NETWORK Rail Consulting, the international consultancy arm of British infrastructure manager Network Rail (NR), has entered the North American market after being selected to join Amtrak's Northeast Corridor (NEC) Partner Forum.
GERMAN Rail (DB) announced on May 2 that it has agreed a framework contract with Bombardier for up to 450 Traxx electric locomotives over the next 10 years..
ALGERIAN transport minister Mr Amar Tou officially inaugurated the first light rail line in the city of Oran on May 1 in the presence Mr Abelmalek Boudiaf, the Wali of Oran.
THE New South Wales government has announced two shortlisted consortia for the operations, trains and systems (OTS) contract for the North West Rail Link (NWRL) between Rouse Hill and Chatswood in the suburbs of Sydney.
SIEMENS is the starting the process of integrating the signalling division of Invensys into the rail automation unit of its Mobility and Logistics Division following the completion today of its acquisition of Invensys Rail ..
| |||||||||
 | |||||||||
| |||||||||
Network Rail Consulting
Network Rail takes first step into US market with appointment to Amtrak partner forum
Network Rail has joined Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor (NEC) Partner Forum in order to share the company’s valuable experience of managing and developing high-density passenger rail infrastructure. Network Rail is represented in the forum by Network Rail Consulting, the company’s international consultancy arm.
Membership of the forum will enable Network Rail Consulting to share best practice internationally and collaborate on areas of interest including high speed rail development, railway operations, system integration and other objectives established by the forum for the purpose of improving the NEC, considered the rail backbone of the region.
Running from Boston to Washington, D.C. via New York City, Philadelphia and a number of other major cities, the NEC is the busiest passenger rail corridor in America, connecting eight states, serving 750,000 passengers and over 2,000 commuter, intercity, and freight trains each day. The mix of services, age of infrastructure and high levels of capacity utilisation on the NEC are similar in many ways to Britain’s busy intercity main lines. Network Rail’s experience of owning, operating, maintaining and upgrading one of the world’s most heavily-used rail networks was crucial in securing Amtrak’s invitation.
Simon Kirby, chairman of Network Rail Consulting, said: “We believe we have much to offer other railways around the world and we are eager to support Amtrak on this key initiative. We look forward to helping further develop rail in the United States, sharing the best of British engineering and ingenuity.
“The NEC Partner Forum is a good fit for our business and will allow us to share valuable experience in developing pioneering approaches in asset management and the successful delivery of large and complex capital projects. Added to that, we look after one of the most heavily used railways in the world, on largely Victorian infrastructure. Despite these challenges, our railway carries more people on more trains than ever before, with improving levels of punctuality.”
Stephen Gardner, Amtrak Vice President of NEC Infrastructure and Investment Development said: ”I am delighted that Network Rail had joined the NEC Forum, formed of respected international railway operators and infrastructure owners. I expect that they will bring valuable experience to the group and make a significant contribution as Amtrak sets out on its vision for high speed rail."
Network Rail Consulting was set up in 2012 as a subsidiary of Network Rail as part of the company’s ongoing reform agenda. The objective for Network Rail Consulting is to harness the vast range of skills and experience available within Network Rail to demonstrate British expertise overseas and be an international ambassador for Britain’s rail industry. It will also help channel innovation back into Network Rail’s core business, helping deliver a better value railway for Britain.
The geographic focus of Network Rail Consulting centres on those countries, such as the USA and India, with large, aging rail infrastructure in need of modernisation – an area in which Network Rail has vast experience.
Network Rail has grown Britain’s railways exponentially since 2002, adding over a million more train services a year, increasing passenger numbers by half a billion and doubling the number of passengers arriving on time. A report published by the European Commission last month rated Britain’s rail network as the most improved in Europe.
www.progressiverailroading.com US News
IANA report: Intermodal volume grew more than 4 percent in Q1
Massachusetts DOT awards grants for nine freight-rail projects
Amtrak reaches 42-year mark
AIM Institute tabs Union Pacific CIO Tennison as top technology leader
California construction authority installs new chair, vice chair
Rail-car plant expansion in Illinois demonstrates value of rail investment, LaHood says
Maryland transit officials to update public on Purple Line project details
Rail supplier updates from FreightCar America, Wabtec, Auto Truck Group and Parsons Brinckerhoff (May 2)
Membership of the forum will enable Network Rail Consulting to share best practice internationally and collaborate on areas of interest including high speed rail development, railway operations, system integration and other objectives established by the forum for the purpose of improving the NEC, considered the rail backbone of the region.
Running from Boston to Washington, D.C. via New York City, Philadelphia and a number of other major cities, the NEC is the busiest passenger rail corridor in America, connecting eight states, serving 750,000 passengers and over 2,000 commuter, intercity, and freight trains each day. The mix of services, age of infrastructure and high levels of capacity utilisation on the NEC are similar in many ways to Britain’s busy intercity main lines. Network Rail’s experience of owning, operating, maintaining and upgrading one of the world’s most heavily-used rail networks was crucial in securing Amtrak’s invitation.
Simon Kirby, chairman of Network Rail Consulting, said: “We believe we have much to offer other railways around the world and we are eager to support Amtrak on this key initiative. We look forward to helping further develop rail in the United States, sharing the best of British engineering and ingenuity.
“The NEC Partner Forum is a good fit for our business and will allow us to share valuable experience in developing pioneering approaches in asset management and the successful delivery of large and complex capital projects. Added to that, we look after one of the most heavily used railways in the world, on largely Victorian infrastructure. Despite these challenges, our railway carries more people on more trains than ever before, with improving levels of punctuality.”
Stephen Gardner, Amtrak Vice President of NEC Infrastructure and Investment Development said: ”I am delighted that Network Rail had joined the NEC Forum, formed of respected international railway operators and infrastructure owners. I expect that they will bring valuable experience to the group and make a significant contribution as Amtrak sets out on its vision for high speed rail."
Network Rail Consulting was set up in 2012 as a subsidiary of Network Rail as part of the company’s ongoing reform agenda. The objective for Network Rail Consulting is to harness the vast range of skills and experience available within Network Rail to demonstrate British expertise overseas and be an international ambassador for Britain’s rail industry. It will also help channel innovation back into Network Rail’s core business, helping deliver a better value railway for Britain.
The geographic focus of Network Rail Consulting centres on those countries, such as the USA and India, with large, aging rail infrastructure in need of modernisation – an area in which Network Rail has vast experience.
Network Rail has grown Britain’s railways exponentially since 2002, adding over a million more train services a year, increasing passenger numbers by half a billion and doubling the number of passengers arriving on time. A report published by the European Commission last month rated Britain’s rail network as the most improved in Europe.
www.progressiverailroading.com US News
Victoria government awards rail level crossing removal contracts The Victoria government in Australia has awarded a contract to two groups to remove three rail level crossings in the state.
Network Rail starts rebuilding bridges in NorthamptonshireNetwork Rail has started the reconstruction of three bridges in Northamptonshire in the UK as part of a £70m programme to speed up journey times on the Midland Main Line between London and Sheffield.
Nippon Sharyo to expand Rochelle railcar plant in US
Japan-based Nippon Sharyo has announced plans to invest $54m to expand its high-speed railcar factory in Rochelle, Illinois, US.
New concourse opened at Birmingham New Street station in UK
Network Rail has opened the first half of the new Birmingham New Street station concourse in the UK.
New USDOT Secretary Nomination
President Obama has announced his nomination for the next USDOT Secretary - Anthony Foxx, Mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina. As mayor of one of the nation's fastest growing cities, Anthony Foxx has been on the front lines delivering transportation services to the public, boosting economic growth, and creating jobs.
President Obama described Anthony Foxx's experience as Mayor of Charlotte:
"Since Anthony took office, they've broken ground on a new streetcar project that's going to bring modern electric tram service to the downtown area. They've expanded the international airport. And they're extending the city's light rail system. All of that has not only helped create new jobs, it's helped Charlotte become more attractive to business."
"I'm humbled and honored to be your nominee for secretary of transportation; we must work together across party lines to enhance this nation's infrastructure," said Anthony Foxx. "There is no such thing as a Democratic or Republican road, bridge, port, airfield, or rail system."
"We commend the nomination of Antony Foxx as the next USDOT Secretary," said USHSR President Andy Kunz. "He deeply understands the interplay of cities and transportation, and how to deliver livability solutions such as rail and transit oriented development. He will follow the great leadership of Secretary LaHood continuing the national support for high speed rail. We support his nomination and look forward to working with him. We also thank Secretary LaHood for his unwavering support and great leadership delivering high speed rail to America."
"Transportation Secretary-nominee Foxx is a seasoned, no-nonsense leader who's record of support for sustainable transportation, including high speed rail, has been well earned by his policies as the Mayor of Charlotte and his staunch support for the President," said Rod Diridon, Executive Director, Mineta Transportation Institute. "He also has the confidence of the US Conference of Mayors, a powerful, bi-partisan element of our national advocacy community supporting infrastructure investments."
President Obama said "Over the past four years, thanks to Ray's leadership, we've built or improved more than 350,000 miles of road - enough to circle the world more than 14 times. We've upgraded more than 6,000 miles of rail - enough to go coast to coast and back. We've repaired or replaced more than 20,000 bridges, and helped put tens of thousands of construction workers back on the job."
HSR - President Obama's Great Legacy
President Obama Will Long be Remembered as the Father of US High Speed Rail
As the President moves into his second term and leadership at the USDOT transitions, outgoing Secretary Ray LaHood commented on high speed rail as Obama's great legacy. "I think the crowning glory for the president -- and he is going to have many legacies but his transportation legacy -- will be high-speed rail in America, bringing passenger rail all over America," said LaHood.
"What he said to America is we know you want a different kind of transportation. And Lincoln started the rail system in America. Obama has started high speed rail in America. What a great legacy." added LaHood.
"What he said to America is we know you want a different kind of transportation. And Lincoln started the rail system in America. Obama has started high speed rail in America. What a great legacy." added LaHood.
"Moving our nation into high speed rail will soon be seen as the catalyst that turned America around in so many ways, and President Obama had the vision and determination to make it happen," said USHSR President Andy Kunz. "He got the whole nation excited about high speed rail, and launched a wide range of projects, and stuck with them. That's visionary leadership, we commend the President." More info
From our media partners:
RAIL Magazine
Issue RAIL 32
The Rail Yard
 |
Jim Watson -- the Mayor of Ottawa -- and James Leiper, a resident of the
Waterloo region, provide their perspectives on the opportunities presented by
light-rail projects in their communities.
 Deadline Extended for Oman Rail Project Bids
The deadline for the submission of bids for the preliminary design consultancy for the Oman National Railway Project has been extended by two weeks.
Engineer Ali al Harthi, acting director-general of technical affairs gave the revised deadline in a faxed document. The closing date for the receipt of both technical and financial offers is now 6th May 2013. Although the document does not give any reasons for the deferment, it is thought to be connected with allowing time for clarification of queries which have been raised by bidders.
More News at:
Railway Engineering News |
No comments:
Post a Comment
Tell us your Railway News!