Rail industry news

Maximum Crossrail levy to hit companies

Reports that London businesses will pay the maximum extra levy to fund Crossrail for the next 25 years in spite of warnings that the tax will hurt companies' chances of recovering from recession. London mayor Boris Johnson is set to announce his decision to impose the maximum allowable 2p in the pound business rate supplement from April, coinciding with a big jump in rates for many central London companies. The only concession that the mayor has made to opponents of the scheme is to raise the threshold for the uplift to businesses with a rateable value of £55,000 from £50,000.

Financial Times, 29 Jan. 2010. p.5.

Arriva in tie-up talks with SNCF / SNCF on European track with Arriva talks

SNCF has approached Arriva about injecting all or part of the Keolis public transport business - in which it is the controlling shareholder - into the UK group in return for an equity stake. Such a move would create a group with annual sales of Euros 6.5 bn. Such a deal, which would give SNCF access to the British market, would require the approval of the French government. Adds that other UK transport operators could be approached by state owned European companies.

Financial Times, 29 Jan. 2010. p.19,p.26.

Vietnam bullet train test track due in 2012

Vietnam Railways will start building a test track in 2012 as part of the country's high speed rail project, which is expected to use Japanese bullet train technology. The test track will stretch 45km from the centre of Hanoi to the Noi Bai International Airport. When complete the line will connect Hanoi with Ho Chi Minh City in six hours compared with about 30 hours for the present service.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol. 48, no. 2,422, 18 Jan. 2010. p.14.

Latest monitor

Reports that Network Rail has published the latest Network Rail Monitor for the second quarter, covering the period 26 July to 17 October 2009. Key findings include: a best ever train service performance; a drop in Network Rail delay to passengers; and an improved service by Virgin Trains on the West Coast route.

Railway Strategies for Senior Rail Management, Issue 58, Dec.-Jan. 2010. p.15.

Designing China's new high-speed trains

London design group Priestmangoode has been chosen to work with China's largest rolling stock company Sifang to design, from scratch, the flagship trains that will run on the country's new high-speed rail network. The contract also outlines an eight year design cooperation between the companies which will see Priestmangoode help Sifang's design team develop their design understanding of the global market place.

Railway Strategies for Senior Rail Management, Issue 58, Dec.-Jan. 2010. p.91.

A billion miles achieved

Reports that Bombardier's UK fleet of Electrostar trains has travelled one billion miles since it first entered service in 1999. The Electrostar consistently excels in performance league tables, achieving some of the highest reliability figures in the country, with the star performers being the Class 357 Electrostar trains operated by c2c.

Railway Strategies for Senior Rail Management, Issue 58, Dec.-Jan. 2010. p.101.

Rail inspection technology

Reviews the range of inspection techniques under investigation at the University of Birmingham Centre for Rail Research and Education. These include ultrasonics, eddy currents, magnetic flux leakage, alternating current field measurement, automated vision systems and radiographic inspection. Notes that the Centre is currently collaborating with a number of other organisations, including TWI, in the field of advanced rail inspection.

Railway Strategies for Senior Rail Management, Issue 58, Dec.-Jan. 2010. pp.116-118.

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Eurostar's rivals eye service to London

Reports that European high-speed trains, including Germany's ICE, could soon be serving London under safety rule changes being considered by the Channel tunnel's regulator. Sources say that the regulator looks likely to scrap the requirement that trains using the tunnel be able to be split in half and leave in different directions in the event of an emergency. However it looks set to continue to demand a minimum length for trains. Deutsche Bahn has said that a Cologne-Brussels-London route could be very attractive.

Financial Times, 3 Feb. 2010. p.4.

JR Tokai Chairman Kasai keeps maglev train project on rails

Says that Yoshiyuki Kasai has been the driving force behind the company's project to run magnetic levitation trains between Tokyo and Osaka at 500kph. The company has submitted a plan to the government, including cost estimates for three possible routes, arguing that the shortest, straightest one is best in terms of construction costs and travel times.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol. 48, no. 2,421, 11 Jan. 2010. p.6.

Pay-out blow for Tube contractor

Tube Lines has suffered a blow to its hopes of reducing a looming funds shortfall after an adjudicator rejected its claim for £327 M from the public sector. The company, which holds a 30-year contract to maintain and upgrade track, trains and stations on the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines, had its claim for compensation over handling of upgrade work by LU rejected.

Financial Times, 25 Jan. 2010. p.4.

Freight 'stifled by Channel tunnel'

Keith Heller, deputy chief executive of DB Schenker Rail, has said that the rules and costs of using the Channel tunnel are hampering the development of rail freight between the UK and mainland Europe. He said that the tunnel represented the only realistic prospect for rail freight expansion in the UK. Only 1.18 M tonnes of rail freight ran through the tunnel last year.

Financial Times, 25 Jan. 2010. p.4.

Chiltern starts Evergreen 3 TWA

Chiltern Railways has announced that it has submitted the Transport & Works Act application for Phase 2 of its Evergreen 3 project which will provide direct rail services between Oxford and London by 2013. Evergreen 3 will also see Chiltern's existing London to Birmingham services improved, including a headline peak journey time of 92 minutes from the December 2010 timetable.

Modern Railways, vol. 67, no. 737. Feb. 2010. p.7.

Balfour Beatty appointed for £50million Waverley improvement

The company has won the contract for the next stage of the £130 M revamp of Edinburgh Waverley. Improvements will include: renovation of the roof; installation of a new roof drainage system; new lighting within the main station roof area; renovation of footbridges; renovations to external walls; and new concourse and platform surfacing.

Modern Railways, vol. 67, no. 737. Feb. 2010. p.9.

Germans to buy into Eurostar

In December SNCF president Guillaume Pepys said that he could see German operator DB buying a stake in Eurostar now that it had become a single entity company. SNCF has now revealed that it and DB intend to work together to offer high speed services from Germany to southern France via the new Rhine-Rhone high speed line through the existing Alleo joint venture.

Modern Railways, vol. 67, no. 737. Feb. 2010. p.68.

Bombardier wins cross-border order

AB Transition has placed a Euros 96 M order with Bombardier for 11x3-car Contessa Trains, with an option for a further five trains, for leasing to Lanstrassiken Kronoberg, Kalmar Lans Trafik and Hallandstrassiken. Total orders from Sweden and Denmark for Contessa trains are now 111, with 90 units having been delivered.

Modern Railways, vol. 67, no. 737. Feb. 2010. p.70.

Network Rail funds main line project

Network Rail is to fund a £259m project that will construct the first new rail link from London to a major British city since 1910. The new main line from London to Oxfordshire is expected to deliver much faster services on the Chiltern route to Banbury and Birmingham. Network Rail stated the centrepiece of the Oxford link will be Water Eaton Parkway in north Oxford, which is described as a high-quality integrated transport hub linked to the A34, A40 and Oxford city centre. The scheme is funded by Network Rail, which will reimburse the cost through the payment of a facility charge over the next 30 years - initially by Chiltern Railways, which expires in 2021, and then by the future franchisee. The infrastructure upgrade will be carried out by main contractor BAM Nuttall, with partners Jarvis and Atkins. The project will be delivered under contract to Chiltern Railways. The project will be delivered in stages, with the main line journey time improvements being delivered from 2011. The new line to Oxford, including Water Eaton Parkway, is expected to open by 2013, subject to Transport and Works Act approval.

http://www.theengineer.co.uk/1000580.article?cmpid=TE01&cmptype=newsletter, 13th December 2009.

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.

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.

Vietnam opts for 'shinkansen'

The Vietnamese government has officially decided to adopt Japan's bullet train technology for a high-speed railway connecting Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Given the scale of the undertaking, spanning 1,560km in length, Vietnam is considering prioritising the construction of two sections - between Hanoi and Vinh (280km) and between Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City (380km).

The Nikkei Weekly, vol. 47, no. 2,418, 14 Dec. 2009. p.7.

High-speed white paper in March?

The Department for Transport has said that if the government decides to pursue proposals for high-speed rail, a white paper to be published by the end of March will set out detailed plans, including route proposals, timescales and associated financial, economic and environmental assessments. This would be followed by a full public consultation starting in autumn 2010. The DfT added that it would not publish a separate report from High Speed Two - the company set up to advise on the development of high-speed rail - in advance of its response, to avoid unnecessary blight relating to options identified but not taken forward.

Modern Railways, vol. 67, no. 136, Jan. 2010. p.7.

Ipswich curve out to tender

Network rail has gone out to tender for a new east-west chord viaduct at East Suffolk Junction, which would allow container trains going from the port of Felixstowe to the Midlands via Peterborough to bypass Ipswich. The viaduct could either be single track, costing £32 M or double track costing £47 M.

Modern Railways, vol. 67, no. 136, Jan. 2010. p.15.

Green light for recycling centre

The local authority has granted planning permission to Network Rail to turn a railway yard in Westbury into a track materials recycling hub. The new £8 M facility will recycle concrete sleepers for use on secondary railway lines or farm roads, while rails and fittings will be processed into the scrap metal market and used in steel manufacturing. (Item contains no further information).

Modern Railways, vol. 67, no. 136, Jan. 2010. p.16.

Bombardier out of new Piccadilly trains bidding

Reports on the issues behind Bombardier's elimination from the tender process for new Piccadilly Line tube stock. The reason given was that the bid was not compliant with the requirements of the tender document. Sources suggested that the aggressive delivery schedule specified for the Piccadilly stock was an issue, a situation that could have been exacerbated had the company secured a contract from Thameslink.

Modern Railways, vol. 67, no. 136, Jan. 2010. p.20.

Maintaining trains for passengers

Bombardier explains how the passenger is the ultimate arbiter when it comes to rolling stock maintenance. The company aims to work closely with rolling stock leasing companies to ensure high availability and minimum disruption for their fleets. It also aims to address issues that directly affect passenger comfort such as fittings that rattle, malfunctioning toilets and poor communication systems. The company sees its role as adding comfort for the passenger and not merely tackling defects.

Modern Railways, vol. 67, no. 136, Jan. 2010. pp.46-47.

Bombardier chosen for regional trains

Following on from an order for up to 1,000 low train floors from Alstom, SNCF has confirmed that it has selected Bombardier as preferred bidder for up to 860 high-capacity double deck EMUs, worth Euros 8 bn. (Item contains no further information).

Modern Railways, vol. 67, no. 136, Jan. 2010. pp.46-47.

National Express rebels end feud

Reports that the Cosmen family has taken up the £360 M National Express rights issue that it had campaigned against. The completion comes as the company is looking to appoint a new chief executive. Dean Finch, head of Tube Lines, is favourite for the job but Tube Lines has made a last ditch effort to retain him. Suggests that unless there is a change of government National Express could be pushed out of the rail business altogether.

Financial Times, 12/13 Dec. 2009. p.16.

Rail electrification given surprise boost

In his pre-budget report chancellor Alistair Darling announced an extension of the rail electrification programme with routes from Manchester to Bolton and Huyton to Wigan. He also affirmed his support for a series of key measures including the London Crossrail route and an upgrade of the Thameslink route.

Financial Times, 10 Dec. 2009. p.10.

Stagecoach foresees an end to franchise payments dispute

Stagecoach has revealed that its dispute with the government over franchise payments could be resolved by April. The company's dispute with the DFT centres around the amount of revenue support that it should receive for South-West Trains. Stagecoach says that it could be owed £100 M. Separately it said that it would not make another bid for National Express in the near future.

Financial Times, 10 Dec. 2009. p.25.

Fast train set to pull in new business / Javelin services forecast to lift house values £1.6bn

Reports on the opening of the UK's first high-speed rail service which has cut journey times from Kent to London. Despite the higher fares commuters have welcomed the new service. Estate agents have said that there has been an increase in interest in commercial property near to high speed stations and investment chiefs hope that the service will change the appeal of east Kent as a business location. Estate agents are also forecasting that residential property prices will rise as more commuters opt to live in the area.

Financial Times, 14 Dec. 2009. p.4.

NatExpress confirms Finch as chief

The company has confirmed the appointment of Dean Finch, head of Tube Lines, as its chief executive. He is expected to take up his appointment in the spring.

Financial Times, 17 Dec. 2009. p.22.

Tube Lines faces £1.35bn shortfall

Chris Bolt, the arbiter of London Underground's private-public partnership contract has said that he was likely to award Tube Lines, the company upgrading three underground lines, £1.35 bn less than it had demanded. He said that Tube Lines should have £4.4 bn basic funding for the 7.5 years starting in July instead of the £5.75 bn it had been asking for. However he left open the possibility that Tube Lines might obtain substantial sums beyond his award if it pursued a claim over how LU had behaved in relation to its work to upgrade the Jubilee and Northern lines.

Financial Times, 18 Dec. 2009. p.4.

Network Rail cuts operating costs

Reports that the company's operating costs were £142 M lower in the six months to October than in the same period of 2008. It has to find a cumulative £4.1 bn of efficiency savings compared with 2004-2009. (Item contains little further information).

Financial Times, 27 Nov. 2009. p.4.

Not quite end of line for NatExpress

National Express will be allowed to retain its two remaining rail franchises - East Anglia and C2C - until the contracts end in 2011. Analysts say that this will allow the company to retain a source of cash flow to enable it to cope with £1 bn of debt. The company has said that it would consider its future in the rail business after the government conformed that it would not be extending the East Anglia franchise to 2014.

Financial Times, 27 Nov. 2009. p.20.

Shareholder fails to block NatExpress £360m rights issue

National Express has won overwhelming support from its shareholders for its rights issue, despite opposition to the fundraising from Jorge Cosmen, the deputy chairman and largest shareholder. The Cosmen family argue that the rights issue is too large and that the group lacks a property strategy. National Express says that the £360 M will enable it to repay a portion of its £1.1 bn debt, as well as loan conditions at the end of the year.

Financial Times, 28/29 Nov. 2009. p.14.

A journey of management change for Indian Railways

Reports on the benefits to the company from its decision to send senior managers to business schools. From being on the edge of bankruptcy in 2001 the company has now generated a surplus before dividend of Rs198.2 bn for the year ended in March 2009. Sending managers overseas for training also reflects the company's ambitions to become an international player and compete with global leaders such as France and Japan.

Financial Times, 30 Nov. 2009. p.14.

Toyo Elec, Fuji Elec in railway ops tie-up

Toyo Electric and Fuji Electric Holdings have agreed to jointly supply electric components for trains overseas. Under the partnership, the companies will establish a comprehensive production system with the aim of winning orders from high-speed rail projects in the US, China and India, where 10,000km of railway is forecast to be laid in the next 20 years.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.47, no.2,397, 20 July 2009. p.7.

Chiltern Railways chalks up a way with passengers

Discusses the success of Chiltern Railways with chief executive Adrian Shooter. Suggests that the company's success may in part be due to the long 20-year franchise that Mr Shooter negotiated in exchange for pumping millions of pounds into stations and services. Chiltern's business model is based on simple, frequent trains, with fast turnaround times to keep expenses down.

Financial Times, 10 Aug. 2009. p.15.

Train track technology improvements from memory chips

Reports on Bombardier's choice of Nexus as a data partner to develop a new range of track circuit receivers. Nexus was selected to be involved in a project to design new equipment to monitor and manage the location of trains on the track.

Electronic Product Design, Aug. 2009. pp.22-23.

Nat Express to fight being railroaded / Global ambition behind Spanish family's success

Presents an interview with John Devaney, chairman of National Express. He blames the Department for Transport for the company's troubles and insists that it can survive without a takeover. The company feels that it can reduce its costs without the millstone of the East Coast Main Line. It also hopes that a change in its management will help to improve relations with Transport Secretary Lord Adonis. Profiles the Spanish Cosmen family which owns just under a fifth of National Express.

Financial Times, 3 Aug 2009. p.15.

Network Rail opens vehicle development centre on old coal line

The 10 miles of track between High Marnham and Thoresby Colliery Junction is to be used as part of a new development centre for future rail vehicles, technology and equipment. The line has many of the features of the rail network - signalling systems, calibrated curves, single and double track. The centre will also be available for use by any rail industry company.

Modern Railways, vol.66, no.731. August 2009. p.11.

Track renewal for Tramlink

Colas has been chosen to carry out track, crossing and point replacement and drainage works on the East Croydon, Cherry Orchard and Wellesley Road sections of the Croydon Tramlink.

Modern Railways, vol.66, no.731. August 2009. p.11.

Cemex opens new siding in Sheffield

A new rail siding in the centre of Sheffield (Attercliffe) has been opened by Cemex UK and is capable of handling over 200,000 tonnes of aggregates per annum. Rail transportation is being handled by DB Schenker under a 6 year contract. Limestone and hardstone will be received from Buxton and Cumbria.

Modern Railways, vol.66, no.731. August 2009. p.12.

Four in frame for Bond Street

Taylor Woodrow/BAM Nuttall Joint venture; Laing O'Rourke/Bachy Soletanche/Costain Joint venture; Balfour Beatty and Morgan Est have been selected to present tenders for the redevelopment of the Bond Street underground station. It is expected that a contract will be awarded early in 2010. The Bond Street station will handle passengers from both the London Underground and Crossrail by 2017.

Modern Railways, vol.66, no.731. August 2009. p.14.

Managing the wheel-rail interface

How Interfleet Technology's Railway Systems and Strategy team handles the wheel-rail interface is discussed with reference to three case studies - improvement in fleet availability, specification of rail-friendly vehicles, and the prevention of wheel failures.

Modern Railways, vol.66, no.731. August 2009. pp.54-55.

More onward travel from Eurostar

The opening of new high speed rail lines and reduction of travel times is seeing a large increase in travellers from Germany and the Netherlands. There is a strong European trend from plane to train for short-haul journeys, with door-to-door travel times comparable to that of air (London to Cologne 4h 40 min).

Modern Railways, vol.66, no.731. August 2009. p.86.

Advanced technology guides pods through concrete maze

Examines some of the technology behind the autonomous 'personal rapid transport' system currently being trialled at Heathrow's Terminal 5. The pods follow 1.5m wide concrete guideways and can carry four passengers at up to speeds of 25mph. They are initially being used to transport staff from car parks to Terminal 5, but are scheduled for passenger use later in the year.

Eureka, vol.29, no.7, July/Aug. 2009. pp.15-16.

Rail franchise system described as a muddle

According to the Rail Franchises and Fares report from the House of Commons transport select committee, the current system of rail franchising is a muddle that has not served passengers' best interests. The report says that National Express's problems on the east coast, following the withdrawal of GNER, the previous franchisee on the route, are indicative of underlying problems in the current franchising model.

Financial Times, 27 July 2009. p.4.

Capitalism blamed as rail failure redivides Berlin

Suggests that Berlin's S-bahn suburban commuter railway was perhaps run more efficiently under the East German communist regime than it is at present. More than two thirds of the network's 550 trains have been withdrawn from service and the main east-west line closed after safety checks following a derailment showed that about 4,000 wheels needed replacing. Deutsche Bahn, the national railway operator, is under fire for cutting staff and closing repair workshops at its S-bahn subsidiary in an attempt to boost profitability ahead of an initial public offering, that has since been postponed.

Financial Times, 27 July 2009. p.8.

National Express to reject bid

Suggests that National Express is set to reject a takeover bid from Spain's Cosmen family and CVC, the private equity group, in an approach that was expected to value the group at more than £500 M. The company is expected to argue that its plans for an independent future, which centre on cutting costs and paying down debt, offer better value than approaches received so far. The company is also expected to argue against any sale soon, citing the effect of the recession on valuations of its business.

Financial Times, 27 July 2009. p.17.

A transport of delight?

Reports on the improvements to London's rail system being carried out in time for the 2012 Olympics. Planers are confident that the transport system will meet the Games' needs. Notes that the investment on the overall transport system for the Games is 80% on rail and 20% on road, the reverse of that for the Beijing Olympics.

Financial Times, 27 July 2009. p.25.

Warning signals for Taiwan's bullet train

Reports that Taiwan's High Speed Rail Company is facing debt troubles after accumulating T$67.5 bn in losses. There is growing concern that the experiment in public-private partnership is proving a failure and that in the end the taxpayer will pick up the bill. The government has pledged to support the company in securing refinancing at lower interest rates for some of its T$390 bn debt. The company's problems are that not enough passengers use the train, it being less than half full on average.

Financial Times, 18/19 July 2009. p.16.

Green light given for high-speed-rail grants

Reports that US states can begin chasing High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail grants from July 10th by submitting 'preapplications' for up to $8 bn of economic stimulus. Funds apply to high-speed trains operating at 110-150 mph over 100-600 miles and intercity rail trains operating at 79-110 mph over 100+ miles.

Engineering News-Record, vol.262, no.20. 29 June 2009. p.7.

Jarvis hit hard by Network Rail cuts

Cutbacks in business with Network Rail have led Jarvis Rail, UK, to declare a pre-tax loss of £6.3 million for the year to 31 March 2009, compared with a profit of £4.5 million in the previous year. Network Rail has deferred much track renewal work while it waits for new equipment and Jarvis has been forced to cut 450 jobs.

Financial Times, 15 Jul 2009. p 19

Rail infrastructure on track for the 2012 Olympics

Progress on the rail infrastructure for the games is discussed in an interview with John Armitt and Hugh Sumner of the Olympic Delivery Authority.

Railway Strategies for Senior Rail Management. June 2009. pp.2-3.

Best metro in Europe

The London Underground (LU) has been named as Best Metro in Europe, beating off competition from Copenhagen, Berlin, Paris and Madrid. Over the period 2008/9 LU carried 1089 million passengers, the highest in its 146 years. Passenger satisfaction ratings also reached the highest ever, 79 out of 100. Over the past year LU has completed 3 new stations, refurbished the District Line fleet and enabled the police and emergency services to use their radios underground through the installation of the Airwave radio system.

Railway Strategies for Senior Rail Management. June 2009. p.21.

News in brief [DB acquisition]

Deutsche Bahn's acquisition of PCC Logistics, Poland's largest privately-owned rail freight operator, has been cleared by the European Commission.

Railway Gazette International, vol.165, no.7. July 2009. p.7.

News in brief [ERTMS]

A letter of intent to set objectives for ERTMS priority deployment Corridor B from Stockholm, via Hamburg and Munich to Naples, has been signed by the Swedish, Danish, German, Austrian and Italian transport ministers.

Railway Gazette International, vol.165, no.7. July 2009. p.7.

Prima II unveiled

Prima II, a prototype locomotive equipped to operate under 1.5 kV and 3 kV DC, plus 15 kV and 25 kV AC, has been revealed by Alstom Transport. The Prima II has been developed to compete with Bombardier's Traxx, and is aimed at the European north-south freight market. 20 orders, from ONCFM of Morocco, have already been received.

Railway Gazette International, vol.165, no.7. July 2009. p.8.

Government acquires LCR

On 8 June the UK Secretary of State for Transport announced that the UK government had taken over ownership of London and Continental Railways Ltd, relieving the business of a large amount of government-guaranteed debt. The aim is to lower access charges in order to attract more trains and operators. The concession to operate the line will be sold when market conditions dictate.

Railway Gazette International, vol.165, no.7. July 2009. p.9.

News in brief [LGV Sud]

Construction is beginning on the Tours-Angouleme section of the LGV Sud Europe Atlantique, the high speed line that will join Tours to Bordeaux. 50% of the funding for the route is to be provided by central government and local authorities through which the route passes, and the remaining sum from the concessionaire of the route.

Railway Gazette International, vol.165, no.7. July 2009. p.9.

News in brief [Joint Technical Office]

A Joint Technical Office is to be set up in Brussels by CER, EIM and UIC as a means of coordinating representations to the EU bodies and the European Railway Agency.

Railway Gazette International, vol.165, no.7. July 2009. p.9.

Indian-built car unveiled

Bombardier's Savli plant (Gujarat, India) produced its first Movia metro car in June. The plant is the first in India to be wholly-owned by a foreign company. Based on the Gorlitz plant (Germany), the factory is fully equipped, including robotic spot welding. Bombardier is supplying the Delhi metro with 424 Movia cars, and is pursuing other metro projects in the country.

Railway Gazette International, vol.165, no.7. July 2009. p.13.

Locomotive-hauled coaches still in demand

A study on locomotive-hauled passenger coaches by SCI Verkehr (Germany) is summarised. The market is rising by 4% per annum, with double-deckers remaining popular. A breakdown by country of the number of coaches built in 2008, and market volume figures for 2008 and 2013 forecast are presented. Market drivers, growth trends, fleet structures, regional stock, suppliers and future developments are considered.

Railway Gazette International, vol.165, no.7. July 2009. pp.30-32.

Upgrading paves the way for network expansion

A two-stage programme of infrastructure investment by Russian Railways (RZD) is discussed. The plan is to build up to 20,000 km of new routes between now and 2030. 'Strategy for Developing Rail Transport in the Russian Federation' was ratified by the government in 2008. The first stage of the work involves a period of modernisation (2008-15) to ensure the required capacity on key routes, renewal and upgrading of existing infrastructure, the start of planning and surveying work for expansion, plus the start of construction on some high-priority lines. The second stage involves large-scale expansion (2016-30). A map shows existing and proposed lines, their gauges and type (high-speed, social, freight, strategic). A key tenet of the long-term plan is to tap into Russia's vast mineral wealth.

Railway Gazette International, vol.165, no.7. July 2009. pp.43-46.

Gaps in London transport funds

A report from the London Assembly warns that London's transport network could face a £1.7 bn funding hole by 2018 as a result of the recession. The finance gap could result in fare increases well above the rate of inflation or delays to much needed Tube improvements.

Financial Times, 10 July 2009. p.2

Gulf oil states in hurry to build commuter rail lines

Reports on developments to build commuter lines to service rapidly growing urban areas. Dubai has recently launched a monorail while Abu Dhabi is progressing with plans for 130 km of commuter lines. Saudi Arabia has also decided to build a monorail, while Kuwait and Qatar are reportedly considering their own rail solutions.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.47, no.2,393, 22 June 2009. p.15.

DOT maps out $1.5 billion stimulus grant plan

The US Department of Transportation has published detailed criteria that will be used to select projects for funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act discretionary grants scheme. Named TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grants, these can be applied for by highway, transit and passenger rail project that already have dedicated stimulus act funds as well as port, freight rail and multimodel projects which do not. Grants will be from $20 to $300 million; the deadline for applications is 17 September.

ENR - Engineering News Record, vol.262, no.18. 8 June 2009. p.9.

Metrolink go-ahead for East Didsbury and Ashton

Two further Manchester Metrolink extensions, to Ashton-under-Lyne and East Didsbury, have been fast tracked by the Transport Secretary. Other extensions under review are to the airport, Rochdale town centre, Oldham town centre and a second city crossing (G-Mex to Victoria direct).

Modern Railways. July 2009. p.6.

Crossrail launch followed by new design contract awards

Selected firms for each of seven categories have the opportunity to compete for packages of design work on the Crossrail project, officially launched on 15 May. Detailed design contracts for 8 packages awarded to date are listed, as are the 12 firms securing Design Framework Agreements.

Modern Railways. July 2009. p.7.

ATOC class for 14 reopened lines

The Association of Train Operating Companies' report 'Connecting Communities' has recommended 14 new or reopened railway lines and up to 40 new stations in England. Based on a sound business model, all proposed infrastructure would serve towns of 0.75 million population and benefit a further 0.25 million nearby. Links that could be built over the next 5-10 years, and 7 new park and ride stations for existing lines are listed.

Modern Railways. July 2009. p.8.

Rail industry sets out 30 year plan

Network Rail, the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) and the Rail Freight Operators' Association (RFOA) have published a paper 'Planning ahead', which looks at the needs of the rail industry for handling potentially double today's demand within 30 years and possibly triple in the longer term. It is envisaged that 80% of passengers will travel on an electrified network powered by green electricity; the freight market would be 20% of the total freight market.

Modern Railways. July 2009. p.8.

High speed rail - following the international example

A recent lecture by Andrew Adonis, the new Secretary of State for Transport, on the potential for high-speed rail in the UK, using examples from around the world, is summarised. The full paper is available from http://www.modernrailways.com.

Modern Railways. July 2009. pp.54-57.

Heathrow: key to HS2?

The Arup director, Mark Bostock, puts the case that a second high speed line to the North must be routed via Britain's largest airport. Plans for a rebuild of Euston Station to accommodate HS2 trains, a Heathrow Hub, and corridors to and around Birmingham are proposed.

Modern Railways. July 2009. pp.58-62.

Siemens ties up deal on electric locomotive technology transfer

Siemens and Sinara Group are establishing a joint venture, based on a machine building plant near Yekaterinburg, for the production and delivery of Russian electric locomotives.

Modern Railways. July 2009. p.71.

Bombardier invests in locomotive propulsion technology R&D in Zurich

A new development and test laboratory at the Zurich-Oerlikon site, part of Bombardier's international centre for manufacturing excellence in propulsion and control technology, has been established. Named Mitrac Powerlab Zurich, it will be the core competence centre for locomotive and power-head high power propulsion technology, and will collaborate with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich along with other institutions.

Modern Railways. July 2009. p.71.

Arup to help ORR

Arup is to act as the data assurance, finance and efficiency reporter over Control Period 4 on behalf of the Office of Rail Regulation and Network Rail; a three year contract has been signed.

Modern Railways. July 2009. p.77.

Rail freight operators under pressure

According to the Office of Rail Regulation, UK rail traffic has fallen sharply in the past quarter. Falling demand for consumer goods, building materials and cars has led to an 8.6% drop in the volume of freight moved on the rail network compared with the same period last year. Analysts say that the figures suggest no improvements in international trade flows.

Financial Times, 22 June 2009. p.17.

High-speed rail line welcomed

Speaking at an event to mark the start of preview services for the domestic high speed commuter service, transport secretary Lord Adonis said that the success of High Speed One will 'considerably strengthen the case for building the UK'ssecond such line'.

Financial Times, 19 June 2009. p.2.

Tube Lines outlines plan for £2bn in efficiency savings

Reports on plans for Tube Lines to save £2 bn in waste through efficiencies, a scaling back of tasks and better working practices. The plan would cut the company's funding needs under the next phase of its maintenance contract for three London Underground lines to £5.13 bn, compared with last year's £7.2 bn estimate.

Financial Times, 29 June 2009. p.2.

Fatal rail crashes inquiry rejected

Transport secretary Lord Adonis has rejected calls for a joint public inquiry into the Potters Bar and Grayrigg fatal rail crashes. He said that he had decided that two separate inquests would ensure that the lessons of the two incidents were learnt and would be as effective as a public inquiry.

Financial Times, 20/21 June 2009. p.2.

Virgin and Go-Ahead riled by rail owners / Equipment upgrade leads to problems down the line

Executives from both Virgin Trains and Go-Ahead have criticised the work of Network Rail on the upgrade of the west coast main line. Network Rail has accepted responsibility for the ongoing problems and resolved to remedy the situation. Virgin has agreed a rescue plan with Network Rail but refused to sign any agreement beyond September 19. Says that many of the problems involved installation on a live running railway of complex new equipment with no time to test it in actual running conditions.

Financial Times, 20/21 June 2009. p.4.

Eurotunnel considers rail bid

Reports that Groupe Eurotunnel is preparing to buy back the last of a series of financial instruments formed during the company's 2007 restructuring. Executive chairman Jacques Gounon said that he was undertaking this transaction partly to avoid problems with any bid for High Speed 1, the 108km line between the tunnel and London. He added that there would be clear advantages to having the tunnel and the line to London owned by the same company.

Financial Times, 26 June 2009. p.17.

National Express rail empire hopes end / Focus turns to rail franchise system / Sweetheart deals remain off limits / Action leaves company in line of fire / Counting the cost of cheap fares / Q&A

A collection of articles on National Express's loss of the East Coast rail franchise covering: the present set up of the rail franchise system; an interview with transport secretary Lord Adonis; the future of National Express; fare structures on the East Coast routes; and questions and answers on the implications of the temporary nationalisation of the franchise.

Financial Times, 2 July 2009. p.1, p.4.

FTA study sees $50 billion rail transit need

The Rail Modernization Study, carried out by the Federal Transit Administration, reports that the 7 largest rail transport agencies in the USA require $50bn to raise their assets to a state of good repair; a further $6bn per annum would be needed for maintenance. The 7 companies serve over 80% of US passengers, maintain 6,049 track miles, 1,701 stations and 14,629 rolling stock. 35% of assets were found to be in marginal or poor condition, 35% adequate, 22% good and 8% excellent.

ENR - Engineering News Record, vol.262, no.16. 18 May 2009. p.11.

Report sees need for new London rail lines

A report entitled Planning Ahead, compiled by Network Rail, the Association of Train Operating Companies and the Association of Freight Operators, says that new commuter rail lines may need to be built on the busiest routes into London as capacity on existing lines is exhausted. The report is intended to highlight the railways' long term investment needs and to start the planning process for the five years following 2014 after the end of Network Rail's funding agreement with the government and rail regulators.

Financial Times, 29 May 2009. p.4.

Preview of high-speed rail

Reports on Southeastern Trains preview high-speed domestic services which are due to start in late June. The full service from St Pancras to Kent will start with December's timetable changes, when the new Japanese-built high speed trains will run on both the High Speed One dedicated high-speed line and conventional domestic lines.

Financial Times, 2 Jun. 2009. p.24.

Network Rail criticised over west coast line

The Office of Rail Regulation has demanded that Network Rail produce a credible plan to improve service on the London to Glasgow line after a slump in punctuality. Virgin Rail welcomed ORR's action saying that 'we are disappointed that Network Rail has spent £9 bn on the upgrade to deliver the worst performing route on the rail network today. Network Rail chief executive Ian Coucher said that punctuality on the line was beginning to improve, but remained susceptible to disruption if something went wrong.

Financial Times, 4 Jun. 2009. p.7.

Passengers face more disruption after Network Rail renewal budget is cut

Network Rail has shelved 28% of its track renewal plans after being ordered to make savings of just under £3bn by the Office of Rail Regulation. The postponements could lead to more delays and cancellations as the decaying rail infrastructure becomes more vulnerable. According to the RMT rail union, the renewal of at least 200 miles of track has been put on hold. Other cuts this financial year are understood to include signal maintenance and inspections.

The Daily Telegraph, 27th May 2009, p.1

Light relief

The Department for Transport, Network Rail and Northern Rail are drawing up plans for the trial of tram-trains, versatile vehicles that can run on both conventional rail tracks and city centre tram lines. In 2010 five vehicles will replace conventional trains on the Huddersfield-Sheffield line, which, if successful, will link up with Sheffield's Super Tram system. The system is already used in the Netherlands and Germany. A step further is the introduction of 'pod cars' later this year at Heathrow Airport - a system of driverless battery-powered taxis ferrying passengers from the car parks to the terminals. ULTra (Urban Light Transport) was developed by Advanced Transport Systems (Bristol, UK) and is the first commercial example of a Personal Rapid Transport system.

The Engineer, vol.294, no.7772. 18-31 May 2009. pp.16-19.

Bombardier preferred for Blackpool tram deal

Bombardier Transportation has been chosen as the preferred bidder for supply of 16 low-floor trams, as part of a £90-100M package of upgrading of Blackpool's tramway. The trams will be built in Bautzen, Germany. BAM Nuttall is the preferred bidder for infrastructure works, including 8 km of track renewals. A new tram depot is to be built by Volker Fitzpatrick at Starr Gate.

Modern Railways, vol.66, no.729. June 2009. p.10.

Palmers ThyssenKrupp wins Tay bridge job

The two miles long railway bridge, the longest in Britain, is to have its wrought iron, cast iron and steel stripped back to bare metal and new weather-resistant glass epoxy based paint applied; the works should last for 30 years once complete. 100 workers are to be employed on the contract which will run until 2012; the entire restoration work will not be completed until 2016.

Modern Railways, vol.66, no.729. June 2009. p.14.

Parry Peoplemover lightweight railcars

The trails and tribulations involved in introducing lightweight railcars onto the British rail network are discussed.

Modern Railways, vol.66, no.729. June 2009. pp.76-79.

EMUs ordered for Stuttgart

An Alstom/Bombardier consortium has won the contract to supply 83x4 car EMUs to Deutsche Bahn, for use on the Stuttgart S-Bahn. There is an option for a further 83 units. The order is valued at 452M euros, with Alstom's share being 112M euros.

Modern Railways, vol.66, no.729. June 2009. p.94.

Russian Railways sets new speed record with Siemens Velaro train

A speed of 281 km/h was achieved by a Velaro-Rus train on the Moscow to St Petersburg October Railway between Okulovka and Mstinskiy Most. Normal service speeds will be up to 200 km/h, and following a track upgrade this could rise to 230 km/h.

Modern Railways, vol.66, no.729. June 2009. p.94.

Big shake-up at First Group as Dean Finch leaves to join Tube Lines

Staff changes at First Group are listed.

Modern Railways, vol.66, no.729. June 2009. p.106.

Hybrid batteries to enter production

GE Transportation is establishing a production facility for batteries for hybrid locomotives and heavy-load applications in the marine, mining, telecoms and utilities sectors. The unit will be in New York, close to the GE Global Research facility in Niskayuna.

Railway Gazette International. June 2009. p.27.

Strong activity at Alstom

Overall orders rose by 5% for the year ending 31 March 2009, following strong performances in both the Power and Transport divisions. Net profit was up by 30% to 1.1bn euros.

Railway Gazette International. June 2009. p.27.

Slab track without shoulders

Trials of the Vossloh System 306 rail fastenings on a test section of slab track in northeast China are described.

Railway Gazette International. June 2009. pp.41-42.

Investigating the phenomenon of ballast pitting on HS1

Investigations into ballast pitting of rail track, where stone particles are lifted by a combination of ground-borne forces and air flows from trains passing at high speed, which then impact on the steel, are reported. Costs attributable to ballast pits - arc weld repairs, manual grinding, grinding train, etc. listed.

Railway Gazette International. June 2009. pp.43-46.

Japan to talk up bullet train to U.S. government

Reports that the Japanese government is to send a senior Transport Ministry official to push bullet train technology to the US now that president Obama is talking about a high-speed rail network. Obama plans to spend $13 bn developing high speed rail corridors between population centres such as New York and Washington. The effort is part of US government initiatives to reduce greenhouse gases.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.47, no.2,386, 4 May 2009. p.6.

JR Freight developing cleaner, quieter engine

Japan Freight Railway plans to develop a hybrid diesel engine for freight trains that will burn about 30-40% less diesel fuel, emit 40% less nitrogen oxides and other pollutants, and run more quietly. After building a prototype this fiscal year, the company plans to collect data on emissions and fuel consumption while testing it at a freight depot in fiscal 2010.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.47, no.2,386, 4 May 2009. p.16.

Tube chief warns on work delays

Richard Parry, acting managing director of London Underground, has warned Tube Lines, which is upgrading some lines, that there must be no repeat on the Northern Line of the holdups that have caused unscheduled closures on the Jubilee Line. The Jubilee Line is to be closed for an extra seven weekends for the upgrade and testing work.

Financial Times, 21 May 2009. p.4.

EN 14587-2:2009

Railway applications. Track. Flash butt welding of rails. Part 2: New R220, R260, R260Mn and R350HT grade rails by mobile welding machines at sites other than a fixed plant

[BSI] Update Standards. May 2009. p.44.

EN 15594:2009

Railway applications. Track. Restoration of rails by electric arc welding.

[BSI] Update Standards. May 2009. p.44.

The induction deduction

Germany, New Zealand, Italy and China are running trials of experimental trams and buses that collect power by induction, either from cables beneath the track or from coils beneath stopping places. Companies, including Wampfler of Germany and Bombardier Transportation of Austria, are presently working on three different solutions, but full details are not yet available.

Eureka, May 2009. pp 10-11

Branson urges £1bn rail spend

Sir Richard Branson, chairman of the Virgin Group, has claimed that a further £1 billion upgrade of the UK's London to Glasgow main line could reduce journey times significantly and be self-funding. He also urged that rail franchises lasted 20 - 30 years rather than the present 7 - 10 to provide time for extra investments to earn a return.

Financial Times, 20 May 2009. p 5

JR Tokai takes roomier maglev out for a spin

The company has begun test runs with a redesigned version of the maglev train it plans to use for a high-speed link between Tokyo and Nagoya. The train, which will come into service in 2025, will cut an hour from the present journey time of an hour and forty minutes.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.47, No.2,384, 20 Apr.2009. p.14.

Network Rail says big electric scheme would cut costs and journey times

The company intends to present a case for the first big electrification programme for 20 years. It will say that electrification of much of the Great Western route from London to western England and Wales and of the Midland mainline from London to Sheffield makes most sense. Neither project would need any government grant or subsidy.

Financial Times, 15 May 2009. p.2.

Johnson backs Tories over Crossrail

At a ceremony to mark commencement of construction work on Crossrail, London mayor Boris Johnson said that it was inconceivable that an incoming Conservative government would tamper with the project. He also stressed the importance of continuing to upgrade the London Underground during the economic downturn. A series of lines, starting with the Jubilee Line this year, are due to undergo overhauls to boost train speeds.

Financial Times, 16/17 May 2009. p.2.

Outgoing Tube Lines head says upgrade at risk

Terry Morgan, who is stepping down as chief executive of Tube Lines, says that senior public officials at Transport for London are risking the improvements in efficiency and performance on some London underground lines by questioning the future of the company. TfL executives have claimed that upgrade work on Tube Lines' lines could be carried out more cheaply by London Underground.

Financial Times, 18 May 2009. p.6.

Call for shires to pay Crossrail tax

London mayor Boris Johnson has said that ministers should consider extending beyond London taxes on businesses benefiting from the Crossrail project. He put the idea in a letter to the Department for Transport after businesses in London complained that companies outside greater London were bearing none of the cost of the scheme.

Financial Times, 19 May 2009. p.2.

Timetable slips for rail carriages

Reports that the 1,300 new carriages that the Department for Transport has promised to bring into service on passenger trains by 2014 look unlikely to be delivered on time. A report on the DfT's rail franchising policy by the House of Commons public accounts committee says that only 423 carriages have been ordered so far, while another 150 are the subject of negotiations.

Financial Times, 19 May 2009. p.4.

100 Velaros to work Beijing-Shanghai line

China CNR Corp is to supply 100 CRH trainsets for the 1318 km high speed line. The total value of the deal with the Ministry of Railways (China) is put at US$5.7bn.
The ground has been broken on a new 160 km high speed passenger line between Shanghai and Hangzhou; completion is expected in 2011.

Railway Gazette International, vol.165, no.4. April 2009. p.7.

KTZ gets 3,000th Evolution Series

The landmark diesel locomotive, manufactured by GE Transportation at its Erie (PA, USA) plant, was handed over in March to Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ). KTZ has ordered 310 units; a local assembly plant in Pavlodar has been established to produce the bulk of the contract. The Evolution diesel meets tighter emissions requirements and has improved fuel efficiency.

Railway Gazette International, vol.165, no.4. April 2009. p.7.

News in brief

The Community of European Railways and Infrastructure (CER) believes that funding contracts between governments and railways need to be longer term, in order to provide medium-term security. It is lobbying the European Commission to produce funding guidelines.

Railway Gazette International, vol.165, no.4. April 2009. p.7.

Corridor X in 35h

A container train has made the journey between Ljubljana and Halkah (Turkey) in just 35 hours (1,577 km), twice as fast as road transport. The journey was organised by the Balkan Business Advisory Council, in association with 5 state railways - Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Turkey - to demonstrate the potential of the Trans-European Corridor X.
Serbia is investing 5.10bn euros on upgrading its rail network over the next 15-20 years, 2.5bn euros of this is to be spent on TEN Corridor X. The EU is to provide funding for the improvement of transport links with non-member countries.

Railway Gazette International, vol.165, no.4. April 2009. pp.8,9.

Four bids in Dublin

The four consortia, and their component companies, bidding to design, build, finance and maintain the 18 km Metro North light rail line from central Dublin to the airport, Swords and Belinstown are listed.

Railway Gazette International, vol.165, no.4. April 2009. p.18.

Pointers

The Chinese Minister of Railways has announced that a cross-straits rail link between mainland China and Taiwan is being 'actively planned'. The connection would be between Xiamen (PR China) and Kaohsiung (Taiwan); the high speed coastal line between Fuzhou and Xiamen is expected to be in operation by November.

Railway Gazette International, vol.165, no.4. April 2009. p.29.

Track Maintenance IAF 2009

Some of the track machinery on show at the IAF 2009 exhibition in Münster (Germany) this month is reviewed.

Railway Gazette International, vol.165, no.4. April 2009. pp.32-34,36,38-40,43-44.

Rail steels

Voestalpine has a new heat treatment facility at its Leoben (Austria) rail rolling mill. The largest dedicated rail mill in Europe can produce a variety of different sections in weld-free lengths of 120 m. Increasing demand is reported for heat-treated rails, which offer a longer lifetime and greater resistance against rolling contact fatigue; it is suggested that the traditional 880 N/mm² standard grade rail has reached its limits for economic application on many main lines.

Railway Gazette International, vol.165, no.4. April 2009. p.44.

Seeking cost efficiency through benchmarking

The benchmarking of infrastructure performance and expenditure against of a group of European operators by Amtrak, to learn from international best practice, is discussed.

Railway Gazette International, vol.165, no.4. April 2009. pp.48-50.

Going the distance

A new hybrid energy storage system developed by Siemens is described. The Sitras HES allows trams to travel distances up to 2.5 kilometres without using overhead cables, leading to a 30% reduction in energy consumption and up to 80 tonnes less carbon dioxide emissions.

The Engineer, vol.294, no.7769. 6-19 April 2009. p.16.

BS EN 13803/13848

Work has started on amendments to the following standards
BS EN 13803 Railway applications. Track. Track alignment design parameters. Track gauges 1435 mm and wider
Part 2: 2006 Switches and crossings and comparable alignment design situations with abrupt changes of curvature. Amendment 1
BS EN 13848 Railway applications. Track. Track geometry quality
Part 5: 2008 Geometric quality levels. Amendment 1

[BSI] Update Standards. April 2009. p.42.

Road and rail builders are ready to roll

The $787.2bn American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009 is to spend $48bn on transport infrastructure - rail, transit, air, waterway and pedestrian. Projects around the US to be allocated funds are discussed. One of the winners is high-speed rail, which has been earmarked $8bn.

ENR - Engineering News Record, vol.262, no.6. 23 Feb.2009. pp.14-15.

Rail link lifts property value hopes

A report by consultants Volterra and Colin Buchanan predicts that house values near Channel Tunnel rail link stations will rise by a total of £1.6 bn after fast domestic services start to operate later this year. It adds that the prospect of higher house prices is more likely to encourage developers to invest in those areas and provide additional housing and employment capacity.

Financial Times, 21/22 Mar.2009. p.3.

FirstGroup outlines plan to cut 3,500 jobs

The company said that the job cuts would be split evenly between the US and the UK. About a third of the 1,750 jobs to be axed in Britain will be in rail, with two thirds in the bus division. Any further job losses are likely to be met with opposition from the unions. FirstGroup said that a £200 M savings programme and increases in ticket revenue would help it meet its financial targets in 2009-10.

Financial Times, 20 Mar.2009. p.18.

Deadline for train orders put back

The Department for Transport has put back the deadline to submit bids for up to 1,200 new carriages for the cross-London Thameslink route from April 30 to June 25 to let manufacturers raise financing under a new two-stage process. The department insisted that the change would pose no threat to the delivery schedule for the trains which are vital to transport plans for the London Olympics in 2012. The contract will be worth about £1.4 bn. (Item contains little further information).

Financial Times, 24 Mar.2009. p.4.

Rail freight traffic runs out of steam as recession bites

Figures from the Office of Rail Regulation show that British Rail freight traffic has fallen for the first time in five years because of a sharp drop in cargo. Says that the decline, which reflects a falling demand for building materials, cars and other manufactured goods, is forcing freight operators to park up wagons and cut or redeploy staff.

Financial Times, 24 Mar.2009. p.20.

Progress on Crossrail project

Reports that Transcend, a joint venture between Aecom, CH2M Hill and Nicholls Group, has been announced as the main project partner on the Crossrail line, which is due to open in 2017. The contract, worth about £100 M, will be the biggest construction project in Europe and employ about 14,000 people.

Financial Times, 12 Mar.2009. p.4.

Thermoplastic composite rail components

US company LRM Industries has been selected by Eastern Rail to manufacture thermoplastic infrastructure components for railways. LRM's TPF ThermoPlastic Flowforming process will be used to mould long fibre reinforced thermoplastic composite components to be used to replace ageing or damaged railway structures made of wood, steel or traditional fibreglass.

Reinforced Plastics, Jan/Feb.2009. p.8.

Supply problems delay rail fleet delivery

Reports that First Capital Connect, which is due to start operating a new service on the Thameslink route on March 22, has so far only received one of 23 trains being built at Bombardier Transport's Derby factory. This order is one of two Bombardier orders to have been delayed due to financial problems among its component suppliers. The company said that all 23 trains would be delivered by the summer.

Financial Times, 13 Mar.2009. p.4.

Who says you can't teach an old train new tricks?

Alstom Transport reviews its range of TRAINTRACER remote monitoring technology, suitable for both new and older rolling stock.

Railway Strategies for Senior Rail Management, no.53. Feb.-March 2009. pp.24-26.

New Crossrail chief executive

The current chief of London and Continental Railways, Rob Holden, is to become Crossrail's chief executive from 1st April. Douglas Oakervee, executive chairman Cross London Rail Links Ltd, is to move across to the new post of non-executive chairman. Other Crossrail appointments are listed.

Railway Strategies for Senior Rail Management, no.53. Feb.-March 2009. p.109.

More value for money sought on track renewals

Almost £4 billion in rail work is to be spent over the next five years by Network Rail, £800M on track renewals. Less money will be spent in the first year of the programme to give time for new, more efficient ways of working to enter the system, delivering better value for money and less disruption for rail users. The level of investment in growing and expanding the rail network over the next five year is almost three time previous levels. All current track renewal contractors have been selected to carry out work.

Railway Strategies for Senior Rail Management, no.53. Feb.-March 2009. p.113.

Crossrail update

Companies shortlisted and invited to tender for Crossrail Project Representative are listed. The current status of the Design Framework Agreements, shortlist for Project Delivery Partner and Programme Partner are given.

Railway Strategies for Senior Rail Management, no.53. Feb.-March 2009. p.181.

Recent RSSB reports

The RSSB has recently published T359 'Management of stressed continuously welded track', and T550 'Wheelset design and maintenance - WIDEM'.

Railway Strategies for Senior Rail Management, no.53. Feb.-March 2009. p.250.

Promoting safety and value in Britain's railways: ORR's strategy for 2009-2014

The strategy to promote safety and value in the UK's rail network was published by the Office of Rail Regulation in December. The ORR's vision and priorities are listed. The report is available online at: http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/388.pdf.

Railway Strategies for Senior Rail Management, no.53. Feb.-March 2009. p.250.

Catenary-free trams

The Primove contact-free inductive power supply technology, developed by Bombardier Transportation, was launched on 22nd January at its Bautzen test track. Power to the vehicle is transferred by an inductive link between power cables buried between the rails and a pick-up coil on the vehicle. The prototype installation is 250 kW, enough for a typical 30 m light rail vehicle at 40 km/h on a 6% gradient. Commercial applications of 100 kW and 1000 kW are envisaged.

Railway Gazette International, vol.165, no.3. March 2009. p.16.

Infrastructure

Amey-Colas, Babcock Rail, Balfour Beatty, Carillion, Grant Rail, Jarvis and Trackwork have been selected by Network Rail to carry out £800M of track enhancement work over the next 5 years.

Railway Gazette International, vol.165, no.3. March 2009. p.23.

Closure threat

The Siemens TVT Nova rolling stock plant in Maribor, Slovenia, is to close at the end of September. The company had been negotiating its sale to a Korean company and to the national railway SZ, but talks failed as a result of the global financial crisis.

Railway Gazette International, vol.165, no.3. March 2009. p.25.

Heads of the month [at Bombardier]

The company's representative at the European Union is to be Alfred Ruckstuhl, Chairman of Bombardier Transportation (Switzerland). Mr Ruckstuhl will retain his chairmanship, but Stephane Wettstein will become CEO in July. Diego Diaz has left Bombardier Transportation to become President and CEO of Systra USA.

Railway Gazette International, vol.165, no.3. March 2009. p.70.

Thales reports growth

Thales today issued strong results for 2008, showing revenues of Eur12.7bn (£11.3bn), an order intake of Eur14.3bn and projected growth of between 3 and 5% in 2009. In Britain, Thales UK has been described as having an exceptional year, with order intake from UK and export customers accounting for more than £2.4bn. Contract highlights for Thales UK include the £425m Aircraft Carrier programme and the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft programme, worth £285m. Additional order intake associated with Piccadilly Line upgrade and contract changes on the Jubilee and Northern lines, the Air Defence Availability Project and work on the Manchester Metrolink, contributed £532m to Thales UK's orders. These and other notable achievements - including an agreement to supply in-flight entertainment systems for installation onboard British Airways's new delivery and next-generation aircraft - strengthened Thales UK's order backlog to more than £4bn.

The Engineer Online, 27th February 2009.

Marshall calls for a study into pod idea

Marshall of Cambridge, UK, has called for the serious consideration of a pod transport system for Cambridge, on the lines of the scheme due to be in use at Heathrow's Terminal 5 by the end of 2009. The pods could travel in tubes underground or on special tracks on or above the ground. Its backers believe that the introduction of such a system would obviate the need for Cambridge to introduce a congestion charge.

Cambridge News, 10 Mar 2009. p 8

Composites ride and support the rails

Argues that increased ridership and heavier axle loads on rail systems signal a potential boom for composites. Notes that there is a great deal of scope for the use of composites in interior passenger car components. Says that the most profitable area of growth is the replacement of the wood cross-ties that support the rails: wood has a life of five to seven years whereas composites could last for 40 to 50 years.

Composites Technology, vol.15, no.1, Feb.2009. pp.37-41.

Hitachi-linked consortium gets priority bidding rights for big U.K. rail project

Hitachi's consortium, which includes John Laing and Barclays Private Equity, has been awarded preferred bidder status for the Intercity Express Programme. Up to 1,4000 carriages may be supplied for the £7.5 bn project. If the consortium wins the official contract, Hitachi will build an assembly plant in the UK.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.47, no.2,376, 23 Feb.2009. p.10.

Need to know: Transport

Virgin Trains has been asked to submit a proposal for developing the infrastructure to build high-speed rail link between US cities on the East and west coasts. Virgin is believed to be the only British company involved in the scheme.

The Times, 26th February 2009, p.46

News in brief

English Welsh and Scottish Railway became DB Schenker Rail (UK) Ltd on 1st January, with the former EWS chief executive now managing DN Schenker's West Region (UK, France, Spain).
A cross-acceptance agreement has been signed between The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and France to facilitate cross-border rail traffic.

Railway Gazette International, vol.165, no.2. Feb.2009. p.9.

News in brief

Time 24 (Derby, UK), supplier of wiring looms, harnesses and electrical cubicles, has been acquired by Bombardier to facilitate supply of parts for the Electrostar EMU. The company is now operating as Bombardier Transportation (Rolling Stock) UK Ltd, retaining Time 24's other UK and Czech operations.

Railway Gazette International, vol.165, no.2. Feb.2009. p.21.

BNSF explores the fuel cell

BNSF Railway (Topeka, KN, USA) is producing an experimental shunting locomotive powered by hydrogen fuel cells. The loco will serve as a testbed for reducing diesel fuel use. BNSF is working with Vehicle Projects LLC (Denver, OH, USA), a private engineering company which has been developing and demonstrating prototype fuel cell vehicles. Testing is to start this year.

Railway Gazette International, vol.165, no.2. Feb.2009. p.36.

Bombardier's regional family grows

Talent 2, the company's latest entrant in the competitive European market for regional EMUs is described. Rolling stock configurations, bodyshell (all steel) and other technical data are given and crashworthiness is discussed.

Railway Gazette International, vol.165, no.2. Feb.2009. pp.38-41.

Railway Strategies. Supply Chain Conference

The conference is to be held at the National Cycle Museum, Birmingham on Wednesday 24th June 2009. Guest speakers include Sir Clive Woodward and representatives from Bombardier Transportation, Alstom, Chiltern Railways and Virgin Trains.

For details and to register see: www.railwaystrategies.co.uk.

Railway Engineering 2009

The 10th International Conference and Exhibition, to be held at the University of Westminster, London, will contain sessions on maintenance; renewal of permanent way, points and power; signalling and structures; and earthworks.

For details and to register see: www.railwayengineering.com

Jarvis warns on profits after Network Rail delay

Jarvis Rail has warned on profits after it was hit by a cutback in business from Network Rail. The network operator has said that it will defer track renewal work for 2009-2010 while it waits for new equipment. This move will affect Jarvis more than other similar companies as it gets about two-thirds of its revenue from Network Rail.

Financial Times, 18 Feb 2009. p 20

Need to know: Support services

Jarvis warned that delays to Network Rail's £4bn track renewal programme would leave its results in the 12 months to March 2010 "significantly below" previous expectations. It said it will be cutting costs to reflect lower levels of activity.

The Times, 18th February 2009, p.38

Orbital line for London on track

Government ministers and Transport for London have agreed funding for an extension to the East London Underground, ensuring the capital will have a full orbital overground rail service in time for the 2012 Olympics. The project, costing £75 M, will create a link between Surrey Quays on the East London line and Queens Road Peckham on the rail network.

Financial Times, 13 Feb.2009. p.4.

Hitachi-led group favourite for train contract

The Department for Transport has named a consortium headed by Hitachi as its preferred bidder to build and maintain new long-distance express trains. It added that the Agility Group would create or safeguard 12,500 British jobs over the 20-year contract. Bombardier, the only other bidder, has been named as preferred bidder in advanced negotiations to order 120 carriages for National Express East Anglia's Stansted express service.

Financial Times, 13 Feb.2009. p.4.

Rail franchises approach a difficult crossroad as revenues decline

Says that the recent toll of job losses resulting from the financial crisis is having an effect on rail passenger growth which has fallen from 7% last year to about 3%. Most train operators are tied to stringent government franchises which assumed that passenger numbers would continue to rise and they are now finding it difficult to find a model for operating in a recession. The companies must attempt to cut costs without alienating their best customers.

Financial Times, 16 Feb.2009. p.18.

Edinburgh tram line halted

Project managers for the scheme to lay tram lines in Edinburgh's Princes Street have said that track laying work would not begin because of an attempt to impose 'unacceptable conditions' by the construction consortium BSC. It is understood that the consortium was seeking an extra £50 M to £80 M from Transport Initiative Edinburgh, the arms-length body set up by Edinburgh City Council to oversee the £512 M tram project.

Financial Times, 21/22 Feb.2009. p.4.

Rail - an evolving market for FRP components

Says that rail industry demands for faster travel and improved fire, smoke and toxicity properties for materials offer opportunities for the application of FRP components. Details some of the applications for composites in the rail industry, noting that they not only offer light weight/high strength solutions, but can also reduce maintenance costs. Estimates that the present market for composites in this sphere is steady and predicts growth over the next few years.

Reinforced Plastics, vol.52, no.11, Dec,2008. pp.24-29.

High speed rail

Expressions of interest are being sought from companies wishing to participate in the establishment of a Northeast Corridor rail route between New York City and Washington (D.C.). The route is one of 11 federally designated US corridors listed in the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act which was signed into law on 16 October 2008. All routes could operate as soon as 2012.

ENR - Engineering News Record, vol.261, no.20. 22-29 Dec.2008. p.9.

Work on Waverley route to start in 2010

It was announced, on the 40th anniversary of the closure of the Edinburgh - Borders Waverley line, that work to reopen the route will commence in 2010.

Modern Railways, vol.66, no.725. Feb.2009. p.7.

Canary Wharf Group [CWG] pledges £150 million to Crossrail

The contribution towards costs of building the new Canary Wharf Crossrail station was agreed in December 2008 with the Secretary of State for Transport and Cross London Rail. CWG is to design and build the station for a fixed price, with construction starting early 2009.

Modern Railways, vol.66, no.725. Feb.2009. p.8.

Four bid for new DMUs

An invitation to tender for the 200 new diesel multiple-unit vehicles announced in the Chancellor's pre-Budget report has been issued by the Department for Transport. The preferred bidders are Bombardier Transportation (UK) Ltd, CAF SA (Spain), CSRE Ltd (Chinese sourced equipment on behalf of CSR Nanjing Puzhen Rolling Stock Co and Hyundai Rotem Company (Korea)). What each of the bidders can offer and the specifications to be met are discussed.

Modern Railways, vol.66, no.725. Feb.2009. pp.32-33.

Thameslink spearheads Alstom's UK comeback

A profile of Alstom and its business performance in the UK, from the days of GEC-Alsthom, is presented.

Modern Railways, vol.66, no.725. Feb.2009. pp.34-35.

Go-anywhere TRAXX/Bombardier wins 1.5 billion euro contract

Bombardier Traxx platform locomotives are the first in the world to be awarded European Union certification in accordance with the 'Safety in Railway Tunnels' Technical Standard of Interoperability. 1,400 of the locomotives have been sold globally.
A framework agreement has been signed with Deutsche Bahn [German Railways] for 800 double-decker coaches, ahead of the competition for tenders in the 2009 local rail transport market.

Modern Railways, vol.66, no.725. Feb.2009. p.70.

Full steam ahead with new orders

LPA Group of Saffron Walden has just won a large order worth £4.7 million for its subsidiary Excil Electronics. It is to supply LED lighting for a new fleet of trains for Sydney, Australia and, once confirmed, will be the largest contract ever awarded to the company.

Cambridge News, 10 Feb 2009. p 21

Chinese rail unit looks at building plant

Chinese Sourced Railway Equipment is considering setting up an assembly and testing plant if CSR Nanjing Puzhen wins a £300 M order to build 200 carriages for diesel trains. Sources expect the plant to be located in South Wales. Suggests that Asian trainmakers are keen to break into the European market which is dominated by Bombardier, Alstom and Siemens.

Financial Times, 9 Feb.2009. p.4.

US rail companies steam through the downturn with profit

Over the past weeks the four biggest US-based rail operators - Union Pacific, BNSF, CSX and Norfolk Southern - have all reported improved operating profits compared with 2007, despite sharp volume falls in some commodities. Analysts have said that the figures show that the companies continued to enjoy the power to maintain prices they developed in the years of strong growth between 2003 and 2007.

Financial Times, 9 Feb.2009. p.23.

Fire-hit tunnel fully reopens

The Channel Tunnel has fully reopened to rail traffic for the first time in five months following the completion of Euros 60 M repairs to fire damage. Trains had been unable to use the last 17km of the northern running tunnel since September 11th last year. (Item contains no further information).

Financial Times, 10 Feb.2009. p.4.

Safety track

Manchester Metropolitan University's rail technology unit and Phoenix Inspection Systems have developed an optimised computer simulation programme to evaluate rolling contact fatigue and a scanner for use on a scale version of wheel and rail to emulate real stresses occurring. The basis of the computational model is mentioned.

The Engineer, vol.294, no.7763. 12-25 Jan.2009. p.10.

Finished at last!

A brief overview of the upgrade of the West Coast main line is presented, listing work undertaken. As part of the project, 36 kilometres of new track was laid through the Trent Valley, resulting in 4 tracks now running nearly all the way from London to Crewe. The works will enable 1000 extra trains to be run every week, with up to 30% reduction in journey times. Freight has a 70% increase in capacity.

Railway Strategies, no.52. Dec.2008/Jan.2009. p.5.

£1 billion to accelerate key transport projects

Government plans to reduce congestion and increase rail capacity are to be brought forward to help stimulate the economy. Plans include 200 new carriages for the Thames Valley, Bristol area and longer-distance inter-urban services in Northern England, and the enhancement of the cross- London rail route to cope with a higher freight capacity.

Railway Strategies, no.52. Dec.2008/Jan.2009. p.19.

Channel repairs to finish

Eurotunnel has announced that the Channel Tunnel will be back at full capacity from the night of February 8th after the completion of fire repairs. It said that the end of the work would mean that it had the capacity to run six truck shuttles an hour in each direction.

Financial Times, 20 Jan.2009. p.5.

Long term transport programme for Scotland includes electrification

Some of the major points of the Scottish Government 20 year investment programme in its Strategic Transport Projects Review are listed. These include the electrification of the rail network and an Aberdeen Crossrail scheme.

Modern Railways, vol.66, no.724. Jan.2009. p.8.

SNCF confirms Traxx diesel order

SNCF has contracted Bombardier to supply 80 inter-operable diesel-electric Traxx F140 DE units, the first for delivery mid-2010.

Modern Railways, vol.66, no.724. Jan.2009. p.70.

RZD ties up with Alstom

Alstom Transport has won the bid to act as strategic partner to Russian Railways (RZD) for the manufacture and supply of a range of double-decker passenger carriages, phasing in production within the Russian Federation.

Modern Railways, vol.66, no.724. Jan.2009. p.72.

West coast line faults probed

Repeated breakdowns and faults at various points along the west coast main line, recently upgraded, are under investigation. The faults have meant that normal service has been impossible since Christmas.

Financial Times 10/11 January 2009. p.4.

Southeastern hits job cuts flak

The leading rail company is planning to cut 300 jobs, 90 of which will occur in the first quarter. Jobs are to go across the board, including managers and administration staff.

Financial Times 10/11 January 2009. p.4.

Shinkansen prototype launched

West Japan Railway and JR Kyushu have unveiled the first of 29 eight-car Shinkansen trainsets that will operate through-services between Shin-Osaka and Kagoshima-Chuo when the second phase of the Kyushu Shinkansen has been completed. Unit S1 is expected to undergo extensive testing before the remainder of the fleet is delivered.

Railway Gazette International, vol.164, no.12, Dec.2008. p.924.

Loan targets western China development

The Asian Development Bank has announced a $300 M loan towards the $8.6 bn cost of building a 820 km railway from Lanzhou in Gansu province to the manufacturing city of Chongqing. The line is intended to boost economic development in the poorer areas of western China and will be built and operated by a joint venture established by the Ministry of Railways and the governments of Gansu, Sichuan and Chongqing.

Railway Gazette International, vol.164, no.12, Dec.2008. p.924.

Rolling stock

KTMB is reported to have selected Mitsubishi and Hyundai Rotem to supply 30 EMU cars worth 240 M ringgit for Kuala Lumpur-Ipoh services. Separately it is reported that three batches of Class 172 Turbostar DMUs, being built at Bombardier's Derby plant for train operators London Midland, Chiltern and London Overground, are to be equipped with MTU Type 6H1800 engines rated at 360 kW.

Railway Gazette International, vol.164, no.12, Dec.2008. p.935.

Friction modifier

Rail Polska has begun fitting Timken's TracGlide equipment to its fleet of M62 diesel locomotives used on long haul freight traffic in Poland. TracGlide automatically dispenses a thin friction modifier liquid onto the head of the rail, controlling the quantity to match track conditions and environmental factors.

Railway Gazette International, vol.164, no.12, Dec.2008. p.938.

Track geometry car

US firm Gateway Rail Services has rebuilt a self-propelled track geometry vehicle formed by installing state of the art electronic inspection equipment in a Budd RDC for delivery to Canadian National. The car now contains equipment for monitoring of curvature, alignment and levels.

Railway Gazette International, vol.164, no.12, Dec.2008. p.938.

ICE axle cracks wreak havoc

Reports on the withdrawal from service of all 71 of Deutsche Bahn's ICE-T tilting trainsets in October. DB had been concerned about possible cracks in the axles of ICE3 and ICE-T trainsets after an axle broke on an ICE3 in July causing it to derail. After further incidents DB asked manufacturers Alstom, Bombardier and Siemens for a guarantee of safe operation: when the response was unsatisfactory the operator decided to instigate detailed checks of the axles before releasing the trains back into service.

Railway Gazette International, vol.164, no.12, Dec.2008. p.941.

Hoon backs electrification strategy

Reports that the government, which had seemed resolutely opposed to electrification, now appears to be having a change of heart. Transport secretary Geoff Hoon has said that he is 'passionate about developing plans for further electrification on key routes' and has recently put selective extension of rail electrification ahead of work to increase motorway capacity.

Railway Gazette International, vol.164, no.12, Dec.2008. p.942.

The most modern fleet in Europe

Says that for an investment of Euros 6 bn between 2004 and 2010 Spanish national rail operator RENFE will have added 560 new passenger trains, 100 locomotives and 438 wagons to its rolling stock fleet. The company's strategy is to replace its conventional fleet and plan for the expansion of high speed lines.

Railway Gazette International, vol.164, no.12, Dec.2008. pp.960-963.

How 'misery line' managers learnt to mind the doors

Says that better door maintenance by Alstom is one of a number of factors that have led to an improvement of services on London's Northern line. Financial incentives have been overhauled and long-established working practices have been re-examined. Trains, which in 2006 barely averaged 30,000 km between serious breakdowns, now sometimes manage 70,000 km. Delays from track faults have fallen 55%, while signal failures have fallen 59%.

Financial Times, 9 Jan.2009. p.12.

West coast line faults probed

Engineers are investigating a series of faults on the west coast main line which has had problems at various points on the route. Network Rail said that the failures were each caused by different faults, discounting suggestions that they stemmed from a 'rushed' £9 bn upgrade of the line.

Financial Times, 10/11 Jan.2009. p.4.

Southeastern hits job cuts flak

The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union has attacked rail company Southeastern after it announced plans to axe 300 jobs, including managers and administration staff.

Financial Times, 10/11 Jan.2009. p.4.

High-speed trains plan suffers new delay

The Department for Transport has postponed a decision on a preferred bidder for the project to replace Britain's high-speed diesel train fleet. The specification for the new train calls for a pure diesel version, a pure electric version and a dual-powered version able to run from overhead wires or its own engine. Sources say that the latest delay is a consequence of continued negotiations between the DfT and the two remaining bidders - the Express Rail Alliance and a consortium led by Hitachi.

Financial Times, 14 January 2009. p.4.

Work to begin on new maglev line in 2010s

Central Japan Railway is projecting construction for the planned magnetic levitation train system between Tokyo and Nagoya to begin some time during the first half of the 2010s with the aim of beginning the service in 2025.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.46, no.2,364, 24 Nov.2008. p.8.

Crossrail Isle of Dogs deal agreed

Canary Wharf Group, which owns the development in Docklands, has agreed to design and build the new Isle of Dogs station on London's Crossrail project to a fixed £500 M budget, contribute £150 M towards the work's costs and take the risk of cost overruns.

Financial Times, 27/28 Dec.2008. p.3.

Rail revolution marks return of he grand project

Presents an interview with transport minister Lord Adonis, discussing his mission to revolutionise rail travel in Britain. Top of his agenda is a 200mph high-speed line from London to Manchester, a £20 bn project to cut journey times to the midlands, the north and Scotland. The government is expected to endorse the line in principle this year and believes that business and local authorities should help with the finance.

Financial Times, 3/4 Jan.2009. p.2.

Alstom chief demands ban on import of Chinese trains

Philippe Mellier, chief executive of Alstom Transport, has said that western countries should close their markets to Chinese trains because China's domestic market is closing to outside suppliers. He also claimed that Chinese companies were offering for export trains that used technology derived from western suppliers: such technology is usually supplied on condition that it is not used outside China.

Financial Times, 2 Jan.2009. p.16.

Collapse of power lines on rail tracks is probed

Rail experts are investigating how power lines on the west coast main line north of Watford collapsed across all four tracks when the pantograph of a Virgin Pendolino train became caught in the 25,000 volt cables. An industry observer said that the damage was extensive because it occurred near a junction where overhead lines on different tracks were connected.

Financial Times, 6 Jan.2009. p.2.

Main line upgrade sees light at end of tunnel

Reports on the introduction of new timetables as a result of the latest upgrade to the west coast main line. When the timetables are fully operational services will run every 20 minutes between London and both Manchester and Birmingham and 35% more passenger and freight trains will be able to run daily than is the case at present. In the light of the latest improvements Virgin Trains has said that it aims to capture 85% of the market for air and rail travel between London and Manchester.

Financial Times, 13/14 Dec.2008. p.2.

Clash over rail industry management

The Competition Commission is expected to call for the Department for Transport to launch reforms to stop taxpayer-subsidised train companies paying over the odds for rolling stock. The Commission will rule that the government-run franchising system for rail rolling stock needs an overhaul because official conditions imposed on train-leasing companies are stifling competition. It will urge ministers to consider introducing longer franchise terms to give the market a greater stability that should lead to lower prices.

Financial Times, 15 Dec.2008. p.2.

Newcomers on rail shortlist

Three companies that have never supplied Britain's railways are among four trainmakers shortlisted to supply 200 new carriages under the government's economic stimulus plan. The inclusion of the three untested bidders - from China, South Korea and Spain - appears to strengthen the chance the fourth bidder, Bombardier Transportation, will win the £300 M order for new diesel trains.

Financial Times, 23 Dec.2008. p.2.

Eurotunnel wants firefighting change

Group Eurotunnel wants changes to key firefighting rules after concluding that they worsened September's truck shuttle fire. The company declined to say exactly what changes they wanted, but they are certain to include an end to forced ventilation during fires. The company will also ask for a change in the rules for passenger services which will allow a wider range of trains to use the tunnel.

Financial Times, 6/7 Dec.2008. p.21.

Wheeled welder rolls out

A Doosan DX160W wheeled excavator has been converted for road-rail use as a compact all-terrain flash butt rail welder by Philmor Rail UK) and Holland Co. (USA). The unit can complete welds in 10 minutes and can be manoeuvred in spaces of less than 6 m.

Railway Gazette International, vol.164, no.6. June 2008. p.357.

Embedded rail welding

Esab has launched Tramtrac II for the repair of embedded grooved tramway rails. The unit uses flux cored arc welding with self-shielded wires and is portable.

Railway Gazette International, vol.164, no.6. June 2008. p.357.

Plastic track installed in Germany

Private sidings of a chemical plant in Germany (Leverskusen) have been installed with Eslon Neo Lumber FFU polyurethane sleepers by Voestalpine. The sleepers are glass fibre reinforced Baydur 60 manufactured by Sekisui Chemical (Japan); over 1.3 M polyurethane sleepers are in use in Japan.

Railway Gazette International, vol.164, no.10. Oct.2008. p.776.

Work begins on high speed lines

Two high speed rail projects in China, which will create a 2,300 km corridor between Beijing, Wuhan, Guangzhou and Hong Kong, started in October. The Beijing-Shijiazhuang line is being built next to an existing line and will be dedicated to passengers services travelling at speeds of 300 kph. The line south from Shijiazhuang to Wuhan is to be suitable for 350 kph operation.

Railway Gazette International, vol.164, no.11. Nov.2008. p.844.

Alstom chosen as Transmash partner

A strategic partnership has been formed between Alstom Transport and Transmash Holdings (TMH) for technical co-operation, in which Alstom has an option to buy up to 25% plus one share of TMH. A joint venture, TMH-Alstom DV, has been formed to supply double-decker coaches to Russian railway operators. Bombardier signed an agreement in May to set up a joint venture with TMH to develop locomotives with asynchronous traction equipment.

Railway Gazette International, vol.164, no.11. Nov.2008. p.857.

Balfour Beatty adds track specialist

Schreck-Mieves, the German trackwork supplier, has been acquired by Balfour Beatty. The company has 3 divisions in Germany, where its principal customer is Deutsche Bahn, and units in the Netherlands and Russia

Railway Gazette International, vol.164, no.11. Nov.2008. p.888.

MTU Friedrichshafen opens new base in United Kingdom

The Tognum subsidiary of MTU has opened a new office and workshop in East Grinstead, West Sussex. MTU UK will undertake sales and after-sales support of MTU products used in the rail, marine and power generation sectors.

Railway Gazette International, vol.164, no.11. Nov.2008. p.891.

Maintenance the main failure at Lambrigg

The final report into the Lambrigg derailment on 23 February 2007 published by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch calls on Network Rail to investigate possible improvements to the type of points which failed. The immediate cause was the deterioration of the points through failure of stretcher bars and their fastenings, due to a combination of mechanical failure of a bolted joint, incorrect set up of the points, and a track inspection that was missed.

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.723, December 2008. p.6.

Arriva buys LNWR

Arriva has bought Crewe-based maintenance company LNWR for £2.4 M, part of which represents repayment of a shareholder loan, and the assumption of approximately £2 M in debt. LNWR's managing director Mark Knowles will continue to lead the team of approximately 110 employees and the business will continue to trade as LNWR.

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.723, December 2008. p.6.

Light rail cut in TfL 10-year plan

TfL has identified £2.4 bn in savings and efficiencies to help deliver key projects. Schemes that will not be progressed include: the £1.3 bn Cross River Tram from Peckham to Euston; the Croydon Tramlink extension to Crystal Palace; the DLR Dagenham Dock extension; and the outline proposal for Oxford Street Tram/Transit.

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.723, December 2008. p.8.

Hondas from Swindon by rail

A new rail terminal, Keypoint Swindon, has been opened which will transport around 23,000 vehicles each year from the Honda factory to the Channel Tunnel, meaning almost 3,000 fewer transporters on the roads.

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.723, December 2008. p.10.

Flowers to the UK by rail?

The Dutch government has allocated Euros 11 M for the development of a terminal for loading high-speed freight trains. It wants to bring about a modal shift from air transport and trucking to rail. The terminal will be at Hoofdorp, close to Schipol Airport, and will have high-speed cargo trains operating to destinations in Germany, Belgium, France and the UK.

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.723, December 2008. p.63.

All change - or is it?

Notes that in the last year both major political parties have changed their policies on the future of railways in Britain and wonders if there is any cross party agreement. Interviews both the new Minister for Transport, Lord Adonis, and the Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, Theresa Villiers, and compares their views.

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.723, December 2008. p.34-35.

Network Rail to 'accept' cuts

Network Rail has accepted the Office of Rail Regulation's ruling on its funding package which would require it to cut costs by 21% over the next five years. The ruling also allowed the company an income of £26.7 bn from government subsidies, train operators and freight companies for the five years starting from April next year - £2.4 bn less than the company said it needed to achieve improvements in train punctuality and investment projects.

Financial Times, 21 Nov.2008. p.4.

Crossrail role for Tube upgrade

Terry Morgan, chief executive of the Tube Lines consortium, will leave his post next November and become non-executive chairman of the company delivering the £15.9 bn cross-London Crossrail project.

Financial Times 18 Nov.2008. p.4.

Testing on the rails

A team of researchers at the University of Warwick have invented and are developing a non-contact rail scanning device that can detect minute cracks at speeds of 125mph. The ultrasonic detector identifies rolling contact fatigue or gauge corner cracking, which caused the Hatfield derailment in 2000. The system uses electromagnetic acoustic transducers to generate broadband ultrasonic waves which travel along the track and return at 3,000m/s. The goal is to install the device on commuter trains, and work is being done with data capture and analysis equipment creators to devise a system that could handle the huge volumes of data generated. The group is also looking for a commercial partner to take the project forward.

Financial Times, 6 November 2008, p.27

Alstom chief in pledge on targets

Chief executive Patrick Kron said that the group would meet its performance targets for 2010 in spite of the financial crisis. Interim net income was up 36% to Euros 527 M and the group had a record level of orders in the first half, up 20% to Euros 15.4 bn.

Financial Times, 7 Nov.2008. p.30.

The search is on

Network Rail has begun a search for a new chairman as Sir Ian McAllister confirmed his intention to step down from the board following the company's AGM in July 2009. Ron Henderson, group finance director, has also announced his intention to retire.

Railway Strategies for Senior Rail Management, Issue 51, Oct-Nov.2008. p.7.

Strategic rail research

The Department for Transport has announced the allocation of an additional £15 M for a new strategic rail research programme to be managed by Rail Safety and Standards Board. The new programme is in addition to the current research programme, also managed by RSSB and DfT-funded.

Railway Strategies for Senior Rail Management, Issue 51, Oct-Nov.2008. p.7.

New-look Board

Reports that Network Rail has three new Board members - Robin Gisby, director, operations and customer service; Simon Kirby, director, infrastructure investment; and Paul Plummer, director, planning and regulation.

Railway Strategies for Senior Rail Management, Issue 51, Oct-Nov.2008. p.9.

Formal response

Network Rail has issued its formal response to the Office of Rail Regulation's draft determination at the beginning of September. The main points are: an agreement that the company can cut some £800 from its original £31 bn expenditure projection; that there is a further £1 bn of funding at issue for expansion projects; that the remaining £1 bn shortfall is currently unrealistic.

Railway Strategies for Senior Rail Management, Issue 51, Oct-Nov.2008. p.9.

Manufacturers invited to build first tram-trains in the UK

Northern Rail has issued an Invitation to Tender a minimum of five tram-trains, which will operate on the 37-mile Penistone line between Sheffield, Barnsley and Huddersfield during a two-year trial. The trial will start in 2010 and is designed to test the suitability of the UK rail network for tram-trains.

Railway Strategies for Senior Rail Management, Issue 51, Oct-Nov.2008. p.39.

Rail freight to double by 2030

New forecasts from the Rail Freight Group and Freight Transport Association project a 30% increase in tonne km from 2006 to 2015 and more than doubling by 2030. The growth in intermodal traffic is forecast to more than double by 2015 and to increase five-fold by 2030. This reflects the continuing expansion of trade from continental Europe and further afield, plus a significant use of rail to and from new rail-connected warehouses.

Railway Strategies for Senior Rail Management, Issue 51, Oct-Nov.2008. p.139.

Regulator reduces Network Rail funding by £2.4bn

In a published ruling the Office of Rail Regulation has said that Network Rail would be permitted income of £26.7 bn from government subsidies, train operators and freight companies over the five year period starting in April. The figure is £2.4 bn less than Network Rail demanded and only £200 M more than ORR outlined in its draft figure in June. The gap between the two sides stems mainly from different expectations of the rate at which Network Rail will improve the efficiency of its basic operations.

Financial Times, 31 Oct.2008. p.4.

Japan to fund Indian railway

The Japanese government has decided to provide a loan worth roughly ¥ 450 bn to help build a freight railway between Mumbai and New Delhi. The Indian government plans to have the connection ready by 2015 and the loan is to cover the cost of building a roughly 918km section of the 1,468km link.

The Nikkei Index, vol.46, no.2,359, 20 Oct.2008. p.5.

Tobu Railway looks to ride Sumida redevelopment

Presents a Rating and Investment Information analysis of the company. Says that the balance of debt and free cash flow is improving as the company continues to reduce interest-bearing debts. The company has been given a BBB rating with a stable outlook.

The Nikkei Index, vol.46, no.2,359, 20 Oct.2008. p.5.

BAA funding a welcome boost for Crossrail

The company has announced that it would put £230 M towards the project's £15.9 bn cost. In return the Department for Transport has promised BAA that Heathrow would be served by four trains an hour for most of the day on the route. This is the first private sector financing to be agreed for the project.

Financial Times, 5 Nov.2008. p.6.

Nigerians halt $8bn rail deal with Beijing / Trains carry China growth hopes

Shares in China Railway Construction fell after the Nigerian government announced that it had suspended its contract to modernise a line from Lagos to Kano. A spokesman said that everything about the contract was wrong and that it was over inflated. China is expected to attempt to boost domestic demand by announcing a stimulus package with railway construction as its centrepiece, with construction that was planned for 2010-2020 being brought forward.

Financial Times, 5 Nov.2008. p.25.

SCNF chief puts whole of Europe on his timetable / Operator lines up cross-border partnership

Presents an interview with SNCF chairman Guillaume Pepys in which he said that the company needs to expand and treat the whole of Europe as its domestic market. He sees the most immediate task as dealing with the company's freight operation which lost Euros 200 M on Euros 2.94 bn revenue in 2007. He saw the challenge for passenger services as less acute as passenger rail competed better against cars than rail freight could against trucks. SNCF will be taking a 20% stake in Italy's NTV, a company that will be Europe's first privately owned operator of high speed trains.

Financial Times, 21 Oct.2008. p.29.

Shortfall in Tube Lines funding predicted by PPP Chris Bolt

Chris Bolt, the Public Private Partnership Arbiter, has issued his Guidance on Tube Lines second period costs, covering the funding of maintenance and renewal works on London Underground's Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines from 2010 to 2017. He says that costs are likely to be in the range of £5.1 bn to £5.5 bn for the second 7.5 years of the contract. This suggests a potential shortfall of over £1 bn. Transport for London says that it expects this to be met by the government.

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.721, Oct.2008. p.10.

Felixstowe doubling green light

The Port of Felixstowe has received consent for the upgrade of the Felixstowe branch line. In addition the port has received consent to construct three additional 24-wagon sidings within the existing Ipswich marshalling yard.

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.721, Oct.2008. p.14.

Channel tunnel fire loss minimal

Eurotunnel has said that its insurance will cover all but a Euros 10 M excess of the lost revenues and rebuilding costs following the September 11th fire. The company hopes to have both tunnels fully operational by next March.

Financial Times, 9 Oct.2008. p.28.

Crossrail given go-ahead

Reports that the Crossrail project has now completed its Parliamentary process. Enabling works will take place next year, with the main construction works set to begin in 2010, and it is hoped that the project will be operational for passengers in 2017.

Railway Strategies for Senior Management, Issue 50, Aug./Sep.2008. p.3.

Step forward in Pendolino lengthening project

Agreement has been reached with Virgin Rail Projects to support the Department for Transport's plans to introduce longer 'Pendolino' trains on the West Coast Main Line. The agreement - a Notice to Proceed - means that Virgin is the chosen bidder for the Service Provider Contract.

Railway Strategies for Senior Management, Issue 50, Aug./Sep.2008. p.3.

First major 2012 transport project completed ahead of schedule

The Olympic Development Authority has completed a twelve-track railway sidings at Orient Way to the north of Stratford five weeks early and on budget. Balfour Beatty Rail projects were responsible for the design and construction of the sidings.

Railway Strategies for Senior Management, Issue 50, Aug./Sep.2008. p.3.

Rail Innovation Awards

Lists the winners of this year's Rail Innovation Awards, including Alstom Transport for Performance and Operations and Kier Construction for Small Scale Project.

Railway Strategies for Senior Management, Issue 50, Aug./Sep.2008. p.5.

National Rail Trends

The National Rail Trends yearbook covering the period April 2007 to March 2008 has been published by the Office of Rail Regulation. Main findings were that 89.9% of trains ran on time and both passenger kilometres and passenger journeys showed an increase.

Railway Strategies for Senior Management, Issue 50, Aug./Sep.2008. p.5.

Meeting the capacity challenge: looking at the case for new rail lines

Network Rail is to conduct a strategic review into the case for building new rail lines across the network of Great Britain. The review will look at five of Network Rail's strategic routes, north and west of London: Chiltern, East Coast, West Coast, Great Western and Midland Main Lines.

Railway Strategies for Senior Management, Issue 50, Aug./Sep.2008. p.5.

Rightontrack

Profiles Balfour Beatty Rail Services and interviews Peter Anderson, director of rail services. He speaks about the company's current projects and its plans for the future. The company is the UK's leading private rail contractor and is now looking to develop its business in the international market.

Railway Strategies for Senior Management, Issue 50, Aug./Sep.2008. pp.12-13.

Delivering innovative solutions

Profiles the Parsons Transportation Group and highlights some of its areas of expertise. The company is involved in a number of projects including: the Dubai Metro, London Underground line upgrades, the European Rail Traffic Management System, the East London Line Extension Project and the Jubilee Northern Upgrade Project.

Railway Strategies for Senior Management, Issue 50, Aug./Sep.2008. pp.42-43.

Modular GRP station platforms

Access Design is currently pioneering the development of large structural applications for advanced composites in partnership with US company Creative Pultrusions. Access has developed a modular GRP railway station platform that is suited to new station build or platform extensions to accommodate longer trains. Describes the modular construction, strength and installation speed of the platforms.

Railway Strategies for Senior Management, Issue 50, Aug./Sep.2008. p.100.

New Metrolink trams on order

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive has ordered 28 new trams as part of a £575 M project to build new lines to Oldham and Rochdale, Droylsden and Chorlton. The trams will be built by Bombardier in partnership with Vossloh Kiepe and are costing just over £2 M each.

Railway Strategies for Senior Management, Issue 50, Aug./Sep.2008. p.167.

Leader of the rail track

Profiles Bombardier Transportation Sweden and describes some of its current projects. These include the REGINA train, the ECO4 technologies for energy efficiency and the MITRAC control and propulsion equipment.

Railway Strategies for Senior Management, Issue 50, Aug./Sep.2008. pp.198-199.

Corusline

Discusses Corus Railway Infrastructure Services and some of its current projects. These include the modular station concept, level crossing services, the redevelopment of Kings Cross and the High Speed 1 rail route.

Railway Strategies for Senior Management, Issue 50, Aug./Sep.2008. pp.209,211.

New hybrid train set to hit Hokkaido rails

Hokkaido Railway has developed a diesel-electric hybrid system that can cut gas oil consumption by 15-20% compared to ordinary diesel trains. The company aims to start using the new train, which is quieter and emits less carbon dioxide than conventional models, from around 21010. Notes that East Japan Railway has already begun commercial use of a different train, with the hybrid driven solely by an electric motor with all the diesel power transferred into electricity.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.46, no.2,354, 15 Sep.2008. p.13.

Eurostar back on track after fire

Eurostar has announced that it is restoring services almost to levels that existed before last month's fire in the Channel Tunnel. The first third of the damaged train has now been hauled out of the tunnel and has shown only minimal damage to the locomotive and club car.

Financial Times, 2 Oct.2008. p.4.

Network Rail seeks new chief

Network Rail is to start the search for its second chairman after Sir Ian McAllister announced that he was to step down. The company has said that it will place advertisements in the recruitment sections of national newspapers, but there is speculation that the post could go to Rob Houlden, currently chief executive of London & Continental Railways.

Financial Times, 4/5 Oct.2008. p.6.

Byzantine port, botched buildings put a brake on Bosporus Link

Reports on progress on Turkey's $3 bn Marmaray railway project to link the European and Asian sides of Istanbul with a tunnel under the Bosporus. The discovery of an ancient Byzantine port and shoddy modern buildings on the route of the tunnel have delayed the project which is now expected to be completed in 2011 rather than 2009.

Engineering News-Record, vol.261, no.5, 18 Aug.2008. pp.22-24.

About more than just getting there

Reports on some of the moves being made by Japanese rail companies to attract passengers from travel by road in the light of current rising petrol prices. Trains are being redesigned to give a sense of luxury for the traveller with improvements in both seating and lighting and exterior improvements that give a sense of streamlining.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.46, no.2353, 8 Sep.2008. p.30.

Eurostar considers high-speed train deal

The company is considering replacing some of its trains with Alstom's new AGV train as it seeks to boost reliability and expand into new markets. This move would be an alternative to carrying out the mid-life refurbishment that the 15-year old trains would be due to undergo. Eurostar is also considering plans to merge its separate French, Belgian and British operating arms into a single company.

Financial Times, 30 Sep.2008. p.33.

US freight lines carrying a lighter burden

Finds that business at US rail freight yards has remained steady in spite of the economic downturn. Trucking companies are often saving money by bringing their containers to rail yards for the long haul sections of their journeys. Analysts have said that most freight operators beat market forecasts, being among the few groups in industrial north America to do so. Rationalisation and consolidation among the operators has also helped profitability.

Financial Times, 30 Sep.2008. p.33.

Train is full of beans

South West Trains has confirmed that one of its trains is running on fuel made from a mixture of diesel, soya beans and rape seed oil in an effort to examine alternative fuels for the future. The trial will run until the end of the year while researchers examine whether the fuel affects the train's speed, engine or emissions.

The Engineer, vol.293, no.7755, 1-14 Sep.2008. p.6.

EWS says pricing legal case 'historic'

EWS has said that a £25 M claim it faces from rival Freightliner is a 'historic matter' that has no relation to how it currently conducts its business. The claim in the competition appeal tribunal is for compensation over its behaviour in the coal haulage market between 1996 and 2005. Freightliner's claim says that the Office of Rail Regulation found that EWS had entered into anti-competitive contracts between these dates. EWS says that the matter has already been investigated by ORR and settled.

Financial Times, 6/7 Sep.2008. p.16.

JR Tokai ups stake in Nippon Sharyo

Central Japan Railway (JR Tokai) has said that it will turn rolling stock manufacturer Nippon Sharyo into a consolidated subsidiary. JR Tokai will conduct a tender offer to raise its stake in Nippon to 50.1% from 1.8% currently.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.46, no.2,350, 18 Aug.2008. p.5.

Shortfall impedes Network Rail deal with regulator

Network Rail and the Office of Rail Regulation have less than two months to agree a five year budget, but are still separated by a £1.8 bn gap, despite an £800 M concession by the company. It has now submitted a response to the ORR's review of its funding which was published in June and says that the conclusions about the efficiency and cost savings it could make were unrealistic, lacking in transparency, inconsistent and flawed.

Financial Times, 9 Sep.2008. p.6.

Bullet train builder plays key role

Presents an analysis of the Japan Railway Construction, Transport and Technology Agency which handles the construction and maintenance of the bullet train network, while also undertaking other services such as the construction of other railroads and joint ownership of shipbuilding for domestic coastal transportation. The Agency has been assigned an AA corporate rating with stable outlook by Rating and Investment Information.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.46, no.2.343, 30 June 2008. p.22.

BAA talks on Crossrail in 'final stages'

Talks aimed at persuading BAA to put up an estimated £250 M towards the new rail link between Heathrow and the City are in their final stage according to sources. Ministers have been forced to deny that Crossrail's funding is in doubt, insisting that the scheme was progressing according to the planned timetable.

Financial Times, 8 August 2008. p.2.

Watchdog hits at rail carriage costs / Decades of rolling accusations

The Competition Commission has found that train companies funded by the taxpayer are likely to be paying too much for carriages because the market is uncompetitive. The commission, which has been investigating rolling stock leasing companies for more than a year, says that there is insufficient competition in a market dominated by three companies. Notes that the supply of rolling stock to Britain's train companies has been contentious for a number of years.

Financial Times, 7 August 2008. p.3.

Rail chiefs face bonus curbs

A report for the Office of Rail Regulation by KPMG suggests 'amending the management incentive structure' for Network Rail chiefs, which could in effect mean curbing large bonuses. The report recommends that the Network Rail board should issue a public explanation when the company underperforms. It also calls for a change in the company structure that would make it easier to remove board members.

Financial Times, 9/10 August 2008. p.4.

New Metrolink trams ordered

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive has placed an order worth £56 M with Bombardier for 28 trams to operate on new Metrolink lines to Oldham and Rochdale, Droylsden, and Chorlton. Construction work is due to start in early 2009 and the lines are expected to begin opening from spring 2011.

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.719, Aug.2008. p.7.

Usual suspects up for Thameslink contract

The Department of Transport has announced the short-listed applicants to build the new fleet of trains, valued at around £1.4 bn, for Thameslink routes. They are Alstom Transport, Bombardier Transportation, Hitachi Europe and Siemens Transportation Systems. An invitation to tender is expected to be issued in September, with the award of the contract expected in summer 2009.

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.719, Aug.2008. p.6.

Siemens wins Scotland EMU order

The Scottish Government has announced a £200 M deal with Siemens and HSBC to provide 130 new electric multiple-unit vehicles from December 2010. According to Transport Scotland it will lead to 134 new jobs being created to operate and maintain the new fleet.

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.719, Aug.2008. p.6.

High-speed rail gains from air

Highlights the success of the European high-speed rail network in gaining market share as increasing numbers of passengers switch from short-haul air routes. As well as the success of Thalys and Eurostar there is growth on routes from Paris to both Geneva and Zurich. Notes the potential for faster times on the East Coast route from London to Edinburgh.

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.719, Aug.2008. pp.58-59.

Operators accused over longer train journeys

Liberal Democrat transport spokesman Norman Baker has accused train companies of manipulating journey times to avoid paying fines after data showed that some key commuter routes into London now take longer than they did 20 years ago. A spokesman from the Association of Train Operating Companies has called the claims 'simplistic nonsense from people who had no understanding of how rail worked'.

Financial Times, 13 Aug.2008. p.2.

Japan close-up

Reports briefly on the opening of Tokyo's new subway line, the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line. Officials hope that the new line, with a total length of 20.2km and 16 stations and which officially started operations on June 14th, will help to ease rush hour congestion.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.46, no.2,341, 16 June 2008. p.2.

Freightliner bought

Freightliner Group has announced that it has been bought by Arcapita, the Bahrain-based bank. Arcapita is acquiring Freightliner from 3i and Electra Private equity, who have each had a 38% stake since supporting a management buy-out when the British Rail business was privatised in 1996. Arcapita is also acquiring the 24% held by management and staff. The value of the transaction is reported to be about £340 M.

Railway Gazette International, vol.164, no.7, July 2008. p.404.

GE to resignal Rotterdam

Rotterdam transport operator RET has selected GE Transportation to undertake the resignalling of the city's 55km two-line metro network. GE will begin work on the Euros 62 M contract early in 2009. The company will replace relay-based equipment and supply interlockings, audio frequency track circuits and cab control products.

Railway Gazette International, vol.164, no.7, July 2008. p.411.

Frankfurt LRV handed over

Frankfurt Transport Authority has taken delivery of the first of 146 Flexity Swift light rail vehicles which are being built by Bombardier. A further 11 will be supplied this year, with deliveries continuing until autumn 2015.

Railway Gazette International, vol.164, no.7, July 2008. p.411.

Infrastructure: UK

Network Rail has awarded Westinghouse Rail Systems the contract to design, install and commission signalling and telecoms for the £300 M Airdrie-Bathgate line reopening. (Item contains no further information).

Railway Gazette International, vol.164, no.7, July 2008. p.415.

News in brief

Bombardier Transportation and Transmarsh Holding have signed an agreement to establish an equally-owned joint venture to develop locomotives with asynchronous traction equipment for the CIS market. The companies already cooperate in component production under a May 2007 agreement. (Item contains no further information).

Railway Gazette International, vol.164, no.7, July 2008. p.417.

Ambitious rail plan finally leaves the sidings

Reports that the Crossrail project has received royal assent and will now go ahead with construction beginning in 2010 and the first trains running in 2017. The rail link, which will be 118.5km long and carry 200 M passengers a year, is designed to cut at least a third off the journey time between Canary Wharf and Heathrow.

Financial Times, 24 July 2008. p.

Underground upgrade

LPA Group of Saffron Walden, Essex, has won new contracts totalling £850,000 to supply step lights, both on trains and platforms, for several London Underground lines.

Cambridge Evening News, 15 Jul 2008. p 20

Eurostar's relocation helps lift passenger numbers

Reports that passenger numbers at Eurostar were 18% higher in the first half of this year than last year as improved journey times and more convenient connections at its new London terminus boosted demand. There were particularly strong increases of sales of joint tickets with UK train operators serving places convenient for the new St Pancras terminal.

Financial Times, 17 July 2008. p.19.

Restructure pays off at Eurotunnel

Group Eurotunnel has announced its first ever interim profit following a huge debt restructuring and buoyant traffic levels. There were net profits of Euros 26 M for the six months ending in June against a loss of Euros 32 M for the same period last year. Executive chairman Jacques Gounon said that growth would slow in the second half of the year, but pointed out that Eurotunnel's competitors, including some ferry operators, have been forced to introduce surcharges to combat the high price of oil.

Financial Times, 18 July 2008. p.18.

Review to focus on new era of travel / Europe's high-speed lines that fall victim to political influence / High-speed rails

Network Rail has confirmed that it is launching a review that could lead to five new lines. Chief executive Iain Coucher said new signalling systems and other improvements were no longer enough to increase capacity. However not all new routes would run high-speed trains. Suggests that Britain could learn from the Continent where a number of such lines have proved inefficient or unpopular. Comments that high-speed lines should not be built at the expense of improvements to the commuter network.

Financial Times, 24 June 2008. p.3. and p.14.

Harmonised education and certification for aluminothermic welders

Describes RAILSAFE, a system for the education, training, qualification and certification of aluminothermic rail welders on a common European basis to facilitate compliance with EN 14730-2. The system improves welder mobility between railways in different countries and between contractors and gives wider recognition of skills and qualifications.

Welding and Cutting, vol.7, no.3, 2008. p.130.

CSX to choose which route to bottom line / Rail group catching up, says chief

Reports that the underperformance of US rail freight company GSX and its efforts to close the performance gap with its peers are the key issues in a battle over board seats that will dominate its annual general meeting. The Children's Investment Fund and 3G Capital, another hedge fund, are trying to win five of CSX's 12 board seats. TCI has demanded radical changes in CSX's pricing policy and investment spending. CSX chief executive Michael Ward has admitted that the group has underperformed in the past but insisted that it was now catching up on its competitors.

Financial Times, 24 June 2008. p.26.

Alstom chief shunts group towards freight

Reports on moves by Alstom chief executive Philippe Mellier to increase the group's profitability. He wants the group to compete for export orders and to move more towards business with private operators. However he intends to ensure that the company competes only for business that is guaranteed to bring a good return, trying to compete better in the freight locomotive market.

Financial Times, 26 June 2008. p.26.

Network Rail looks at extra main lines

Network Rail is expected to announce that it is launching a strategic review to look at the possibility of building five new main lines. The company is expected to say that the lines will be need by 2025 when existing routes north and west of London will be full to capacity. Most routes are expected to be high-speed passenger lines which would free up space on existing lines for local passenger and freight trains.

Financial Times, 21/22 June 2008. p.1.

Fast train on the route towards modernisation

As part of a five year programme to spend $250bn modernising Mexico's infrastructure, three new rail routes have been built to link the most heavily populated areas of the Valley of Mexico to Mexico City. Journey times have been drastically cut. The government also plans to spend about $4bn on road construction, with an additional $3bn from private funding. The country hopes to have 10 new multi-use railway routes, including 12 state-of-the-art, strategically located, cargo terminals by 2012.

Financial Times, 16 Jun.2008. Special report. Mexico: Business & Infrastructure. p.4.

Network Rail workers down tools

Reports that two thirds of Network Rail's maintenance workers were due to strike in what the company believes could be the first of several strikes over pay contracts. The strike action follows 18 months of discussion by a working group formed by the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union and the company to agree on harmonising 50 different employment contracts inherited by Network Rail when it took maintenance back in-house in 2004.

Financial Times, 14/15 June 2008. p.2.

RBS sells train leasing arm to Babcock & Brown group / Buy out caps turbulent week for infrastructure player

Royal Bank of Scotland has confirmed the sale of Angel Trains, its train leasing subsidiary, to a consortium led by Babcock & Brown, the Australian infrastructure company. Babcock said that the UK market offered substantial value. At present Angel Trains has about 40% of the UK train leasing market. The news comes at the end of a week that saw Babcock's shares fall substantially after short-selling attacks.

Financial Times, 14/15 June 2008. p.15.

Freightliner sets sights on Australia

Bahrain's Arcapita has agreed to pay a total of £340 M, including assumed debt, for Freightliner, the country's largest rail carrier of maritime containers. Arcapita has said that it would look to expand internationally, including potentially Australia due to the boom in commodities in that country.

Financial Times, 14/15 June 2008. p.18.

Green light for Pendolino lengthening at last

Alstom has received formal notification from the Department of Transport to proceed with the manufacture of 106 Pendolino vehicles, valued at £255 M. Four new 11-car Class 390 Pendolino sets are covered by the deal, plus 62 new coaches to extend 31 of the existing nine-car Pendolinos to 11 cars. The work will be carried out at Alstom's new maintenance facility at Liverpool rather than the main Pendolino depot at Longsight, Manchester.

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.717, June 2008. p.6.

Phased plans for Glasgow Crossrail

Strathclyde Passenger Transport has unveiled proposals for a three-stage development of the Glasgow Crossrail project. The first stage could be completed in time for the Commonwealth games in 2014. A report, carried out for SPT by transport consultants Faber Maunsell, predicted that more than four million passengers would use proposed new stations at Glasgow Cross, Gorbals and West Street.

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.717, June 2008. p.7.

GrantRail, Laing O'Rourke, Thales in frame for Metrolink expansion

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive has selected the M-Pact Thales consortium as preferred bidder for the 'design, construct and maintain' contract for the major expansion of the Metrolink system. Under the plan, the Network Rail lines to Oldham and Rochdale will be converted to light rail operation, and new lines will run to Droylsden and Chorlton.

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.717, June 2008. p.7.

Contractors must fix cracks on tracks in Phoenix

Reports that repairs to cracks in steel rails along a $1.4 bn 20 mile Phoenix area light rail project are nearly complete. Officials had found fissures up to 7.5" long in three of five segments during routine inspections. Investigations found that high heat from plasma welding torches used to cut drainage openings changed the steel's structural properties resulting in brittleness and microscopic cracks that worsened with expansion and contraction during seasonal weather changes.

Engineering News-Record, vol.260, no.16, 12 May 2008. p.12.

Network Rail attacks spending proposals

Network Rail has attacked proposals by the Office of Rail Regulation which they say would leave it with a shortfall of £34 bn on its spending plans between 2009 and 2014. The ORR proposals allow it to spend £27.8 bn or 11% less than it said that it needed for operating, maintaining improving and renewing the rail network. Network Rail said that the proposals put at risk much needed improvements for passengers and freight users.

Financial Times, 6 June 2008. p.5.

Dutch train sports composite panels

Composite nose and rear panels used in the latest Dutch high-speed InterCity trains are expected to save around Euros 200,000 in construction and maintenance during the train's lifetime. The parts are manufactured by NPSP Compostieten based in Haarlem using a vacuum-assisted moulding process and DSM Composite Resins' products. Using composites instead of metal for these parts will remove 1000 kg of weight from the trains.

Reinforced Plastics, vol.52, no.5, May 2008. p.5.

Network Rail ordered to improve west coast service

The Office of the Rail Regulator has demanded action from Network Rail to improve train performance on the west coast line following recent disruption caused by upgrade work disturbing ageing signalling cables. 250,000 Virgin train passengers have been affected.

Financial Times, 24/25 May 2008. p.5.

Metronet's future in mayor's hands

Metronet has been taken over by Transport for London. The department for transport is likely to press TfL to return as much of the company as possible to private ownership.

Financial Times, 27 May 2008. p.2.

Rail hub plan for Heathrow

Plans are being put forward by Arup to build a new station, between West Drayton and Iver on the Great Western mainline at Heathrow, that would make the airport more accessible from the west, south-west and Wales, the Midlands, the north-west and Scotland. This includes extending the current high-speed rail line currently terminating at St Pancras to the new Heathrow hub.

Financial Times, 28 May 2008. p.4.

Franchise aims to cut train crush

Tom Harris, rail minister has invited bidders to compete for the South Central franchise covering parts of south London, Surrey and Sussex. It is hoped to ease overcrowding by providing 10% more capacity. The franchise is due to start in September 2009.

Financial Times, 23 May 2008. p.

Crash-proof train seams

Engineers at the Vienna University of Technology are trying to simulate the behaviour of weld seams under crash loading to improve rail vehicle design.

Materials World, May 2008, p.12.

Business, business, business

Reports on the formation of the Rail Alliance, a rail business network formed with the specific charter of helping the industry make the most of the pool of opportunities over the next decade. The Alliance aims to complement the activities of more established trade associations and already has a membership of over 350. Activities have included technology transfer projects and assistance with export contracts.

Railway Strategies for Senior Management, Issue 48, Apr.-May 2008. pp.10-11.

Much more to come

Reports on the cooperation between Alstom and TBM Consulting Group which aims to help businesses achieve improved levels of efficiency and productivity and sustained profit and revenue growth. The improvements have been brought about by the use of Kaizen events which look to eliminate waste within maintenance tasks by removing the non-value-added activities from the process.

Railway Strategies for Senior Management, Issue 48, Apr.-May 2008. pp.16-17.

Shortening line closures

Network Rail has ordered 26 specialised tilting wagons from Krow in an effort to reduce line closure times. The £10 M order forms part of Network Rail's modular switches and crossings programme and will help engineers to renew a set of points in overnight eight-hour possessions. At present it takes around 54 hours to carry out this work.

Railway Strategies for Senior Management, Issue 48, Apr.-May 2008. p.25.

Integrated Engineering Services for 'turnkey' solutions

Describes the activities of the County Durham Engineering Cluster which has been formed to offer the joint capabilities and expertise of the 57 companies to the rail industry. Companies within the cluster cooperate in unique ways to provide a blend of skills and capabilities which allow the creation of custom integrated engineering services that can be configured on demand to meet specific customer requirements. The Cluster offers an effective one-stop stop for turnkey projects that require a diverse range of products and services.

Railway Strategies for Senior Management, Issue 48, Apr.-May 2008. p.31.

Sparks are flying at LPA

Recounts the recent history and problems of railway electrical parts supplier and manufacturer LPA, based in Saffron Walden, Essex.

Cambridge Evening News, 13 May 2008. pp 24-25

Travel in style

Details of the Tangula luxury tourist train, being developed in China for service in September 2008, that will carry passengers up to the Tibetan plateau, 5.072m above sea level.

Engineering, vol.249. no.3. Mar. 2008. p.5.

New lines

An outline of the steps being taken by Siemens to create greener railways, including regenerative braking in the Desiro Class 350 electric train fleet, and reduction of fuel consumption in the diesel Desiro class 185 fleet.

Engineering, vol.249. no.3. Mar. 2008. p.6.

Count down

A detailed description of the production of a replica Peppercorn class A1 Tornado passenger steam locomotive by the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust at the old Hopetown Lane Carriage Works, Darlington.

Engineering, vol.249. no.3. Mar. 2008. pp.22-24,26.

Thameslink train procurement starts

The Department of Transport began procurement of a new fleet of dual-voltage electric multiple-units for Thameslink services on April 9th with a Notice in the Official Journal of the European Union seeking expressions of interest. The new fleet is intended to start entering revenue-earning service by 1 February, 2012, providing additional capacity prior to the Olympics.

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.6, May 2008. p.6.

Penistone line in West Yorkshire picked for tram-train trials

The Department of Transport has announced that five new tram-trains, which can run on both tram tracks and railway lines, will replace conventional trains on the 37-mile Penistone line between Huddersfield, Barnsley and Sheffield. The trial, which starts in 2010 and will take two years, will look at the environmental benefits, operating costs and technical suitability of the tram-trains as well as testing how popular the vehicles are with passengers on the route.

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.6, May 2008. p.7.

Green mobility: rail in a new environment

A series of articles covering: making rail travel attractive to reduce car use; how engineers are looking at ways to reduce rail's carbon footprint; Siemens response to climate change and also some of the company's energy saving ideas; global warming and the railways; intelligent concepts for future rail travel; and the use of light rail.

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.6, May 2008. pp.39-78.

Bullish outlook at Alstom

Alstom could once again be the world's biggest manufacturer of railway equipment, as recent orders for the Paris network have enabled the French firm to edge ahead of Bombardier in terms of size of order book. The company has expressed an interest in Russia and has denied that its pull-out of the bidding for the Inter-city Express Project in the UK signalled a lack of interest in the country

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.6, May 2008. p.100.

Dresden tram order for Bombardier

Dresdner Verkehrsbetriebe (DVB) has ordered 11 more Bombardier Flexity Class trams, for delivery between July 2009 and May 2010. The new order, worth Euros 34 M, will bring the fleet up to a total of 83 trams. The city's entire tram fleet is being replaced by modern, low-floor vehicles.

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.6, May 2008. pp.101-102.

Alstom seeks to reassure investors

Patrick Kron, Alstom chief executive, has said that business practices at the company are above board as he highlighted a strong performance during the past 12 months. The company is cooperating with Swiss and French authorities investigating suspected bribery to win foreign contracts in South America and Asia between 1995 and 2003.

Financial Times, 8 May 2008. p.25.

Network Rail penalty upheld

The proposed record £14 M penalty on Network Rail for engineering work overruns in the New year has been confirmed by rail regulators. Network Rail wanted the fine set aside and suggested that instead the company spend the £14 M on a series of improvements. However the Office of Rail Regulation said it remained convinced of 'systemic weaknesses' in Network Rail planning and execution of engineering work and that the penalty should stand.

Financial Times, 8 May 2008. p.4.

SNCF eyes stake in Italian freight

SNCF's potential purchase of up to 49% of Ferrovie Nord Cargo, the freight arm of Ferrovie Nord Milano, continues a string of acquisitions by the company since Guillaume Pepy took over as president in February. It is suggested that the company is also looking at other potential purchases including the privatisation of CFR Marfa, the freight arm of Romania's national railways.

Financial Times, 8 May 2008. p.28.

Europe blows the whistle on state railway aid

The European Commission has told governments to end 'hidden' state aid to railway companies by the end of next year. The Commission wants to boost competition at a time when several rail companies have been acquiring privately owned train operators.

Financial Times, 1 May 2008. p.11.

UK float for Russian rail group

Globaltrans, Russia's largest private train operator has reported that it will raise $449 M when it floats on the London Stock Exchange. Sergey Maltsev, Globaltrans' chief executive, said that the offer's success showed that investors recognised the potential of the Russian freight industry.

Financial Times, 1 May 2008. p.21.

West Coast trains face more delay

Virgin Trains said that it would aim to keep passenger disruption to a minimum after regulators allowed network rail to close the West Coast Main Line for more often this year than first planned. Virgin had wanted to delay the start of a new train timetable with faster journeys and 30% more trains until next year and keep closures this year at the original level. However Network Rail, other passenger train operators and all but one of the route's freight users favoured extra closures.

Financial Times, 3/4 May 2008. p.6.

Seventy die in China train crash

A collision between two Chinese passenger trains has killed at least 70 people and injured 420. The crash in eastern Shandong province was blamed by the railway ministry on human error, but the accident is likely to raise questions over funding shortfalls and government attempts to privatise parts of the rail industry.

Financial Times, 29 Apr.2008. p.10.

Passenger numbers show rail sector is on move

Atoc, the Association of Train Operating Companies, has announced that mainline railways passenger traffic in 2007 was higher than in any previous peacetime year, having grown 7%. However due to the railways semi-public, semi-private finances little of the growth has turned into profit for the companies holding the 20 government-let franchises.

Financial Times, 19/20 Apr.2008. p.21.

Germany agrees partial sale of Deutsche Bahn

The privatisation of Deutsche Bahn is to take place, with a holding company owning 75.1% of passenger and freight transport and all of the entity running stations and the rail network. 24.9% in the transport arm will be sold in a flotation expected to raise $4.8bn - $7.9bn. Most of the money would go to the German government, but some would be used to fund Deutsche Bahn's investment plans in Europe and other European countries.

Financial Times, 15 Apr. 2008. p.10.

Eurostar still confident of growth in spite of strong euro

Despite the strong Euro, Eurostar expects continued growth on the high-speed trains between the UK and Europe.

Financial Times, 15 Apr. 2008. p.20.

Rail passenger journeys hit peacetime record

Britain's railways saw record passenger traffic last year, the 13th year of consecutive growth. Figures from the Association of Train Operating Companies show that there were 1.21 bn passenger rail journeys in 2007 and traffic of 30.1 bn miles, journeys multiplied by the length of each.

Financial Times, 10 Apr.2008. p.2.

Rail contract tender in disarray as Alstom pulls out

A consortium of Alstom Transport and Barclays Private Equity has withdrawn from the bidding to supply the order for between 500 and 2,000 carriages for the Intercity Express programme. Two further bidders - the Express Rail Alliance and Hitachi - have demanded more time to submit tenders: they are thought to be struggling to make sense of the requirements for the trains for which they are supposed to produce at least three basic designs and many further permutations of train lengths and layouts.

Financial Times, 14 Apr.2008. p.2.

Big order for trains expected to cost £1.4bn

The Department for Transport is to issue a tender for new trains for the cross-London Thameslink route. The size of the order is not yet finalised but is expected to range between 900 and 1300 carriages, with a likely cost of £1.4 billion.

Financial Times, 9 Apr 2008. p 4

Eurotunnel strikes first profit; Shareholder coup that put the train back on the tracks

Eurotunnel has declared a profit for the first time in its 22 year history. Following a traumatic restructuring the group declared net profits of Eur 1 million for 2007. The story of the rescue is recounted.

Financial Times, 9 Apr 2008. p 24

Full steam ahead for £500m stations upgrade

A £500 M redevelopment of a number of Network Rail owned stations in the south-east is to be given the go-ahead following the agreement of a joint venture with developer Kier Property. Kier will initially work on a portfolio of six station sites, including Enfield Town, Epsom, Guildford, Maidstone East, Twickenham and Walthamstow.

Financial Times, 3 Apr.2008. p.22.

Globaltrans set for LSE listing

Globaltrans, Russia's largest private rail freight operator plans to list on the London Stock Exchange in a deal that could raise about $200 M in fresh capital and value the company at about $1.3 bn. Proceeds from the listing will be used to expand the company's fleet of wagons and locomotives which mostly carry high-value steel and oil products.

Financial Times, 5/6 Apr.2008. p.22.

Metronet resolves contract dispute

Metronet Rail has resolved its dispute over the supply of new trains and signalling to Transport for London. Bombardier will withdraw from its subcontract to resignal all the non-tube lines but will retain its contract to supply 238 new trains for the Victoria and sub-surface lines.

Financial Times, 2 Apr 2008. p 22

Composite railroad bridge

HC Bridge Company of the United States has announced that a full sized locomotive pulling 26 heavy axle load coal cars has crossed the first composite railroad bridge in the world in a live load test. The bridge was a 30 ft span comprised of eight hybrid-composite beams. The beams, known as the Hillman Composite Beam, are designed to be stronger, lighter and more corrosion resistant than the standard concrete and steel beams traditionally used in infrastructure application.

Reinforced Plastics, vol.52, no.3, Mar.2008. pp.48-49.

Rumbles out as Serco wins Dubai

Grant Rumbles has left his position as Serco's chief operating officer after his position was described as 'no longer required'. Serco has announced that it has won a £400 M, 10-year deal to operate and maintain Dubai's new light railway system which will carry 200 M passengers a year and start in 2009.

Financial Times, 26 Mar.2008. p.22.

Warning issued to Network Rail

Network Rail has been warned that it could face severe consequences unless it acts quickly to improve poor train punctuality on the Great Western route from London Paddington. The Office of Rail Regulation has told the company that it could eventually be investigated for a breach of its licence to operate the network unless there were rapid improvements. (Item contains little further information).

Financial Times, 27 Mar.2008. p.4.

Soaring costs derail German train plan

Plans for a high-speed 'Transrapid' magnetic levitation train linking Munich to its airport have been abandoned after construction costs almost doubled from Euros 1.5 bn to Euros 3.4 bn. German companies, who were among the pioneers for this technology, have failed in several bids to apply it in their own country.

Financial Times, 28 Mar.2008. p.6.

Growth on track for oriental express

China is pressing ahead with building a high-speed rail network and is also trying to improve its harbour, airport and highway infrastructure. It is suggested that these public works contracts are a sign that the country wishes to sustain high economic growth, while tightening credit to stem booming corporate capital investments and an overheating property market.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.46, no.2,328, 17 Mar.2008. p.15.

JR Tokai to take maglev underground

The proposed route map for the high-speed magnetic-levitation trains that Central Japan Railway plans to begin operating in 2025 shows that about 80% of the route, which runs in a straight line from Tokyo to Nagoya, is underground. The route was built straight to prevent losses of time and money and underground to cut the costs and hassle of acquiring land.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.46, no.2,328, 17 Mar.2008. p.16.

Transport duo step up heat on rivals

Two of Italy's biggest public transport operators are to merge to form a competitor for international transport contracts that will be Europe's ninth-biggest public transport operator by revenue. Executives have said that ATM, the Milan operator, plans to merge with Turin's GTT because neither was competitive in profitability or unit costs with the British and French operators that dominate the sector.

Financial Times. 31 Mar.2008. p.24.

'£60billion benefit' from new high speed rail network, says Atkins

Engineering consultants say that the benefits would be felt across the UK, from London to the Midlands, the North, and Scotland, through connecting the major business centres and increasing productivity. New high speed lines would not only provide new capacity, but also help free up space on existing lines and encourage more local investment in transport improvements to reduce road congestion in urban areas.

Modern Railways, Apr.2008. p.9.

Forth Bridge is licked with glass-flake epoxy paint

Reports that Balfour Beatty is expected to complete its £74 M contract with Network Rail for painting the Forth Bridge in 2012. They will use a specialist glass-flake epoxy paint from Leigh Paints, similar to that used in the offshore oil industry, which is designed to last 20 years but could well last up to 30 years.

Modern Railways, Apr.2008. p.13.

Repairing worn rails

Network Rail has purchased from ESAB ten Railtrac BV 1000 units. This is specialised equipment for repairing worn rails by laying down weld metal. The automated welding process is considered to offer significant time savings over conventional arc welding techniques. The ESAB process does not require interpass grinding which makes the repair process quicker, easier and safer.

Modern Railways, Apr.2008. p.14.

Wind power for railway

Railway infrastructure authority Infrabel has announced a Euros 65 M programme for the installation of a wind farm of 20 windmills along a high speed line in Belgium, in collaboration with Electrabel and the local authorities along the line. Output should amount to 100 GWh a year and a third of this will go directly to railway power supply.

Modern Railways, Apr.2008. p.83.

Thalys waits on new high-speed lines

Reports on current developments in high-speed train services offered by Thalys. Of particular importance is the service offered between Brussels and Paris. Key to Thalys development is the new and upgraded infrastructure from Brussels to the Netherlands and Germany, which will result in improved services to Amsterdam and Cologne.

Modern Railways, Apr.2008. p.82.

Network Rail - the future is modular

Interviews Network Rail's Chief Engineer Andrew McNaughton on his concept of modularity. He argues that items can be manufactured to a standard design under factory conditions, thus reducing both costs and disruptions. Standardisation means higher quality maintenance as maintaining fewer and standardised pieces of equipment will result in better performance. Areas where modularity can be applied include stations, footbridges, roadbridges, level crossings and signalling.

Modern Railways, Apr.2008. pp.59-63.

Panorama of transport

Gives a selection of transport statistics that set out to describe, from various angles, the development of the European transport sector from 1990 to 2005. Covers: transport in the EU; transport infrastructure; means of transport; enterprises, employment and economic performance; traffic and transport quantities and performances; transport safety; and energy consumption and the environment.

Eurostat. European Communities, 2007. ISBN 978-92-79-04618-6 / TransportinEurope.pdf

Private sector urged to continue Tube role

Responding to a report by MPs into the collapse of Metronet Rail the Department for Transport said that any problems with the Metronet contract were the fault of the company alone rather than the public-private partnership. It argued that the success so far of TubeLines - the contractor for the Northern, Jubilee and Piccadilly lines - showed that the PPP system is sound.

Financial Times, 1 Apr.2008. p.4.

Bullet train service on Taiwan trunk route gathers speed, driving midsize airlines out

Uni Air will stop offering flights between Taipei and Kaohsiung, Taiwan's second largest city. The move is in response to a steep decline in passenger traffic since Taiwan High Speed Rail began offering a Japan-built bullet train service on this route last year.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.46, no.2,325, 25 Feb.2008. p.13.

Plea to cut rail incident delays

A report from the National Audit Office says that the rail industry should minimise the delay and inconvenience following mishaps on the network by improving co-ordination with emergency services and giving passengers better information. It notes that in financial year 2006/07 there were 800,000 incidents on the railways which delayed passenger trains by 14 M minutes, costing those delayed at least £1 bn.

Financial Times, 14 Mar.2008. p.4.

Call to improve northern towns' road and rail links

A report from the Centre for Cities has said that small northern towns need better communication links with their regional capital if they are not to fall further behind counterparts in the south of England. The report says that people and businesses in thriving smaller towns in the south-east have much better connections with London which helps them keep pace with the growth of the capital's economy.

Financial Times, 18 Mar.2008. p.7.

Trains to run on streets of Sheffield

The Department for Transport has announced a trial of 'tram-train' technology where trains would run from Huddersfield to Barnsley and on to Sheffield, starting in 2010. A potential second stage of the trial would see the trains leave the national rail network and travel on the Sheffield Supertram tracks, through the city's streets.

Financial Times, 19 Mar.2008. p.5.

Raider Perloff ready to give LPA a rocket

Corporate raider Andrew Perloff is set to give the board of Saffron Walden-based railway electronics company LPA a rough ride at its annual meeting this week. But chief executive officer Peter Pollock claims that many of Mr Perloff's arguments are based on inaccurate and potentially misleading interpretations of the company's annual accounts, and points out that the company's order book going into 2009 is stronger than ever.

Cambridge Evening News, 7 Mar 2008. p 62

Shanghai delays rail project after protests

Shanghai's local government has delayed work on a new electro-magnetic train line until at least next year after the proposed development triggered mass protests from people living near to the planned track. The city's mayor has said that the project is not on the list of those planned to go ahead this year. The project is seen as a test of the influence of the newly wealthy middle classes.

Financial Times, 7 Mar.2008. p.7.

Belgium completes high-speed system

Infrastructure on three high-speed routes, linking Brussels to France, Germany and the Netherlands, has now been finished. The West Line goes via Lille, the East Line via Aix-la-Chapelle and the North Line via Antwerp. Describes some of the principal stations involved, signalling systems and the financing of the projects.

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.714, Mar.2008. pp.63-69.

Work begins on Beijing-Shanghai line

Construction on the 1,318 km line started in January and is expected to take five years, with work proceeding from forty sites. The line has a design speed of 350 km/h, permitting an end-to-end journey time of five hours, compared with nearly ten hours at present.

Railway Gazette, vol.164, no.2, Feb.2008. p.67.

DB enters UK passenger market

Deutsche Bahn has signed a contract to acquire 100% of Laing Rail in the UK. Laing owns M40 Trains and holds 50% of both London Overground Rail Operations and the Wrexham, Shropshire & Marylebone Railway.

Railway Gazette, vol.164, no.2, Feb.2008. p.69.

Stafford bypass could slash London-Glasgow times

Two new sections of line to bypass Stafford could slash journey times to around four hours. The bypass would cost around £550 M and the Department for Transport believes that it would bring about a significant shift from air to rail in the Anglo-Scottish market.

Railway Gazette, vol.164, no.2, Feb.2008. p.69.

Market

Reports on a number of new contracts for Bombardier: a Euros 90 M order for 64 double-deck coaches for use in Schleswig-Holstein; an order for six Bombardier Traxx F140AC2 electric locos for use on the Sweden-Germany corridor; a Euros 44 M order from Angel Trains for 12 two-car Class 172 second-generation Turbostar DMUs for use by London Overground and Chiltern Railways; a Euros 23 M for 10 Flexity Outlook trams for use in Innsbruck and a SFr 85 M contract for 18 of the same to be used in Geneva; and a Euros 32 M contract to replace the 1-2 km peoplemover at Gatwick Airport and a $63 M contract to extend the peoplemover at Atlanta Airport.

Railway Gazette, vol.164, no.2, Feb.2008. pp.73-74.

An open market beckons

Investigates some of the preparations being made for the opening up of the European market for international rail passenger services. Competition from low-cost airlines is one of the reasons behind the deregulation and German company DB is expected to be among the leading operators. Also considers the Italian market, overnight services and the hurdles new entrants face in trying to break into traditional markets.

Railway Gazette, vol.164, no.2, Feb.2008. pp.89-91.

Sea-rail transport model linking Akita, Russian interior put to test

The regional bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has launched a pilot test of a proposed sea and railway transport programme which carries containers via the northern Japanese Akita Port to Russia. The Tohoku Regional Bureau has sought to validate the feasibility of the transportation model to deliver automotive parts and other parts to the Russian interior. The bureau hopes to raise the region's competitiveness as a distribution base through the intermodal transport system.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.46, no.2,324, 18 Feb.2008. p.8.

Welding Lines interviews Eur Ing Bob Sawdon, Balfour Beatty Rail's Rails & Welding Engineer and Vice-Chairman of the Institute of Rail Welding

Asks about Sawdon's part of the group and his role within the group. Follows with questions on changes in the industry, his own personal achievements and the future of the Institute of Rail Welding.

Welding Lines, Issue 23, Feb.2008. p.2.

Network Rail fined £14 M

Following a £14 M fine for overruns on engineering works the Office of Rail Regulation has given Network Rail until March 31st to agree with passenger and freight train operators a new plan for the upgrade of the London-Glasgow West Coast Main Line. The project is currently more than 300 hours behind schedule.

Financial Times, 29 Feb.2008. p.2.

Engineers bypass railway work

A group of former British Rail engineers has developed a system that allows trains to bypass tracks under maintenance, potentially saving millions of pounds. The Non-Intrusive Crossover System, being tested by Network Rail, allows trains to be switched safely to an adjacent track or to a new siding without installing a permanent connection, and without interfering with the existing track and signalling system. (Item contains no further information).

Financial Times, 3 Mar.2008. p.4.

Maglev attracts public funding

The consortium UK Ultraspeed, whose members include Siemens, is to announce that it has received funding from the Merseyside Partnership to develop its plans for a high-speed maglev route between Liverpool and Manchester.

Financial Times, 27 Feb 2008. p 4

India to invest billions in rail revamp

India's railways minister has announced investment of nearly Rs2,500 billion (£32 billion) in the country's railways over the next five years. Rs1,000 billion will be raised from the private sector with concessions for major stations in New Delhi, Mumbai, Patna and Secunderabad.

Financial Times, 27 Feb 2008. p 12

Eurotunnel plan to raise Euros1.7 bn

Eurotunnel intends to follow last year's restructuring with a plan to raise funds through new equity issues. It will seek to raise Euros800 M immediately through the issue of subordinated deferred equity securities. It then plans a rights issue to raise a further Euros900 M in June.

Financial Times, 21 Feb.2008. p.26.

Argentina awards £1.3 billion contract for high-speed rail

An estimated $1.3 bn turnkey contract for the 710 kilometre, 329-km-per-hour, Buenos Aires-Rosario-Cordoba train line has been awarded to the Veloxia consortium of European and local contractors.

Engineering News-Record, vol.260, no.3, 28 Jan.2008. p.7.

Targets to press Network Rail for fewer delays

Network Rail will have to meet individual targets on improving service to each train operator under proposals put forward by the Office of Rail Regulation. The company will have to make further significant cost cutbacks and meet targets for the amount of time the network is available for use as part of an effort to reduce engineering closures.

Financial Times, 15 Feb.2008. p.4.

Slower rail passenger growth hits Go-Ahead

Shares in Go-Ahead fell by 17% after it said that rail passenger growth had slowed in the first half and warned that increasing fuel costs and reduced subsidies were likely to hit full-year operating profits. The company is looking to trim costs or pass them on to customers.

Financial Times, 16/17 Feb.2008. p.19.

Colas Rail buys Carillion rail plant

Colas said that the purchase meant that it now owned the largest fleet of modern on-track plant in the country. Plant transferred to Colas comprises 12 tampers, three regulators, a locomotive, a 125-tonne Kirow crane and 16 switch handling units

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.713, Feb.2008. p.18.

Franchisees celebrate ten years of growth

Notes the growth in passenger numbers over the past decade, but also the disparity between the various franchises. Bus companies - Stagecoach, Govia, First Group, National Express and Arriva - remain major owners of franchises while the French are the biggest overseas investors.

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.713, Feb.2008. pp.36-37.

London Overground: a charter for improvement

Gives some background on MTR Laing, owners of London Overground, and their plans for regenerating its network, which is that of the former Silverlink Metro. Lines run through some parts of the capital with acute social problems and improvements include work on stations, more transport police, more ticket gates and new trains.

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.713, Feb.2008. pp.50-53.

Opportunity knocks for the Leeds-Morecambe line

Reports on a detailed study of the line which covered the existing timetable, the fares structure, the demand for travel, financial performance, local market demographics, various aspects of service quality and the needs and aspirations of passengers and other stakeholders. Concludes that, despite recent strong growth, there is significant potential the improve both patronage and revenue on the line.

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.713, Feb.2008. pp.54-57.

Alstom re-enters the UK market

Presents an interview with Paul Robinson, Alstom Transport's UK Managing Director. After restructuring the company is again ready to bid for any UK contracts for the supply of new rolling stock. The company has shown interest in the lengthening of Pendolino trains from nine to eleven cars, Piccadilly Line replacement stock, the Inter-city Express Project and the Thameslink upgrade.

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.713, Feb.2008. pp.60-61.

574.8km/h and all that

Reports on a visit made by the Railway study Association to France. Topics covered include the structure of SNCF, the high-speed long-distance network, the international rivalry with Germany and Britain, commuter services, the freight business and rolling stock.

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.713, Feb.2008. pp.62-65.

Bombardier launches hybrid unit

Bombardier has launched what is claimed to be the world's first hybrid multiple-unit, a dual-mode (electric and diesel) and dual-voltage (25kV AC and 1.5kV DC) AGC (Autorail Grande Capacite). The stock has been designed specifically for the French regional market.

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.713, Feb.2008. p.66.

Kuwait planning $11 bn rail system

Kuwait is planning to build a rail network that will include a metro system for its capital Kuwait City.

Financial Times, 5 Feb.2008. p.6.

Book more seats on the high-speed train

Alstom has launched a high-speed train designed to reach speeds of up to 220mph. Dubbed AGV, the single-deck prototype is claimed to be the first in the world to feature an articulated architecture with bogies located between the carriages - a solution the designers say will increase safety. The train also incorporates a distributed drive system with motors located on bogies under the train.

The Engineer, vol.293, no.7741, 11-24 Feb.2008. p.7.

Rail station revamp receives £400m boost

The government has given more money than expected for the redevelopment of Birmingham's New Street station. Local business leaders, who had grown irritated at delays to the Gateway scheme, have welcomed the move.

Financial Times, 13 Feb.2008. p.3.

North minds the gap over transport projects

Reports on the debate over the amount of money spent on London's infrastructure schemes such as Crossrail, the renovation of St Pancras and the expansion of Heathrow. Regional representatives feel that they are being short changed with the disparity in transport spending, but others argue that London has unique costs, notably the only significant underground rail network in the country.

Financial Times, 13 Feb.2008. p.3.

Euro high-speed ambitions

Detail of the work being undertaken to expand the high-speed rail links between France and Spain. The work will enable uninterrupted high-speed travel from St Pancras, London, 2,250km to the Mediterranean coast. Maps of the current and proposed routes, and details of planned Spanish networks are given. The proposed extension of HS1 in the UK to Heathrow Airport and central England is mentioned.

Engineering News-Record, 24/31 Dec. 2007. pp.90-92,94.

Ebbsfleet station opens officially

Although Eurostar services have been using the station since November Ebbsfleet International station has now been officially opened. It is hoped that Ebbsfleet will help the planned regeneration of the Ebbsfleet Valley and provide an international gateway to the 2012 Olympics.

Financial Times, 30 Jan.2008. p.4.

Train operators tell government to move on new carriages order

The operators' demands follow a government strategy document which said that trains' passenger capacity would grow by just 10% by 2014. The Department of Transport's rolling stock plan follows a commitment by Douglas Alexander, then transport secretary, to introduce 1,300 extra carriages across England's railways to alleviate overcrowding.

Financial Times, 31 Jan.2008. p.5.

Shanghai and Nanjing order cars

Bombardier is to supply 32 six-car Movia trainsets for Shanghai Metro Line 7 under a contract worth approximately Euros 150 M. Alstom and its Chinese partner CSR Nanjing Puzhen have received a contract worth Euros 120 M to supply 144 Metropolis cars for use on the Nanjing Line 2.

Railway Gazette International, vol.163, no.6, June 2007. p.332.

SNCF prepares to face the competition

Presents an interview with SNCF Chief Executive Guillaume Pepy as the company prepares to compete in a liberalised European rail system. Pepy is looking for efficiency savings of 20-30% if the ailing rail freight business is to be turned round and he is keen for the expansion of high speed lines which he sees as a real alternative to air travel. He is also keen to promote the environmental advantages of rail travel.

Railway Gazette International, vol.163, no.6, June 2007. pp.351-354.

Northeast France joins the high speed network

Reports on the opening of revenue services on the LGV Est Europeen line which will cut journey times from Paris to Metz, Nancy and many other eastern towns, as well as expand international and inter-regional links. The LGV Est is the first line in France designed for regular operation at 320km/h. Work on the second phase of the line to complete the final 150km to Strasbourg is planned to start in 2010, although no final decision has been taken.

Railway Gazette International, vol.163, no.6, June 2007. pp.357-358.

Managing rail degradation on the Malmbanan

An upgrading programme started in 1988 and due to be completed by 2010 is allowing the introduction of heavier axleloads on Sweden's heavy haul iron ore line, permitting gross train weights to be increased to more than 8,000 tonnes. However the transition requires careful management if degradation of the infrastructure is to be kept under control. Discusses the maintenance strategy which includes yearly maintenance grinding, including rail head reprofiling, and extensive rail lubrication in curves below 600 m radius.

Railway Gazette International, vol.163, no.6, June 2007. pp.369-372.

New/revised standards

MPs warn on tube deal

The House of Commons transport committee has warned that the private sector is not always more efficient than the public sector in maintaining and upgrading track and trains on the London Underground. The warning comes in the light of the collapse of Metronet Rail last year and efforts to reallocate some of the work, possibly to Bombardier of Canada.

Financial Times, 25 Jan.2008. p.2.

A freight future

Presents an interview with the Rail Freight Group's director general, Alan Bennett. He says that one of the major issues facing the industry is to engage with the government to deal with the forecast increases in rail freight traffic. Discusses Network Rail's Freight Route Utilisation Strategy which was issued in 2006/7.

Railway Strategies for Senior Management, Issue 46, Dec./Jan.2008 pp.4-7.

Network Rail's Strategic Business Plan

The Plan outlines spending proposals for the period from 2009 to 2014 and is a response to the government's High Level Output Specification: to deliver more trains, more seats, more often. Details from the Plan include; doubling current spend levels on rail expansion schemes; improvements in punctuality; making the railways more efficient by halving running costs; investment on maintenance and operating costs; investment on renewing track, signals, structures and stations; and green initiatives such as renewable energy sources, recycling and a reduction in the company's carbon footprint.

Railway Strategies for Senior Management, Issue 46, Dec./Jan.2008. pp.10-11.

Initial assessment

The Office of Rail Regulation has informed the Department for Transport and Transport Scotland that it is likely that their respective output specifications for the railways can be afforded with the public funds they have committed for the five years from April 2009.

Railway Strategies for Senior Management, Issue 46, Dec./Jan.2008 p.17.

National Rail Trends 2007-2008 Q2

Details from the report, published by the Office of Rail Regulation, include total passenger kilometres, total passenger journeys, total passenger revenue, the complaints rate, freight moved and lifted, and the average age of rolling stock for all operators.

Railway Strategies for Senior Management, Issue 46, Dec./Jan.2008 p.19.

Department for Transport sets standards for new intercity trains

The Department for Transport has issued its Invitation to Tender for the Intercity Express programme to three consortia which have been shortlisted for the project. The consortia are Alstom-Barclays Rail Group, Express Rail Alliance and Hitachi Europe. They have been asked to design trains which will be greener, lighter and carry up to 70% more passengers.

Railway Strategies for Senior Management, Issue 46, Dec./Jan.2008 p.19.

Chinese railways

Outlines the challenges, strategy and future for Chinese railways in the light of the country's economic development. Gives statistics on the system's use and infrastructure before discussing its proposed expansion and modernisation. Economic growth has fuelled the demand for rail travel, particularly between the east and west of the country. Although the railways are government-owned the Ministry of Railways has been instructed to draw up reforms to improve the performance and capacity of the system. The final aim is to become a modern business enterprise, breaking the monopoly, allowing competition, transforming the administrative system and management mechanisms, and cultivating market-oriented businesses

Railway Strategies for Senior Management, Issue 46, Dec./Jan.2008 pp.126-130.

Erie monsters are this year's favourite for Inmelt

Reports on GE's transportation business, based mainly on rail products, which is one of the company's best performing sectors. The 150 tonne freight locomotives are in great demand from countries such as China, Brazil and Kazakhstan. Improvements in productivity and output at the company's Erie plant have helped it to retain its position as world leader in diesel-electric freight locomotives, which use diesel engines to drive an electric motor rather than receive power from the track.

Financial Times, 18 Jan.2008. p.24.

Deutsche Bahn close to winning fight for Laing Rail

DB has emerged as the most likely buyer for Laing Rail, the operator of Chiltern Trains. The DB bid of £127 M represents the company's third bid to enter the UK passenger market. Chiltern is unusual in that it has a 20-year franchise whereas most UK rail franchises are for between seven and 10 years.

Financial Times, 19/20 Jan.2008. p.13.

Operators resist talk of shake-up / Little appetite for fresh reform after years spent in flux / Train chiefs prefer to stick with familiar flaws

The UK's train operating companies want to avoid a shake-up of their relationship with Network Rail, despite the disruption of services caused by engineering overruns during the Christmas period. Senior executives have declined to call for the reintegration of train operating with track maintenance and operation under one company. Network Rail has announced a series of changes to its management of engineering projects to avoid a repetition of last month's problems. The creation of two new rail franchises - East Midland trains and London Trains has marked the end of the present bout of rail reorganisation and few in the industry are now keen to embark on a new round in the near future.

Financial Times, 21 Jan.2008. p.3.

Battle is on for the driving seat at SCNF

Reports on the issues facing SCNF as it prepares for the arrival of open competition in passenger services from 2010. The mandate of the group's present head Anne-Marie Idrac is due to run out next month and there are suggestions that she could be challenged for the job by her deputy, Guillaume Pepy. President Sarkozy will make the final decision on the appointment.

Financial Times, 21 Jan.2008. p.23.

Link work starts

Work has started on the construction of a 697.5 km international rail corridor linking Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Iran.

Railway Gazette International, vol.164, no.1, Jan.2008. p.8.

HS1 for sale

London & Continental Railways, owner of the £5.2 bn Channel Tunnel Rail Link and the UK share of Eurostar, is to be separated into three businesses - the infrastructure (including the track and stations), the land interests and the UK stake in Eurostar. The recently completed 109 km high speed link between London and the Channel Tunnel will be sold in 2009.

Railway Gazette International, vol.164, no.1, Jan.2008. p.8.

Market

Porterbrook Leasing has placed its 25th order for Bombardier Turbostar DMUs, ordering 12 two-car and 15 three-car sets of the lighter Class 172 variant for use on Govia's London Midland franchise. (Item contains no further information).

Railway Gazette International, vol.164, no.1, Jan.2008. p.8.

Energy challenge will drive traction policy

Argues that the rail industry must reduce its energy consumption, for both environmental reasons and to contain the increasing cost of energy. Suggests that alternative fuels offer few advantages and that the best option may be to use strategies being adopted by the electricity generation industry to reduce carbon emissions.

Railway Gazette International, vol.164, no.1, Jan.2008. pp.25-28.

Demonstrating the power of hydrogen

Reports on the VLTJ Hydrogen Train project which aims to launch Europe's first hydrogen fuel cell powered passenger train in Denmark in 2010. Argues that hydrogen can become a commercially feasible alternative to diesel or electric traction within the next 15-20 years. Suggests that wind turbines by the sides of the track could generate power to produce hydrogen for trainsets.

Railway Gazette International, vol.164, no.1, Jan.2008. pp.30-31.

GE Genesis in the UK

GE Transportation is to develop its first diesel locomotive design for the UK market, following an order for 30 units announced by the Freightliner Group. To be developed under Project Genesis, GE's new JS37ACi design will feature AC traction motors individually controlled by separate inverters to give a higher starting tractive effect. It will also be 10% more efficient than previous locos, achieving fuel consumption of 197 g/kWh.

Railway Gazette International, vol.164, no.1, Jan.2008. p.39.

Major restructuring at Siemens

The restructuring will create group-wide Industry, Energy and Healthcare sectors, divided into a total of 15 divisions. It is intended to place greater emphasis on global businesses rather than regional activities, producing a less complex organisation with clearer lines of responsibility.

Railway Gazette International, vol.164, no.1, Jan.2008. p.56.

China flotation

State-owned rail infrastructure construction contractor China Railways Group raised 22.4 bn yuan through an IPO in Shanghai on November 23. CRG is one of the largest construction contractors in the world and is expanding from China into Africa, Europe and the Americas.

Railway Gazette International, vol.164, no.1, Jan.2008. p.56.

Alstom announces maintenance deal

Spanish national rail operator RENFE and train builder Alstom have announced the formation of train maintenance joint venture IRVIA Mantenimiento Ferroviario. IRVIA will initially maintain 80 Civia suburban trains built at Alstom's factory near Barcelona.

Railway Gazette International, vol.164, no.1, Jan.2008. p.56.

Delhi leads India's metro revival

Reports how the success of the Delhi metro, opened ahead of schedule in 2004, has encouraged other Indian cities plagued by pollution and congestion to press ahead with their own plans. Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Cochin are planning mass transit systems, while Kolkata, home to India's only other underground system, is expanding its 24-year old metro.

Financial Times, 23 Jan.2008. p.10.

Regulator to probe threat to west coast rail upgrade / Network raillery

The Office of Rail regulation investigation into engineering overruns at Rugby, Liverpool Street and Shields Junction over the Christmas period will look at whether plans for upgrade work on the west coast mainline will deliver in time for timetable improvements in December. The inquiry, which is due to report before the end of February, will also examine the overall approach of Network Rail to planning and managing big rail projects. Comments on the engineering overruns and suggests that the structure of the industry might be looked at when the individual rail franchises come up for renewal.

Financial Times, 9 Jan.2008. p.2. and p.14.

Dispute delays Metronet takeover

Transport for London's takeover of Metronet Rail is being delayed by a dispute with Bombardier Transportation, one of Metronet's shareholders, over the future of a £3.4 bn contract. TfL is in discussions with Bombardier about aspects of its contracts with Metronet including train maintenance and contracts for new signals. TfL is concerned that signalling equipment supplied under Bombardier's contracts may not be compatible with equipment on track and trains on the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines maintained by the Tube Lines consortium.

Financial Times, 10 Jan.2008. p.2.

Eurostar passenger numbers surge

Eurostar carried more than 8 M passengers a year for the first time in 2007. The figure of 8.26 M represents a 5.1% increase on the 7.85 M carried in 2006. Its share of journeys between London and Paris is now 71% - up 2.3% on 2006 - while its share of the London to Brussels market is up 1% to 65.6%. The opening of the high speed link to the Channel Tunnel is expected to bring a further increase in 2008.

Financial Times, 10 Jan.2008. p.18.

New Street runs off the rails

Reports on delays to the refurbishment of Birmingham's New Street station. There are disagreements over the financing of the project with a public sector contribution of $220 M to the £550 M costs not materialising as expected before Christmas. Business leaders have estimated the annual economic benefits of the refurbishment to be worth some £1.7 bn. The project is due for completion by the middle of the next decade.

Financial Times, 14 Jan.2008. p.20.

Network Rail move on contractors

Network Rail is looking at handling more overhead line work in big projects itself rather than handing work to outside contractors, following overruns on three engineering works over the Christmas period. However the company has rejected the idea of taking other work in-house.

Financial Times, 12/13 Jan.2008. p.3.

Rail helps to slow growth of air travel

According to a study by the Civil Aviation Authority the rate of growth in UK air travel is falling as slowing consumer expenditure growth weakens the appetite for leisure travel, and rail becomes a stronger competitor on domestic routes. However rising concerns for the environment and the impact of aviation on global warming do not appear to have played a role in these developments.

Financial Times, 12/13 Jan.2008. p.4.

Alstom secures Italian high-speed trains deal

Alstom has succeeded, in a bid for a $1.03bn contract, to sell 25 of its next generation AGV (Automotrice a Grand Vitesse) high-speed trains to an Italian group fronted by Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, chairman of Ferrari and Fiat.

Financial Times, 11 Jan. 2008. p.23.

Regulator probes rail work chaos

The rail regulator has launched an urgent investigation into Network Rail's failure to complete two engineering projects that have caused disruption to thousands of commuters returning to work this week. The regulator's investigation will probe Network Rail's planning, management and resourcing of the projects, on the West Coast main line and lines into Liverpool Street, and its failure to communicate with operators when problems arose.

Financial Times, 3 Jan.2008. p.3.

Network Rail faces costs pressure

Bill Emery, chief executive of the Office of Rail Regulation, has said that he believed that Network Rail had overstated by at least £1.9 bn the revenue it would need to operate the network over the five years from 2009. He also believes that the company can make much bigger efficiency savings than it assumed when it published its business plan for 2009-14. Network Rail has said it has already agreed to halve costs in the period to 2014.

Financial Times, 21 Dec.2007. p.2.

North Carolina system opens

Charlotte has opened a new $462.7 M, 9.6 mile light-rail system which runs along both active and abandoned sections of railroad right-of-way and connects the city's central business district with Interstate 485 to the south.

Engineering News-Record, vol.259, no.20, 3 Dec.2007. p.14.

Delays spark fears on vital rail upgrade

Reports on the problems caused by overrunning of Network Rail's engineering work on the west coast main line over the Christmas period. There are now fears that the project to upgrade the line will not be completed by the planned date of this December. Completion of the work is vital to the introduction of a new timetable on this line that would see faster and more frequent trains.

Financial Times, 4 Jan.2008. p.2.

Showcase train project 'too complex' / Signal problems hold up arrival of high-speed system

Industry figures have suggested that the European Rail Traffic Management System, which aims to get Europe's trains running seamlessly from one country to another, is unnecessarily complex and has been poorly managed. The system has been hampered by the need to accommodate widely differing operating practices from across the continent into a single system. Reports that problems with signalling systems have meant that trains have not been able to use newly built lines at top speeds.

Financial Times, 4 Jan.2008. p.6.

Chicago rail system on verge of collapse

The Chicago Transit Authority has made strides in improving efficiency, streamlining procurement, restructuring staff and prioritising spending. However it still needs some $8.7 bn to bring it up to 'good repair' and at present no funding plan is in place. Some experts argue that fare and tax increases are needed to provide a better service.

Engineering News-Record, vol.259, no.19, 26 Nov.2007. pp.66-67.

Rail line projected to arrive on time

The extension of London Underground's East London Line, a key part of the 2012 Olympic Games plans, should open on time according to one of the project's senior managers. Much viaduct refurbishment work had been done whilst waiting for final project approval with the result that contractors would be able to lay track more quickly than usual. The line is part of Transport for London's plans to create an orbital railway around the capital and funnel commuters away from the main London rail termini.

Financial Times, 7 Jan.2008. p.3.

No 'knee-jerk' reaction to rail work problems

Network Rail's chief executive has said that the company will not react hastily to two overruns on engineering work over the Christmas period and would not be cancelling private contractors' agreements. However it would be asking Bechtel, who were the company responsible for the west coast main line overrun, why it had failed to meet an agreed timetable for the work.

Financial Times, 5/6 Jan.2008. p.2.

Chinese maglev rail costs soar

The cost of extending Shanghai's magnetic levitation railway may rise from the budgeted 200 M yaun renmimbi per extra kilometre to Rmb 600 M to take account of residents' concerns about exposure to radiation and noise. There are plans to extend the line by 34 km initially and later by 160 km to Hangzhou. (Item contains little further information).

Financial Times, 5/6 Jan.2008. p.6.

High Speed 1 to be put up for sale

It has been announced that London & Continental Railways is to be separated into three distinct businesses, and that High Speed 1 will be sold in 2009. It is envisaged that there will be an open and competitive process for any sale.

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.712, Jan.2008. p.9.

EWS builds new Channel Tunnel freight network

The new rail freight services will be operated by the EWS subsidiary Euro Cargo Rail and will take advantage of the Channel Tunnel 'open access' regime. For the first time Euro Cargo Rail will take full accountability for reliable, integrated rail services with improved transit times and a reduction in operating complexity. During 2008 services will connect Belgium, Germany, Italy, France, Spain and Switzerland with Scotland, and the Midlands and North West of England.

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.712, Jan.2008. p.10.

UK rail is a success story

Summarises 'The Successes and Lessons of Rail Liberalisation', a new report from the Rail Freight Group. The report seeks to give an objective view of the UK railway model and suggests that, if it is applied elsewhere in Europe, other member states will also achieve growth, improved service quality for both passenger and freight services and reduced state subsidies. Compares the UK situation with those of France, Italy, Germany and Belgium.

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.712, Jan.2008. p.11.

Electrification: the big guns open up

Presents a personal view on the case for rail electrification in the light of a letter from Network Rail and the Association of Train Operating Companies to the Department for Transport arguing the same case. Takes issue with the response from the DfT and says that he is not arguing for 'national electrification', but rather a commitment to a rolling programme, starting with the main lines.

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.712, Jan.2008. pp.18-20.

Train orders start to pick up

Gives an update on the introduction of new rolling stock, particularly Bombardier's orders for the East London Line, London Underground and London Midland. Also details new orders for Scotland, Northern Ireland and light rail units. States that there will be major stock requirements for both Thameslink and Crossrail.

Modern Railways, vol.65, no.712, Jan.2008. pp.30-31.

Overrun disrupts First ScotRail services

Services between Glasgow and Paisley were disrupted after engineering work at Shields Junction overran. First ScotRail said that it was only given hours notice that the line would not re-open on time.

Financial Times, 8 Jan.2008. p.4.

Old railroad span gets new life without taking a break

Reports on how construction teams are working round the clock in an 18-day window to replace a centre support pier and pivot mechanism on a swing bridge that carries 25 trains a day without interrupting services. OCCI is jacking up the 906' long steel-truss bridge in Louisiana, balancing it in shims and then replacing the main pier and power mechanisms that spins the centre spans.

Engineering News-Record, vol.259, no.17, 12 Nov.2007. p.15.

TfL will miss own Metronet takeover deadline

Transport for London has said that it had become clear that it would not be able to meet the self-imposed deadline of January 18th to take over the two contractors owned by Metronet Rail which went into administration in July. The contractors were responsible for maintaining and upgrading track and trains on two thirds of the city's underground network. Although many of the processes to be completed were out of its control TfL insisted that it was still on track to take over Metronet early in the new year.

Financial Times, 18 Dec.2007. p.2.

Strain spotter

Describes a portable device, developed by MAPS Technology under a contract from Network Rail, which can be used to monitor sections of continuously welded rails for early signs of buckling or cracking. It is claimed that the device can measure load in a rail and relate that to the desirable load that should be there, and that it doesn't just detect cracks but also the causes of cracks.

Engineer, 10 Dec.2007-13 Jan.2008. pp.24-25.

On track

ESR Technology of Warrington is an engineering, safety and risk technical consultancy that provides integrity and reliability assessments in a variety of fields. Their assessments in rail have provided key engineering information necessary for delivering performance improvements that suggest ways that rail companies can unlock the potential of their assets to generate greater capacity and improved reliability, whilst avoiding significant expenditure. The company's particular speciality is mechanical failure, where they have extensive in-house facilities for assessing the integrity of failed equipment.

Engineering, vol.248, no.9, Oct.2007. pp.32-34.

Steel Dynamics ships first order of welded rail

The company has made its first shipment from the recently completed rail welding operation at Columbia City. The shipments consisted of 81 rail strings, each 1360 ft in length. Each rail string resulted from welding together 17 80-ft rails. The rail strings were then transported by two trains of flat-bed railcars to an industrial site in southern Indiana. The company is prepared to offer this rail-welding service on a contract basis for Class 1 railroads and other users of welded rails.

Welding Journal, vol.86, no.10, Oct.2007. p.10.

Beijing raises $6 bn in record rail bond issue

China has raised more than Rmb 45 bn in its biggest ever bond deal as part of its plans to modernise its railways. The money will be used to buy trains and pay for the construction of a second rail line linking Hailar and Manzhouli, China's largest land port city on the border with Russia. China plans to build 19,800 km of new railway lines, modernise 15,000 km of existing lines, boost passenger train speeds and increase the load of freight trains

Financial Times, 30 Nov.2007. p.40.

China Railway issue has investors on edge

Assesses on the forthcoming debut of China Railway in Shanghai for clues as to the future of Chinese initial public offerings. There have been some recent first day failures, but most analysts remain confident that demand for Chinese IPOs will pick up.

Financial Times, 3 Dec.2007. p.28.

Need to know: Engineering

Bombardier Transportation has won a 140m euro order from Rotterdam public transport operator RET to build 43 light rail metro vehicles.

The Times, 5 Dec 2007. p.50.

Government gives fillip to high-speed lobby

Greengage 21, the pressure group formed to promote the wider adoption of high-speed rail in Britain, has published 'The Next Steps for High Speed Rail in Britain'. The report identifies five corridors with the potential for high-speed lines: High Speed Two; London-Cambridge-Northeast; London-Bristol/Cardiff; Trans-Pennine; and Anglo-Scottish. The group says that the Department for Transport should now undertake five key tasks: produce a strategic high-speed rail network assessment; develop technical standards for high-speed rail; identify key sites to be protected; conduct consultation on work to date on high-speed rail; and assess funding options.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.711, Dec.2007. p.10.

Further East West Rail studies

The East West Rail consortium has appointed consultants to conduct further studies into the western section of the projected link between Oxford and Cambridge. The section covers Oxford-Bicester and Bicester-Bletchley-Milton Keynes.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.711, Dec.2007. p.10.

Four new TOCs commence operations

Reports on the four new companies which started operations on November 11th: Cross Country to be operated by Arriva until March 2016; East Midland Trains to be operated by Stagecoach Group until March 2015; London Midland to be operated by Govia until September 2015; and London Overground to be operated by London Overground Rail Operations until November 2014, with a two-year extension option.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.711, Dec.2007. pp.12-13.

Alstom sells TGV technology to Moroccan high-speed network

An agreement has been signed to award French industry (and Alstom in particular) the contracts for the design, manufacture, operation and maintenance of the very high-speed Tangier-Casablanca rail-link. Alstom will deliver 18 very-high-speed Duplex double-deck train-sets which will run at speeds of up to 320 km/h and should be in operation by 2013.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.711, Dec.2007. p.66.

Cross-Channel freight trains set to double.

EWS, one of only two Cross-Channel freight operators, plans to launch 35-50 weekly services during 2008, compared to just 25 services a week currently using the tunnel. The move follows a decision by Eurotunnel, the Channel Tunnel operator, to offer radically different terms for trains running through the tunnel, cutting average fees from £5,300 to 3,00 per freight train. It is suggested that 1,000 trucks a week might be removed from the country's roads.

Financial Times, 27 Nov.2007. p.6.

Buyback marks shift in fortunes for WS Atkins

The company has announced a £100 M share buyback and a 25% increase in the interim dividend alongside strong first half results. The group took a loss of £91.3 M in June as a result of its involvement in Metronet, the failed rail maintenance consortium. Growth has been spread evenly across the group, although the Middle East has been a particularly strong performer.

Financial Times, 28 Nov.2007. p.24.

Jarvis warning due to lack of contract clarity

The company has blamed the opaque nature of its contracts with British Rail as one of the reasons for recent profit warnings after it had announced first half losses of £3.3 M. Richard Entwistle, chief executive, has said that the group had set its rates for the procurement of work with Network Rail without full visibility of the nature of the contracts.

Financial Times, 28 Nov.2007. p.24.

Eurostar transfers to its new home at St Pancras

The last Waterloo-bound Eurostar trains were due to arrive during the evening of 13 November, and the first to set out from St Pancras were due to leave their new terminal at 11.00 on 14 November 2007. In the intervening hours the whole operation, including some 400 staff, has transferred to its new home. At the same time 450 maintenance staff have moved from North Pole in West London to Stratford in East London.

Financial Times, 14 Nov 2007. p 4

Network Rail needs £430m to stay on track

Network Rail's strategic business plan calls for IT expenditure amounting to £430m over the period 2009-2014 to maintain existing systems and fund systems replacements and upgrades, technology and licence renewals and business-driven change projects. The major components are the European Rail Traffic Management System, scheduled for completion by 2015 and the GSM-R digital network that underpins it and is meant to be in place during 2013.

Computing, 8 Nov.2007. p.4.

Alstom to supply high-speed trains for route linking Helsinki to St Petersburg

The contract for the four Pendolino trains will be worth 120 M euros and includes an option for an additional two trains. The trains, scheduled for delivery in early 2009, will be built for Karelian Trains, a joint venture between Russian Railways and Finnish Railways.

Welding Journal, vol.86, no.11, Nov.2007. p.16.

Trucker turns to rail and water

The Eddie Stobart road haulage company has said that its fuel costs are up 30% over the part five months. It is now seeking to use water and rail transport as an alternative to road and to this end has merged with the Westbury Property Fund to combine its own road haulage assets with Westbury's rail freight and waterborne systems.

Financial Times, 13 Nov.2007. p.3.

Expansion poses a challenge for repairs

Reports on activities at the world's busiest railyard, Union Pacific's Bailey Yard in North Platte, Nebraska. In order to improve UP's ability to handle growing volumes of traffic particular attention has been paid to the effectiveness of repairs to the number of coal trains that use the yard each day.

Financial Times, 13 Nov.2007. p.30.

Mergers signal the rise of an all-powerful seven

A series of mergers during the 1980s and 1990s has shaped the structure of North America's Class 1 railroads, leaving most regions with just two competing operators.

Financial Times, 13 Nov.2007. p.30.

Demand keeps trains on a fast track

Officials at the two largest US railroad companies, Union Pacific and Burlington Northern and Santa Fe, are buoyant about future prospects. This optimism is in spite of a slowdown of consumer demand - which drives railroad's business carrying maritime containers - and of the housing market - which drives demand for building materials.

Financial Times, 13 Nov.2007. p.30.

US rail chiefs say new laws will halt investment

Chief executives of three of the top five US rail roads have warned that accelerating investment in the industry could come to a halt if proposed legislation to re-regulate many of the railroad's prices comes into force; there are currently four bills under debate in Congress.

Financial Times, 13 Nov.2007. p.30.

Railway builders head for market

China Railway Group and China Railway Construction, China's two largest railway construction companies, plan to sell shares in Shanghai and Hong Kong before the end of the year to capitalise on soaring valuations and make up for a shortfall in government funding for the state-owned sector.

Financial Times, 12 Nov.2007. p.26.

Global traveller

This special edition focuses on high speed train travel has articles on: the opening of the new international rail terminal at St Pancras; the new Eurostar services and the potential effects on airlines, particularly on short haul routes; and an interview with Guillaume Pepy, chief executive of SNCF, who comments on pan-European high-speed rail travel.

Financial Times, 12 Nov.2007. Special report

Eurotunnel acts to recapture freight

With rail freight in the first nine months of 2007 down to just 1.16 M tonnes, Eurotunnel has slashed and simplified its pricing in an effort to avoid the complete disappearance of this traffic. A single pricing structure will apply to all operators and there will be a charge per train rather than by tonnage and commodity.

Railway Gazette International, vol.163, no.11, Nov.2007. p.671.

Commission backs 'freight oriented' network

Reports on the publication 'Towards a Rail Network Giving Priority to Freight' in which the European Commission proposes to achieve greater efficiency and sustainability by a series of measures to promote the development of a European freight-oriented rail network corridor by corridor. This is an attempt to give fresh impetus to rail freight services given the increase in the efficiency of road transport.

Railway Gazette International, vol.163, no.11, Nov.2007. p.671.

Third railway package wins approval

The European Parliament has adopted three 'conciliation agreements' on the Third Railway Package. These are; liberalisation of the market for operation of international passenger trains; creation of a European licensing system for train drivers; and standardisation of rights for passengers using long-distance and international rail services.

Railway Gazette International, vol.163, no.11, Nov.2007. p.673.

Interoperable diesels

Reports that SNCF has planned to call for tenders for between 30 and 50 main line diesel locomotives to haul international freight traffic. Notes that these orders are very urgent due to the growing competition for international freight in Europe now that the market is fully open.

Railway Gazette International, vol.163, no.11, Nov.2007. p.674.

SNCF poised for more orders

SNCF plans to order two major fleets of passenger rolling stock. One order will be for up to 500 multi-purpose trainsets suitable for regional and suburban services: the other would be for a fleet of 150 high-capacity trainsets for outer suburban services in Ile-de-France and for busy suburban routes in provincial cities.

Railway Gazette International, vol.163, no.11, Nov.2007. p.677.

EWS joins DB to create a European rail network

The European Union's Directorate-General for Competition was expected to approve the purchase by Deutsche Bahn of all the shares in EWS Holdings, the UK's biggest rail freight operator. Keith Heller, EWS chief executive, explains that the intention is to create a truly continental operation that will span Europe and the next major expansion is to be in Spain

Railway Gazette International, vol.163, no.11, Nov.2007. p.691.

AGC launched on the world market

Reports on the event at Troyes on October 9th to mark the entry into service of Bombardier Transportation's AGC dual-voltage electro-diesel multiple-units.

Railway Gazette International, vol.163, no.11, Nov.2007. p.693.

Kawasaki Heavy to lift railcar output

The company will invest roughly 4 bn yen to increase domestic and US output for rolling stock to meet a strong worldwide demand. The money will be spent on the railcar body plant in Lincoln, Nebraska and the Harima Works in Hyogo Prefecture.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.45, no.2,307, 15 Oct.2007. p.10.

Working along the same lines

Presents an interview with Simon Kirby, Network Rail's director of infrastructure investment. Network Rail is seeking more improvements and greater efficiency in its operations and has identified the supply chain as an area where progress may be made. Track renewals is given as an example where the number of contractors has been reduced from six to four.

Railway Strategies, Issue 45, Oct./Nov.2007. pp.2-5.

Technorail

Interviews Alcatel-Laurent's global transportation business development Director on the key role that the company plays in the rail industry as a technology supplier, integrator and large project prime contractor. Contracts described include: equipping the Berlin urban railway system with a fully IP-based communication network; developing and installing an on-board real-time video surveillance field trial in the driverless Copenhagen metro; and upgrading the private mobile radio network that covers the Paris Metro.

Railway Strategies, Issue 45, Oct./Nov.2007. pp.6-7.

Q1 national rail review

The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has published its national rail review and Network Rail monitor covering the first quarter of 2007-08. Trends show more growth in passenger usage, improving punctuality, and higher levels of investment in improving the network for passengers.

Railway Strategies, Issue 45, Oct./Nov.2007. p.12.

£50 million to be invested in Metro in next two years.

The investment in the Tyne and Wear Metro represents Phase 1 of a £600 million programme over 20 years to modernise and operate the network. Investment in the next few years will cover new stations, ticket machines and the overhaul of ageing bridges and tunnels.

Railway Strategies, Issue 45, Oct./Nov.2007. p.12.

Taking the lean track

Presents a series of articles looking at the implementation of lean manufacturing, the production of goods using less of everything, in the UK rail industry. Articles cover: what rail maintenance, repair and overhaul operators (MROs) can learn from their counterparts in the aerospace industry; Northern Rail's development of a lean program for MRO to help meet increasing demands for improvements in service and reliability; and the work of TBM consultants in helping the rail industry to profit from the advantages of lean principles.

Railway Strategies, Issue 45, Oct./Nov.2007. pp.19-27.

Driving forward

Interviews Jim Duffy, First Engineering's regional director south, to profile the company's activities in delivering renewals and enhancement work, asset management, and a variety of framework contracts, including Network Rail's National Track Renewals and High Output Programmes. The company is one of the remaining four track renewal contractors after Network Rail reduced the number from six.

Railway Strategies, Issue 45, Oct./Nov.2007. pp.38-41.

High speed rail line set to be sold at auction

Bob Holden, chief executive of London & Continental Railways, has said that an auction could be held for the 110km High Speed One link between London and the Channel Tunnel. The sell-off would be part of a likely break-up of LCR, which is owned by private sector shareholders but was last year redesignated as part of the public sector: the government would probably receive all of the proceeds from such a sale.

Financial Times, 3/4 Nov.2007. p.4.

Munchen maglev funded

The regional government of Bayern (Germany) has reached an agreement to fund a 1.85bn euro maglev linking Franz Josef Strauss Airport with Munchen Hauptbahnhof [Munich central railway station]. The gap for the Transrapid between state and Deutsche Bundesbahn (DB) funding is being bridged by varied sources, including the federal government and the EU. Construction is being undertaken by DB and the GSV Consortium (including Siemens, ThyssenKrupp, Hochtief, Max Bogl and Bilfinger Berger).

Railway Gazette International, vol.163, no.10. Oct.2007. p.591.

Chinese lines get underway

Construction started on Chinese Rail ways' Passenger Dedicated Line (PDL) between Harbin and Dalian at the end of August. The 904 km line is expected to take 5.5 years to complete. The route is projected to carry 37 million passengers per year by 2020, rising to 51 million by 2030, requiring 165 trains/day to operate on the line. Other work commencing in China is: a new 800 km double track line between Langzhou and Chongqing; upgrading of 834 km of track between Xining and Golmund, which forms the first stage of the line to Tibet; and tracklaying on the 115 km Beijing - Tianjin high speed line. Balfour Beatty Rail has been awarded the contract for design and installation of overhead electrification equipment on the 958 km PDL between Wuhan and Guangzhou.

Railway Gazette International, vol.163, no.10. Oct.2007. p.595.

Birmingham cool on rapid link

Birmingham's civic leaders are unimpressed by plans for a high-speed rail link to London. They are more concerned to revamp Birmingham's existing New Street station, which now handles double the number of passengers for which it was designed, and to improve local transport.

Financial Times, 31 Oct 2007. p 3

Steaming ahead

Oxford Catalysts has developed a way of producing steam by exothermic chemical reaction. It has created a catalyst which causes methanol and hydrogen peroxide to create a chemical 'steam' when mixed together: so far it has been tested only in miniature but the scientists believe it can be scaled up to power full-size machines.

Eureka, Oct 2007. pp 12-13

High Speed 1

An engineer closely involved in the construction of the Channel Tunnel rail link gives an overview of some of the challenges presented by the project.

Ingenia, Issue 32, Sep 2007. pp 16-24

Radical transport options unveiled

The Government has proposed a new high speed raillink between London and Birmingham in a newly published long term transport strategy document. Other proposals include bigger motorways and pay-as-you-go road pricing in congested urban areas and linking the allocation of landing spots at airports to airlines environmental performance.

Financial Times, 30 Oct. 2007. p.1.

Brown gives green light to Crossrail

Government funding of £16bn has been committed to the east-west rail link; London City Corporation has agreed to contribute £200M, to be paid in financial year 2015-16, a year before the project is due to open. The bill to build the project still has to secure parliamentary approval. The project start date of 2010 is not seen as ideal, as the UK construction industry will be working at full capacity on the Olympic project.

Financial Times. 6/7 Oct.2007. p.4.

EN 13674-1:2003

EN 13674-1:2003/Amendment 1 Railway applications. Track. Rail. Part 1: Vignole railway rails 46 kg/m and above.
This amendment was issued under the CEN UAP to BSI but was not announced. The voting deadline has passed. However, if you wish to view this draft amendment, please contact the programme manager: Bernard Williams (bernard.williams@bsi-global.com).

[BSI] Update Standards. Oct.2007. p.54.

TfL faces pressure on bid to take over Metronet

Transport for London is under pressure from the UK government to increase private sector involvement in plans to take over Metronet Rail, currently in administration, which handles maintenance and upgrading contracts for London Underground. It is thought that the government wants to see Metronet restructured in a way that is closer to the public-private partnership envisaged in 2003, and in use at Tube Lines, the company which looks after the part of the underground not handled by Metronet.

Financial Times, 22 Oct.2007. p.4.

Olympic transport plan excludes spectator car parking

Organisers of the 2012 Olympic Games in London have insisted that there will be no carparking at the events. The transport plan has revealed a strategy to encourage 100% of those attending to arrive on foot, by bicycle or on public transport. Some options for park-and-ride facilities were still being considered but the main emphasis will be on greatly improved rail services.

Financial Times, 24 Oct 2007. p 2

Eurotunnel cuts rail freight charges

Eurotunnel has made sweeping changes to its charging system for freight as part of its drive to double the amount of goods carried through the Channel Tunnel in as little as three years. In 2006 only 1.57 million tonnes of freight were carried and the plan is to increase this to six million tonnes in five to seven years.

Financial Times, 24 Oct 2007. p 23

Rail use on track to break record

British railways passenger numbers look set to rise by 8.3% this year, and are likely to exceed the 47bn passenger kilometres travelled during postwar demobilisation in 1946. The South east and long distance services have seen most passenger growth.

Financial Times, 19 Oct. 2007. p.2.

Alstom agrees Tube deal changes

Alstom Transport has agreed substantial changes to its 20 year contract to maintain trains on London Underground's Northern Line. Tube Lines is awarding Alstom a 10 year extension to its contract until 2017, for £80m, to maintain Jubilee Line trains. Alstom will now be paid according to length of delays and numbers of passengers held up if it fails to provide trains.

Financial Times, 19 Oct. 2007. p.28.

Go-ahead likely within days for £16bn delayed Crossrail project; London deserves something better than Crossrail

Unease at lack of Stansted link

The City of London has approved an extra funding package of hundreds of millions of pounds which should enable the Crossrail cross-London link to go ahead. The £16 billion project will link Heathrow airport, the West End, the City and Canary Wharf, and run from Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west to Shenfield in Essex and Abbey Wood in Kent in the east. It is argued however that Crossrail is no longer the right answer for cross-London travel and alternatives are suggested. In a further piece, there is criticism that it will not go to the international rail terminal at St Pancras, to the growing Stansted airport and will not connect to the main centres of housing development in Milton Keynes and Northampton. Supporters say that it links Heathrow, the West End, the City and Canary Wharf, and also links to the Eurostar terminal at Stratford.

Financial Times, 3 Oct 2007. pp 1, 13

Financial Times, 4 Oct 2007. p. 3.

Edinburgh airport rail plan axed

A £650m rail link to Edinburgh airport has been scrapped by the Scottish national party government. In its place a new airport station will be added to the Edinburgh tram system, due by 2011. In addition an electric rail link between Edinburgh and Glasgow will be introduced, reducing the journey time from 50 to 35 minutes and increasing train frequency.

Financial Times, 28 Sept. 2007. p.2.

Tube walkout over safety worries

London Underground train drivers staged a walkout, closing the Circle and Hammersmith and City lines in the rush hour because of concerns by the drivers over an automatic braking system. A return to work occurred, after safety checks, after it was thought that devices, meant to prevent trains restarting after application of the emergency brakes, could be overridden.

Financial Times, 28 Sept. 2007. p.5.

RBS seeks Angel Trains sale

The Royal Bank of Scotland is interested in selling off Angel Trains, a leasing company which owns around 5,000 locomotives and coaches, and has hired Lazard to investigate the options. Meanwhile, the UK's Competition Commission is looking into the market for the leasing of rolling stock following suggestions that excessive profits are being made.

Financial Times, 24 Sept.2007. p.21.

Germany to build maglev railway

The Bavarian state government is to build a high speed maglev rail line between Munich city centre and the airport and to this end has signed an agreement with rail operator Deutsche Bahn and the industrial consortium Transrapid, which includes the developers of the train (Siemens and ThyssenKrupp). The cost of the project is estimated at 1.85bn-euro ($2.6bn; £1.3bn). This will be the first commercial maglev service in Europe, and should reach a top speed of over 500km/h (310mph)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7011932.stm

Need to know: Engineering

Bombardier Transportation has won an order worth around Eur225m (£156m) for 60 Bombardier Traxx locomotives plus options from Angel Trains.

The Times, 25 Sep 2007. p.42.

Hybrid trains take to the rails

East Japan Railways Co. (JR East) has started operating the world's first hybrid diesel-electric hybrid train, using 10% less diesel fuel than a regular diesel train, on the Koumi Line, in Yamanashi and Nagano Prefectures. This is part of the company's plan to develop eco-friendly trains for areas where there are no electric tracks.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.45. no.2,300. 27 Aug. 2007. p.16.

Private company may still bid for Metronet

Tube Lines could mount a bid for Metronet Rail, even though London Underground has said no private buyer is likely to want the failed company. However, London Underground is unlikely to welcome the bid as it is keen to buy Metronet itself and change how the contractor operates. Tube Lines maintains and upgrades track and trains on the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines, with Metronet covering the rest. Metronet went into administration in July. Tube Lines is waiting for the valuation to be completed before deciding its position.

Financial Times, 13 Sep 2007. p.4.

Rail and rail joints

The following standard has been withdrawn from the Railway Group Standards Catalogue:
GC/RT5022 Rail and rail joints.

RSSB Information Bulletin. No.101. March-May 2007. p.2.

Railway applications

The following new standard has been published:
BS EN 14587-1:2007 Railway applications. Track. Flash butt welding of rails. Part 1: New R220, R260, R260Mn and R350HT grade rails in a fixed plant.

[BSI] Update Standards. Aug.2007. p.15.

Private buyers sought for failed Metronet

The administrator of failed London Underground maintenance contractor Metronet has approached several possible private buyers to assess interest. This was revealed at a meeting of the London Assembly's transport committee, where deep disagreements about Metronet's future were made public. Another view is that London Underground itself should take over the contracts as quickly as possible.

Financial Times, 12 Sep 2007. p 4

Network Rail cuts renewals contracts

Network Rail is to reduce from six to four the number of companies with long-term contracts for track renewal. The companies that lose out are Grant Rail and Carillion. Those that remain are: Amey SECO; the rail division of Balfour Beatty; First Engineering, part of Babcock; and Jarvis.

Financial Times, 12 Sep 2007. p 22

Refurbishment celebrates the golden age of steam

Cylinder and axle box bearing refurbishment work for The National Railway Museum, York's famous Flying Scotsman steam locomotive was recently completed with help from Corus Process Engineering, Workington.

Industrial Technology, Jul. 2007. p.12.

A Strategic Freight Network - what will it mean?

The Department for Transport's White Paper 'Delivering a Sustainable Railway', is allocating £200M for the development of a Strategic Freight Network (SFN) to provide 'a selective ability to handle wagons with higher axle loads and greater loading gauge'. SFN is aiming for network reliability and a 24h/7 day railway. The topic is discussed.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.708. Sept.2007. p.15.

Bidders await Metronet price

The investment bank Rothschild has been appointed to value Metronet, the failed London Underground railway infrastructure company. Valuations should be complete by the end of September, when administrators Ernst and Young will consider whether to invite formal bids.

Financial Times, 29 Aug 2007. p 2

Eurostar sets Paris-London record

A Eurostar train on its inaugural run over the second stage of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link has travelled from Paris to London St Pancras in just under two hours and four minutes, cutting the previous journey time by half an hour. When passenger services begin in November the scheduled time for the journey will be two hours and fifteen minutes.

Financial Times, 5 Sep 2007. p 4

Network Rail admits Grayrigg failures

Network Rail has admitted that repeated failures in track-side safety checks led to the derailment of a London to Glasgow train near Grayrigg, Cumbria, in February. One person died and 20 people were injured when a Virgin Trains Pendolino derailed on a broken set of points at 95 mph.

Financial Times, 5 Sep 2007. p 4

Need to know: Engineering

Bombardier reported a quarterly loss as it wrote off its investment in Metronet, the company contracted to upgrade the London Underground.

The Times, 30 Aug 2007, p 42.

Renewable railway

The Oslo Metro, a three car electric passenger train, designed and manufactured by Siemens Transportation Systems, is described. Key environmental performance indicators have been detailed for the system and Siemens has also devised a programme for recycling and disposal of the train (94%) at the end of its lifetime.

The Engineer, vol.293, no.7729. 30 July-12 Aug. 2007. pp.24-25.

Bidders for new high-speed train listed

Hitachi Europe, developer of the bullet train and the Express Rail Alliance, a consortium of 4 companies including Bombardier Transportation and the Alstom-Barclays Rail Group, have been named among the short-list of bidders to build the new generation of high speed trains for the UK. Alstom is the world's largest manufacturer of high speed trains, including the TGV. Hitachi has already been contracted to supply a bullet train type for services between London and Kent on the Channel Tunnel rail link, and shuttle trains for the 2012 London Olympics. As full electrification of the high speed network has been ruled out by the government, the new fleet will need to be power-flexible, and capable of running at 125 mph. 500 - 2000 vehicles will be purchased, depending on costs.

Financial Times. 17 Aug.2007. p.3.

Plan for public control of Tube work

Transport for London has announced that a large part of the maintenance on the London Underground system could be taken back under public control, and has made a formal 'expression of interest' to take over Metronet's contracts. The contracts would initially be taken over for a period of up to 2 years, but might become permanent if successful. Metronet is currently being run by the former Railtrack administrator, Ernst & Young, with public funding from TfL to ensure the network continues to run. Tube Lines has said that it will not bid for the Metronet contracts.

Financial Times, 25/26 Aug. 2007. p.2.

National Express in route win

National Express has won the franchise for the Intercity East Coast route, the most lucrative in the UK. It will pay £1.4 billion to the Department for Transport over the life of the franchise which will run from December 2007 to March 2015. During its first year of operation the company expects revenues of £600 million and has committed itself to £45 million of improvements.

Financial Times, 15 Aug 2007. p 16

Crossrail faces delay over cost concerns / Crossrail crawling closer to green light

Though the ambitious plans to build and open Crossrail by 2015 are likely to slip, as a result of concerns over affordability and the pressure being exerted on London businesses to contribute to the cost, political momentum is growing for the route to reach fruition. A bill is expected to pass through the Commons by spring 2008, but the project is likely to take at least 10 years to complete and cost at least £10bn. The Institute for Fiscal Studies believes that it might be necessary to delay the project to avoid cost overruns and a lack of funds for investment in other public services.

Financial Times, 3 Aug. 2007. pp.1,3.

Ministers give green light to rail expansion

An official review of the UK rail service is to be released tomorrow. 1,300 new carriages and longer platforms at stations, plus the Thameslink extension are expected to be amongst plans to increase passenger capacity. The green light for a new high speed London-Scotland link is not anticipated.

Financial Times. 23 July 2007. p.4.

New Network Rail chief plans to devolve power to local managers

A brief interview with Iain Coucher is presented, as he takes over today as chief executive, following on from John Armitt. Power and autonomy of managers to organise resources at a local level is seen as key to improving Network Rail's response to rail users' needs and to improve its overall performance.

Financial Times. 23 July 2007. p.4.

Berlin to sell 30% stake in railways

Up to 30% of Deutsche Bahn is to be floated by the German government next year. The company is valued at 20bn euros.

Financial Times. 23 July 2007. p.23.

Metronet goes bust

Metronet Rail went into Financial Administration on 18 July 2007. The company ran out of money whilst upgrading the Sub-Surface Lines and Bakerloo-Central-Victoria divisions of the London Underground under the Public Private Partnership.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.707. Aug.2007. p.6.

High Speed Two: A proposition by Greengauge 21

A special supplement discusses a high speed network for the UK. A high speed line in the north west corridor, connecting London and Birmingham with the North West is proposed. 15 benefits from High Speed Two are listed; how the line would look; its route; wider service opportunities; cost, and delivery; and the argument for building the line are put forward.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.707. Aug.2007. pp.16.

Underground special

The special feature includes an interview with Tube Lines' chief executive, Terry Morgan, on the topic of underground infrastructure renewal; Metronet's experiences of the Public Private Partnership; new signalling and new trains on the Northern Line; and the testing of the first pre-series train of 2009 stock in London.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.707. Aug.2007. pp.43-48,50-55,56-58.

Network Rail fined £2.4M for late delivery

The Office of Rail Regulation has fined Network Rail for the late delivery of a signalling scheme in Portsmouth. At least 3M passengers have been affected by slow services to Portsmouth harbour since January. The Siemens-made computerised signalling system will be completed during the October half term holidays.

Financial Times. 31 July 2007. p.3.

Rail network safety performance for 2006 shows continuing improvement

The safety performance report headlines are listed and show improvements in both passenger and workforce safety. Amongst other figures, broken rails are reported to have reduced by 28% to the lowest ever figure of 227. A copy of the report can be found on RSSB's website at http://www.rssb.co.uk/spreports.asp.

Rail Safety and Standards Board Information Bulletin, no.104. June 2007. pp.1-2.

Metronet braced for ruling on £2bn overspend/Contrasting tale of two contractors

Metronet Rail has applied for £400M of emergency funds to cover higher than budgeted spending on the upgrading of the London Underground. The BCV contract, covering the deep-level Bakerloo, Central, Victoria and Waterloo, and City tube lines, is one of Metronet's two public-private partnership (PPP) contracts, the other, SSL, covers shallow, sub-surface lines such as Metropolitan, District and Circle. Metronet is asking for a total of £992M for past and projected overspend on the BCV contract. Some of the cost increases in the BCV contract's firs three years (of 7.5 years) are detailed.
Working practice differences in Tubelines (owned by Bechtel and Amey), the other PPP contractor, which is managing to work within budget, are discussed.

Financial Times. 16 July 2007. p.3.

Groupe Eurotunnel sees strong traffic growth

In its first report on traffic and revenue since its restructuring, Groupe Eurotunnel saw strong growth in most of its business areas, but cross-Channel rail freight continues to decline, and overall first-half revenue fell from £273m to £252m. This was due to the expiry of financial arrangements designed to underpin revenues for the first 12 years after the tunnel opened. Eurotunnel's restructuring, completed last month, slashed its debt by £1.3bn and created a new French company Groupe Eurotunnel. Revenue from cross-Channel shuttles rose 8% to £162m. Passenger numbers rose 5%, but rail freight dropped sharply, partly because the UK government stopped paying all the tunnel tolls for EWS, the UK train operator that operates cross-Channel freight with SNCF. The move came at the same time as the ending of the minimum user charge.

Financial Times, 12 July 2007. p.20.

Metronet crisis: Bloom expected to take charge of ailing PPP; Working relationship proved dear

Metronet Rail, the company maintaining and upgrading two-thirds of the London Underground network, is to go into administration. The company's future has been in doubt since it was awarded only £121 million out of the £551 million it was claiming in emergency funding to keep its Bakerloo, Central, Victoria and Waterloo & City lines going. The procedure will be similar to that which was used for Railtrack when it went into receivership in 2001, and Alan Bloom, who oversaw that process, is likely to be the administrator appointed for Metronet. One of the key issues affecting Metronet Rail has been its 'tied supply chain', whereby until this year its five major shareholders had carried out most of the work without putting contracts out to competitive tender.

Financial Times, 18 Jul 2007. p 3

Passengers to bear the brunt of rail costs; The tricky question of who pays

In the new white paper "Delivering a sustainable railway" the government sees passengers paying an increasing proportion of the funding of the UK's railway services. State funding of the railways reached a record £6.5 billion in 2006-2007 and this is scheduled to decreased by £1.5 billion annually until 2009 when it should be around £3 billion. At the same time passenger revenue will increase to £9 billion from its present £5 billion. However this will be partly as a result of ever-growing passengers - by 2030 it is anticipated that the number of travellers by rail will have doubled again. Major projects to go ahead include Thameslink, and the rebuilding of Birmingham New Street and Reading stations.

Financial Times, 25 Jul 2007. p 2

Examining the cost of train/track interaction

The factors affecting track wear and tear (wear, fatigue, ballast settlement, track shift, gauge variation, sleeper degradation, broken rail clips/chars, corrosion damaged points and crossings, vegetation growth, drainage problems) are reviewed, and a new model that predicts the whole-life cost of damage caused by rail vehicles is discussed.

Railway strategies, no.43. June/July 2007. pp.91-93

High-speed train operators link up to take on airline alliances

The Railteam Alliance (RA) has been formed by 9 European high speed train operators to counter the three airline alliances (Star Alliance, One World Alliance, Sky Team) on international routes. RA will have a common booking system, simplified ticketing and integrated frequent traveller benefits. The 9 companies involved are: SNCF (France), Deutsche Bahn (Germany) SNCB (Belgium), NS (The Netherlands), OBB (Austria), SBB (Switzerland), Eurostar (UK/France/Belgium), Thalys (France/Belgium/Netherlands/Germany), and TGV Lyria (Switzerland/France). Some details of how the simplified ticketing system will work are given. This year four high speed lines are opening in western Europe (LGV Est France, UK, Belgium and the Netherlands), all expecting heavy international traffic.

Financial Times. 3 July 2007. p.8.

Tube train derailed Metronet headache / Metronet problems escalate after Tube crash

Details are given of the derailment on the Central Line in London between Bethnal Green, as a result of poorly stowed maintenance equipment. This comes on top of Metronet rail's overspending on its maintenance contract with London Underground. The company has submitted a request for London Underground to pay an extra £992m over the first 7.5 years of the contract for the Bakerloo, Central, Victoria and Waterloo and City lines, and is likely to request a similar further amount for the Metropolitan and District lines.

Financial Times, 6 Jul. 2007. pp.1,4.

Metronet chief hails work of smaller rival

The chief executive of Metronet admits that his company should have approached its station upgrade programme in the same way as TubeLines, but insists that Metronet are facing unexpected cost increases not applied to TubeLines so far because of a willingness to comply, but also because many work demands were unique to the Metronet lines. Tubelines believe they have been clearer on the scope of the work to be done, but have taken work to formal dispute resolution process when necessary.

Financial Times, 9 Jul. 2007. p.4.

Metronet may pay for late Tube work

As a result of a guidance published on 29 June by Chris Boult, arbiter of the 30-year London Underground public-private partnership, Metronet may have to pay for latter-running work. The guidelines state that the task of deciding what Metronet's spending should have been will consider the amount that would have been spent by a notional economic, efficient contractor that operated in line with good industry practice. If the work has been carried out in this way, the arbiter will then look at whether the costs have been higher because of delays and because the company has to accelerate its work rate to catch up, with such costs being borne by the contractor.

Financial Times, 7/8 Jul. 2007. p.3.

c2c goes green

Class 357 trains runs by c2c have been switching to regenerative braking since March this year. The system reduces power consumption by returning the electrical power generated by applying the brakes back into the supply network. Energy savings of up to 20% are being reported by the company.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.706. July 2007. p.6.

Virgin Trains launches biodiesel Voyager

The first European biodesel blend powered scheduled passenger train ran on 7 June from London Euston to Llandudno. The Cummins QSK-19 engines ran on a 20% biodiesel blend, the maximum without affecting operations or requiring engine modification. Trials of the blend with the Cummins NT855 in Class 158/159 trains are underway.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.706. July 2007. p.10.

Network Rail makes plans for National Engineering Centre

A new National Engineering Centre, located at Woodhouse Junction (Beighton, Sheffield), is at the planning stage. The centre would create 150 jobs and carry out the maintenance of Network Rail's engineering trains and on-track plant and machinery. Its location was chosen for its links to the rail network, available unused railway land, a local skilled workforce, and the proximity to Sheffield Hallam University, which offers a railway foundation degree.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.706. July 2007. p.11.

Tom Harris announces £44 million in grants

New rail freight grants have been announced by the Rail Minister. The money, administered through the Rail Environmental Benefit Procurement Scheme (REPS), is available for projects taking freight off the roads onto rail. Grants aim to remove over 2.1M lorry journeys and 631M lorry kilometres from the roads over the next 3 years. Recipients of new REPS (Bulk) and REPS (Intermodal) grants are listed.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.706. July 2007. p.12.

Deutsche Bahn and EWS in talks

Discussions are underway between Deutsche Bahn AG (DB) and English Welsh & Scottish Railway Holdings Ltd (EWS) on the development of a stronger European rail freight network. Joint projects and the acquisition of shares in EWS by DB are possible.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.706. July 2007. p.12.

The Modern Railway Directory 2007

Update Part 2 of the Modern Railway Directory is presented as a pull-out supplement. Key projects, infrastructure maintenance and renewal, signalling, light rail and metro, European news, and innovations are featured. A directory of over 1,200 UK rail businesses is included.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.706. July 2007. Supplement. 16pp.

Bombardier venture

An agreement has been signed between Bombardier and Transmashholding, a Russian railway technology manufacturer, setting up two joint ventures, one to develop advanced propulsion technology and technical solutions for railway equipment, and another for the manufacture of traction-converters, based on Bombardier MITRAC propulsion technology. An engineering centre in Moscow will serve Russian and overseas clients. The traction-converters will be produced at Transmashholding's plant in Novocherkassk. Demand for up to 7,500 new locomotives in Russia by 2015 is forecast.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.706. July 2007. p.55.

Global groups chase UK train order

The deadline for train manufacturers to express an interest in tendering for the replacement of the UK's 30 year old InterCity 125 trains was yesterday afternoon. Among companies known to have expressed an interest in supplying the 500 - 2,000 carriages are Alstom Transport (France), a consortium of Bombardier (Canada) and Siemens (Germany), Hitachi (Japan) and a company intending to buy trains from China. The Department for Transport (DfT) requires most of the train design (in electric, diesel and hybrid variants) to be completed within 18 months. Other requirements are for vehicles to be lighter, cheaper and to have a higher passenger capacity than existing UK trains. Analysts in the sector have said that the specification as it stands is 'probably nearly impossible to build'. With DfT handling train ordering, all train operators will be using similar, interchangeable vehicles.

Financial Times. 19 June 2007. p.2.

Crossrail signals at red while Whitehall weighs up costs

Talks over the Crossrail scheme's cost and the crucial issue of where the money comes from are said to still have 'a long way to go'. The green light will only be given if there is a substantial contribution from business and if the project's cost can be met within tight public spending limits. The subject is discussed, and a project timetable presented.

Financial Times. 19 June 2007. p.4.

Atkins writes down Tube investment

Costs of £121.3 million incurred with its Metronet Tube refurbishment project have pulled WS Atkins into an exceptional full year pre-tax loss of £39.6 million. Underlying growth in its other departments of 19%, yielding profits of £81.7 million, has helped to offset this. Metronet is currently in limbo until an agreement can be reached on responsibility for its cost overrun.

Financial Times, 27 Jun 2007. p 22

Metronet to seek cash within weeks

Metronet Rail, the main contractor upgrading the London Underground, is to seek an order to force the payment of millions of extra pounds by the public sector almost immediately through an 'interim determination' from Chris Boult, arbiter of the 30 year public-private partnership, at an emergency review of the reasons for cost over-runs. Metronet blames much of the overspend on London Underground's demands for a higher standard of work than was envisaged when the PVP contract was signed in 2003 while London Underground blames it on the inefficiency of Metronet.

Financial Times, 22 Jun. 2007. p.4.

The Modern Railway Directory

The Modern Railway update, the first of a two-part supplement, offers a fully updated version of the rail industry directory included in the new annual publication, The Modern Railway (TMR); a review of major rail industry developments since TMR was published in autumn 2006. All aspects of the rail business are examined in 12 main subject areas, including policy and finance, passenger and freight operations, light rail, consultancy and rolling stock. A review of the past 6 months' industry developments is included. Rail businesses, suppliers and industry bodies are listed in a directory. The 2008 edition of TMR will be published in November 2007.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.705. June 2007. Supplement. 16pp.

Network Rail aims to slash track repair times

A project to cut the time required for some essential track work from 54 to 8 hours has been revealed by Network Rail. Much of the work to build sets of points will be moved from trackside to central factories, with points taken to work sites as ready-assembled panels. Quality of manufacture is also expected to rise. Until the specialist wagons and cranes required for the work have been delivered, points will need to be broken into smaller panels than the final version of the plan, taking 12 hours for replacement. The project is expected to restore 7 day operation on the rail network.

Financial Times. 5 June 2007. p.2.

Crossrail chief says momentum behind scheme near unstoppable

Douglas Oakervee, chief executive of Cross Rail London Links, is optimistic about government funds for the project.. The bill enabling the scheme is expected to receive royal assent in early in 2008. Costs are estimated at around £15bn, including 35% contingency. Funds are likely to come from London businesses and fares so government need only pay for a third of the total cost. If it goes ahead according to plan, trains carrying people between east London and Heathrow would start in 2015.

Financial Times, 18 June 2007. p.1.

A change for the better

In an interview with Alstom's Steven Clarksmith and Steve Hadfield and TBM Consulting's Richard Holland, the ways in which Kaizen (lean and six-sigma) can be applied to the rail industry, and the benefits to performance, are discussed.

Railway Strategies, no.42. April-May 2007. pp.2-3.

Tyne-Tees maglev study

The Association of North East Councils and UK Ultraspeed are studying the possibility of using 300mph maglev technology for an ultra high speed transport network between Teesside and Tyneside. The system would consist of a fixed track with an electromagnetic linear motor and up to 10 cars providing seating for 1200 passengers; the control system would be automated.

Railway Strategies, no.42. April-May 2007. p.9.

Expansion plans

Following the unveiling of Network Rail's (NR) £2.4bn programme of rail expansion for the next two years, a number of projects (from the 900 individual schemes underway) and their estimated spend are briefly discussed and listed. A number of changes at NR are also announced, one of which is the establishment of a new Infrastructure Group to bring together engineering, maintenance, renewals and enhancement activities. The latter will be managed by a new role, Director, Infrastructure Investment, to be filled by Simon Kirby, the current director of major projects and investment.

Railway Strategies, no.42. April-May 2007. pp.14-15.

Network Rail staff pay for crash in cut bonus / Company seeks to curb delays caused by lineside blazes

All staff of Network rail will receive reduced bonuses following a decision by directors that responsibility for the Grayrigg crash in February lies with the whole company. The top 4 executives have also had an annual bonus cut of 64%. In addition the entire bonuses of the company's executive and all maintenance staff responsible for the length of track where the Grayrigg accident happened, are being withheld until after the official report into the accident is available. The accident was caused by faulty points. The rail network's performance has improved over the past year, and passenger train punctuality is at its best since 1999. Delays attributed to Network Rail remain steady, largely due to factors outside its control such as extreme weather events, suicides and track side fires. An attempt is being made to limit the effect of trackside fires by banning companies that use oxyacetylene cylinders from taking out new leases on trackside or archway properties, and also by trying to persuade tenants to use other means of fuelling welding and other equipment.

Financial Times, 25 May 2007. p.4.

China suspends maglev rail plan

Plans for a magnetic levitation railway link between Shanghai and Hangzhou have been suspended because of public fears that the trains would emit radiation. Talks with the German suppliers, Siemens, were already complicated by recent accidents involving maglev trains and concerns that the cost might be more than Euros 3.4bn.

Financial Times, 28 May 2007. p.4.

Italy's financial woes threaten rail tunnel plan

The planned tunnel to connect Lyons and Turin may founder as a result of the poor state of Italy's public finances. The project is part of a plan designed to connect the EU's 27 member states to improve the operation of the single market. Italy could have problems funding its share of the Alpine tunnels. A map showing the six proposed highest profile routes is given. This round of projects also includes upgrading the rail axis from Berlin to Southern Italy and improved connections from Ireland to mainland Europe,

Financial Times, 28 May 2007. p.4.

Metronet seeks costs review in pursuit of extra fees

Metronet Rail, the main private contractor working on the refurbishment of the London Underground, is to seek an official review aimed at forcing the public sector to pay it £100s million extra. Its argument is that London Underground has demanded significant extra work that was not laid down in the original contracts. The projected cost over-run is £750 million.

Financial Times, 23 May 2007. p 2

Carmakers point the way for tube / Managers see light in the tunnel

The private contractors maintaining and modernising much of the London Underground system are turning to lean manufacturing techniques used by Japanese car manufacturers to update work practices. The system has been used by Tubelines on escalator maintenance and has cut the time taken to overhaul an escalator from 26 down to 6 weeks. Metronet Rail has reduced the time taken for train overhauls from 72 to 48 hours, and is hoping to shrink it to 14 hours. The result for Metronet is an increase in the distance run by trains (15%) and in the passenger numbers (20%) since the start of the contract. Project overspends have not been reduced by these techniques. Managers are helped to visualise problems by whiteboards dotted with figures and coloured symbols, showing for example green dots for targets hit and red dots for those missed, while work is evened out by stacking up coloured bars representing each 10 seconds' work for team members.

Financial Times, 18 May 2007. p.6.

Alstom puts brakes on transfer of technology

Alstom transport is being cautious about technology handed to Chinese partners to avoid increased competition within the European market. The company is supplying only technology that would largely be useless outside China, since the trains in China have different track gauge and width. Grand Central announced in April that it is buying Chinese built trains for a high-speed service from London to north-east England. Alstom and Bombardier are both unsure if the Chinese manufacturers can achieve the sophistication and complexity required.

Financial Times, 18 May 2007. p.29.

Rail Industry

A four-page report on the current state of the rail industry covering such areas as: 'This is the age of the train' - an article on the industry's recovering fortunes; 'Key is standard products with a sophisticated design' - a discussion of the current position of the three main European manufacturers of rolling stock; 'Performance targets raise the bar for quality' - a discussion on the successful privately-run Stockholm metro; 'All the way from Japan: lessons in how to run a railway' - a discussion of the use of lean management techniques for the maintenance of the London Underground track and trains; 'Grappling with an ancient legacy' - a discussion of the changes that are to take place on the New York subway system, including building the new Second Avenue Line; 'Consumer consciousness tops the agenda' - a discussion of the growing environmental awareness of customers; 'An idea whose time has come' - the use of a privately run railway service in West Saxony, Germany, where regional and national governments are using tendering to challenge state-owned operators; 'From zero to hero in 10 years' - an outline of Cho Sangwhui, whose company, Rotem, is to build the KTX-2 high speed rolling stock for the Korean market; 'Market entry needs technology transfer' - discussing the demands of China for technology transfer as a price of entry into its market; 'Change of strategy saves reputation' - the policy of AnsaldoBreda to upgrade the Boston fleet for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority with quality products to save its reputation; and finally 'Another South African dream' - a project to build sub-Saharan Africa's first high-speed railway.

Financial Times, 18 May 2007. Special Report: Rail Industry

Tube overspends likely to exceed £750m

Metronet Rail has admitted that a previously estimated £750m overspend could be exceeded during the first seven and a half years of its contract. The company is blaming the demands of London Underground to constantly expand the scope of the work.

Financial Times, 11 May 2007. p.4.

Chinese trains in frame for Grand Central Railway

The Sunderland-London service of Grand Central could be serviced by three 140 mph diesel Polaris trains manufactured by CSR Ziyang. Similar to the diesel InterCity 125 High Speed Train, the units have 23m long steel built coaches and 15m long power cars. Electric traction will also be offered.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.704. May 2007. p.6.

Crossrail to serve Reading and Woolwich

It is understood that the UK government has given a commitment that the Crossrail project will extend to Reading; redevelopment of the station and its surroundings are to begin next year. Details of works to be undertaken are given. A Crossrail station at Woolwich is now likely following an agreement with the developer, Berkeley Homes.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.704. May 2007. p.6.

Network Rail Business Plan 2007: £2.4bn spending programme

The Business Plan is discussed. Samples of enhancement projects identified by Network Rail, and infrastructure spending 2007/08 on enhancements (total), renewals (excluding West Coast), West Coast, and maintenance are listed.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.704. May 2007. p.8.

Eight new trams for Metrolink

Bombardier, in partnership with Vossloh Kiepe, has won the contract to supply Flexity Swift trams to the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority. The trams will be delivered in the first half of 2009. Up to 28 more units are expected to be ordered in the near future, as the city expands its Metrolink system. Similar designs of tram operate in many Continental cities, including Cologne, Bonn, Stockholm and Rotterdam.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.704. May 2007. p.10.

Edinburgh tram shortlist

Following the go-ahead in March from Scottish ministers for the construction of Edinburgh tram line 1a, a shortlist of bidders has been drawn up to build trams capable of negotiating the tight curves and steep gradients in the city. Alstom and CAF are on the list to come up with a design for the 40 m long units, that can carry at least 230 passengers, with a 30 year design life.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.704. May 2007. p.10.

City cargo tram in Amsterdam

A month long pilot project was run recently by City Cargo, distributing goods in Amsterdam's city centre by tram. Two trams were modified and used between 07.00 and 17.00, with small electric lorries transferring goods (loaded in small wheeled containers) to shops. One of the conditions was that passenger transport in the city must not be affected. If the tests are judged to be a success, City Cargo will be looking for 50 trams built for easier loading.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.704. May 2007. p.69.

People are our most valuable asset

Weld-A-Rail's managing director explains both the approach adopted and the benefits achieved from introducing a competence management system into the company, specifically aimed at reducing risk in the highly hazardous environment of the rail industry. Following introduction of the system, the weld defect rate has reduced from 2.28% of weld cast to 0.99%, a 56% reduction.

Railway Strategies, no.41. Feb./March 2007. p.51.

Scotland tests new rail welding technology

The new Thermit SkV-E process, with its Single Use Crucible, has been used for new track construction on the Stirling to Alloa/Kincardine Bridge project. The project, a partnership of First Engineering Ltd and Network Rail Scotland, is the first part of a wider roll-out of the technology. The success of the pilot trial is briefly discussed.

Railway Strategies, no.41. Feb./March 2007. p.61.

Special rail grades and profiles - welding problems and solutions

A resume of papers presented at the 10th Institute of Rail Welding Technical Seminar, covering not only main line rail but light railways, tramways and crane rails, is given.

Welding Lines, no.20. March 2007. p.1.

First Engineering

A company profile of First Engineering, part of the Babcock Group, is presented.

Welding Lines, no.20. March 2007. p.3.

Metronet considers review on Tube overspend

London Underground (LU) contractor Metronet may initiate a formal independent review of the projected overspend on the work it is doing. The cost overrun is likely to be £750 million, and Metronet is still trying to settle with LU the issue of who will pay for it. Metronet's claim is that much of the overspend is due to LU's increasing the scope of the upgrade, and some at least of the increased costs should be met by that body.

Financial Times, 25 Apr 2007. p 2.

Hybrid trains offered in UK

Hitachi is developing hybrid diesel trains which also have batteries that are charged by regenerative braking. The stored power can then be used for improved acceleration. The company is now building its first commercial order, for a Japanese railway, and has proposed the technology for trial in the UK.

Eureka, Apr 2007. p 12

Tube chief lays blame for cost over-runs with contractor

Metronet Rail, the main private consortium involved with the upgrade to London's Tube system, is being blamed for the cost over-run and delay in completing parts of the project. Tim O'Toole, Managing Director of London Underground, criticised the way Metronet Rail is structured. Chris Boult, arbiter of the 30-year, £30bn, public private partnership to upgrade the underground's infrastructure and trains, has already stated that he expects Metronet to overspend by £750m in the first seven and a half years of the project. The consortium is said not to be working efficiently, economically or in line with good industry practice, and gives work to its partners rather than holding competitive tenders. London Underground believes the only way to achieve clarity on the problems is for Metronet to seek an extraordinary review of its spending from the PPP arbiter.

Financial Times, 12 Apr. 2007. p.4.

Rail operator to buy Chinese trains / Grand Central order latest sign of manufacturing strength

British train operator Grand Central is to order three Chinese-built high-speed trains for a new service between London and Sunderland. Chinese manufacturers have been trying for years to break into the European market, and established European manufacturers will be concerned about their ability to compete with lower-cost Chinese products. The trains, to be named Polaris, will be capable of up to 140 mph and will be able to either connect to current overhead lines or run on their own diesel engines. They are to be built by state-owned Chinese manufacturers CSR Ziyang, who will produce the motorised power cars, and CSR Puzhen, who will produce the intermediate unpowered coaches. The Chinese design appears to match the specification published last month by the Department of Transport for the 500 - 2,000 vehicles required to replace the ageing 125 Intercity trains. There is scepticism over the Chinese companies' ability to meet UK safety standards, and about the originality of the design. Bombardier transportation, which owns the design for the Intercity 125, says the Chinese manufacturers asked to look at the trains during the design process, and the company will be watching closely for copyright violations in the new train. Albania is currently the only European company to have Chinese trains. The order is a sign of the growing strength of China's train manufacturing industry which now meets a greater proportion of its home market requirements. This is largely as a result of technology transfer from Bombardier and Alstom which has enabled them to win business in China until now.

Financial Times, 14/15 Apr. 2007. p.2.

On track

Docklands Light Railway is being helped by Interfleet Technology, an international rail consultancy, in the procurement of 55 new articulated vehicles. Interfleet's Derby and German offices are working closely together to ensure high construction standards and timely delivery. The vehicles are being built at Bombardier's plant at Bautzen, Germany.

Engineering, vol.248. no.2. Feb. 2007. p.10.

Crash blamed on Railtrack 'culture'

The opening up of sentencing at the Ladbroke Grove trial is reported. A 'catalogue of failures to act over a number of years' has been laid at the door of Railtrack, the former rail infrastructure operator. The sequence of events leading to the crash are summarised.

Financial Times. 27 March 2007. p.5.

Delaying Crossrail would cost £1.5bn a year, says report

A report by economic consultants Volterra, for Crossrail and the Greater London Authority, considers that the delay of the cross-London rail link would cost London's economy about £4M a day from delays, lost productivity, planning blight and the rising costs of building the route. Delays to financing of the scheme are possible as a consequence of the spiralling costs of the 2012 Olympics.

Financial Times. 27 March 2007. p.5.

Network Rail fined £4M after fatal crash

As the successor to Railtrack, Network Rail has been fined for health and safety breaches leading up to the 1999 Ladbroke Grove rail crash that killed 31 people and injured over 100.

Financial Times. 31 March/1 April 2007. p.3.

Lambrigg will put RAIB [Rail Accident Investigation Branch] to the test

The rail accident at Lambrigg, between Oxenholme and Tebay, on the West Coast main line is reviewed. Initial investigations put a missing stretcher bar at points 2B as the cause of the crash. It is considered that the real test for the RAIB is to establish why the points were in such a bad condition.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.703. April 2007. pp.8-9.

Passenger growth reaches 6.7%

Estimated 2006 passenger figures from the Association of Train Operating Companies show a 6.7% rise (3.1%:2005), with growth in the last 6 months of 2006 at 10%. Long distance services saw a rise of 9.7%; London and South East services 6.00%; and regional services 7.3%. Passenger journeys are now around 50% of 1946 levels.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.703. April 2007. p.13.

GBRf's £45 million new contracts

The FirstGroup owned company has increased its turnover by 30% in the 2006/07 financial year. Last year it won contracts to operate engineering trains for Metronet on the London Underground, an extended contract from Royal Mail, a contract for the transport of coal from Tyne port to Drax power station, and an agreement to move coal from Hull to EDF Energy's stations at Cottam and West Burton. The company invested in 238 wagons and 5 locomotives in 2006.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.703. April 2007. p.16.

Humber freight boost

A joint programme to increase rail capacity for the carriage of seaborne freight from Hull Docks has been announced by Associated British Ports and Network Rail. Infrastructure on the docks branch line is to be improved to raise capacity from 10 to 22 trains in each direction per day, and on the Brigg line, south of the Humber, works will allow the movement of regular scheduled freight, mostly coal to the Cottam and West Burton power stations. The latter will be a shorter route than presently used, and with no bottleneck at Doncaster..

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.703. April 2007. p.16.

Amec Spie Rail reunited under French ownership

The remaining 50% interest in Amec Spie Rail Systems Ltd held by Amec has been sold to Colas, part of the Bouygues group. Last year Amec sold the Spie business and 50% of Amec Spie Rail to a new company funded by PAI Partners. Colas has also agreed to acquire PAI Partners' 50% of the rail business.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.703. April 2007. p.18.

Carillion optimistic as tendering ban lifted

The ban on Carillion Rail from tendering for new projects was lifted by Network Rail on 19 February. The bidding ban was imposed in August 2006 following concerns of a deteriorating workforce safety record. An action plan of remedial measures has been introduced over the past 6 months. A joint venture of Carillion and Balfour Beatty won the contract for the East London Line extensions from Transport for London.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.703. April 2007. p.18.

Balfour Beatty rail profit up

Preliminary results for the year to 31 December 2006 show rail operations profit standing at £38M. The company has been working on projects in the UK, Europe and Asia, with steady progress in major projects, including Metronet and BAA. Steady growth in the world rail infrastructure market is predicted for the longer term. Balfour Beatty acquired Birse Group in July 2006.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.703. April 2007. p.19.

To protect the planet, divert traffic to rail

The carbon dioxide emission reductions that could be achieved by shifting as much as possible of the UK's traffic onto rail are discussed. Tables show percentage of UK carbon dioxide emissions by mode of transport; changes since 1995/96; diesel consumption and estimated change in carbon dioxide emissions since 1995/96; change in UK electricity generation fuel mix since 1990 (coal, oil, gas, nuclear, renewable, other); energy consumption and percentage change since 1995/96 for electric trains; and summary of electricity consumption and carbon dioxide emissions: change since 1995/96. Initiatives underway for future rail energy efficiency and emission reduction are the implementation of brake regeneration, bio-fuels and energy efficient driving techniques.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.703. April 2007. pp.38-41.

Skanska to build line

Skanska has won the contract from the Norwegian National Rail Administration (Jernbaneverket) to construct a 2.8 km section (including tunnels) of double track between Skoyen and Asker, west of Oslo. All work, except for track laying, will be undertaken.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.703. April 2007. p.65.

Track record: French train hits top speed; TGV leaves Airbus woe a distant memory

A French TGV reached 357.2 mph on 3 April, and has broken the world speed record for conventional rail trains. The customised train was on the new TGV Est high speed line serving eastern France, Germany, Luxemburg and Switzerland. This will open in June and reduce journey times between Paris and Frankfurt from over six hours to less than four.

Financial Times, 4 Apr 2007. pp 1, 9

Network Rail doubles spending on measures to ease overcrowding; On track to address a shared problem

Over the next two years Network Rail will nearly double the amount it spends on measures to alleviate overcrowding on the national rail system. Over the last two years £1.4 billion has been spent on "enhancement" measures but up to 2009 this will increase to £2.4 billion. This will benefit not only rail passengers, whose numbers are forecast to increase by another 25-30% over five years, but also freight train operators, who frequently have to send trains by roundabout routes because of restricted clearances for the larger containers now in common use.

Financial Times, 4 Apr 2007. p 3

BS EN 14587-2

Railway applications. Track. Flash butt welding of rails. Part 2: New R220, R260, R260Mn and R350HT grade rails by mobile welding machines at sites other than a fixed plant. (Draft British Standard 06/30156800 DC)

[BSI] Update Standards. Nov.2006. p.40..

BS EN 15594

Railway applications. Track. Restoration of rails by electric arc welding. (Draft British Standard 06/30156796 DC)

[BSI] Update Standards. Nov.2006. p.40..

New trains designed and built in Britain

Corus has commissioned its Northern Engineering Services branch to build four new shunting locomotives. Although the four on order will be two-axle, 100 tonne, 1000 HP machines, the design will be modular and permit a wide range of size and wheel arrangement.

Eureka, Volume 27(3), Mar 2007. p 4

London waits and waits for Crossrail

The publication of a new report on the Crossrail project is the cue for a review of the economic damage being done to London by the continuing delays to starting work on it.

Financial Times, 28 Mar 2007. p 16

China seeks help building train line in harsh climate

China Ministry of Railways is in talks with Japanese companies on possible technical support in operating a high-speed passenger line between Harbin and Dalian in the north of China. The trains would travel at 300kph and be able to withstand temperatures as low as minus 50 Celsius. Kawasaki and Hitachi are said to be looking at special railcar development for the project, while JR East is considering offering technical support. China has further plans to build a 7,000km high-speed rail network by 2010 using its own rolling stock and technology. Orders to non-Chinese firms are limited to 200 high-speed trains of eight cars each.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.45. no.2,275. 5 Mar. 2007. p.4.

Train derailment at Grayrigg, Cumbria

The Rail Accident Investigation Board Interim Report on the derailment on 23 February 2007 is presented. The focus of the investigation rests on the Lambrigg 2B points. Indications are that these were the immediate cause of the accident. Line speed in the area is 95 mph and the plain line track consists of continuously welded rail laid on concrete sleepers.

http://www.raib.gov.uk/cms_resources/070226_I012007_Grayrigg.pdf

Extra 1,000 carriages for commuters

The transport secretary Douglas Alexander promised commuters 1,000 new train carriages by 2014 following mounting criticism of overcrowding at peak times and rising passenger levels. His department is in talks with manufacturers about supplying new carriages and will purchase the rolling stock and lease it to train operators via leasing companies.

Financial Times, 15 Mar 2007. p.2.

Metronet to reopen Old Dalby test track

The 21km Old Dalby test track, owned by British Railways Board (Residuary), mothballed since 2005, is to be used by Metronet Rail to test its new London tube trains. Part of the track will be electrified with underground pattern third and fourth rail. The track will be kept in its worn condition to simulate live conditions. Using the track replaces 200 nights of testing on the London Underground allowing maintenance and track and signal improvements to be carried out.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.702. March 2007. p.6.

Liverpool passengers won from airlines

The VLM (Belgium) air service between Liverpool and London City has been reduced to two aircraft a day as passengers transfer to the Virgin West Coast service.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.702. March 2007. p.7.

Network Rail awards signalling minor projects framework deals

Contracts to the value of £300M are to be awarded for signalling renewals, alterations and enhancements over the next 5 years. Agreements have been won by Carillion (South Thames), May Gurney (North Thames), Jarvis (North East), Amey (West) and First Engineering (North West and Scotland).

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.702. March 2007. p.14.

EDF Energy wins rail power contracts

Two rail electrification contracts have been won by EDF Energy. Working for Atkins, the company will modify existing high voltage switchgear in the Basingstoke Area, and working for Network Rail, the MF36 high voltage switchgear at Shortlands and New Eltham traction substations will be replaced.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.702. March 2007. p.14.

Thales to resignal Piccadilly Line

A contract extension has been awarded to Thales' rail signalling business (formerly Alcatel) by Tube Lines covering a new Seltrac signalling system on the Piccadilly Line. The system is similar to that used on the Docklands Light Railway.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.702. March 2007. p.14.

Eurostar: what next?

Richard Brown, chief executive officer of Eurostar (UK) Ltd, outlines his plans for using HS1 (High Speed 1), the London St Pancras to Channel Tunnel line due to open on 14 November 2007. Performance, opportunities, speed benefits, market share and load factor, and expansion of the network beyond Paris and Brussels are discussed. Figures show total Eurostar passenger journeys (2003-2006), journey times from London to Paris, Brussels, Lille (1994-2007), sample comparison of journey times (air and rail after opening HS1), and sample comparisons of numbers of departures per week (air and rail).

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.702. March 2007. pp.46-49.

High speed rail - into the future

The chief executive officer of SNCF (French Railways) and chairman of Eurostar, Guillaume Pepy's lecture to the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in February is summarised. A European high speed service is discussed in relation to customer requirements, business model, regulation of the 'open access' market, alternative to air travel, development of new generation rolling stock, and when to draw the line at speed of travel. Figures show the present European high speed rail network, Eurostar and TGV operation costs (%), and track access cost (Euro/train km).

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.702. March 2007. pp.60-62.

[New rolling stock orders]

Siemens has won an order for 60 of its dual-system electric locomotives fitted with European Train Control System from SNCB (Belgian Railways. Deliveries will be between Jan.2009 and June 2010.
Bombardier has been selected as a favourite supplier by Deutsche Bundesbahn (DB) for an EMU platform framework agreement based on 321 trains. Bombardier offered the new generation of its Talent trains, which will start coming into service on German regional lines in 2009.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.702. March 2007. p.66,68.

Row follows arbiter's decision on contract

The confrontation between London Underground and Metronet Rail has worsened, with each party giving very different accounts of the latest statement of the arbiter of their contract, Chris Bolt. In November Metronet Rail asked Mr Bolt to give a view on the allocation of the cost overruns, projected at £750 million, and he replied that Metronet had not operated in an economic and efficient manner. However Metronet argues that, while some of the spending had been wasteful, much of it had been necessary and should have been paid for by London Underground.

Financial Times, 14 Mar 2007. p 3

High-speed line to use domestic rolling stock

Rolling stock development by domestic companies is to be planned by the Chinese Ministry of Railways for high-speed passenger railways being built between Beijing and Guangzhou in China. Companies who have previously supplied rolling stock to China are being called on to transfer technologies to provide local joint venture partners with design and production technologies, and help Chinese firms develop proprietary rolling stock. Non-Chinese manufacturers would be used to make up shortages.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.45. no.2,273. 19 Feb. 2007. p.22.

LPA curbed by shareholders

Shareholders in LPA Group of Saffron Walden have turned down resolutions that would allow the company to buy its own shares or the directors to allot shares for cash. The company makes electrical and electronic systems for trains and has been fighting off advances by a corporate raider whose major interest is in property.

Cambridge Evening News, 28 Feb 2007. p 25

Blow to Network Rail's spending plans

The Office of Rail Regulation has advised ministers that Network Rail should receive up to £3.9bn less than it has requested to run the network between 2009 and 2014. The ORR, which is now the railways' safety regulator, admitted that the spending figures could be affected by any tightening of safety standards after Friday's fatal crash in Cumbria. Ii expressed concern that recent rapid improvements in the reliability of key rail infrastructure had levelled off, but that the concerns were directed at punctuality rather than safety.

Financial Times, 1 Mar 2007. p.4.

City and unions to press Blair on Crossrail

A coalition of business and trade union interests is to increase pressure on the government to agree funding for the cross-London rail link Crossrail as part of this year's comprehensive spending review. The original cost estimate in 2002 was nearly £10.3 billion but it is now more likely to be around £16 billion.

Financial Times, 7 Mar 2007. p 3

Tube consortium U-turn on upgrade

The Metronet consortium, which is upgrading two-thirds of the London Underground, is to announce a fundamental change in the way it does business. It is to award £150m of work on six stations to outside contractors to speed up work and control costs, and will put the work for a further 78 stations out to tender. Previously work was given only to its shareholders, WS Atkins, Balfour Beatty, NBombardier Transportation, EDF Energy and Thames Water. Tube Lines, which is upgrading the remaining lines, puts all work out to tender and performs better.

Financial Times, 23 Feb. 2007. p.2.

Virgin makes GNER franchise shortlist

A joint venture between Virgin Trains and Stagecoach is one of four bidders shortlisted for the East Coast mainline rail franchise. If successful Virgin would have a virtual monopoly of long-distance Anglo-Scottish rail services.

Financial Times, 21 Feb 2007. p 4

Rough ride for Taiwan's first bullet train

Taiwan High Speed Rail, connecting the cities of Taipei and Kaoshiung, started operation on 5 January 2007. This marks the first export of the Japanese Shinkansen technology. The opening of the line has already prompted Winbond Electronics Corp. to build an R&D centre near Hsinchu station, Hsinchu county, because of ease of travel for employees now the railway is functioning.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.45. no.2,270. 29 Jan. 2007. p.23.

BS EN 13803-2:2006

Railway applications. Track. Track alignment design parameters. Track gauges 1435 mm and wider. Part 2: Switches and crossings and comparable alignment design situations with abrupt changes of curvature.

[BSI] Update Standards. Feb.2007. p.11.

Greenbrier and GIMSA form railcar manufacturing joint venture

A joint venture to build rolling stock for freight transport, particularly covered hopper vehicles, in North America has been formed by Greenbrier Companies (Lake Oswego, OR, USA) and Grupo Industrial Monclova (Mexico). Manufacture will take place in Monclova. Each company will hold 50% interest. Production capacity is to rise to 3,000 units per annum, with multiple production lines and 1200 employees.

Welding Journal, vol.86, no.1. Jan.2007. p.12.

US truck companies suffer as rail prospers

The slowing in the US domestic economy has resulted in a slump in orders for trucks; rail operators, however, are continuing to prosper. Truck operators such as Werner Enterprises, Swift Transportation and Heartland Express have reported substantial falls in profits and have warned that business will remain weak in 2007. Union Pacific, BNSF and CSX, the 3 largest US rail carriers have reported double digit earnings growth. The latter have not yet felt the effects of the US economic slowdown as capacity remains tight following years of consolidation which has left the sector dominated by a few large companies. Following 4 years of fast growth, freight volumes are now moderating, but pricing remains strong.

Financial Times. 29 Jan.2007. p.23.

Bombardier's January sale

As a result of a three year order hiatus, between the end of Electrostar production in 2005 and the start of Victoria Line construction in 2008, last summer the company offered to make extra rolling stock at cut rate prices for existing builds. Since then orders from Transport for London and Gautrain (South Africa) have arrived. With the start of work for London Underground on the horizon, Bombardier has announced the end of its sale offer in February.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.701. Feb.2007. p.10.

Heavy freight should pay full costs of freight-only lines, says ORR

Proposals have been published by the Office of Rail Regulation for freight operators to pay the full costs of lines used only by freight trains. This proposal is in accordance with government policy and European law. The charge would be implemented only on market segments that can bear the increase in costs.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.701. Feb.2007. p.12.

Skanska/Grant Rail win DLR Stratford job

The joint venture has won the first of three construction contracts for the Docklands Light Railway extension from Canning Town to Stratford International. For completion by February 2009, the work includes two new platforms at Stratford station, track alignment work to prepare for the new DLR link between Stratford and Stratford International, and construction of the shell and foundations of the new DLR station at Stratford International.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.701. Feb.2007. p.14.

Renewals contractors put on notice

After a 6 month review of performance, Network Rail intends to reduce the number of its track renewals contractors from 6 (Amey Seco, Balfour Beatty, Carillion, Jarvis, First Engineering, Grant Rail) to 4. The aim is to accelerate efficiency improvements. Issues being measured by the review include safety record, volume achieved, on-time completion, unit cost, and business behaviour. High output methods, already a major part of delivery of plain line renewals, accounting for around 15% of track renewals, are to increase significantly over the next 3 years. Network Rail foresees that with the increased use of high output track renewal methods, the present market supply will become too large for future needs.

Modern Railways, vol.64, no.701. Feb.2007. p.15.

Making the right connection

A collaboration between Corus and the University of Southampton has produced Silent Track, a dynamic vibration dampening system capable of reducing noise generated by the track. The first application will be 10km of track in various Dutch cities.

Design Products and Applications, Dec 2006. p.8.

Orders are soaring for raid target LPA

LPA Group of Saffron Walden, which supplies mainly the rail industry with electrics, has returned to profit in the second half of 2006; but has still suffered a loss of £143,000 for the whole year. A growing order book confirms that there is a lot of interest from defence, infrastructure and rail companies in LED lighting, but there is also a risk of a battle with a corporate raider who currently has a 17% interest in the company.

Cambridge Evening News, 25 Jan 2007. p 32

Eurotunnel revenues up as traffic falls

Eurotunnel revenues rose 5% in 2006 despite carrying less traffic. The figures reflected the company's policy of pursuing higher-yielding business at the expense of high volumes. Income is likely to drop this year because of the end of arrangements guaranteeing minimum income from third-party users of the tunnel.

Financial Times, 18 Jan 2007. p.20.

Eurotunnel clears more hurdles to financial restructuring

Eurotunnel has cleared more hurdles to its financial restructuring with two creditors dropping their cases. £2.13bn of Eurotunnel's debt is likely to be written off, but the creditors will eventually take control of the company.

Financial Times, 19 Jan. 2007. p.19.

London Underground close to Alstom deal on Northern Line

The private consortium that maintains the Northern Line track and trains, is close to finalising contract changes to transform the reliability of the line's trains. Tubelines has reached an agreement with Alstom which should give Alstom a better incentive to keep trains running reliably.

Financial Times, 22 Jan. 2007. p.3.

[Railway] Risk Management Forum 2007

The annual two day rail industry Risk Management Forum is to be held on 19 and 20 June 2007 at Nottingham University's Jubilee Campus. The theme for this year is 'Managing risk across interfaces - to improve safety and business performance'. For further information contact Kerry Taylor at the Rail Safety and Standards Board (kerry.taylor@rssb.co.uk).

London; RSSB, 2006. 1pp.

Railsafe

An update on Railsafe, the project on training, qualification and certification of aluminothermic rail welders on a common European basis, is presented. A brief history of the harmonised system, requirements for education and training, and the project's future are discussed.

Welding Lines, no.19. Dec.2006. pp.2-3.

Corus Rail

In the fifth in a series of the Institute of Rail Welding's corporate member company profiles, the spotlight is put on Corus Rail, one of the business units within the long products division of Corus plc. The company's products are listed. Subsidiary Corus Rail Technologies' (CRT) areas of expertise and key staff are introduced. CRT's key developments - weld restoration of grooved rail, rail defect management system, and prediction of initiation of rolling contact fatigue cracks - are briefly described.

Welding Lines, no.19. Dec.2006. pp.3-4.

Eddington report discourages new transport infrastructure

A synposis of the Rod Eddington report, 'Transport's role in sustaining the UK's productivity and competitiveness' is presented.

Modern Railways. Jan.2007. pp.6-7.

Vision 2035

Rail Minister Tom Harris outlines the Government's thinking in the development of a technical strategy for the way the railways should look in three decades' time.

Modern Railways. Jan.2007. pp.30-31..

BS EN 15610

Railway applications. Noise emission. Rail roughness measurement related to rolling noise generation.

[BSI] Update Standards. Jan.2007. p.29.

Eurostar expects passenger increase

Eurostar chief executive, Richard Brown, is expecting an increased number of passengers this year, and that they will use the service for longer, more complicated, journeys. This follows improvements to the European rail network, including the opening of new sections of high-speed track between Antwerp, Belgium and Amsterdam, Netherlands. An additional improvement will be the opening of the high-speed link from London to the Channel Tunnel.

Financial Times, 12 Jan 2007. p.23.

KCRC West Rail special

This special issue is devoted to the Kowloon-Canton Railway and in particular Arup's involvement with the recent West Rail projects.

Arup Journal, 3/2006. pp 2-43

Fuel-cell train reaches 50kph in demonstration run

The manager of the East japan Railway Co's Research and Development Center, Ryosuke Futura, believes in the potential of fuel-cell trains, and suggests that the power transmission system may be removed from trains completely in future. A recent hybrid train demonstration at Tokyu Car Corp.'s factory at Yokahama reached a speed of 50 kph on a 300m test track. The train can goat 100kph and accelerates almost as smoothly as a current commuter train. Details of the working of the fuel cell are given. Before it can be commercialised the performance and manufacturing costs of the fuel-cell must be improved, and the cost of manufacturing the fuel-cell train must be reduced.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.44. no.2,262. 27 Nov. 2006. p.16.

High-speed 3-D machine vision: getting the details right

A discussion of the use of high-speed machine vision systems. Details are given of the choice of camera systems, acquiring the image, illumination, software considerations, and its application to scanning rail tracks.

Laser Focus World, vol.42. no.11. Nov. 2006. pp.67-70.

Eurotunnel seeks backing for write-off proposals in face of legal challenges

Eurotunnel hopes to move towards restructuring its £6.18bn debt when its bond holders meet to vote whether to accept a plan to write off a significant portion of the debt. If the process fails, Eurotunnel said it would go into liquidation.

Financial Times, 14 Dec.2006. p.19.

Network Rail runs into profit but stresses need to raise capacity

Results for the company for the 6 months to the end of September 2006 show pretax profits of £747M; the profits will be reinvested, largely in paying down debt that stands at £17.9bn. Improved efficiency has reduced operating costs by £1.1bn over the past 2.5 years. A priority is increasing network capacity.

Financial Times. 28 Nov.2006. p.4.

£6 million deal for DeltaRail

Formerly known as AEA Technology, DeltaRail Group Ltd has won 4 major contracts from Network Rail; these are listed. Three other contracts involving IECC (integrated electronic control centres) signalling control system enhancements have also been secured.

Modern Railways, vol.63, no.700. Dec.2006. p.9.

Rail freight ready to fight climate change

The opinion column of the Rail Freight Group considers how the increased use of rail in place of road transport can help to reduce carbon emissions.

Modern Railways, vol.63, no.700. Dec.2006. p.13.

Towards the 2030 railway

The possible shape of the UK rail service over the next 25 years is discussed, looking at new station and rolling stock design, the effect of climate change on services, low maintenance equipment, increasing capacity, and use of top quality materials.

Modern Railways, vol.63, no.700. Dec.2006. pp.30-32,34-35.

We must kick our addiction to speed

It is argued that a high speed line is not the answer to the UK's transport problems. Energy use versus time saving (London to Edinburgh), energy and power use coefficients for different speeds compared to 200 km/h, and city disposition (UK and France) are considered, with figures presented. Reliable performance and good connections are proposed as better than high speed in the UK as distances between centres are not great enough, there is not time to plan and build them, a sustainable transport policy needs capacity more than speed and they have hidden environmental costs.

Modern Railways, vol.63, no.700. Dec.2006. pp.36-39.

Bombardier scoops huge Paris suburban order

The contract to supply and maintain 372 trains for the Ile de France suburban network has been awarded to Bombardier by SNCF. Design and manufacture of the units will take place at Crespin with deliveries beginning late 2009. Alstom, the other bidder on the project, is considering legal action to get the decision reversed.

Modern Railways, vol.63, no.700. Dec.2006. p.60.

People

John Armitt, Chief Executive of Network Rail, has won The Sir Robert Lawrence Award of The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK).
Tony King, Director of Jacobs, has become chairman of the Railway Industry Association. The position is for two years.

Modern Railways, vol.63, no.700. Dec.2006. p.78.

Rail freight in last-minute deal

The Department for Transport has agreed a funding deal with EWS, the UK's freight service operator through the Channel Tunnel, to avoid the company carrying out its threat to close the service. The company believes the full toll prices, which it would have had to pay from this date if the DfT had removed funding it has provided for the past 10 years, are too high to make the service economic.

Financial Times, 1 Dec. 2006. p.20.

Evraz Group to buy Oregon for US$2.3bn

Oregon Steel Mills is to be acquired by Russian steelmaker, Evraz Group, and is the latter's first move into the North American steel business. The purchase will make Evraz a leader in steel plate and pipe manufacturing, and the largest producer of rails in the world. Both companies presently dominate rail production in their domestic markets.

Financial Times. 21 Nov.2006. p.22.

Games overruns threaten Crossrail timing

Internal projections for the cost of the Olympic Games are now put at £5 billion, double the original estimate, and as a consequence construction of the trans-London Crossrail project may be deferred until after 2012. Increased security measures have greatly added to the cost of the Games, and the estimated cost of Crossrail has already risen by nearly £5 billion. Gordon Brown is anxious not to let capital spending get out of hand during the next comprehensive spending review and he has several other large projects in prospect, including a revamped Thameslink.

Financial Times, 22 Nov 2006. p 3

Metronet investors may bear extra costs for Tube

An outline of the possible outcome of the report by Chris Bolt, who arbitrates disputes over the implementation of the Underground PPP, which suggests that Metronet has not been economic and efficient in the upgrade of stations and work on the Tube track.

Financial Times, 17 Nov. 2006. p.4.

Eurostar has record-breaking third quarter

Passenger numbers were up 9.9% for the period July-September compared to the same period in 2005, and sales revenue increased 21%. Business market ticket sales rose 27%. Average punctuality stands at 91.4%, with 98% being achieved during one week in September. Passengers on Eurostar generate 11kg of carbon dioxide emissions between London and Paris, compared to 122kg for passengers flying the route.

Modern Railways, vol.63, no.698. Nov.2006. p.7.

Eddie the Engine launches Stobart Rail's Tesco service

The 19th Sept. 2006 saw the launch of Stobart Rail at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal. Direct Rail Services, under contract to Eddie Stobart Ltd, the road haulier, is operating a dedicated service carrying non-food products from the Tesco complex at Daventry to its Scottish distribution site at Livingston. The new rail service is expected to reduce lorry movements by 13,000 per annum. Further details are given.

Modern Railways, vol.63, no.698. Nov.2006. p.12.

Rail funding becoming even more opaque

Support for the UK railway is discussed by Roger Ford (Informed Sources), and a table details funding and 'hidden monies' from 2003/04 to 2008/09.

Modern Railways, vol.63, no.698. Nov.2006. pp.16-17.

Confidence north of the border

The Northern Ireland Rail network is reviewed and future rail development is considered. A chart (underground-style) itemises future options for routes.

Modern Railways, vol.63, no.698. Nov.2006. pp.56-59.

Balfour Beatty ties up with Bombardier for signalling work

A signalling joint venture between Balfour Beatty Rail (BBR) and Bombardier Transportation (Signal), targetting the German market, has been announced. BBR is also working with Bankner AG (Switzerland) to provide rigid catenary trackfeed for the Swiss market.

Modern Railways, vol.63, no.698. Nov.2006. p.62.

English input for Caterpillar DMU engine

The first in a new family of low-emission horizontal engines for powering diesel multi-units has been launched by Caterpillar. The C18 ACERT, along with the C32 and C175, are for customers requiring a horizontal alternative to competitive models requiring larger cooling systems. The C18 will be available for DMU manufacturer testing in 2007 with full production starting at the end of 2008. Core engine production will be carried out at the Caterpillar Mossville (IL, USA) plant, with finishing at either the Peterborough, Stafford or Shrewsbury facility (to be decided).

Modern Railways, vol.63, no.698. Nov.2006. p.62.

East London line contract awarded as part of 2012 transport boost

The contract for work on the East London line extension has been awarded to a consortium of Balfour Beatty and Carillion. A new set of orbital rail services will be created, with the New Cross-Whitechapel line converted to the National Rail network from the underground system, an 2.25 mile extension (to Dalston Junction), and a new junction at New Cross Gate. The existing line will have all track and signalling replaced. The project will run from 2007 to 2010.

Financial Times. 24 Oct.2006. p.6.

Network Rail faces hefty fine following crash plea

Network Rail has pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety laws in the period before the Paddington rail crash and could face substantial fines. Sentencing is likely in mid-December. Thames Trains, whose train precipitated the crash, pleaded guilty in 2003 and was fined £2 million, then a record; but Balfour Beatty and Network Rail were subsequently fined £11 million for health and safety charges arising from the Hatfield rail crash.

Financial Times, 1 Nov 2006. p 4

Rolling ahead: Bombardier beats Alstom to win French train contract

SNCF has given a second major order in recent years to Bombardier rather than Alstom. The Eur2.7bn order is for 372 trains to replace ageing stock. SNCF also awarded Bombardier an order to renovate 635 double-decker wagons. The new trains will be built in Bombardier's factory in eastern France.

Financial Times, 26 Oct 2006. p.28.

Alstom and Datong in locomotive deal

Alstom and Chinese partner, Datong Electric Locomotive, have signed a contract for $1.2bn to deliver 500 heavy freight locomotives to Chinese railways. Another contract for the supply of power turbines is also expected to be completed.

Financial Times, 23 Oct. 2006. p.8.

AS 1085.20:2006

Welding of steel rail.

Australasian Welding Journal, vol.51, no.3. 2006. p.45.

BS EN 14730

Railway applications. Track. Aluminothermic welding of rails.
Part 1:2006 Approval of welding processes.
Part 2:2006 Qualifications of aluminothermic welders, approval of contractors and acceptance of welds.

[BSI] Update Standards. Oct.2006. p.10.

EN 14969:2006

Railway applications. Track. Qualification of railway trackworks contractors.

[BSI] Update Standards. Oct.2006. p.43.

BS EN 13146

Railway applications. Track. Test methods for fastening systems.
Part 4:2002 Effect of repeated loading. Amendment 1.

[BSI] Update Standards. Oct.2006. p.18.

BS EN 13481

Railway applications. Track. performance requirements for fastening systems.
Part 1:2002 Definitions. Amendment 1.
Part 4:2002 Fastening systems for steel sleepers. Amendment 1 (also incorporates Corrigendum 1)

[BSI] Update Standards. Oct.2006. pp.18-19.

French railway may buy Alstom train

Philippe Mellier, chief executive of Alstom's transport division, has said that the French state railways SNCF could be the first company to buy the new AGV high-speed train, successor to the TGV. The new train has aluminium rather than steel carriages, and all electrical and control equipment is now hidden beneath the floors of carriages rather than concentrated in power cars at each end of the train. SNCF, however, maintains that nothing has changed since it denied in May that it would be the launch customer.

Financial Times, 11 Oct 2006. p 22

Network Rail forecasts 30% freight growth in 10 years

The figure is from the draft Freight Route Utilisation Strategy (RUS), published for consultation this month, and to meet the forecast's demand an additional 120 trains/day will be required. Greatest growth will be in the coal and intermodal traffic sectors. The expected increases in freight traffic in these areas are discussed in some detail.

Modern Railways, vol.63, no.697. Oct.2006. p.12.

Welding contract for Corus

A 6 year contract, valued at £23M, has been awarded to Corus for the welding of up to 100,000 tonnes of new rail per annum. Work will be carried out at a new welding centre located at the Corus site in Scunthorpe; the centre will replace welding facilities in Workington and Castleton. Welding at the latter will cease on 1 December this year.

Modern Railways, vol.63, no.697. Oct.2006. p.14.

A high-speed line could wash its face/HSL: an economic bridge between north and south

Two articles champion the need for the UK to have a dedicated high speed rail network, saying that it would be financially viable, would ease line pressures on commuter trains, cause regeneration in regions through which it passes (as has happened with the TGV in France), and return some sense of balance to the UK economy, which presently favours the south.

Modern Railways, vol.63, no.697. Oct.2006. pp.34-37.

25 years of the TGV

On 27th September 2006 the French TGV network celebrates its silver anniversary. The company's business strategy is reviewed in an interview with Guillaume Pepy, CEO of SNCF. Figures illustrate the TGV rail network; track speeds (1981-2010); the passenger capacity of a number of trains (Eurostar, TGV Double Deck, DS Kent bullet train, TGV Single Deck) compared to common passenger aircraft types (A380, A340/600, etc.); routes under construction, study and under discussion; capture of market share from air and road/increase in rail traffic from the opening of high speed routes (Paris-Marseille, Paris-Brussels, Madrid-Seville); and TGV passenger numbers (1981-2005). Future French high speed projects are listed and briefly described.

Modern Railways, vol.63, no.697. Oct.2006. pp.65-74.

Siemens' five UK depots

Siemens' investment of £110M for depot construction will culminate in the opening of its York depot in October. Facilities at the five depots - Acton, Ardwick (Manchester), King's Heath (Northampton), Northam (Southampton), and York - are described. Tables lists their customers, fleets, number of staff, opening dates, build costs and principal contractors.

Modern Railways, vol.63, no.697. Oct.2006. pp.76-78.

Transport Innovations

A seminar and exhibition on Transport Innovations is to be held at the NEC, Birmingham, 7-9 November 2006. For further information see www.transportinnovations.com.

Coventry, UK; Expocom, 2006. 4pp.

A high-speed magnetic levitation (maglev) train, part of the Transrapid project run by Siemens and ThyssenKrupp, crashed on a test track in Germany on Sunday. 25 people are thought to have been killed. The train crashed into a maintenance vehicle carrying two workers. Rescue workers had difficulty reaching the track, which is suspended on a concrete track 5 metres off the ground. This crash casts doubt on the commercial viability of the system. The only commercial train in operation is in Shanghai, China, which had problems last month when it overheated after a technical failure. There has been interest recently from the Middle East and the UK, as their potential to travel at up to 500kph appeals to many politicians.

Financial Times, 23/24 Sept. 2006. p.6.

Germans defend maglev trains despite fatal crash; Safety now added to fears over reliability and cost

The German government has ordered an independent enquiry into the fatal accident last Friday, when a maglev train hit a maintenance vehicle on the test track. Despite the accident, the German government, the Transrapid consortium (a joint venture of Siemens and ThyssenKrupp), the Bavarian government that plans to install a maglev link between Munich airport and the city of Munich, and UK Ultraspeed, which hopes to sell the Transrapid system in the UK, all claim the technology is sound. The system is different to that under development in Japan. The potential danger from maintenance vehicles had already been recognised, and safety measures were planned for the Munich track, but they had not been implemented on the test track. Since it was believed that the main control system would monitor the location of trains, so preventing any risk of collision, they are not built to withstand impact. A stronger structure would be heavier and require more energy to lift and move it, which could make the whole system uneconomic. Transrapid hopes to sell the technology in China, the Gulf, Germany, the UK and the USA.

Financial Times, 25 Sept.2006. p.6.

Maglev to get an investment lift

Central Japan Railway (JR Central) is to triple its investment in its magnetic levitation test line west of Tokyo. JR Central earns 70% of its revenue from conventional high-speed trains, but has used cutting edge technology to develop its own maglev system. Given the present high speed of "bullet trains" and the much higher costs of maglev infrastructure observers doubt whether the system will ever be a viable alternative to conventional railways.

Financial Times, 27 Sep 2006. p 26

AEA Technology exits rail market

The sale of the AEA Technology plc rail business, together with other non-core activities, to Vision Capital Ltd has been conditionally agreed. The sale follows a poor financial year in 2004-2005; the company is to focus on its core environmental business.

Modern Railways, vol.63, no.696. Sept.2006. p.8.

Should we reintegrate the railway?

In the light of the Conservative Party's policy U-turn, ways of reuniting track and train on the UK rail network are considered. The effect of external factors, such as rising oil prices or road pricing that produce a greater swing to rail use, are also discussed.

Modern Railways, vol.63, no.696. Sept.2006. pp.50-53.

EN 14730

EN 14730 Railway applications. Track. Aluminothermic welding of rails. Part 1:2006 Approval of welding processes; Part 2:2006 Qualification of aluminothermic welders, approval of contractors and acceptance of welds.

[BSI] Update Standards. Sept.2006. pp.48-49.

EN 14811

EN 14811:2006 Railway applications. Track. Special purpose rail. Grooved and associated construction.

[BSI] Update Standards. Sept.2006. pp.49.

Lighter, faster trains could transform rural lines

Network Rail has responsibility for planning how to use rail routes as cost-effectively as possible. Government ministers and safety authorities are to be consulted by the organisation about the use of lighter, faster trains on rural railway lines, in order to improve financial viability. This would require an easing of rules on trains' ability to withstand head-on collisions, as heavy protective structures slow trains down and increase energy consumption. This is now feasible because all signals are fitted with train protection and warning systems (TPWS) devices to stop trains passing them at danger. This discussion is part of the consultation on new rolling stock strategy being prepared for the Department of Transport, rail division. It is also part of the negotiation with the government and the Office of the Rail Regulator on Network Rail's expenditure levels for the next five year regulatory period, 2009 - 2014.

Financial Times, 19 Sept. 2006. p.4.

Trains grow ready to take the strain / Rival needs delay an ambitious path to integration

A description of how greater road congestion, the rising size of cities, globalisation, the liberalisation of rail markets and increasing environmental concerns are helping to boost rail use in many parts of the world. The growth of high-speed rail travel in Europe and the rapid industry growth predicted over the next few years are outlined, while light rail projects are starting to appear in US cities such as Seattle and Phoenix. Rail freight growth is also described, along with technological developments, such as remote controlled shunting of locomotives in American rail yards to save on staff costs and improve safety, more efficient traction motors and computer equipment to allow remote fault diagnosis. For the operators the question of whether this can be turned into a profitable business is raised. Concerns such as the high cost and poor reliability of new equipment are raised. Some suppliers of rolling stock are trying to standardise design. Alstom, however, still produces tailor-made solutions for customers. The producers of the ERTMS European interoperability system are suggesting that the train operators are putting their technical traditions above the ultimate goal of interoperability. Japanese, South Korean and Chinese companies are now entering the European passenger train market while General Motors of the US target the freight diesels market.

Financial Times, 19 Sept. 2006. Special Report: Rail Industry. pp.1,2.

Small is beautiful for niche train builder

An outline of the recent success of Stadler, the Swiss railway carriage producer with six facilities making a wide range of trains from regional trains to be sent to Hungary to rack trains for a Greek mountain, with a great success in winning orders for regional and commuter trains in Europe. The largest customer is Swiss Federal Railways. The company offers basic families of designs that can be altered to suit the customer's needs. Stadler's sales rose 8% last year to SFr603m, double the figure of 3 years earlier. The top future plan is to devise a new family of double-decker trains to enter the high-capacity trains market on regional and commuter lines in Europe.

Financial Times, 19 Sept. 2006. Special Report: Rail Industry. p.2.

Gridlock and gas prices force rethink on transit

Siemens Transportation Systems are one of the two companies manufacturing light railway systems for metropolitan mass transport in the US. These systems are being considered in US cities as a method of easing congestion and providing a more cost effective method of commuting now that fuel prices have risen. Siemens has recently gained contracts for light transportation systems in Denver and Portland in the US and Edmonton and Calgary in Canada. Kinkisharyo, its main competitor, is working in Seattle, Boston and Dallas. Light railway is seen as cheaper than building subways or heavy railway lines, and as being cleaner and more efficient than buses.

Financial Times, 19 Sept. 2006. Special Report: Rail Industry. p.4.

Canadian pioneer puts efficiency on the line

Pioneering work by Railpower Technologies of Montreal on improving locomotive fuel efficiency with hybrid diesel-electric technology is reported. Currently shunting locomotives have been converted into green Goat hybrids, and the company is working on a hybrid version of the longer-range 'road-switcher', and is looking to enter the export market. Currently the company's shares have lost value, and it is thought that the company will need to make cost-cutting changes. The difficulty is making the transition from entrepreneurial invention to large-scale manufacturing. Railpower is also said to be adapting its hybrid technology for other uses.

Financial Times, 19 Sept. 2006. Special Report: Rail Industry. p.4.

Engine of European integration starts to pick up speed

Marcel Verslype, first executive director of the European Railways Agency, has the task of creating common technical and safety standards for all Europe's railways, to reduce costs and increase cross-border competition and rail traffic. This is complicated by the problems of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) signalling system, where different suppliers made incompatible equipment because documentation was too vague. The agency is now said to be making good progress, with operators beginning to see the value of its work, and officials are able to gain knowledge of systems in other countries. Problems remaining are the length of time taken to produce detailed European standards, leading operators and infrastructure companies to request interim rules for ordering new rolling stock, and also the areas where standardisation would make no sense, such as all the electrification systems in different countries.

Financial Times, 19 Sept. 2006. Special Report: Rail Industry. p.4.

Sleeping dragon set for growth

An outline of the Bombardier Sifang Power (BSP) railcar production facility, in Qingdao, eastern China, and the view it gives of the rapid expansion of railways in China, which is seen as necessary for continuing economic growth. The Chinese goal of 100,000km of rail lines by 2020 is outlined, with the aim of reaching 70% of cities by 2010 and of having over 10,000km of track with speeds of over 200kmph. 70% of train parts are made locally, and the Tiber trains were entirely designed and made in China.

Financial Times, 19 Sept. 2006. Special Report: Rail Industry. p.6.

Back to profit and confidence

An outline of the current position and plans of Bombardier, given in an interview with ceo Andre Navarri. Its problems resulted from the takeover of ADTranz in 2001, to become the world's largest rail supplier, resulting in reorganisation to boost efficiency which have also led to some losses in orders through closures of facilities in some countries. Competition for the big three European companies, Bombardier, Alstom and Siemens, is also coming from companies such as Japan's Hitachi, South Korea's Rotem and now also Chinese manufacturers. The push to improve profitability hinges on development of a common platform which some customers are resisting because of their differing technical requirements.

Financial Times, 19 Sept. 2006. Special Report: Rail Industry. p.6.

Magic carpet is still too radical for many

Maglev's speed and superior acceleration and braking should make it an attractive proposition for high-speed transport, but there is much scepticism from traditional railway operators and suppliers. The system will need to prove itself viable and reliable rather than just a brilliant theory. There is also an internal struggle between different technical approaches.

Financial Times, 19 Sept. 2006. Special Report: Rail Industry. p.6.

Big city upgrades pose uphill task

Upgrades are being undertaken in many of the world's metro systems to increase the speed and reliability of existing systems without replacing all their equipment, and while the system continues to work. The highest profile upgrade is of the London underground system, where for example new signal reading equipment is being fitted to increase peak hour capacity.Alcatel is concentrating on signalling systems while Metronet is replacing worn out rolling stock and using less complex signalling systems. Similarly the Paris metro Line One is to become driverless, with new signalling equipment.

Financial Times, 19 Sept. 2006. Special Report: Rail Industry. p.6.

Eurostar expects early launch of high-speed rail services in Kent

GoVia, the company due to operate the high-speed domestic trains on the Channel Tunnel rail link, may be able to start the service by December 2009. Richard Brown, chief executive of Eurostar, said this as he announced that Ashford would also lose many of its international services when the more conveniently situated Ebbsfleet International opened in autumn 2007. The new domestic trains are the first to be built for Europe by Hitachi and some industry observers are sceptical that they will be ready for service so soon.

Financial Times, 13 Sep 2006. p 4

Rail groups fined for safety breaches

Network Rail and Amey have been fined a total of £500,000 for breaches of the health and safety regulations arising from the Southall rail crash in 2002.

Financial Times, 13 Sep 2006. p 4

Transport for an expanding economy

The third annual transport conference is to be held on Thursday 28th September 2006 in the QEII Conference Centre, London. Papers on future challenges; technology in national and regional transport; reduction of transport emissions; transport and the needs of business; road pricing; rail's support of the economy; transport security, and transport for the Olympics and beyond in London, will be presented. A series of seminars will be covering transport modernisation, satellite road charging, next generation urban road charging, outcome driven highways services, the business case for PPP/PFI in transport, and sustainable transport. For further information see www.govnet.co.uk/transport.

London; GovNet Events, 2006. 2pp.

Mail contract extended

The contract between the Royal Mail and GB Railfreight for the transport of letters between London and Scotland has been extended for another year.

Railnews, no.112. June 2006. p.4.

Bombardier wins Chicago race

Bombardier Transport Corp. has won the contract from the Board of Chicago Transit Authority for the supply of 406 metro cars. The first 10 will be delivered in 2009 for testing with production cars arriving from 2010.

Railway Gazette, vol.163, no.6. June 2006. p.309.

Beijing signal contracts signed

The contract for resignalling Line 2 in Beijing has been won by Alstom, working with its joint venture subsidiary Casco and the Electrification Engineering Bureau. The work, valued at 28M euros, is to be completed in time for the 2008 Olympics.

Railway Gazette, vol.163, no.6. June 2006. p.310.

Intelligence: Europe

An agreement has been signed between the French and Luxembourgeois governments which will launch the autoroute ferroviaire (freight line) between Bettembourg and Perpignan. Owned by Autoroutes du Sud de la France, Caisse des Depots, SNCF, Modalohr and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the route will be operational from April next year.

Railway Gazette, vol.163, no.6. June 2006. p.312.

Intelligence: Metros

The maintenance contract for the Jubilee Line Extension in London has been awarded to Kone by Tube Lines. It runs until 2018.

Railway Gazette, vol.163, no.6. June 2006. p.314.

I-trans spearheads rail investment push in Nord-Pas de Calais

The Nord-Pas de Calais regional government has voted to revitalise the local railway industry. The idea is to develop Europe's top railway cluster, with the establishment of railway research facilities, a major rolling stock testing centre for use by local and foreign suppliers, and a 20 year investment programme in track and trains. The recently launched European Rail Agency has offices in the region, and both Alstom and Bombardier have large assembly plants in Lille and Crespin respectively. The I-trans railway research projects authorised are listed with brief descriptions.

Railway Gazette, vol.163, no.6. June 2006. pp.331-334.

Tomorrow's mini-metro takes shape

The Siemens' research project to develop the Neoval, a future mini-metro for France, is described. The project is one of 6 to be part funded by the Agence de l'Innovation Industrielle.

Railway Gazette, vol.163, no.6. June 2006. p.334.

Master plan will transform Nord-Pas de Calais network

The improvements and modernisation of the rail network in the region are briefly described and illustrated. New lines, new services, electrification, track doubling, reopening/reinstatement of passenger services, upgrading, light rail construction, improved international services and proposed new stations are listed.

Railway Gazette, vol.163, no.6. June 2006. p.336.

TfL to revamp rundown London train link

Transport for London has revealed plans for a "London Overground" that will link seamlessly with the Underground and revitalise inner London commuter lines from Watford Junction, Richmond, Barking, Stratford and West Croydon. The first stage will be a re-branded North London Line for which TfL takes over responsibility from Silverlink in 2007. This will link into the upgraded East London line in 2010.

Financial Times, 6 Sep 2006. p 3

Rail freight investment plea

Network Rail has published a report which suggests that an investment of £500 million is needed over the next ten years for the railways to cope with an expected rise of 30% in the amount of freight carried. The major requirement is for £133 million for the remodelling of bridges and tunnels on the lines from Felixstowe to Nuneaton to allow carriage of the larger containers now in use.

Financial Times, 6 Sep 2006. p 3

Next-generation trains are about more than speed

Japan's shinkansen bullet trains are planned to reach speeds of 360kph in five years time. The requirement for these commuter trains is equally to ensure a safe, comfortable and quiet ride. The next-generation shinkansen, the Fastech 360, is being developed by East Japan Railway Co. at speeds up to 360kph. The greatest technological challenge is to ensure that the pantographs on the roof can receive a constant supply of power, and to be safe the train can only travel at 70% of the wave propagation speed. Research has been carried out into the use of lighter materials, made from copper, chromium and zirconium, with a wave propagation speed of 480kph for the overhead wires, to enable them to be pulled more taut and to increase the wave propagation speed. In addition, an air springs and cylinders vibration damping mechanism has been built below the carriages to reduce vibration at high speed. Improved braking methods have also been devised. The train will be tested on the line between Sendai and Kitakami, Iwate Prefecture, and should be ready for service by 2011.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.44. no.2,247. 14 Aug. 2006. p.16.

Deutsche Bahn likely to retain track network

The German state-owned rail operator, Deutsche Bahn, is to be privatised in the coming years. It is thought that the organisation will be allowed to operate the track, with legal ownership of the network remaining in state hands under an 'Eigentumsmodell' to avoid the situation that occurred in the UK, where splitting the operators from the network has been criticised. It is likely that Deutsche Bahn, worth Euros 10-15bn, will float in 2008 or 2009. The chief executive, Hartmut Medhorn, believes profitability can be achieved through an integrated company, but politicians believe the company might cut investment under capital markets pressure and let the government pick up the bill. Details of a possible flotation of the RAG conglomerate are also given.

Financial Times, 25 Aug. 2006, p.22.

Probe into 90mph train decoupling

A safety review had been started urgently into the decoupling of a Kings Cross to Peterborough commuter train at 90mph near New Southgate in north London. No-one was hurt, and the trains came to an automatic halt three quarters of a carriage length apart.

Financial Times, 26/27 Aug. 2006, p.4.

As good as new

Details are given of the inspection of the Conwy wrought iron tubular railway bridge, built by Robert Stephenson, by Bridgeway consulting, specialist railway engineering services company. The inspection included rope-access inspection and a specialised diving team for the submerged structures, with CCTV surveying of the internal elements and a mobile scaffold for internal and external faces of the tubing.

Engineering, vol.247. no.6. June 2006. p.10.

On track

An outline of the developments being made towards high speed rail travel in the UK is given, with details of track, train and infrastructure improvements.

Engineering, vol.247. no.6. June 2006. pp.34-36.

Fire on Shanghai levitating train

A report is given of a fire in the area of the propulsion equipment on a high-speed Maglev levitating train running between Shanghai and its international airport. Passengers had to be evacuated.

CNNInternational.com, 11 Aug. 2006.

Top of the world

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway, 1,956 kilometres long and 75% of track built at over 4,000 metres above sea level, began operations on 1st July, one year early. The highest mountain pass used by the track is at 5,072 m!

ENR - Engineering News Record, vol.257, no.2. 10 July 2006. p.7.

Network Rail publishes 2009-14 business plans

The initial strategic plan, outlining projects for operating, maintaining and developing the rail network, has been published. Some examples of likely projects are listed. After 2014 a large reduction in spending is expected as the years of underinvestment are made good.

Modern Railways. Aug.2006. p.6.

Track/train split was a mistake - Conservatives

On the launch of a Conservative Party Rail Review, the Shadow Transport Secretary has stated that the division of track and train into separate businesses during privatisation was 'not right for our railways'. The main aims of the Review are listed; it is scheduled to report back in 2007.

Modern Railways. Aug.2006. p.6.

Green light for Metrolink 'little bang'

A funding package agreed between the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities and the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority has meant that the expansion of the city's Metrolink light rail system is to go ahead. Details of the work that will be carried out are given.

Modern Railways. Aug.2006. p.8.

Grant Rail wins Nuneaton upgrade

Grant Rail is to be principal contractor for the upgrading of track layout and signalling in the Nuneaton area.

Modern Railways. Aug.2006. p.12.

Thales acquires Alcatel transport

Following the merger of Alcatel and Lucent Technologies (USA), Thales is to purchase parts of Alcatel, including the transport business which supplies signalling and control systems.

Modern Railways. Aug.2006. p.14.

Scotland's Expanding Railways, Edinburgh 5-7 October 2006

The Railway Engineer's Forum and Transport Scotland are hosting a three day conference focusing on the biggest rail investment programme outside London. Presentations and site visits will cover Scotland's rail strategy; its programme of heavy and light rail projects; rolling stock and electrification policy; rail service specification; and the rail industry supply base. For further information contact Sian Clayton on 020 7973 1245 or email s_clayton@imeche.org.uk.

Modern Railways. Aug.2006. p.15.

The Railway Industry Innovation Awards 2006

Winners of the various categories of awards are profiled with a brief description of their contribution to the rail industry.

Modern Railways. Aug.2006. pp.30,32,34,36,38.

BS 11:1985

Specification for railway rails.
This standard has been declared obsolescent as it has been superseded by the BS EN 13674 suite of standards, which is now complete following the publication of BS EN 13674-4 and which should be used for new installations of track. BS 11 is not being withdrawn at this stage as it is required for the repair and maintenance of existing track.

[BSI] Update Standards. August 2006. p.27.

Alstom metros fly from success to success in exports

Alstom designs and constructs 25% of al underground trains worldwide. Details are given of recent orders for Shanghai, China, Sao Paolo, Brazil, and Budapest, Hungary. Short items on the Paris metro system and the Metropolis underground trains are included.

Soudage et techniques connexes, vol.60. no.7/8. Jul./Aug. 2006. pp.6-7.[In French].

Remote checks for rail safety

Network Rail has plans to introduce a system to monitor the condition of trackside equipment, including signals and power supplies, over the next five years. The system will be installed while renewal work is in progress.

Computing, 10 Aug.2006. p.3.

AEA will sell rail arm for up to £58m

AEA Technology is to sell off its rail operations to a group of companies represented by Vision Capital Group for £58.3m., and the buyers will also take on the £12.1m pensions and balance sheet liabilities. AEA, the privatised arm of the former Atomic Energy Authority, now specialises in waste management, climate change and energy security, and has been struggling with the rail business. The operations comprises consultancy on signalling and sales of products to tackle ice and leaves on the rails. It has suffered from increased competition and decreased spending by Network Rail.

Financial Times, 12/13 Aug. 2006. p.14.

Eurotunnel future in doubt after ruling

The future of Eurotunnel has been thrown into doubt following a ruling by a French court granting the company's request for protection from its creditors under a new law. Eurotunnel will not be required to pay interest for at least the next 6 months on its £6.18bn debt and a court official will be appointed to oversee negotiations with creditors.

Financial Times, 3 Aug. 2006. p.3.

Slippery track ahead for merging railways

The shareholders of Hankyu Holdings Inc. and Hanshin Electric Railway Co. have approved a proposed merger of the two service operators. The contracting population of Japan has resulted in the railways facing a bleak future, and needing to cut costs in core operations.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.44. no.2,241. 3 Jul. 2006. p.28

Public inquiry into rail crash ruled out

Attempts by relatives of a journalist killed in the 2002 Potters Bar rail crash have failed to force a public inquiry into the disaster because a 'full and enhanced' inquest is due to be held in early 2007. In addition Lord Justice Moses said there have been significant changes to the rail system since 2002 and there have already been a number of inquiries into the disaster.

Financial Times, 1 Aug. 2006. p.2.

Material Technologies demonstrates its metal fatigue detection solutions

The Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor, developed by Materials Technologies, Inc. (MATECH, Los Angeles, CA, USA) is being tested at the American Association of Railroads' Transportation Technology Center. The sensor detects microscopic crack propagation and metal fatigue in railway bridges, track and associated equipment. Under the US Transportation Bill every railway track operator using continuously welded rail will have to include procedures to improve crack identification.

Welding Journal, vol.85, no.7. July 2006. pp.10-11

Rail network costs to fall by over £4 billion

The initial strategic business plan of Network Rail, published at the beginning of the month, is reviewed. The plan involves reducing the running costs of the existing network to £20.8 bn (based on 2005/2006 prices) and the means of achieving this are listed. The extra investment needed to accommodate a forecast 30% growth in passengers and freight is discussed and some examples of likely projects are given.

Railway Strategies, no.37. June/July 2006. p.12.

In search of perfection - zero defects

A company profile of Weld-A-Rail Ltd is presented. The company achieves 0.9% weld defect rate in its alumino thermic welding services. The company's qualifications are listed.

Railway Strategies, no.37. June/July 2006. p.42.

Balfour Beatty's failures highlighted in Hatfield report

The Independent Investigation Board into the Hatfield railway crash has produced its final report, in which Balfour Beatty has come under attack for lack of effective management and maintenance of the track at the site of the crash.

Financial Times, 25 Jul. 2006. p.3.

Teamwork wins Docklands Railway top award

The results of the annual Railway Industry Innovation Awards are presented. The Docklands Light Railway, operated and maintained by Serco, was the top award winner; the other results are listed.

Railnews, no.113. July 2006. p.2.

Network Rail unveils £800M package of upgrades for West Midlands

Track, signaling and station upgrades planned for the region over the next few years are detailed.

Railnews, no.113. July 2006. p.3.

Train builder's £138M orders to renovate HST coaches

First Great Western has placed contracts with Bombardier Transportation for renovation work on 405 High Speed Train carriages and on-going bogie overhaul and technical development work. The work will be carried out by Bombardier's facilities in Derby, Ilford and Crewe. Some details of work to be carried out is given.

Railnews, no.113. July 2006. p.6.

GB Railfreight: Team work wins accolades - and prestigious contracts

A double page feature on GB Railfreight is presented. Articles include a review of the company, developments over the last 5 years, and the company's move into the UK's largest bulk freight sector - coal.

Railnews, no.113. July 2006. pp.22-23.

BS EN 15528

Railway applications. Classification of lines. Corresponding load limits for railway vehicles and payload for freight wagons.

[BSI] Update Standards. July 2006. p.43.

Eurotunnel stops paying interest

The executive chairman of Eurotunnel has attacked the company's creditors after restructuring talks failed, saying it would not pay interest while under bankruptcy protection, and accused Deutsche Bank, the largest bondholder, of wrecking the talks.

Financial Times, 14 Jul 2005, p 17.

Track and train integration plan marks U-turn by Conservatives / Industry sceptical of policy reversal

The Conservative party admitted that its decision to divide the railways into track and train operations in 1986 was a mistake, and said that it would restructure the industry to give a much greater degree of integration. However the rail industry is sceptical of the need for reintegration, and Network Rail says it has achieved significant savings because of the present industry structure. The railfreight industry is also sceptical about the policy reversal because of the complexities of reintegration, given the large number of passenger trains and freight operations. In addition, calls for change have receded as punctuality of trains has improved recently.

Financial Times, 18 Jul. 2006. p.3.

Benefits of an Edinburgh-Newcastle high-speed rail link

Details are given of the proposed project to construct a high-speed rail link between Edinburgh and Newcastle, to speed up the London to Edinburgh route. It is pointed out that air travel causes nine times more carbon emissions per passenger than rail travel, and that a reduced travel time to 3.5 hours would improve the attractiveness of the train as an alternative mode of travel.

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers: Engineering Sustainability, vol.159. issue ES2. Jun. 2006. pp.71-78.

InnoTrack - a 6th Framework integrated project proposal

The EC White Paper on Sustainable Transport is calling for 15% of freight and 12% of passenger traffic to travel by rail by 2020 in parallel with a 30% reduction in life cycle costs (LCC). A proposal under the Framework research programme on sustainable surface transport has been made by 35 partners, including all the major European railways, covering the LCC of track support structures, switches and crossing, rails, and logistics practices. Details of European regions participating and of companies leading each technical programme are given.

Welding Lines, no.17. May 2006. p.1.

A highly successful track-welding project

The conversion of a jointed railway track to continuous welded rail at Darlington Station by mobile flash butt welding is summarised. The full article (by Alan Clark of Network Rail) can be found at www.iorw.org.

Welding Lines, no.17. May 2006. p.2.

Balfour Beatty Rail

Details of the rail technologies, railcare, welding and nondestructive testing services of Balfour Beatty Rail Technologies is presented in a company profile. Key staff are identified and a list of some clients are given.

Welding Lines, no.17. May 2006. pp.2-3.

Hand arm vibration syndrome

Previously known as Vibration White Finger, the syndrome is explained by an Occupational Physician. Consequences of suffering from Hand Arm Vibration (HAV), requirements for control and minimisation, and the complexities and costs of assessing exposure are outlined. Advice on accessing further information is given.

Welding Lines, no.17. May 2006. p.4.

Bombardier scoops contract for DLR vehicles for 2012 Olympics

31 new vehicles have been ordered by Docklands Light Railway; the contract is valued at £50M and is supported by the Olympic Delivery Authority. Units will be made in Bautzen, Germany.

Modern Railways, vol.63, no.694. July 2006. p.7.

Four in frame for North London

Govia, National Express Group, MTR-Laing and Nedrail have been selected to bid for the operation of the London Rail Concession by Transport for London. The successful bidder will be selected in spring 2007.

Modern Railways, vol.63, no.694. July 2006. p.7.

Eurostar plan would save up to £40m in fees

Eurostar believes that it could save up to £40 million per year when its current arrangement with Eurotunnel ends. At present it pays a fixed fee based on 10 million passengers and 5 million tonnes of freight regardless of actual usage. It wants to switch to a system in which it pays for "real" passengers (in 2005 7.45 million and increasing), but with variable costs.

Financial Times, 5 Jul 2006. p 22

Opening of Tibet rail link triggers protests

The opening of the world's highest rail link, between Beijing and Lhasa, is seen as an engineering triumph, but has resulted in protests at the possible destruction of Tibet's way of life. Steel tubes have been dug into the ground under part of the track to keep it from freezing, while long elevated bridges have been used across the permafrost.

Financial Times, 3 Jul. 2006. p.7.

Network Rail sets out funding needs

An extra £3.8bn are required by Network Rail over the period 2009-2014 to enable it to cope with a 30% rise in passenger numbers. Ministers will decide next year which suggested improvements they wish to fund, what level of railway they want and the level of government funding available.

Financial Times, 4 Jul. 2006. p.5.

RGS GM/RC2518

Code of practice - welding, cutting and repair of railborne plant.(withdrawn)

Rail Safety and Standards Board Information Bulletin, no.91. April 2006. p.3.

Hydrogen fuel cells

An investigation into the current state of hydrogen fuel technology and its long term possibilities for the UK railway, mainly as an alternative to more electrification, is briefly described. The Railway Forum, Rail Industry Association, Department for Transport and Rail Research UK considered hydrogen fuel cells and hydrogen internal combustion engines. Their findings are summarised.

Rail Safety and Standards Board Information Bulletin, no.91. April 2006. p.5.

Extra funds

Some highlights of the Network Rail 2006 business plan are listed, including a proposed 36% increase in renewals investment over the next 3 years, £7.2bn as opposed to £5.4bn for the previous business plan.

Railway Strategies, no.36. April-May 2006. p.13.

EuroRail: Glasgow to the Channel Tunnel

The proposed new 700 km dedicated freight route, capable of carrying double-decker standard European freight containers and full-size road trailers on rail wagons, is outlined. New construction is expected to be minimal, as underused or redundant railway lines are brought back into use. The line will be constructed in modules and following completion of the primary artery, links to the main handling ports of Liverpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Tyneside, Hull/Grimsby, Felixstowe, Harwich, Tilbury and the Isle of Grain will be added. These latter will be on improved existing lines. Key cities and regions to benefit from the line's development and its chosen route are given.

Railway Strategies, no.36. April-May 2006. p.40.

Faster, more effective track renewals

The replacement of sleepers and worn rail on 1070 m of deep Central line tunnel on the London Underground by Metronet in record time is described. The job was also completed for only 25% of the usual cost. The work methods used are explained.

Railway Strategies, no.36. April-May 2006. pp.110-111.

Bombardier to help link Beijing to summer 2008 Olympic village

Bombardier's Advanced Rapid Transit technology, as used in Vancouver's driverless SkyTrain system, is to be installed as the 28 km Beijing Capital International Airport Link, from Dongzhimen station to the airport. The company will participate in project management and will be responsible for vehicle systems engineering and integration, design and manufacture of the bogies, propulsion and braking systems. The 40 Advanced Rapid Transit Mark II railcars will be manufactured by Changchun Railway Vehicles.

Welding Journal, vol.85, no.5. May 2006. p.16.

Track renewal gets scientific

Recent advances in the field of track renewal - ultrasonic testing, high output renewal, switch and crossing work, and steel sleepers - are discussed. Tables show the increase in work volumes for 1999 - 2006, and Network Rail track renewals contracts for plain line and switches/crossings. Frequent ultrasonic inspection and rail grinding have hugely decreased the incidence of broken rails. In 2005 between Euston and Rugby only 7 rail breaks were found, two were hot tears in welds and five were as a result of ultrasonically undetectable defects.

Modern Railways, vol.63, no.693. June 2006. pp.34,36,38,40.

US railways show no sign of slowing down

The volume of freight transported by rail in the US has risen by 25% since 2002. The rail industry is viewed as an important economic indicator for US industry generally, but the growth also reflects increasing congestion on the roads and a nationwide shortage of truck drivers.

Financial Times, 16 Jun 2006. p 24

Bouygues to raise Alstom stake

French conglomerate Bouygues is to increase its stake in the trains and turbines group Alstom.

Financial Times, 9 June 2006. p.26.

Delays to Crossrail 'threaten new offices'

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone has warned that unless the Crossrail project goes ahead large office developments in central London could soon be refused planning permission. The existing transport infrastructure would be unable to cope with the increased commuter load. Leading businesses are putting increasing pressure on the Prime Minister to agree financing by 2007 for fear that he may decide to wait until after the 2012 Olympics.

Financial Times, 7 Jun 2006. p 5

Eurotunnel wins financing to emerge from £6bn debt

Eurotunnel has won financing that will allow it to emerge from the £6.2bn debt that threatens to crush it by January. Eurotunnel's executive chairman warned investors, who could prevent a deal, that no other restructuring was possible, and the alternative was bankruptcy.

Financial Times, 1 Jun 2006. p.1.

Rail link set to break the mould

A start has been made recently on an ambitious public transport system comprising a high-speed rail link, the Gautrain, between Johannesburg and Pretoria, linked with a network of buses to take commuters to the stations. The first section is due to open, linking Sandton and Pretoria, in time for the 2010 football World Cup.

Financial Times, 6 Jun. 2006. Special Report: South Africa. p.4.

Rail car makers up capacity to meet foreign demand

Rail carriage manufacturers in Japan are increasing overseas orders, developing models to cope with differing climatic conditions, and ramping up production capacity. Hitachi has decided to invest ¥6bn this year and will build facilities for parts assembly and inspection this year. Kawaskai Heavy Industries introduced a ¥3bn all-in-one production line for rail car foundations to be completed this year, which will bring the entire process of welding, painting and assembly together, boosting output capacity by 50%. Kinki Sharyo Co. is to invest ¥3bn in three years to boost the number of welding robots and change plant layouts.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.44. no.2,234. 15 May 2006. p.10.

Citigroup steps in with plan for Eurotunnel

US investment bank Citigroup has launched a set of alternative proposals for restructuring Eurotunnel's debt of $6.18 billion. Eurotunnel is already drawing up plans based on proposals put forward last week by Goldman Sachs and Macquarie.

Financial Times, 31 May 2006. p 19

£400 million more for improvements

Network Rail has announced additional funds for railway work over the next three years, in addition to the £2.3bn already earmarked. A list of 10 major projects from amongst the many is given.

Modern Railways, vol.63, no.692. May 2006. p.6.

Crossrail stage one: Abbey Wood - Paddington

Crossrail scheme promoter, Cross London Rail Links, is suggesting the phasing of the project in order to make it more affordable. If the Crossrail Bill gets through Parliament and the second quarter 2007 funding deadline is met, the Abbey Wood-Paddington section could be in service by 2015. Further details of the proposal are given.

Modern Railways, vol.63, no.692. May 2006. p.9.

Light at the end of the Eurotunnel; Eurotunnel in talks with new investors; Eurotunnel fights to meet its deadline

Eurotunnel has confirmed that it is negotiating with creditors, investors and potential investors over possible ways to resolve its £6 billion debt crisis.

Financial Times, 10 May 2006. p 20; 17 May p 20

US freight customers rail against delays from outdated tracks

The two largest players in the US railfreight scene, Union Pacific and BNSF, have agreed to a joint funding of $100 million to improve the infrastructure around the Powder River Basin coalfields in Wyoming. The aging rail infrastructure in the US is struggling to cope with increased freight traffic, and major customers are concerned that the industry is not doing enough to remedy the situation.

Financial Times, 10 May 2006. p 25

Caterpillar to buy Progress Rail

Caterpillar plans to pay $1 billion for Alabama-based Progress Rail which reconditions railcars and provides a range of infrastructure services. It is part of the company's plan to move into areas of higher sales and earnings growth.

Financial Times, 17 May 2006. p 29

High speed rail link to Scotland 'could succeed'

Deputy chief executive of Network Rail, Iain Coucher, believes that a high speed rail link could cut journey times to Edinburgh and Glasgow to 2.5 hours, reaching speeds of up to 300km/h (186 mph), and could be a commercial success without government backing. The route would capture 70% of air travel between London and the two cities and 90% of travel between Manchester and London. The cost would be £14bn. The new line would be a conventional steel wheels on rail route, not run on the maglev levitation system. The plan is backed by business and transport lobby groups.

Financial Times, 9 May 2006. p.3.

Tube network operator criticises contractor's poor performance

London Underground Ltd, the publicly-owned company that operates the underground system, has said that Metronet, the main private contractor, is not working hard enough to improve its performance. Rail safety inspectors from the Railway Inspectorate have ordered Metronet to improve track on the District Line, and speeds have been restricted on some parts of the system because the track was not stretched, or stressed, correctly after being laid, with the result that the track could buckle in hot weather and result in derailment. The order is to bring track back up to acceptable standards on the District Line by 4 September.

Financial Times, 13/14 May 2006. p.2.

Eurotunnel chief challenges creditors to take over assets

Jacques Gounon, Eurotunnel's executive chairman dared creditors to try taking over the company's assets following the company embarking on a high-risk strategy to force holders of its £6.18bn debt to agree to a restructuring. Mr Gounon warned creditors that they faced legal uncertainty and might never recover their debts unless they agreed to a settlement. The challenge followed an announcement that the company was not publishing its annual results because the board could not be certain it was a going concern. Eurotunnel said it would review the situation in mid-May and decide then.

Financial Times, 13 Apr 2006. p.3.

Collapse of pioneering deal foils track and train integration

A pioneering experiment between Network Rail and Merseytravel has collapsed after failure to reach agreement. This means that there are unlikely to be any experiments in integration between track and train operators despite the government's 2004 'Future of Rail' white paper which was sympathetic to such a plan.

Financial Times, 11 Apr. 2006. p.2.

Key rail route gains backing

The South East England Development Agency is backing a move to upgrade the Southampton to West Midlands rail-freight route. Southampton carries about half the volume of UK trade with China and south-east Asia. Gauge enhancement is being undertaken with Network Rail and the Port of Southampton to take globally standardised 9ft 6in containers. Under the same programme a study is to be undertaken to reconnect the port of Dover to the rail network.

Financial Times, 18 Apr. 2006. p.20.

Newsbreaks:Europe

Finnmeccanica expects to obtain Eur400-490m for new acquisitions by selling part of its Ansaldo railways business. The company intends to place 60% of the capital in Ansaldo on the market, and use the revenue to strengthen its core aerospace and defence activities. Last year Ansaldo earned Eur44m on revenues of Eur840m.

Aviation Week & Space Technology, 27 Mar 2006, p.22.

Rail infrastructure delays defended

Network Rail has defended the postponement of some infrastructure enhancements to 2007 and 2008 by saying the work can be done more cost-effectively then. It still intends to spend £400 million more than planned during the 2006/7 year to cope with increasing demand.

Financial Times, 5 Apr 2006. p.4.

Railways and materials: Progress through failures

A public lecture with the above title is to be presented at 6 pm on Wednesday 5th April 2006 at 6, Carlton House Terrace, London by Professor Roderick A Smith. The event is free. Prof. Smith was Head of Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College London and is now Senior Visiting Research Fellow at St. John's College, Oxford. For further information on the lecture and to register contact Eileen Ellis at eileen.ellis@iom3.org.

Welding Lines, no.16. Feb.2006. p.4.

Developments in inspection

The 9th technical meeting of the Institute of Rail Welding will be held on Thursday, 27th April 2006 at The Riverside Centre, Derby. All key issues affecting rail inspection will be presented at the event: preventative strategies; Network Rail's requirements; training requirements; optimisation of inspection and NDT; and advances in NDT technology. For further information and to register for the meeting contact Rachel Wall at TWI Ltd, or e-mail: meetings@twi.co.uk.

Welding Lines, no.16. Feb.2006. p.2.

Network Rail backs work to aid container deliveries

Network Rail recommends that £80m be spent on work to make it possible to carry large shipping containers from Southampton to the London-Glasgow west coast main line. Headroom for 9.5 foot high containers will be achieved by raising bridges and lowering the rail bed. The proposal is for the lines between Southampton and Reading via both Andover and Winchester.

Financial Times, 20 March 2006, p.4.

Battery-powered electric trains

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has started development of battery-driven railroad cars which would eliminate the need for lines to supply power to trains, and thus cut the cost of railroad construction. Demand is expected from developing countries as the trains are aimed to run all day on a single charge. Trials have started on a test track at Hiroshima. A method of recharging batteries when trains stop at stations is also being considered. Fuel cells may be adopted.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.44. no.2,218. 23 Jan. 2006. p.16.

China nod to single 'maglev' rail line

China's State Council has given its permission for the construction of a new magnetic levitation (maglev) train line between Shanghai and Hangzhou that will cut journey times from 2 hours to 30 minutes, and should be complete by 2010. However a new high-speed line between Beijing and Shanghai will use conventional wheel technology. Lobbying is being undertaken by the German consortium, Transrapid, that pioneered the maglev technology, and the French TGV manufacturers and Japanese bullet train technology. Planned expansion of the Chinese rail system includes 5,400km of new high-speed lines in the next 4 years.

Financial Times, 14 Mar. 2006. p.7.

Corus to raise rail prices in 2006

Rail prices are to rise by 35 euros/t from the beginning of 2006, reflecting the higher costs of raw materials, energy and transportation.

Steel Times International, vol.30, no.1. Jan./Feb.2006. p.4.

Delhi Metro picking up business

Details of the expansion of the Delhi Metro in both passenger numbers and routes are given.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.44, no.2,219. 30 Jan. 2006. p.23.

Edinburgh's world-class tram network one step closer

The City of Edinburgh has agreed to contribute £45 million towards funding the city's tram network. The first phase is set to link Leith waterfront and Edinburgh airport, a route which passes through the city's major growth areas, and is estimated would carry 13 million passengers in its first year of operation.

Engineering Technology, Mar 2006. p 6

Folded wings and a vacant seat

The leaders of the aerospace and rail divisions of Canada's Bombardier are about to be interviewed as front runners for the post of chief executive. Laurent Baudoin, present holder of that post, is expected to retire shortly. The recent history of the company is discussed.

Financial Times, 15 Feb. 2006. p.10

New RAIB opened

The new Rail Accident and Investigation Branch has been formally launched by Alistair Darling. Administratively RAIB is part of the Department for Transport. Further information is available at www.raib.gov.uk.

Railway Strategies, Dec.2005/Jan.2006. p.35.

Weld-A-Rail celebrate success

The alumino-thermic rail welding specialists, supported by First Quality Solutions, have achieved ISO 9001:2000 accreditation. The company has introduced advanced calibration methods for equipment and the production of straight edges and can produce these to an accuracy of 1 micron. Some details of the company and its processes are given. (www.weldarail.co.uk; www.firstqualitysolutions.com.)

Railway Strategies. Dec.2005/Jan.2006. p.49.

Repair or fabrication of austenitic manganese steel rail components

A datasheet is presented giving general welding practice recommendations with a particular focus on welding frog points. Information is excerpted from AWS D15.2:2003 "Recommended practices for the welding of rails and related rail components for use by rail vehicles".

Welding Journal, vol.85, no.1. Jan.2006. p.48.

Premium rail and suspension changes could cut rolling contact fatigue

The results of studies, carried out by TTCi for the UK rail industry, into methods of managing rolling contact fatigue (RCF) are reported. The use of premium rail steels and changes to vehicle suspensions are proved to deliver cost savings. Figures give data on the estimated average rail life for wear and RCF on the East Coast Main Line; annual savings from replacing standard with premium rail; premium rail life relative to standard rail life; and savings and costs arising from modifications to vehicle suspensions to reduce yaw stiffness.

Railway Gazette International, vol.162, no.2. Feb.2006. pp.77-79.

East Coast is full, says Network Rail

Results of a study into capacity on the East Coast Main Line are summarised. Options for increasing capacity are to be reviewd by Network Rail with conclusions published later this year.

Modern Railways, vol.63, no.689. Feb.2006. p.6.

Passenger journeys reach a new high

The Association of Train Operating Companies has estimated that 1.07bn journeys were completed in 2005, up 30M (2.5%) on 2004. Passenger journeys have increased 40.4% in the last decade. Total freight (tonne/km) rose 4.5%. Further figures are given.

Modern Railways, vol.63, no.689. Feb.2006. p.6.

Railway costs - struggling with Chris Bolt's [ORR chairman] unknowns/Railways in hock

The 2008 Periodic Review of the Rail Industry, which will determine the level of support given to the railway for the 5 year period starting 1 April 2009, is summarised. Various tables give potential funds available for renewals, enhancements and maintenance over this period.

Modern Railways, vol.63, no.689. Feb.2006. pp.18-21.

Excellence in engineering

An interview with Andrew McNaughton, the Chief Engineer of Network Rail, is presented. His aim is to make the UK railway engineering first class; a table shows broken rail statistics 1962-2005, and how these are now at their lowest level through investment in rerailing and monitoring for defects.

Modern Railways, vol.63, no.689. Feb.2006. p.32-34,36,38..

High speed to the north

The lack of high speed railway lines in the UK is discussed and compared to those in Spain and France. Modal imbalance is highlighted, with 2,125 motorway miles built since 1955 compared to 70 for high-speed rail.

Modern Railways, vol.63, no.689. Feb.2006. p.42-45.

Battery-powered electric trains

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd is developing battery-driven railroad cars. This would eliminate lines to supply power to trains, thus cutting construction and maintenance costs. The aim is to produce trains that can run all day on a single charge, or batteries that can be charged at stations. Fuel cells may be adopted. Demand is expected from developing countries.

The Nikkei Weekly, vol.44. no.2,218. 23 Jan. 2006. p.16.

Pointers

Bechtel Ltd has been contracted as Development Manager for Line 1 of the Cross London Rail Links. The company will produce the reference design for the project.

Rail Business Intelligence, no.261. 12 Jan.2006. p.1.

Laser rail-cleaner dropped

Laserthor has been requested to introduce a production-standard model of its high power laser railhead cleaner before Network Rail (NR) invests in any more of its equipment. NR has been operating two prototypes which have shown superior performance to high pressure water-jetting. Laserthor is in talks with a Dutch company to act as a larger industrial partner in commercialisation of the product. A world market of 800-1000 laser cleaners is forecasted.

Rail Business Intelligence, no.261. 12 Jan.2006. p.2.

Maintenance information still lacking, says ORR

The Office of the Rail Regulator is asking Network Rail for more quantitative information reductions in maintenance expenditure and the relationship between work done and outputs achieved. A table shows Network Rail's Business Plan 2005 projections of CP4 renewals activity for 2005-2015 by rail, sleepers, ballast, switch/crossing and signalling equivalent units.

Rail Business Intelligence, no.261. 12 Jan.2006. p.9.

No passenger train-km growth from 2007-08

Demand growth assumptions from the Network Rail Business Plan 2005 for the period 2005-2014 for passengers and freight are discussed. Figures are presented.

Rail Business Intelligence, no.261. 12 Jan.2006. p.10.

Transport chief warms to Tube companies

Peter Hendy, new head of Transport for London, has accepted the existence of the public private partnership and intends to ensure the programme of infrastructure and trains upgrade is completed and delivers the intended improvements. He is also to seek greater improvements in bus facilities and greater use of the above-ground national rail network.

Financial Times, 31 Jan. 2006. p.4.

Scientific signposts point way for transport

The Office of Science and Technology has published a report setting out the technological possibilities for the year 2055. This includes transport developments not only in the design of vehicles but also in the impact of global warming, design of cities, and the nature of how people work on transport systems and requirements.

Financial Times, 27 Jan. 2006. p.3.

Freight train, freight train, earnin' cash

US railroad operators are forecasting further strong growth in 2006 to continue the past 2 years of steady growth mirroring the strong domestic economy.

Financial Times, 27 Jan. 2006. p.29.

AEA Technology Rail 'reshapes' business: 100 staff to go

The AEA Technology Rail Test Hall is to close in early 2006 following completion of projects. The job losses will be mainly in the Engineering Systems division and some in the Products division, leaving the company with a total of around 450 employees.

Modern Railways, vol.63, no.688. Jan.2006. p.7.

DB - the standard railway of Europe?

A profile of Deutsche Bahn AG is presented. The largest railway system in Europe with a number of subsidiaries, its open access, inter city and regional passenger businesses, freight, logistics and marshalling yards are described.

Modern Railways, vol.63, no.688. Jan.2006. pp.74-76.

Intelligence

AMEC has been awarded the contract for track renewal and associated infrastructure for the Sandbach to Wilmslow stretch of the West Coast Main Line.
Corus has a 7 year rail supply contract with Network Rail; Voestapline has also received a 5 year contract.

Railway Gazette International, vol.162, no.1. Jan.2006. p.14.

Chinese EMUs take shape in Italy

The start of construction of the fleet of 200 km/h trainsets for Chinese Railways at the Savigliano factory of Alstom Transport is reported. Principal data for the CA250 EMUs are presented.

Railway Gazette International, vol.162, no.1. Jan.2006. p.19.

Railnews Directory 2006

The directory lists rail industry principal stakeholders, train operators, suppliers, representative organisations, advisory bodies, and recruitment, appointment, training and consultancy businesses. Addresses and telephone/fax/e-mail/website information is provided, plus ownership and directors where appropriate.

Railnews, no.107. Jan.2006. pp.16-30.

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