International & UK Railway News Tuesday 18th March 2014

The never ending saga that is HS2 continues...with arguments for and against. Naturally, government sources are keen, whilst those who will be adversely affected (Camden, for instance) are understandably, not so keen. Some see HS2 as the catalyst for other rail developments, so it can only bring good... But there are those who say that HS2 is the wrong scheme in the wrong place...it needs to go in a different direction, while others say that it could become a "national treasure"!!
We shall see....


We feature a report from our colleagues at Smart Rail World. Luke Upton reflects on the huge order placed with Bombardier by Transnet..
And we learn of the introduction of the latest Shinkansen series in Japan... the experts in high speed train technology..


Read On.....








Headlines..

 

Valleys rail electrification bill row between governments.(BBC News)

 

High-speed rail's long journey.(BBC News)

 

Fast-track plan for HS2 wins backing from George Osborne.(The Guardian)

 

HS2 construction: Creagh, Anderson, Shapps and Gillan.(BBC Video)

 

HS2 needs to go in a different direction.(The Telegraph)

 

HS2’s impact on Camden: Ward by ward how high speed rail link will affect you.(Ham & High)

 

Seamless integration of HS2 will transform Britain’s railway, says Network Rail.(Network Rail)

 

Rail line could be reopened with HS2.(Bradford Telegraph & Argus)

 

High Speed Rail has Potential to Become Iconic National Treasure.(dluxe magazine)

 

London Paddington to Bristol rail electrification creates Swindon jobs.(BBC News)

 

Pictured: 'Reckless idiot' cyclist who rode through a train tunnel causing 14 HOURS of delays for commuters.(Daily Mail)

 

Egypt revives high-speed rail plans.(IRJ)


Alstom delivers high-capacity EMU to SuperVia - Railway Gazette

 

Europe by Rail | New low-cost rail service from Berlin to Hamburg

 

Series E7 debuts on Nagano Shinkansen - Railway Gazette

 

Shinkansen at the NRM

 

London Underground begins search for supplier to build the ‘New Tube for London’.(eurotransport)

 

 

 

 

 

By Kind Permission: Luke Upton, SmartRail World.

 

New post on SmartRail World

Further growth for African rail as Bombardier signs huge contract to deliver 240 locomotives for South African project; one of the largest ever infrastructure projects in the country. by Luke Upton In the latest signal of the African railway boom, Bombardier Transportation South Africa (Pty) Ltd has signed a contract with Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) for the delivery of 240 TRAXX Africa electric locomotives. These locomotives are are set to be part of a complete fleet renewal programme involving four different suppliers and the contract is expected to be effective by end of March 2014, following certain administrative approvals. TFR will use the dual-voltage electric locomotives for its general freight business in South Africa. The locomotives will be designed for speeds of up to 100 km/h. The TRAXX Africa design benefits from the vast experience of the TRAXX dual voltage locomotives being in operation with many of the leading European rail freight and passenger operators. Read more of this post

 

totalrail

 

This week's hot topics:

Guest bloggers for Metro Rail 2014 needed

Rotterdam Central Station royal opening

How the UK is leading the way with barcode mobile ticketing

ABB wins Great Western electrification contract

5 interesting air rail projects in development

 

 www.progressiverailroading.com US News


LACMTA's board to consider fare increase options to address deficit concerns

Illinois panel calls for restructuring of Chicago transit agencies' governance

February port volumes: Up in Norfolk, down in Los Angeles

Siemens wins multi-state locomotive contract

SMART Transportation Division survey cites heavy opposition to heavier trucks

Ottawa's light-rail project honored for public-private financing

Fort Worth & Western hires Atkins to help manage highway project's effects

Canadian rail association tabs Bauer as haz-mat transportation specialist

 

 

Transportation Research Board 

Vision of Railroading in the 21st Century*

TRB is cosponsoring the Vision of Railroading in the 21st Century on August 18-21, 2014, in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The conference is designed to bring together railroad professionals, government officials, and academics to discuss the past, present, and future of the U.S. railroad industry. Particular emphasis will be placed on university led research on railroad subjects and possible career choices for those students performing railroad research. 

 

For additional information contact Scott Babcock of TRB.

 

www.railway-technology.com Updates..

Dutch Railways and Finmeccanica reach deal over V250 train dispute

A settlement agreement has been reached between the Netherlands Railways (NS) and Finmeccanica, the holding company of Italian train rolling stock manufacturer AnsaldoBreda (AB), over the V250 Fyra high-speed trains dispute. 

       

Bombardier agrees to supply 240 TRAXX Africa locomotives

Bombardier Transportation South Africa has signed an agreement with Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) for the supply of electric locomotives. 

       
ABB and UK Power Networks win contract to modernise UK rail network

A consortium of Swiss power and automation technology firm ABB and UK Power Networks Services has secured a $145m contract from Network Rail to deliver improvements across southern England and Wales. 

       
South West Trains resumes service after Botley track repairs

UK-based train operator South West Trains has resumed full service between Eastleigh and Fareham through Hedge End and Botley on 15 March.

 

'Please Remember my Ticket', BR poster, c 1950s. at Science and Society Picture Library

Trains in the frame - Easter 2014 - Plan a visit - National Railway Museum