14 November 2024 (Europe) Since its first journey on November 14, 1994, Eurostar has transformed transportation, offering millions of passengers a fast and convenient way to travel between city centers across Europe. Since 1994, over 380 million passengers have traveled on Eurostar’s routes. Eurostar offers fast-track check-in services in London, Paris, and Brussels, along with onboard Wi-Fi. It was also the first to elevate train travel into a fine dining experience, featuring a team of chefs and a sommelier on board. Source https://mediacentre.eurostar.com/mc_view?language=&article_Id=ka4Rz00000AIRaHIAX
6 days ago
Read More30 October 2024 (Vienna) ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) has expanded its network with a new direct route connecting Serbia and Croatia. This route connects two key rail freight hubs, enhancing logistics between the two countries. The TransFER Belgrade–Rijeka service, operated by RCG with in-house traction, runs 1 to 2 round trips per week with a transit time of up to 24 hours. Source https://presse-oebb.at/news-oebb-rail-cargo-group-with-new-transfer-belgrade-rijeka-?id=207889&menueid=29817&l=english
7 days ago
Read More12 November 2024 (Taiwan) Alstom announced the successful delivery of the first fully automated, four-car Metropolis train to Taipei City Government's Department of Rapid Transit Systems for the Wanda-Zhonghe-Shulin Line. The 22.8-kilometer medium-capacity metro line will provide seamless connections between Taipei and New Taipei City, cutting travel time by 30 minutes once fully operational. Passengers will enjoy more convenient travel between districts in New Taipei City, including Zhonghe, Shulin, Tucheng, and Xinzhuang. Source https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2024/11/alstom-successfully-delivers-first-trainset-taipei-wanda-line
7 days ago
Read More8 November 2024 (UK) Angel Trains, Hitachi Rail, and TransPennine Express are celebrating the successful completion of the UK's inaugural intercity battery trial in the North of England. The robust 700kW battery technology met, and in some instances exceeded, the key objectives of the trial. Fuel cost savings ranged from 35% to 50%, exceeding the previous estimate of up to 30%. Source https://www.hitachirail.com/press/#/pressreleases/uk-first-intercity-battery-trial-exceeds-expectations-3353245
a week ago
Read More08 November 2024 (Singapore) In 2023, SMRT Trains and Hitachi Rail collaborated on a Green Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) Next Gen project to advance SMRT’s goal of achieving net zero by 2050. The Green CBTC Next Gen technology utilizes advanced data analytics within the SelTrac™ signaling system to optimize energy usage, allowing operators like SMRT to achieve traction energy savings and support environmental goals. Green CBTC Next Gen reduces traction power through data analytics, making passenger journeys on the NSEWL more environmentally friendly. Source https://www.smrt.com.sg/news-publications/newsroom/media-releases/hitachi-rail-and-smrt-trains-achieved-additional-8-energy-savings-on-nsewl-with-green-cbtc-next-gen/
a week ago
Read More31 October 2024 (Christchurch, New Zealand) KiwiRail has unveiled the first of its new high-tech locomotives in Christchurch. Transport Minister Simeon Brown visited Christchurch’s Middleton rail depot this morning to view the first two prototypes, built by the leading locomotive manufacturer Stadler in Spain. KiwiRail Chief Executive Peter Reidy announced that 66 new DM class locomotives have been acquired with government funding from previous budgets to replace the company’s aging locomotives and wagons. Source https://www.kiwirail.co.nz/media/new-locomotives-for-the-south-island-unveiled/
2 weeks ago
Read More1 November 2024 (UK) Rail passengers are advised to plan their journeys in advance due to upcoming tests of 21st-century digital signaling systems on the East Coast Main Line. The £1.4 billion East Coast Digital Programme will replace traditional lineside signals with in-cab signaling, leading to more reliable journeys and a greener railway experience for passengers in the future. This is part of the ongoing preparations for trains to operate on this route using digital signaling starting in late 2025. Source https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/thameslink-and-great-northern-passenger-advice-during-signalling-upgrades
2 weeks ago
Read More30 October 2024 (Bussnang) Stadler has entered into a contract with Lisbon’s metro operator, Metropolitano de Lisboa, to supply 24 vehicles. The agreement includes an option to supply up to an additional 12 vehicles. The contract was signed in the presence of Portugal’s Minister of Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho, and the Secretary of State for Mobility, Cristina Pinto Dias. Source https://stadlerrail.com/media/pdf/2024_1030_pr_metro_lisbon_en.pdf
2 weeks ago
Read More29 October 2024 (Morocco) Vossloh is providing rail fastening and switch systems valued at approximately €75 million for the construction of a new high-speed rail line in Morocco. Contract from Morocco’s national railway operator, ONCF, for the construction of the high-speed rail link between Casablanca and Marrakesh The deliveries are scheduled to occur from 2024 through 2028. The contract includes the delivery of switches and switch components valued at nearly €50 million by 2027, as well as rail fastening systems worth approximately €25 million by 2028. Source https://www.vossloh.com/en/press/press-releases/detail/pressdetail_79424.html
2 weeks ago
Read More30 October 2024 (Luxembourg) Hitachi Rail has entered into a framework agreement with Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Luxembourgeois (CFL) to design and deliver digital signaling for Bettembourg and Dudelange stations on Luxembourg's railway network. Under this framework, Hitachi Rail will be responsible for the development, project planning, delivery, installation, and commissioning of interlocking systems with ETCS Level 1 Full Supervision, along with simplified trackside light signaling, to modernize the Bettembourg and Dudelange stations on Luxembourg's railway network. The new signaling system will facilitate digital communication between the track and train, improving reliability and safely boosting track capacity. Source https://www.hitachirail.com/press/#/pressreleases/hitachi-rail-expands-its-successful-partnership-with-cfl-to-deliver-digital-signalling-in-luxembourg-3351744
3 weeks ago
Read More21 October 2024 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) Wabtec announced a $405 million agreement today to supply Evolution Series ES44ACi locomotives to Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ). The new locomotives will modernize KTZ's aging fleet and help meet the increasing rail demand in the region. The locomotive is equipped with a 12-cylinder, 4,500-horsepower Evolution Series engine, delivering high horsepower and low life-cycle costs, thereby enhancing performance in heavy-haul operations. Source https://www.wabteccorp.com/newsroom/press-releases/wabtec-finalizes-405-million-locomotive-deal-with-kazakhstan-temir-zholy
3 weeks ago
Read More25 October 2024 (Philadelphia) Amtrak has awarded the first of three essential construction contracts for the Zoo to Paoli Electrification Transmission Line Program. HNTB was chosen to provide project and construction management support for the substation at Bryn Mawr and the Bryn Mawr to Paoli segment of the project. This multi-year program, distinct from the track work between Harrisburg and Lancaster, will upgrade the electrification system along an 18-mile stretch between the Zoo Substation in Philadelphia and the Paoli Substation in Chester County. Source https://media.amtrak.com/2024/10/amtrak-advances-major-power-system-upgrades-along-critical-segment-of-the-harrisburg-line/
3 weeks ago
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