Current Location....Berlin.
Rail distance to
date: 15,071km
Next: The
Berlin-Warsaw-Express....
FRENCH National Railways' (SNCF) Ouigo low-fare TGV service has reached a significant milestone since its launch on April 2 with the sale of the first 1 million tickets
BRITISH open-access operator Direct Rail Services (DRS) confirmed on September 12 that it has placed an order through Beacon Rail Leasing for 10 EuroDual electro-diesel locomotives from Vossloh.
DELHI Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has awarded Bombardier a contract worth around Rs 3.9bn ($US 62m) to supply communications-based train control (CBTC) for Line 7, the city's first driverless metro line.
GERMAN Rail (DB) said on September 11 that it expects to draw 35% of the traction current requirement for the German railway network from renewable energy..
www.progressiverailroading.com US News
Business and political leaders will come together with the world's top experts to bring high speed rail to America. The first $1Billion construction contract was just signed beginning phase 1 of the state-wide, 800 mile state-of-the-art transportation system - set to revolutionize mobility in California and the US. Conference info
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HIGHLIGHTED SPEAKERS
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 U.S. CONGRESSWOMAN LORETTA SANCHEZ
Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez represents California's
47th Congressional District, which includes the cities of Anaheim, Garden Grove, Santa Ana and Fullerton in Orange County. She began her congressional career in January 1997 and is currently serving her ninth term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Congresswoman Sanchez is a strong supporter of high speed rail for California and across America. She was appointed by Leader Pelosi to serve on the Joint Economic Committee (JEC), a bipartisan, bicameral committee that continually monitors matters relating to the US economy, including unemployment, foreclosures, and interest rates. A recognized leader on military issues and national security issues, Rep. Sanchez is the third highest ranking Democrat and the most senior female member on the Armed Services Committee. More info |
 JEFF MORALES, CEO - CA HIGH SPEED RAIL AUTHORITYJeff Morales has a distinguished record of experience managing large and complex transportation issues and projects. As the former Director of the California Department of Transportation, Morales managed a $10 billion program and more than 20,000 employees working to build, maintain and operate the largest state transportation system in the U.S. Morales is the past executive vice president of the Chicago Transit Authority where he spearheaded major reforms at the nation's second-largest transit agency. His experience at the federal level includes serving as a member of President-Elect Obama's transition team focusing on transportation, Vice President Al Gore's National Performance Review, the White House Commission on Aviation Safety and Security, the United States Department of Transportation and as U.S. Senate staff. He most recently was Senior Vice President of Parsons Brinckerhoff , where he worked with transportation agencies across the United States and internationally to develop and implement major capital programs. More info |
 RONALD TUTOR, CEO - TUTOR PERINIMr. Tutor leads Tutor Perini Corporation, a leading civil and building construction company offering diversified general contracting and design-build services to private clients and public agencies throughout the world. With over 15 years at the Company and over 49 years in the industry, Mr. Tutor brings in-depth knowledge of the company and the construction industry. Mr. Tutor has served as Chief Executive Officer since March 2000 and as Chairman since July 1999. Mr. Tutor also served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tutor-Saliba Corporation ("Tutor-Saliba"), a privately held California corporation engaged in the construction industry, until Tutor-Saliba merged with the Company in September 2008. More info |
 MALCOLM DOUGHERTY, DIRECTOR - CALIFORNIA DOTMr. Dougherty leads the $11 billion organization and the Department's 20,000 employees who build, maintain, and operate the 50,000 lane miles of California's world-class transportation system. He is also a member of California's Toll Bridge Program Oversight Committee, which provides project oversight on the seismic retrofit of the state's toll bridges, including the iconic $6.46 billion San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. During his 20 years with Caltrans, Dougherty has served in several high-profile management positions. Before being appointed Director, he served as Chief Deputy Director, where he advised and assisted the Director with all aspects of Caltrans' policies and operations. He also served as District Director in the Fresno area. Before he came to Caltrans, Dougherty worked for a consultant with a focus on land development and municipal engineering. Dougherty is a graduate of Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. More info |
 ARTHUR LEAHY, CEO - LA COUNTY MTAMr. Leahy will give an update and overview of the transportation picture in the Los Angeles region including the growing metro system, as well as preparations for HSR coming to LA. Mr. Leahy became MTA's CEO in April 2009. LA MTA serves as transportation planner and coordinator, designer, builder and operator for one of the country's largest, most populous counties. Mr. Leahy's prior position was the CEO of Orange County Transportation Authority, a county-wide transportation agency, where he oversaw planning, financing and coordination for Orange County's freeway, street and rail development, bus service, commuter rail service, and paratransit services. Prior to this, he was general manager of the transit agency in Minneapolis-St. Paul between 1997 and 2001. More info |
 ROD DIRIDON, EXEC. DIRECTOR MINETA TRANSP. INST.Mr. Diridon has served as executive director of the Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) created by Congress in 1991. Mr. Diridon has chaired more than 100 international, national, state and local programs, most related to transit and the environment. He frequently provides legislative testimony on sustainable transportation issues and is regarded by many as the "father" of modern transit service in Silicon Valley. He was appointed by Governors Davis and Schwarzenegger, in 2001 and 2006, respectively, to the California High-Speed Rail Authority Board, of which he is chair emeritus. After many years of public service in various capacities in California, Santa Clara County renamed its main train station "San Jose Diridon Station" in his honor. More info |
NETWORK WITH THE LEADERS!
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Conference highlights include Bringing High Speed Rail to America, the opening session with leading advocates for high speed rail in America. Hear about the benefits, opportunities, and challenges of a major new infrastructure project for America. California High Speed Rail will explore the status of the visionary state project, and its current construction build-out schedule. HSR in America Update will explore the status of the many high speed rail projects in the works around the country.
High Speed Rail Investment & Real Estate Development will explore the mixed-use real estate opportunities at rail stations. Transit Oriented Development & Station Architecture will explore design strategies of great rail stations while integrating them into cities and creating exciting new mixed-use places. Private Investment & Financing High Speed Rail panel will explore strategies to creatively finance and build high speed rail projects around America, including a $100 billion investment fund for high speed rail. |
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CALIFORNIA STATEWIDE RAIL MODERNIZATION PLAN
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www.railway-technology.com Updates..
Malaysia to invest $49bn in rail schemes
Malaysia is planning to spend MYR160 ($49bn) on rail-related programmes, including a high-speed service to Singapore, by 2020.
Bombardier-led consortium secures major signalling system contract in Azerbaijan
A consortium led by Bombardier has been awarded a $288m contract by Azerbaijan Railways to supply a signalling system for the international Kars-Baku transport corridor that connects Asia and Europe.
Kapsch to supply GSM-R train communications to Slovenia
The Slovenian Ministry of Infrastructure has awarded a €117m contract to Kapsch CarrierCom to equip the country's train communications network with GSM-R technology on 1,200km of track.
Hitachi signs IEP testing contract with GB Railfreight
Hitachi Rail Europe has entered into a testing contract with London-based GB Railfreight to support the Intercity Express Programme (IEP).
UK Office of Rail Regulation (ORR)
Annual Efficiency Assessment of Network Rail
12 September 2013
ORR/20/13.
Network Rail is underperforming on some of its efficiency objectives according to analysis from the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR).
ORR’s annual efficiency and finance assessment of Network Rail (2012-13) examines the amount of money the company has spent and what it provided in return for the funds received from train operators and governments. The report scrutinises expenditure on renewals, maintenance and asset management, and what was delivered. It also explains financial adjustments for Network Rail’s delivery against its performance targets.
This assessment covers the fourth year of Network Rail’s current five-year funding period (CP4), which will end on 31 March 2014.
The analysis shows that Network Rail implemented a number of initiatives – such as rationalising its signalling and control centres and reduced use of sub-contractors – to improve its operating maintenance and renewals expenditure. It also highlights that Network Rail is on track to deliver its rail enhancement programme, bringing great benefits to passengers. Over the past year, the company has completed extensions to the East London line, electrified the Paisley Canal branch line and lengthened platforms to increase capacity on the East Coast main line.
However, the report highlights that efficiency improvements slowed in 2012/13. ORR’s assessment is that Network Rail is unlikely to deliver the potential 23.5% efficiencies identified for operations, renewals, maintenance and asset management by the end of CP4.
ORR Chief Executive Richard Price said:
Network Rail is unlikely to meet a number of targets in its current funding period, and it will have significant ground to cover in the next funding period (2014-19). The regulator will be more demanding of Network Rail’s performance to ensure improvements are delivered for its customers.
ORR/20/13.
Network Rail is underperforming on some of its efficiency objectives according to analysis from the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR).
ORR’s annual efficiency and finance assessment of Network Rail (2012-13) examines the amount of money the company has spent and what it provided in return for the funds received from train operators and governments. The report scrutinises expenditure on renewals, maintenance and asset management, and what was delivered. It also explains financial adjustments for Network Rail’s delivery against its performance targets.
This assessment covers the fourth year of Network Rail’s current five-year funding period (CP4), which will end on 31 March 2014.
The analysis shows that Network Rail implemented a number of initiatives – such as rationalising its signalling and control centres and reduced use of sub-contractors – to improve its operating maintenance and renewals expenditure. It also highlights that Network Rail is on track to deliver its rail enhancement programme, bringing great benefits to passengers. Over the past year, the company has completed extensions to the East London line, electrified the Paisley Canal branch line and lengthened platforms to increase capacity on the East Coast main line.
However, the report highlights that efficiency improvements slowed in 2012/13. ORR’s assessment is that Network Rail is unlikely to deliver the potential 23.5% efficiencies identified for operations, renewals, maintenance and asset management by the end of CP4.
ORR Chief Executive Richard Price said:
“Network Rail has been entrusted with large amounts of public and passengers’ money, which, if invested well, should deliver the levels of efficiency and punctuality it promised to deliver. However, the company is falling short of expectations at the moment. It is facing many problems of its own making, having failed to deliver plans to renew Britain’s rail network, with delayed works now affecting performance. The company must urgently catch-up and address the problems which are causing disruption to passengers and target its work as efficiently as possible. This is vital as it heads towards its new five-year delivery plan with more stretching targets.”ORR’s analysis identifies some key issues which have led to the company not meeting its efficiency targets:
- Lack of knowledge of assets and lack of delivery of its civil renewals programme. The reliability of information Network Rail holds on the condition of its tracks, bridges and other assets is not as good as it should be. ORR has seen some improvement, but there remains a good deal of work ahead for the company to be as efficient as it can be. ORR’s assessment also highlights issues associated with Network Rail’s deferral of its work to renew Britain’s rail network, with lower-than-planned renewals affecting performance levels.
- Poor maintenance planning leading to poor asset performance and delays. Too much of the maintenance work being carried out by Network Rail is reactive rather than preventative. There is also an increasing backlog of maintenance work. Network Rail acknowledges that some maintenance depots are under-resourced and it will increase the amount of planned maintenance work this year.
- Inadequate attention to drainage in particular hampering preparation for adverse weather. Last year’s wet autumn and winter weather exposed the impact of under-investment in earthworks, such as drainage and embankments. There were 125 earthwork failures in 2012-13, compared to 12 in 2011-12. Network Rail is re-assessing its monitoring regimes so that it can target its work more effectively.
Network Rail is unlikely to meet a number of targets in its current funding period, and it will have significant ground to cover in the next funding period (2014-19). The regulator will be more demanding of Network Rail’s performance to ensure improvements are delivered for its customers.
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