International & UK Railway News 30th November 2012

On This Day In History

30/11/1934     

On 30 November 1934, running a light test train, 4472 Flying

Scotsman became the first steam locomotive to be officially

recorded at 100 mph (160.9 km/h).

 

Flying Scotsman on static display at Railfest 2012 - Britain's biggest ever gathering of rail record breakers, 2 - 10 June 2012
Latest News on Flying Scotsman's restoration here....



International Railway Journal


THE Export-Import Bank of the United States has signed a $US 425m credit agreement with Kazakhstan Railways (KTZ) and its subsidiary Lokomotiv Kurastyru Zauyty (LKZ) to finance the supply of around 200 GE Evolution Series ES44ACi diesel locomotives.

AFTER several months of uncertainty, an agreement has finally been reached between Austria's infrastructure manager and open-access operators over access to two new lines which can only be used by rolling stock equipped with ETCS..

EMD officially opened its new locomotive assembly plant at Sete Lagoas in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais on November 29.

EUROPEAN Investment Bank vice-president Mrs Magdalena Álavarez Arza and Mr William Vásconez, undersecretary for public finances for the Ecuadorian Ministry of Finance signed a $US 260m loan agreement in Luxembourg on November 29 which will finance the construction of the first metro line in Ecuador's capital city Quito.



www.progressiverailroading.com US Railroad News

AAR: More mixed results for U.S. traffic in 47th week

Metrolinx unveils next wave of 'Big Move' projects

Norfolk Southern completes upgrades to Virginia export coal facility

CTA to reopen Lawrence Red Line Station

Western Carolina Railway Service to launch Aiken Railway in South Carolina

Iowa DOT to host hearings on Chicago-Council Bluffs-Omaha passenger-rail study

Ohio, Washington commissions OK crossing upgrades

Rail supplier updates from GE, Bombardier, Alstom, Kelso and Ex-Im Bank (Nov. 30)


United States High Speed Rail Association

CONFERENCE STARTS MONDAY!

The high speed rail conference of the year starts Monday! There's still time to get tickets, but they are going fast. This is the conference you don't want to miss! An incredible line up of top speakers, every major engineering and construction firm, high speed rail experts from around the world, and business and political leaders will all be there. The top leadership of the California High Speed Rail Authority - both Dan Richard, Chairman and Jeff Morales, CEO will speak at the conference! Senior executives from MTA, Caltrans, MTI, and many more will be participating. Decision makers, bidding team leaders, financing and legal experts, and other officials will all be participating. You should too! Register now Sign up for one of the Transportation Tours included free with your conference registration. Tours take place Wednesday Dec. 5, and include the LA Metro Red Line; Transit Oriented Development Projects; and LA Metro Rail Operations Center. Space is limited, so sign up today. Tours are open to conference attendees. Be part of the action next week. Register Now!

www.railway-technology.com Updates

Trensurb awards Porto Alegre Metro trains contract to FrotaPoa consortium in Brazil Trensurb, the metro rail operator in the Brazilian city of Porto Alegre, has awarded a €94m contract to the FrotaPoa consortium, comprising Alstom and CAF Brazil, to provide 15 trains. 
      
Bombardier to build automated people mover system at Dubai Airport
Bombardier Transportation has won an AED392m ($107m) contract from Al Jaber L.E.G.T. Engineering and Contracting (ALEC) to design and build an automated people mover (APM) system at Dubai International Airport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 
      
Siemens to acquire Invensys Rail for £1.7bn
Siemens has agreed to buy Invensys Rail, the rail automation business of UK-based Invensys, for £1.7bn to expand its presence in the global rail automation market. 
      
Alstom Signaling to install new cab signal system on Port Jervis line in US
MTA Metro-North Railroad has begun work on a $67m project to install a new cab signal system on the Port Jervis Line in New York, US, in a bid to increase safety and control train speeds.




SIEMENS

Press Release

Siemens strengthens core activities

Acquisition of Invensys Rail - Divestment of baggage handling, postal and parcel sorting activities.

Munich, Germany, 2012-Nov-28

Siemens has entered into an agreement to acquire Invensys Rail, the rail automation business of Invensys for approximately €2.2 billion (£1.742 billion). At the same time, the company plans to divest its baggage handling, postal and parcel sorting activities. Both planned transactions are part of the recently launched "Siemens 2014" company program, which amongst others, is aimed at strengthening the company's core activities. With revenues of approximately £800 million, Invensys Rail is a leading software based rail signaling and control company. The acquisition will expand Siemens' presence in the growing global rail automation market. "Today's moves are important measures to focus our core activities. We are exiting a non-core business with limited synergy potential while strengthening a resilient and high return business by combining two organizations with similar cultures and attractive synergy potential. The combined business will ensure profitable growth opportunities worldwide for the Siemens Infrastructure & Cities Sector," said Roland Busch, CEO of Siemens Infrastructure & Cities. The transaction is subject to Invensys shareholder approval and regulatory clearances.

The planned divestment of the baggage handling, postal and parcel sorting activities will further focus the activities of the Siemens Infrastructure & Cities Sector. While the company is one of the leading players in postal automation, parcel and baggage handling systems with a global presence and an installed base around the world, there are few synergies with other Siemens Divisions due to the high mechanical content. It is a highly specialized niche business, dominated by mid-sized companies. The mid-single-digit profit margin business with revenue of approximately €900 million and around 3,600 employees shall be sold.
 

Invensys Rail shall be integrated into Siemens' Rail Automation business in the Mobility and Logistics Division of the Infrastructure & Cities Sector. "With the addition of Invensys Rail we are in an excellent position to offer best-in-class solutions and technology to rail operators worldwide. The combination of two excellent organizations will create a truly global player in the Rail Automation business," said Sami Atiya, CEO of Siemens' Mobility and Logistics Division.

Invensys Rail has a strong footprint and a well established reputation with customers in the UK, Spain, the U.S. and Australia which will extend Siemens' Rail Automation existing presence in countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland as well as China and India. In recent years, Invensys Rail has also successfully expanded its business into fast-growing emerging regions. The combined Invensys Rail and Siemens product portfolio will offer a full range of automation and optimization products, solutions and services, covering all customer segments.
The growth outlook of the global rail automation market is driven by increasing urbanization and the demand for enhanced mobility including new and extended mass transit and commuter systems. Overall the rail sector benefits also from trends such as energy efficiency, environmental factors, liberalization, deregulation and low-cost transportation requirements.
Significant synergy potential is expected from the combination of territories and technologies together with cost savings in procurement, portfolio, engineering and SG&A. Synergies of over €100 million are expected, to be fully achieved by 2018.

In its last fiscal year ending March 2012, Invensys Rail generated revenues of £775 million and operating profit before interest and taxes of £116 million, representing a 15% margin. Order intake (excluding framework agreements) was £991 million, including major awards in new countries such as Saudi Arabia and Turkey. As of March 2012, Invensys Rail's total order book was £1,202 million and it currently employs around 3,200 employees.

Siemens provides integrated mobility solutions and already has a significant and established rail automation business with revenues of €1.4 billion, employing around 6,500 employees. Invensys Rail shall be integrated into this business, which is headquartered in Berlin, Germany. Siemens and Invensys Rail managers will form the new management team and Invensys Rail's local expertise and relationships will be retained. The new constellation will combine the regional strengths of both organizations for the benefit of its customers.

The transaction is subject to Invensys shareholder approval which is expected to be voted on at a General Meeting planned for December 2012. Furthermore, consent by Invensys' lenders, the UK pension regulator and anti-trust authorities is required. Overall Siemens will not take on any significant pension liabilities with the transaction. Siemens expects the transaction to close in the second quarter of calendar year 2013.




Crossrail

Press Release.

London’s newest ‘eastender’ begins tunnelling journey

Elizabeth becomes third tunnelling machine underway as work starts on Crossrail’s longest tunnel section.

Boats and barges to be used to deliver tunnel segments and remove excavated material from east London site

Crossrail moved a significant step forward today as London’s newest ‘eastender’ – 1,000 tonne tunnelling machine Elizabeth – began the 8.3km tunnelling journey to create the eastern section of the new rail line between Docklands and central London.

Elizabeth and sister tunnelling machine Victoria were lowered 40 metres underground into a shaft at Limmo Peninsula, next to Canning Town station last month. With the machines in place, Elizabeth has now begun the journey to create 8.3km (5.16 miles) of eastern tunnels from Docklands to Farringdon – Crossrail’s longest tunnel section. Victoria will also begin work on the eastern tunnels later this year.
As the 150 metre long tunnelling machines advance forwards, precast concrete segments are put in place to form concrete rings to line the tunnels. Elizabeth has now placed the first of 110,000 concrete segments that will line the eastern tunnels.

All of the concrete segments are being manufactured at a new facility in Chatham in Kent where up to 50 new jobs have been created. The concrete segments are then delivered by barge from Chatham to the east London site, helping prevent thousands of lorry journeys through Kent and the capital. Ships will also being used to transport excavated material from the eastern tunnelling work to Wallasea Island in Essex where it be used to create a new 1,500 acre RSPB nature reserve.

The eastern section of Crossrail will see Elizabeth and Victoria tunnel beneath the River Lea towards the new station box at Canary Wharf where work is already underway to prepare for their arrival and to allow the machines to easily enter the station next year. Both tunnelling machines will then receive maintenance while in the large station box, before continuing their journeys towards Whitechapel, Liverpool Street and Farringdon. Elizabeth and Victoria are due to arrive at Farringdon in late 2014.

Crossrail Minister Stephen Hammond said: "The start of tunnelling in east London marks another major milestone in the construction of Crossrail. It yet again shows the engineering expertise involved in delivering this huge infrastructure project for the Capital, set to boost the economy and generate thousands of new jobs. I look forward to following the progress of Elizabeth and Victoria, the two tunnel boring machines, on their journey towards Farringdon."

Andrew Wolstenholme, Crossrail’s Chief Executive said: “With the start of work on Crossrail’s eastern tunnels we are seeing the biggest construction project in Europe now tunnelling on both sides of the capital. This is a significant step towards the huge transport improvements Crossrail will deliver, creating much needed additional capacity and faster new links with London’s major employment areas. By using boats and barges to deliver and remove materials from these tunnels, this will keep thousands of lorries off the road in east London.”
A range of contractors and more than 500 workers are currently involved in the delivery of Crossrail’s eastern section, continuing the important benefits the construction project is delivering to the economy in London and the UK.

Across the whole Crossrail project, eight tunnelling machines will construct 21 kilometres (13 miles) of twin tunnels under London. The Crossrail route will pass through 37 stations and run 118 km (73 miles) from Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west, to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east.
...............

Further news sources...

Shedmaster Railway News

Read how creating any new train is a challenge, but when that train needs to traverse the highest route in the world, there are also vital safety elements to consider. The Tangula Express is such a train.....

World Heritage & Railway News
christianwolmar.co.uk - Dear Richard Brown, You have the unenviable task of trying to sort out the franchising issue and make sense of system that simply is not sensible.......


Railway Engineering News
RUSSIA: The first series-produced EP20 passenger locomotive was handed over to Russian Railways by manufacturer Transmashholding at a ceremony near Rostov on November 30.

International & UK Railway News 29th November 2012

Published on 29 Nov 2012 by TransportforLondon

The East London Line on London overground extends from Surrey Quays to Clapham Junction on December 9 2012 - completing the final link in London's orbital railway.

See the new line in two minutes.

Four trains an hour in each direction will run on the new link. We estimate 12.3m passengers will use the service each year.


International Railway Journal

HAMBURG celebrated the opening of the latest addition to its U-Bahn network on November 28 with a week of free rides on Line U4 prior to the launch of commercial operations on December 9.

GREATER Toronto and Hamilton area transport authority Metrolinx and Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) signed an agreement on November 28 outlining plans for construction of four light rail lines in Canada's largest city.

PKP Group power subsidiary PKP Energy has awarded ABB a €30m contract to supply 138 rectifier units for traction substations on the Polish network.

INDEPENDENT Transport Company (ITC) is set to complete its takeover of Freight One after the board of Russian Railways (RZD) approved the sale of its remaining 25% plus one shareholding in the company.




www.progressiverailroading.com US Railroad News


Shuster named chair of House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

Longshore & Warehouse Union clerical workers launch strike at L.A.-area ports

FTA finalizes grant agreement for Sacramento light-rail extension

Siemens to acquire Invensys Rail for $2.8 billion

CN CMO Ruest to address RailTrends next month

USDOT provides $3.2 million for Washington state siding extension

Hurricane Sandy update: NJ Transit to begin testing trains on Morris, Essex lines

Metrolinx, Toronto officials ink agreements to expand light rail

Johnson to succeed Kempton as Orange County Transportation Authority's CEO

North Carolina DOT schedules public hearing on proposed grade separation


www.railway-technology.com Updates

Alstom Signaling to install new cab signal system on Port Jervis line in US MTA Metro-North Railroad has begun work on a $67m project to install a new cab signal system on the Port Jervis Line in New York, US, in a bid to increase safety and control train speeds. 
      
Luas line extension work in Dublin to start in 2013
The first construction stage of the Luas City Broombridge (Luas BXD) line project in Dublin, Ireland, is scheduled to start in May 2013. 
      
Kazakhstan railways secures loan from Ex-Im Bank to buy GE locomotives
Kazakhstan's national railway operator, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), has secured a loan of $425m from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) to finance the purchase of locomotives from General Electric (GE). 
      
Nexans to develop anti-theft rail cable for SNCF
French firm Nexans has won a contract from France's national rail operator SNCF to design and build a specialised rail cable with the new Core-Tag anti-theft cable technology.

      

 

Shedmaster Railway News
Siemens to acquire Invensys Rail


World Heritage & Railway News

W55003 stands at Toddington 25th October 2012

 

 

Have you travelled on the 'Bubble Car' on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway? If you have and enjoyed the experience, here is an opportunity to vote for it on the Railcar Association's website. But be quick, as nominations close on 5^thDecember!
Railcar Nominations Page


Railway Engineering News
Includes news of Siemens surprise purchase of Invensys Rail, the rail automation business of Invensys for approximately €2.2 billion (£1.742 billion).






Future Rail No. 4. November 2012 Edition here...

As more high-speed networks emerge and the need for railways as an alternative to road and air travel grows, new train designs must keep up with this need for ever higher speed and travel comfort. We profile some of the most impressive high speed trains currently in development. We also find out why, despite the difficult economic climate, many developers are moving ahead with the new high-speed network and look at some of the most advanced projects underway. Moreover, we explore India's enormous plan to modernise its railway network, and take a look at Diabolo, the last link to be completed in Belgium's air-rail network. We also explore a new personal rapid transport system from Vectus and Pininfarina, the firm behind some of Ferrari's most iconic designs, and look at the market for rail door systems.

International & UK Railway News 28th November 2012

International Railway Journal

THE Swiss Federal Transport Office (BAV) has awarded Rheinland Cargo Schweiz (RCCH), the Swiss subsidiary of RheinCargo, Germany, a license to operate on the Swiss railway network.

A CEREMONY was held at Maschen yard near Hamburg on November 27 to mark the introduction of 835m-long freight trains between Germany and Scandinavia.

THE NORWEGIAN ministry of transport and communications announced on November 28 that it has asked infrastructure manager Jernbaneverket to prepare a draft development strategy for the rollout of ERTMS across the national network.

INVENSYS has announced it is to sell its rail division to Siemens for $US 2.8bn following a strategic review which concluded that consolidation in the signalling industry would limit the scope for expanding the company's rail activities.


www.progressiverailroading.com US Railroad News.

Hurricane Sandy update: MTA's repair bill is $5 billion, Gov. Cuomo says
California's High Desert Corridor project evolves to possibly include high-speed rail connector
KCS rings in 125th anniversary at NYSE
Cleveland short line adds CEMEX to customer list
Crossing improvements advance in Iowa, North Carolina
Black, Despos join Watco's management ranks
Frione joins South Florida Regional Transportation Authority
Rail supplier news from Bombardier, Steel Dynamics, AXION, REMSA, Urban Engineers, AREMA and DNJ Intermodal (Nov. 28)


www.railway-technology.com Updates

Nexans to develop anti-theft rail cable for SNCF French firm Nexans has won a contract from France's national rail operator SNCF to design and build a specialised rail cable with the new Core-Tag anti-theft cable technology. 
      
Smart421 to provide live sales management system for Rail Settlement Plan
UK-based IT consultancy firm Smart421 has won a contract from Rail Settlement Plan (RSP) to design, build and handle a new live sales management system. 
      
Greater Anglia to offer Wi-Fi at 100 stations in UK
Rail operator Greater Anglia is working with Wi-Fi network provider The Cloud to launch free internet access at 100 railway stations, including Cambridge, Norwich and Stansted Airport in the UK. 
      
Victoria orders 40 more V/Line train carriages from Bombardier
Bombardier has signed a A$207m ($216.4m) contract with the Australian state of Victoria to deliver 40 new V/Line carriages for the Regional Rail Link, which is scheduled to open in 2016.





       

Rail sector outlines tough environmental targets

Long-term targets to further improve the environmental performance of the rail sector are outlined in a new brochure published today by the International Union of Railways (UIC) and the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER). Adopted by the rail sector, the targets represent the improvements the sector feels it can achieve through its own voluntary endeavours, separate to any requirements laid down by EU and member state legislation. They build on the agreement already made in 2008 by rail companies to commit to a sector-wide cut of 30% of specific CO2 emissions from rail traction over the 1990-2020 period. The brochure coincides with the publication of the European Environment Agency’s 2012 annual TERM (Transport and Environment Reporting Mechanism) report. Transport is still responsible for nearly one-quarter of EU greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the 2011 EU Transport White Paper laid down a reduction target of at least 60% of transport GHG emissions between 1990 and 2050. However, the TERM report points out that transport GHG emissions fell by only 0.4% between 2009 and 2010, and energy consumption in transport actually rose slightly by 0.1% in 2011 compared to 2010. The brochure ‘Moving towards Sustainable Mobility – A strategy for 2030 and beyond for the European railway sector’ was jointly agreed by members of both UIC and CER to provide a unified approach to sustainability challenges in the rail sector. The strategy is built around four key topics: climate protection, energy efficiency, exhaust emissions, and noise emissions. It sets out objectives for the rail sector to meet by 2030, and more general aims for the longer target of 2050. · On climate protection: by 2030, the railways will reduce their specific average CO2 emissions (i.e. emissions per passenger-km or tonne-km) from train operations by 50% compared to 1990. They will also not exceed the total amount of CO2 emissions compared to 1990, even taking into account projected growth in rail traffic. By 2050, the railways will aim for completely carbon-free train operation. · On energy efficiency: by 2030, the railways will reduce their specific energy consumption from train operations by 30% compared to 1990, while by 2050 they aim for this to have reached 50%. · On exhaust emissions: by 2030, the railways will reduce their total emissions of NOx and PM10 by 40% in absolute terms compared to 2005, while by 2050 they will aim to have zero emissions of NOx and PM10 from trains. · On noise: by its nature this is a harder area to set targets for, so the railways aim that by 2050, noise and vibrations will no longer be considered a problem for the railways, with noise levels that are socially and economically acceptable and allow for 24-hour passenger and goods operations. In order to monitor the progress towards the targets, UIC and CER have established an Environmental Target Monitoring System to measure improvements, and a report monitoring progress towards the targets will be produced annually. CER Executive Director Libor Lochman said: “By establishing its own voluntary strategy, the rail sector is showing that it is a responsible and forward thinking low-carbon mode of transport, whose role should be enhanced as part of the wider move towards cleaner transport. Modal shift to rail from higher-emitting modes could further increase these advantages, and produce the biggest benefit for society and the environment.”     Moving towards sustainable mobility - A strategy for 2030 and beyond for the European railway sector Wednesday, 28 November 2012   Rail can play a key role to reduce the environmental impact of transport. By offering efficient transport with low environmental impacts, rail can help create a more sustainable approach to transport. Modal shift to rail from higher-emitting modes, in particular aviation and road freight, can further increase these advantages, and produce the biggest benefit for society and the environment. The European rail sector already has an environmental record to be proud of. For example, total CO2 emissions from the railway sector in 2007 were 38% less than in 1990. However, the railways recognise that they have to continue to improve in order to continue playing a significant role in meeting future transport needs. Moving towards Sustainable Mobility concentrates on what the rail sector itself can do to improve its environmental strengths. It was developed by CER and UIC to provide a medium and long-term plan for the rail sector that fits in with wider environmental and political policy objectives. By establishing its own voluntary strategy, the rail sector is showing that it is a responsible and forward thinking low-carbon mode of transport, whose role should be enhanced as part of the wider move to decarbonise transport. Through the creation of this strategy, the railways are showing the path towards an even cleaner, greener rail sector for 2030 and beyond. Download(s) CER-UIC Sustainable Mobility Strategy - SUMMARY.pdf Shedmaster Railway News According to hs2.org.uk - Milton Keynes can expect to be a big winner from the construction of Britain’s high-speed rail network. Read article to find out how! World Heritage & Railway News   Read news from National Railway Museum, York; North Yorkshire Moors Railway, East Lancashire Railway, West Somerset Railway.......     Railway Engineering News   Read in railwaygazette.com - UK: IT consultancy Smart421 has been awarded a contract to develop a Live Sales Management system to handle Ticket on Departure services for Rail Settlement Plan Ltd

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International & UK Railway News 27th November 2012

Transport Scotland High Speed Rail Summit (transportgovuk on YouTube)




Transport Minister Norman Baker gave a video address to the Transport Scotland High Speed Rail Summit, hosted by the Scottish Government. He spoke about how the Department for Transport's plans for a High Speed network will benefit the whole country, acting as the backbone of a new transport system for the 21st century to underpin business competitiveness and economic growth throughout the UK.

International Railway Journal 

 

IN a landmark ruling, the European Court of Justice has decreed that Austrian infrastructure manager ÖBB Infrastructure acted unlawfully in preventing open-access operator Westbahn from accessing real-time data on the train movements of other operators.

 

 

GERMAN infrastructure manager DB Networks will launch a compensation scheme on December 9 for railfreight operators forced to divert their services due to engineering work.

 

WARSAW Tramways announced on November 22 that Pesa Bydgoszcz has submitted the best offer for a contract to supply a fleet of 45 bidirectional low-floor LRVs with a five-year warranty.

 

 

 

www.progressiverailroading.com US Railroad News 

 

 

Tomorrow, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman John Mica (R-Fla.) will hold another in his series of hearings on Amtrak's operations.

The hearing will focus on Amtrak's structural reorganization plan, which was launched to improve the railroad's performance and accountability, according to a press release issued yesterday by Mica's office.

Baltimore port on pace for annual cargo record, Gov. O'Malley says

 

New speakers on tap for next month's RailTrends conference

 

Metro-North begins Port Jervis Line signalization project, restores Grand Central's Whispering Gallery

 

TriMet begins welding first segments of rail on Portland-Milwaukie light-rail line

 

Enbridge, Canopy Prospecting to develop crude oil unit-train facility near Philadelphia

 

Amtrak fills key senior operations posts with Pohlot, Quigley

 

Savannah port pursues paving project to support heavy machinery exports

 

Union Pacific to boost train speed on Kansas line

 

 

 

www.railway-technology.com Updates 

 

Victoria orders 40 more V/Line train carriages from Bombardier Bombardier has signed a A$207m ($216.4m) contract with the Australian state of Victoria to deliver 40 new V/Line carriages for the Regional Rail Link, which is scheduled to open in 2016. 

      

Hangzhou Metro Line 1 starts commercial operations
The Chinese city of Hangzhou has started commercial operations on 48km Metro Line 1, the first metro line in the city. 
      
China to start services on north-eastern high-speed line in December
China will start services on the country's first high-speed rail line through its high-latitude, freezing north-eastern provinces from 1 December 2012. 
      
BMT completes CBM study for VIA Rail Canada
International engineering consultancy BMT Group has completed a condition-based maintenance (CBM) study for VIA Rail Canada to suggest ways of improving performance and availability while cutting costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ne w s R e l e a s e

ERRAC, under new Chairmanship, hands over ‘RailRoute 2050’ vision document to the European Commission.

Brussels 27 November 2012
– ERRAC, the European Rail Research Advisory Council, held its plenary meeting in Brussels on Friday 23 November. Under the new Chairmanship of Josef Doppelbauer (Chief Technical Officer, Bombardier) as Chairman together with Andy Doherty and Manuel Pereira as Vice-Chairmen, many important issues currently high on the EU agenda were discussed. The plenary meeting was also the occasion for ERRAC to officially handover the 'RailRoute 2050' Railway Research and Innovation vision document to the European Commission.

András Siegler, Director of the Transport Directorate at the European Commission’s Directorate General Research and Innovation, outlined his views on the future of rail research, especially in the context of the preparation for Horizon 2020. He also thanked ERRAC for the work and the support and expertise provided for FP7 to the European Commission.

Chairman Josef Doppelbauer officially handed over ‘RailRoute 2050’ – a vision to step up rail research, development and innovation – to the European Commission. ‘RailRoute 2050’ offers a range of research opportunities for a competitive, resource-efficient, and intelligent rail transport system that meets the future demands of European citizens, stipulates economic growth, creates European jobs, and strengthens the position of the European rail sector in global competition. 'RailRoute 2050' will serve as a basis for the future work to be done by the platform.

Chairman Doppelbauer also presented a first proposal for new ERRAC Terms of Reference which will establish a new working structure for ERRAC and its members. The Terms of Reference are expected to be officially approved during the next ERRAC Plenary, in the Spring 2013.

The Plenary also discussed the progress on the rail JTI initiative known as SHIFT²RAIL and the ERRAC ROADMAPS results. Presentations on the outcome of the TRA2012 conference and exhibition, the reFINE project, EU-Russia cooperation, as well as possible collaborative actions with ECTP - The European Construction Technology Platform were also made during the meeting.

Concluding the meeting, Chairman Josef Doppelbauer thanked the Vice Chairs and the Secretariat for their help and support, highlighted the good work done by the platform over the past years and encouraged the members and partners to continue in this direction in 2013.

For more information about ‘RailRoute 2050’ and to receive a copy of the document, please contact the ERRAC Secretariat or go to www.errac.org (available for download).

 

 

Widespread support for greater rail devolution(gov.uk)

Minister: The Rt Hon Simon Burns MP

 Consultation responses published today reveal widespread support for rail devolution.

 

Passengers and local communities could achieve better rail services and value for money for taxpayers if they have more say on how their railways are run, according to responses to a government consultation.
The feedback published today also reveals widespread support for rail devolution. The consultation asked individuals, regional groups and interested organisations to give their views on how devolution might work and what the benefits were.
Rail Minister Simon Burns said:

We are determined to provide the best possible rail services for passengers and ensure that we reduce the cost of running our railways.

Ensuring decisions are taken by those best placed to make them – those who live and work in those areas – could make certain not only that services are planned to maximise value for money for taxpayers but that passengers get services they need and want.

The consultation also revealed enthusiastic expressions of interest in helping to manage the railways from regional groups in London, the West Midlands and the north of England.
Responses highlighted the success of regions where the operation of rail services has already been devolved, including:

• Merseyside, where Merseytravel has been responsible for the management of rail services since 2003
• London, where Transport for London has been responsible for the operation of London Overground services since 2007
• Scotland and Wales, where the operation of regional services is managed by the Scottish government and the Welsh Assembly government

Responses also showed support for transport models specifically designed for particular regions on the basis of local geography and the structure of local networks.

 

 

 

Leo Express fixed-income bonds announcement (Original language statement here)

 

LEO Express fixed-income bonds issued by 7.5% a year

 

LEO Express, a private rail carrier, issued on 12. December 2012 bonds in volume of up to 550 million dollars. "We want the people can participate in our success and business perspective," says Jaroslav Novotný, founder and CEO of the company.

 

Bonds with denominations of jednokorunovým, will be due in five years and bear a fixed interest of 7.5 percent per annum

 

LEO Express in November started a pilot operation with four flights daily on the route between Prague and Ostrava. From 9. December then on the same route starting full operation with 16 flights a day, which will be five brand new combinations, the Swiss manufacturer Stadler.

 

"The resources obtained from the emission of bonds is planned to be used for the purchase of LEO Express additional trainsets. Indeed, we want to expand and extend the concept of modern and reliable travel to other routes in the Czech Republic and in Central Europe, "explains Peter Köhler, Chief Financial Officer LEO Express. Draws attention to the considerable market potential, because the Czechs, or. The Slovaks or Poles so far, travel by train, on average, less than half of the Austrians or Germans.

 

"As in the past in telecommunications or air transport, the railway is also now with its gradual liberalisation in Europe, opening up great opportunities for private carriers. You can work more efficiently and provide better service to passengers than the monopoly State-owned firms. For example, private air carriers could after liberalization during the past twenty years gradually gain from zero total 40 percent market share, "adds Jaroslav Novotný. Modern efficient trainsets, and therefore significantly lower operating costs in addition to give LEO Express a big competitive advantage.

 

ATOC

National Rail travel bulletin - 26 November

26/11/2012

The vast majority of trains are running as normal today despite the severe weather affecting some parts of the country.
Across the country as of 14.00 today, around 80 % of trains arrived on time as train companies and Network Rail continue to work hard to ensure that people get safely to where they want to go.
A spokesperson for the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) said: “Although most passengers travelling by train today have experienced no problems whatsoever, we apologise to anyone whose journey did not go according to plan.
“Passenger safety is the industry's top priority and train companies and Network Rail will continue to work closely to ensure as many trains can run as safely as possible.”
A spokesperson for Network Rail said: “Teams of engineers have been working around-the-clock for several days in some places to alleviate the effects of flooding, repairing tracks and strengthening embankments so services can resume safely. While most people’s journeys should remain unaffected, we recommend checking with train operators or National Rail Enquiries for the latest information before travelling.”
To get the latest real-time rail travel information, passengers should use the National Rail Enquiries (NRE) service, paid for and run by train companies, which they can access on the move. Passengers can:
• Download the free NRE apps for iPhone and Android smartphones, giving instant access to real time running information, journey planning and information on any disruption.
• Visit the nationalrail.co.uk website to access live train departures boards and journey planners and to search for local operators’ trains.
• Follow NRE on Twitter or their train company here.
• ‘Like’ NRE’s dedicated Facebook page.
• Call NRE’s automated TrainTracker service on 0871 200 49 50.


Plus more news at:

Shedmaster Railway News

Featuring...  internationalrail.com - For most of its history, the Trans-Siberian journey has been an experience of almost continuous movement, seven days or more of unabated train travel through the vast expanse of Russia.

 World Heritage & Railway News

Steam Locos in Profile: The LB&SCR Terriers

 Shared by Bluebell Railway

 

Railway Engineering News

railwaygazette.com shared this news from raib.gov.uk - The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has released its report into a fatal accident at James Street station, Liverpool, on 22 October 2011. The RAIB has made three recommendations.

International & UK Railway News 26th November 2012

International Railway Journal


THE Chinese city of Hangzhou launched commercial operations on its first metro line on November 24.

NETHERLANDS Railways (NS) has withdrawn its fleet of newly-refurbished NID inter-city double-deck sets following an incident on November 23 when one of the trains unexpectedly split in service.

The Australian State of Victoria is to acquire an additional 40 Vlocity dmu vehicles from Bombardier at a cost of more than $A 200m ($US 209m) to accommodate anticipated further growth in ridership..

SAN FRANCISCO Bay Area Rapid Transit (Bart) has launched a review of system operations with a view towards introducing limited-stop services as well as the splitting and joining of trains on certain routes.



www.progressiverailroading.com US Railroad News

U.S. railroads' year-long traffic pattern held true in mid-November. In the week ending Nov. 17, they originated 288,717 carloads, down 4.3 percent, and 249,115 containers and trailers, up 2.4 percent compared with volumes from the same week last year, according to the Association of American Railroads.
Amtrak operates Lincoln Service trains at 110 mph in Illinois

Florida port, CSX play roles in corn imports from Brazil

CN reaches land-use agreement with Chicago-area forest preserve district

Amtrak installs Hanson as police chief, earns accreditation from law enforcement group

AASHTO names Wright executive director

Transportation Services Index inched up in September

Rail supplier updates from BMT Group, Vossloh, Axion, Nomad Digital and MERMEC (Nov. 26)



www.railway-technology.com Updates

Alstom and SATEE to deliver traction system to Shanghai metro lines 3 and 4
26 November, 2012 Alstom and its local joint venture Shanghai Alstom Transport Electrical Equipment (SATEE) have won a €37m contract from Shanghai Shentong Metro Group to supply a traction system to Shanghai... 

Bombardier installs signalling system on Croatian section of Pan European Rail Corridor X

Amtrak starts 110mph service on Chicago-St. Louis route




UK Office of Rail Regulation (ORR)

Understanding train operators' costs and revenues - new ORR study published

23 November 2012
ORR/19/12
A study aimed at improving the understanding of train operators’ costs and revenues has been published by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) today.
ORR’s analysis compares for the first time the expenditure of the 19 franchised train operating companies (TOCs), detailing how their costs and revenues have changed over time, how costs vary across franchises and an examination of the drivers of costs. Operator costs accounted for 48% of total rail industry costs in 2010-11, and are therefore an important element in improving the overall efficiency of the industry.
Over the last decade, there has been a strong growth in railway use - a 45% increase in passenger kilometres over the period – and the study highlights that:

• TOCs’ revenue now broadly matches their direct costs. The net subsidy being paid to TOCs by the Department for Transport and Transport Scotland is now £20m, down from £2.34bn in 2006-07.
• However, TOCs pay only part of the costs of their use of the rail network. In the absence of the nearly £4bn grant paid to Network Rail, charges for TOCs to access the network would be much higher.
• There are differences in the costs incurred by each TOC, which also vary when measured in a range of ways (e.g. cost per passenger kilometre, per vehicle kilometre, per train kilometre and per train hour).

ORR’s Director of Markets and Economics, Cathryn Ross, said:

"This is the first time detailed analysis of the nineteen franchised train operating companies has been published. It has involved collaboration across a number of organisations, and I welcome the commitment to transparency and accountability made by the rail industry. This is a really important step in giving taxpayers and customers access to better information about what they are funding and paying for in relation to the services they are getting.

"The cost of running Britain’s railways is too high and this must be tackled by the industry as a whole. Exploring and understanding the key factors that drive each train operator’s costs is a very positive step in helping achieve greater efficiency. Future reports will build on this analysis to examine how the specification of what is to be delivered in franchises contributes to costs, so that funders and the public have better information on what they are getting for their money."
 

ORR publishes consultation on Schedules 4 and 8

26 November 2012
The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) is seeking views on a range of detailed issues relating to Schedules 4 and 8 – the compensation train operators receive for the financial impact of planned and unplanned rail service disruption attributable to Network Rail or other train operators. Schedule 4 compensates train operators for the impact of planned service disruption, and Schedule 8 compensates train operators for the impact of unplanned service disruption. Compensation is intended to cover fare revenue losses or costs, such as those associated with running replacement buses.
Passengers and freight customers care about disruption to their service. It is therefore important that ORR ensures that Network Rail and train operators are incentivised to work in the best interests of passengers and customers by avoiding disruption.
Consultation views will inform part of ORR’s periodic review of Network Rail’s outputs and expenditure (PR13) – ORR’s assessment of what Network Rail must achieve during 2014-19, the money it needs to do so, and the incentives needed to encourage delivery and outperformance.
To read the consultation, see: www.rail-reg.gov.uk/pr13/consultations/possessions-and-performance-regimes.php.

 

See also....

Shedmaster Railway News
Includes news from www.railwaygazette.com from Spain: Work on the high speed line between Barcelona and the French border will be completed this year, Development Minister Ana Pastor said on November 12, enabling services to start running from April 2013.



Railway Engineering News
Features a detailed report from railwaygazette.com on the opening of Hangzhou's first metro line.


World Heritage & Railway News
From West Somerset Railway, details of a tenty mile steam round trip on Saturday 1st December.


Plus...

TFC has two tickets available for the Minehead-Bath special running this Sunday (2nd December 2012) Tickets face value £35-00 each. Will accept £50 for the two, or £30 for a single.
(Original users of tickets have been otherwise engaged!!)
E-mail ...tfc@steamtu.be