to develop rich iron ore deposits in Guinea and expect to develop a number of other joint ventures. They have agreed this non-binding joint venture despite Rio losing half of the Simandou concession area last year, amid the Guinea government's frustration that it had taken too long to develop the deposit. The partnership will cover mining as well as the construction of rail and port infrastructure in a project that analysts believe could cost £12 bn.

Financial Times, 20/21 Mar. 2010. p.16.


Tube Lines loses £34m claim

The maintenance contractor has lost its second big compensation claim in two months against London Underground. It has sought £34 M over LU's alleged regular failure to deliver trains to the right depot for night time maintenance on the Northern Line, prior to a new timetable. (Item contains little further information).

Financial Times, 17 Mar. 2010. p.4.


Two-way rail battle likely for Arriva

Reports that the German government has given its backing to Deutsche Bahn's proposed take over of Arriva. However SNCF is also considering making an offer for Britain's second biggest public transport company. It remains unclear whether SNCF will get the necessary backing from the French government.

Financial Times, 25 Mar. 2010. p.38.


Dynamic properties of railway track and its components: recent findings and future research direction

The dynamic testing of railway track and its components, particularly concrete sleepers and rail pads, was used for dynamic model updating for numerical analysis. This resulted in an alternative experimental set-up to achieve better insight into rail track behaviour. The new results obtained can be used as a benchmark for health monitoring.

Insight, vol.52, no.1. Jan.2010. pp.20-23.


1st European Conference: Join-Trans 2010

The first 'Joining and Construction of Rail Vehicles' conference is taking place in Halle (Saale), Germany, April 28-29, 2010. In connection with the uniform certification of welding of rail vehicles within Europe, the conference will host an exchange and discussion of the first experiences of using EN 15085. For further information and to register online go to http://www.jointrans.eu.


Call for northern rail investment

A report from the transport select committee has said that future rail investment in Britain should focus on northern England instead of the south east. It says that the Manchester Hub scheme to improve the flow of rail traffic around Manchester should be the first priority for the next five year funding period for Network Rail. The committee argues that the £3.5 bn Thameslink project to create an improved north-south link across London and future investment in the east-west Crossrail would create a vicious circle.

Financial Times, 15 Feb. 2010. p.4


New National Express chief arrives early

Dean Finch has made an earlier than expected start as chief executive of National Express - he was originally expected to start in the spring. It is thought that he will concentrate on restoring profitability and improving margins on the group's fleet of 18,000 buses. Although the company reneged on its franchise for the East Coast rail line it is thought that any new Conservative government would let it bid for train contracts.

Financial Times, 15 Feb. 2010. p.20.


Extra cost of Edinburgh tram line fuels dispute

Says that cost overruns are threatening progress on the city's delayed 11.5 mile tram line which was due to have begun service this year. Edinburgh Trams - the publicly-owned company in charge of designing and commissioning the tram line - has said that nearly all the preparatory work to divert underground utilities is now complete. However the private sector BSC consortium responsible for the construction has said that delays have cost it money which will have to be found.

Financial Times, 16 Feb. 2010. p.3.

Kawasaki Heavy toning train muscles

Reports that growing global demand for rail systems has prompted the company to strengthen its rolling stock business. Currently under development is the efSET, a high speed train that is designed to reach speeds of up to 350 kph. Faced with competition, increasingly from Chinese companies, Kawasaki has joined with CSR Qingdao Sifang Locomotive and rolling stock with an eye towards making the production process more efficient, lowering costs and improving product quality.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol. 47, no. 2,420, 28 Dec. 2009 and 4 Jan. 2010. p.7.


Air France rail plans put on hold

Plans for a high speed rail service have been put on hold after the French government introduced legislation widely viewed as restricting new operators' freedom. Air France planned to start running high speed international trains following the introduction of EU rules opening up the operation of international rail passenger services from January 1. The French legislation allows regulators to ban services that are seen as harmful to publicly subsidised services.

Financial Times, 19 Jan. 2010. p.23.


Adonis tries to lock in train operators

Transport secretary Lord Adonis has said that new contracts for rail franchises would insist on significantly bigger penalties for companies who walked away from the agreements. He added that the government would stimulate investment in train services by lengthening the next round of rail contracts to 10 years - from the current average of seven and giving train operators the option of applying for an extension to 22 years. Bidders for the new contracts would need to promise to invest over the life of the deal, which would be reviewed at set points.

Financial Times, 20 Jan. 2010. p.2.


Adonis warns Thameslink rail operator

Transport secretary Lord Adonis has warned that First Group, the operator responsible for running the Thameslink service, could be stripped of its franchise if they do not restore the full timetable by the weekend of January 23rd. Although a dispute with drivers about voluntary working on rest days has been officially resolved services have still been running at reduced frequency after bad weather and problems with rolling stock.

Financial Times, 21 Jan. 2010. p.2.


BS EN 13803-1 Railway applications. Track. Track alignment design parameters. Track gauges 1435 mm and wider. Part 1: Plain line. (Draft British Standard 09/30208807 DC; BSI Committee RAE/2.)
[BSI] Update Standards. Jan.2010. p.47.
EN 13674-4:2006 Railway applications. Track. Rail. Vignole railway rails from 27 kg/m to, but excluding 46 /kg/m. Amendment 1: 2009.
[BSI] Update Standards. Jan.2010. p.52.
EN 13803-2:2006 Railway applications. Track. Track alignment design parameters. Track gauges 1435 mm and wider. Switches and crossings and comparable alignment design situations with abrupt changes of curvature. Amendment 1: 2009.
[BSI] Update Standards. Jan.2010. p.52.
EN 13848-5:2008/Amendment 1 Railway applications. Track. Track geometry quality. Geometric quality levels. Plain line. (The above amendment has been circulated by CEN/TC 256 under the shortened UAP procedure.)
[BSI] Update Standards. Jan.2010. p.49.
EN 15689:2009 Railway applications. Track. Switches and crossings. Crossing components made of cast austenitic manganese steel.
[BSI] Update Standards. Jan.2010. p.52.

NET Phase Two bidders

Arrow Connect and Tramlink Nottingham have been invited to submit tenders for the NETY Phase Two expansion project. The 23-year concession covers construction and operation of two new tramlines plus operation of the existing routes. Arrow Connect comprises Bombardier, VolkerRail, Transdev, Nottingham City Transport and CDC Group. Tramlink Nottingham comprises Vinci, Alstom, Keolis, Trent Barton Buses, InfraVia and Meridiam.

Railway Gazette International, Jan. 2010. p.14.


High speed research agreement

German aerospace research centre DLR and Bombardier Transportation have signed an agreement to cooperate in the development of high speed trains. The framework initially runs to 2014 and covers research into aerodynamics, dynamic stability, interior airflows and acoustics, as well as lightweight construction, energy management, safety approval and control systems.

Railway Gazette International, Jan. 2010. p.20.


Engine venture

GE Transportation and CSR Qishuyan have announced an equally-owned joint venture to assemble and overhaul Evolution series locomotive engines. GE sees significant opportunities for locomotive repowering work in China, where CSR has produced more than half of the 12,000 diesel locomotives now in service.

Railway Gazette International, Jan. 2010. p.20.


Loscher says 2010 will be 'challenging'

A high order backlog meant that Siemens revenues for the year to September 30 slipped only slightly to Euros 76.7 bn, down from Euros 77.3 bn the previous year. New orders were down 14% to Euros 79 bn. Growth in the Energy and Healthcare sectors helped to offset the decline in the Industry sector which includes the Mobility transport activities.

Railway Gazette International, Jan. 2010. p.20.


All hang together

According to the Railteam alliance of high speed train operators, improved connections, signage and ticketing could see the number of international rail journeys in Europe increase by 50% over the next decade. The alliance has launched a new report on the environmental advantages of high speed trains. Notes that, with the liberalisation of international rail services, the partners could find themselves competing against one another.

Railway Gazette International, Jan. 2010. p.25.


Cutting the life-cycle cost of track

Reports that the EU-funded Innotrack research project concludes in January. The project was intended to intended to assess and improve the life cycle cost of key track elements - track structure, rails, switches and crossings. Says that recommendations aimed at reducing the maintenance and renewal costs of track will be shared at workshops and presentations over the coming months.

Railway Gazette International, Jan. 2010. pp.48-52.

 
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