International & UK Railway News Thursday 24th July 2014

 Total Railway News




Crossrail takes centre stage today...the second episode of the BBC2 3 part documentary on the project is available on the BBC iPlayer..... and a Crossrail Press Release "Londoners make new discoveries at London’s Black Death cemetery" provide insights into London's past...
And Network Rail go to some lengths to explain the London Bridge redevelopment, and its impact on passengers during the beginning of August...
Read also news items from around Europe, courtesy "Think Railways"..


Click on the links....

 

Headlines
UK
'Risks remain' on multi-billion Crossrail project.(BBC News)


The Fifteen Billion Pound Railway. 2. Tunnels Under the Thames (BBC iPlayer)
This episode follows engineers building London's brand new underground railway, Crossrail, as they take on a Great British obsession - building train tunnels under water.
Linda Miller, an engineer more at home building space launch complexes at Cape Canaveral, battles to rebuild a Victorian tunnel under the Royal Docks in London's east end. Meanwhile a British tunneling dynasty - the Bermingham family - follow in the footsteps of the original father-son team of Marc and Isambard Kingdom Brunel to build a brand new tunnel under the river Thames.13 days left on BBC iPlayer
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Crossrail.

PRESS RELEASE

 

Londoners make new discoveries at London’s Black Death cemetery

 

• A 15th Century courtyard and Roman and post-Medieval pottery discovered above likely burials of London’s Black Death cemetery
• More than 90 local volunteers take part in the Charterhouse Community Dig
• Deputy Mayor for Transport Isabel Dedring joins the community dig. Click here to download

 

Volunteers and archaeologists working on the Charterhouse Community Dig have uncovered further evidence of the life and death of Medieval Londoners at the site of London’s 14^th Century Black Death burial ground that was first discovered during Crossrail works last year. Download photos here

 

The oldest continuous almshouse and once the world’s largest monastery, the Charterhouse is holding the Community Dig during the Festival of Archaeology and will showcase the latest finds at public open days today and tomorrow.

 

More than 90 local volunteers working alongside experienced archaeologists have taken part in the Charterhouse Community Dig. They have uncovered Roman pottery and what is believed to be the courtyard to a 15^th Century chapel or meat kitchen.

 

Archaeologists and volunteers are working just above the layer where human burials are believed to lie. Crossrail archaeologists uncovered 25 skeletons last year in Charterhouse Square which provided the first physical evidence of one of two emergency burial grounds in London established in 1348 ahead of the arrival of the Black Death to England.

 

Deputy Mayor for Transport, Isabel Dedring, said: “As well as delivering a brand new railway for the capital, the construction of Crossrail is resulting in one of the most fascinating and extensive archaeological programmes anywhere in the UK. The Crossrail and Charterhouse teams have done a fantastic job in managing this important heritage site, which has uncovered some very significant finds from a part of London that is steeped in history. Today’s community dig initiative is a really great example of how local people are getting involved with the Crossrail project and I’m delighted to have seen first-hand some of the amazing artefacts that have been retrieved for future generations to enjoy.”

 

Charlie Hobson, The Master of the Charterhouse, said: “The Charterhouse is delighted to host this community dig to gain a greater understanding of our important London historical site. We have shed further light on the lives of Londoners during the dark times of the 14^th Century, the Black Death, Carthusian Priory and the events leading to the establishment of the Charterhouse – one of London’s oldest continuous almshouses. This information will be important as we work with the Museum of London to open a permanent museum in the Charterhouse to showcase its rich history.”

 

Crossrail Lead Archaeologist Jay Carver said: “This is an exciting opportunity for local people to be involved in unravelling the mysteries of this important archaeological site. We still have so many questions but every tiny piece of new evidence helps us piece together the extraordinary story of what happened here in London 600 years ago.”

 

Crossrail’s archaeologists have undertaken extensive analysis of the skeletons discovered last year including radio carbon dating, isotope analysis and DNA analysis. The results confirmed that the skeletons were dated from the Black Death period and a later plague outbreak from the early 1500s. The science confirmed the DNA presence of the bacteria responsible for the plague and Isotope analysis provided an insight into the lives, diets and health of 14^th Century Londoners.

 

The Charterhouse was established shortly after the Black Death on the site of the burial ground and was the world’s largest monastery prior to the Reformation. Its rich history includes Elizabeth I holding court at the Charterhouse, being home to Sir Thomas Moore and surviving a direct bomb hit during the Blitz.

 

The dig has been supported by Crossrail, its contractors BFK (BamFerrovialKier) and MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) and the Museum of London and Islington Council.

Ends

The Million Go Forth: Early Railway Excursions.


PICTURES: First step towards opening of Cambridge's second railway station as work starts on guided busway extension.(Cambridge News)


WATCH: Llandudno's new £5.2m railway station.(Daily Post)


End of line for Nottingham's Victorian rail arches.(Nottingham Post).


Warning of noise disturbance during overnight Arbroath railway works.(The Courier)




Eurostar beats growth challenges as London-Marseille line confirmed
(SmartRail World)







GOV.UK
Let's make our towns and cities 'magnets for growth', says Transport Secretary in response to HS2 Growth Taskforce


Commitment to help local businesses and communities reap benefit of HS2 stated in government response.


Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has today (24 July 2014) challenged towns and cities to seize the full transformational potential of HS2, and has promised strong government support to help them do this.


Local authorities and Local Enterprise Partnerships are key to unlocking the regeneration opportunities HS2 offers, the Transport Secretary said. And he pledged that the government and HS2 Ltd would continue to work with them to help ensure local businesses and communities reap the full benefits of the new north-south railway.


He made the commitment as part of the government’s response to the independent HS2 Growth Taskforce’s report. The report recommended that places with HS2 stations should develop detailed strategies to make sure they can seize the economic opportunities that HS2 is expected to bring. The government today confirmed it will work with all HS2 places to develop growth strategies and local delivery bodies. HS2 Ltd and London Continental Railways have made good progress in developing proposals for a central regeneration company which will support this work, and will now develop a full business case which will be considered by government in the autumn.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said:

HS2 is a vital part of our long-term economic plan - it will help generate tens of thousands of jobs, rebalance the economy and secure the country’s future prosperity. As the Growth Taskforce report made clear HS2 can have a transformational impact on the UK. Local authorities need to rise to this challenge.

In responding to the Growth Taskforce we are giving our full support to local areas to develop their ‘HS2 growth strategies’ and transform cities, towns and regions into magnets for growth. We will continue working together to unlock the full potential of HS2 and I thank the Taskforce for its work and for giving us a framework for taking forward the HS2 growth agenda.

Chair of the HS2 Growth Taskforce, Lord Deighton said:

The HS2 Growth Taskforce report made clear that we must not take a ‘build it and they will come’ attitude to HS2, if we are to make the most of this once in a generation opportunity. It is up to all of us in government, local authorities, HS2 Ltd and UK businesses to unlock its full potential for economic growth.

It is great to see the government taking the next steps towards this through local growth plans and proposals for a central regeneration company. Together we will ensure Britain has what it takes to get the best out of this project.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said:

We’re seeing encouraging signs that the British economy is on the road to recovery but I want to make sure this is growth which everyone can benefit from, no matter where they live.

HS2 is one of the most important infrastructure projects for this country’s future and it will help begin healing the scar of the north south divide by boosting jobs, creating better transport links and increasing capacity. I want to see the north compete not just with other parts of England, but on a global scale, creating a vibrant northern hub to accelerate growth and building a stronger economy and fairer society for all.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

HS2 will mean better connections between our major towns and cities which should help businesses and communities in the Midlands and the north secure fairer shares of the economic recovery. The creation of local skilled jobs and apprentices on decent rates of pay with more money to spend should also give a real boost to towns and cities many miles from London. Unions, government, industry and local authorities must all pull together to enable the UK to make the most of this major opportunity and ensure the benefits are spread more fairly.

In its response to the Taskforce report, the government has committed to working with local areas to help them realise their visions for how HS2 will kick-start wider economic growth across their regions, creating more jobs and attracting inward investment. The government will also provide new funding to help local areas develop their HS2 strategies.
Birmingham announced its regeneration plans for the HS2 Curzon Street site earlier this week, demonstrating how the city’s strong local vision will drive development. Solihull, the East Midlands, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield and London are all working closely with the government in response to the Growth Taskforce recommendations.


The HS2 Growth Taskforce also recommended making railway engineering skills a national priority. A new High Speed Rail college with a national remit will play a key role in meeting this challenge, partnering with other institutions around the country through a ‘hub and spoke’ operating model, offering opportunities for communities around the country to bring the benefits of HS2 to their area. HS2 Ltd will also create bespoke rail engineering careers resources for use in schools engagement from later this year.


In response to the Taskforce’s challenge to make sure UK-based businesses are well-placed to bid for HS2 contracts, HS2 Ltd has already embarked on a significant programme of industry engagement and will be sharing its outline procurement strategy with industry partners in the autumn. The use of strategic themes will help HS2 Ltd reach the highest standards in the delivery of wider benefits through procurement and the company has committed to announcing an apprenticeships target later this year.


The response to the Taskforce also provides updates on progress on other recommendations around getting cities, people, businesses and transport ready. This includes planning for future rail services and ensuring that opportunities for rail freight are properly understood.


The HS2 Growth Taskforce – which included figures from across the political spectrum and the private and public sectors – was commissioned by the government to identify what needed to be done to maximise the growth potential of HS2 and ensure that Britain is ‘HS2 ready’.
The Taskforce published its recommendations on 21 March 2014.


Network Rail


Lincolnshire rail upgrade reaches Spalding.


Rail passengers are reminded of a fortnight of changes to train travel in the Sleaford and Spalding areas as the next stage of improvement work to the Great Northern Great Eastern (GNGE) line start this Friday (25 July).

Fifteen modernised level crossings and 15 miles of new signalling will be brought in to use during July and August as rail engineers carry out the next phase of investment to transform the GNGE line which runs between Peterborough and Doncaster via Spalding.
The number of level crossings being modernised in this phase of work is the most so far for the GNGE project.
Justin Page, area director for Network Rail, explained: “The GNGE line is an important route for both freight and passenger trains. Demand for rail services continues to grow and the upgrade of this line is an important project to help meet that demand.
“During just sixteen days our engineers will install modern signalling which will help to allow for future increases in services as well as improving reliability. At the same time, fifteen level crossings will be upgraded with the latest technology – the largest number so far delivered in a single phase of work.
“This is an essential element of our continuing investment in Britain’s railway. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience to passengers during this time, and thank the local community for their support while we transform the GNGE line.”
No trains will run between Sleaford, Spalding and Peterborough in either direction between 8pm on Friday, 25 July and 8am on Monday, 11 August to allow the improvements to be completed. Details of alternative travel arrangements are available on www.nationalrail.co.uk or by calling 08457 48 49 50.

The new signalling system will replace 1930s mechanical technology with modern electronic systems controlled from Network Rail’s Lincoln signalling control centre. The work also means 12 mechanical signal boxes will no longer be used, and will be decommissioned as part of the project.

Network Rail held exhibitions in Gosberton on 28 June and Spalding on 1 July to explain the impact of the work to residents and businesses.
The level crossings being modernised are:

• Blotoft (Old Forty Foot Drain, Helpringham/Donington)
• Maltings Lane (Ing Drove, Donington)
• Golden High Hedges (Bull’s Bank/Cowdale Drove, Donington)
• Church Lane (Church End Drove, Quadring)
• Quadring (Town Drove, Quadring)
• Brewery Lane (North Gate, Gosberton)
• Gosberton (B1397 – Station Road, Gosberton)
• Cheal Road (Cheal Road, Gosberton Risegate)
• Water Drove (Gubbole’s Drove, Surfleet)
• Burtey Fen (Burtey Fen Lane, Pinchbeck)
• Flax Mill (Langhole Drove, Pinchbeck)
• Cherry Holt (Mill Green Road/Cherry Holt Lane, Pinchbeck)
• Blue Gowt (Blue Gowt Lane, Pinchbeck)
• Mill Green (Woolham Wygate, Spalding)
• Park Road (Park Road, Spalding)

Temporary closure details and diversionary routes will be signposted at each level crossing.
This work forms ‘phase 4’ of the GNGE project – a £280m Government-funded programme to transform the line into a modern railway. Phase 5 will take place in late October, and further exhibitions will be held in Spalding and other communities to the south of the town affected by the works.
Further information is available by calling Network Rail’s Community Relations team on 08457 11 41 41 or by emailing CRNE@networkrail.co.uk.


Travelling to or from London this August? Passengers urged to plan ahead as vital improvements at London Bridge rail station and on the London Euston line will affect journeys to and from the capital

Network Rail - find your alternative options London Bridge Aug 2014  
With a month to go until the nine-day part-closure of London Bridge rail station and two weeks to go until a series of weekend and Monday closures of the line between Euston and Milton Keynes, the rail industry is urging passengers to know their alternative routes into London.

Thameslink - check before you travel at London Bridge.

London Bridge
London Bridge rail station is being rebuilt in phases to keep the station open for business and to minimise disruption to customers. From 23 to 31 August, major reconstruction work at the station will mean no First Capital Connect or Southern services will be able to call at London Bridge. London Bridge Underground station will not be affected.
These changes are likely to affect up to 50,000 commuters every morning rush hour who normally travel into the station on First Capital Connect and Southern services. There will also be no direct trains to Gatwick or Luton Airport stations from London Bridge. As these passengers move onto alternative routes, transport planners predict that certain routes across the south east are likely to be much busier, including:

• Southern services and First Capital Connects services south of Blackfriars will be very busy
• Interchange stations like East Croydon and Gatwick are expected to be busier than usual and passengers might not get on the first train
• The southern end of London Underground’s northern line is expected to be busier than normal for this time of year, as will parts of the District and Circle lines
• Certain sections of London Overground will be busier than usual and will not be able to operate to and from New Cross from 26 to 29 August. These services will be diverted to Crystal Palace to double the number of London Overground trains serving stations between Sydenham and Brockley, which will temporarily not be served by Southern. A replacement bus service will run every 15 minutes between New Cross and Canada Water and some additional supplementary bus routes serving some other stations.
• Southeastern services will run as normal but are likely to be busier

The team that planned London's Olympics travel is working with the rail industry to manage and communicate the part closure of London Bridge because of the knock-on impact it will have across the rail, London Underground and London Overground networks.
A new, mobile-friendly Thameslink Programme website has been launched providing details of the changes (ThameslinkProgramme.co.uk). Rail, Underground and Overground passengers are also being targeted with information about their alternatives via social media, leaflets, posters, announcements on trains and at stations as well as advertising across London and the south east.
Speaking on behalf of the Thameslink Programme, Nicky Hughes, Network Rail’s head of communications for London and the south east, said: “London Bridge is one of the country’s busiest stations and we’re rebuilding it piece by piece to transform north-south travel through London while keeping it open for passengers. This is a huge challenge.
“We are doing as much of the construction work as we can behind the scenes, but there will be times, such as this August, when we have to temporarily divert services around the track we’re replacing.
“There are alternative routes for everyone affected and we urge passengers across London and the south east to visit our new website, check if you are affected and then find out your alternative routes so you know your travel options.”
London Bridge is one of Britain’s busiest stations and is being completely rebuilt as part of the government’s multi-billion pound investment to transform rail services across London and the south east. To minimise the impact on the 117m passengers who pass through the station every year, Network Rail is carrying out the hugely complex construction work in phases. In August a vast amount of track and signalling work will take place as the rebuilt platforms 12 and 13 are brought back into use and platforms 10 and 11 are closed for demolition and rebuilding. While the station is closed we will replace a three-track bridge on the approach to London Bridge and we will continue to build a new concourse beneath passengers’ feet that will be bigger than the pitch at Wembley.
Rail minister Claire Perry said: “We are investing billions of pounds in building a world-class rail network, and the Thameslink Programme is a vital part of that. By 2018, passengers travelling across London will enjoy better services, improved connections and greater comfort on their daily commute.
“With a project of this size, there will of course be some disruption in the short term but we have been working closely with Network Rail and the train companies that are delivering the project to keep this to a minimum. However, with key works scheduled for London Bridge in a month’s time, I do urge passengers to be prepared and to make their travel plans now.”
Euston - Watford - Milton Keynes
Over the past 15 years the number of trains using the West Coast Main Line has doubled. The line around Watford is a particularly heavily-used section of the railway and much of the infrastructure dates back to the 1960s. As a result, it is becoming increasingly unreliable and needs replacing.
Every Saturday and Sunday between 9 and 25 August services between Euston and Milton Keynes will be severely restricted. On Monday 11 and 18 August, there will be an amended timetable in operation. Passengers are being advised to plan an alternative route at Nationalrail.co.uk/Watford

Football League and Network Rail team up to tackle railway trespass
Professional football clubs across England are to help reduce the numbers of young people injured or killed after trespassing on the railway by organising a series of sports and educational activities to divert kids away from the dangers of playing on the tracks.

The new partnership between Network Rail and The Football League Trust (FLT) will see 10 clubs work with Network Rail's community safety managers to boost awareness of railway safety. The initiative is a development of Network Rail's Rail Life programme which has successfully worked with schools and community groups to get across safety messages in fun and engaging ways.


Network Rail Photos


Tragically, 164 people lost their lives after going onto the tracks in the last five years. Of these, 70% were struck by trains with 18% suffering electrocution by coming into contact with the power supply which can be as much as 25,000 volts. The peak ages for trespass fatalities are late teens and earlier twenties with around one in five deaths in this age group.

In the past year*, records show that there were as many as 8,500 incidents of trespass with at least 1,080 of these involving children or teenagers. More than 100 incidents of people playing 'chicken' were recorded and dozens of objects were seemingly deliberately left on the tracks, with 26 incidents of trains striking bicycles. Many of these incidents caused serious damage to trains and infrastructure and disruption to those travelling by train.

While young people were not responsible for all these incidents, Network Rail focuses its education activities on school age children to promote good behaviour.

The partnership will see each club identify a player ambassador who will take an active role in the project by attending sessions and act as a role model. The FLT and Network Rail will also run a five-a-side boys and girls football competition with teams from each club a national final.

Commenting on the partnership, Mike Evans, General Manager at The Football League Trust said: "Football League clubs are at the heart of their communities and therefore have the incredible ability to reach people. Our partnership with Network Rail shows how football can use this ability to talk to young people about a serious issue and make a positive difference to people’s lives.”

Gareth Llewellyn, director of safety and sustainability at Network Rail said: "Every day around 24,500 trains run across the network and it's getting busier with modern, quieter trains travelling up to 125mph.

"We know of too many incidents where seemingly harmless pranks or games along the tracks have resulted in painful injury or even death. The Football League Trust and the clubs involved can help us raise awareness of the dangers and engage kids in something much more positive. The results will be a safer community and better running railway for all."

Notes:

The Football League clubs involved are:

Brentford FC
Brighton & Hove Albion FC
Bristol City FC
Bristol Rovers FC
Derby County FC
Leeds Utd
Nottingham Forest FC
Notts County FC
Portsmouth FC
Shrewsbury FC
*Figures supplied by Rail Safety and Standards Board and cover the period 01 April 2013 – 31 March 2014. They do not include suicides or attempted suicides.

The partnership is launched at the same time as the British Transport Police Operation Intruder, where officers will carry out increased patrols to ward off would-be trespassers. For more information contact Peter O'Connor at BTP press office T: 0300 123 9104 E: peter.oconnor@btp.pnn.police.uk

International
Australia
Gold Coast light rail inaugurated.(IRJ)


China
How China’s high-speed rail has created an economic miracle.(Global Construction Review)

India

India: School bus and train crash kills 13 children.(BBC News)

New Bangalore-Mangalore train likely to be a day service.(The Hindu)

High speed train to Delhi needs Rs. 600 cr.(Hindustan Times)

Spain

Santiago rail crash: Families want answers one year on.(BBC News)

USA
Work begins on California high-speed rail – but there’s a long way to go.(Global Construction Review)

www.progressiverailroading.com

USDOT proposes rulemaking to enhance crude-by-rail safety

Four all-time-best financial marks highlight UP's strong second quarter

Tucson ready to kick off Sun Link streetcar service

Rep. Hahn introduces National Freight Network Trust Fund Act

Sound Transit's Link light-rail service turns five

Grade separation, port connector project near completion in Vancouver

Santa Clara VTA pre-selects Elecnor for double-track project

Rail supplier news from Bombardier, Alstom, Hatch Mott MacDonald, MartinEnviro, HNTB and Parsons Brinckerhoff (July 24)

BTS Releases May 2014 North American Freight Numbers 

U.S.-NAFTA trade totaled $103.9 billion in May 2014 as four of five transportation modes – vessel, pipeline, rail, and trucks – carried more U.S.-NAFTA trade than in May 2013, according to the TransBorder Freight Data released today by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). 

            The value of May 2014 trade was 5.4 percent more than in May 2013 (Table 2). U.S.-NAFTA trade has increased from the same month of the previous year for four consecutive months and in 10 of the last 11 months, interrupted by a 0.2 percent decrease in January. The January decline reflected the severe weather in the northern states and along the U.S.-Canada border.  
Trade by Mode
            In May, commodities moving by pipeline grew in value by the most of any mode, 23.1 percent. Vessel freight increased 6.7 percent followed by a rail increase of 6.2 percent, a truck freight increase of 3.8 percent, and an air decrease of 7.9 percent. The increase in the value of freight carried by pipelines reflects both a rise in the volume and prices for oil and other petroleum products, the primary commodity transported by pipelines. 

Trucks carry three-fifths of U.S.-NAFTA trade and are the most heavily utilized mode for moving goods to and from both U.S.-NAFTA partners. Trucks carried 59.9 percent of U.S.-NAFTA trade in May 2014, accounting for $31.8 billion of exports and $30.4 billion of imports.  

Rail remained the second largest mode, moving 15.2 percent of all U.S.-NAFTA trade, followed by vessel at 8.7 percent, pipeline at 7.9 percent, and air at 3.4 percent. The surface transportation modes of truck, rail and pipeline carried 83.0 percent of the total U.S.-NAFTA freight flows. 

Trade with Canada

Year-to-year, the value of U.S.-Canada trade by pipeline increased the most of any mode, growing 24.1 percent. U.S.-Canada pipeline trade comprised 94.8 percent of total U.S.-NAFTA pipeline trade in May. Trade by rail increased 4.5 percent, followed by truck at 2.7 percent. Vessel freight decreased 7.7 percent and air freight decreased 9.8 percent.  

Trucks carried 53.9 percent of the $57.7 billion of freight to and from Canada, followed by rail at 16.4 percent, pipeline at 13.5 percent, vessel at 5.6 percent and air at 4.0 percent. The surface transportation modes of truck, rail and pipeline carried 83.8 percent of the total U.S.-Canada freight flows. 

Trade with Mexico

Year-to-year, the value of U.S.-Mexico trade by vessel increased the most of any mode, growing 16.9 percent, due to an increase in mineral fuels exports. Trade with Mexico by rail rose 8.7 percent followed by pipeline at 8.1 percent and truck at 4.9 percent. Air freight declined 4.2 percent.    

Trucks carried 67.3 percent of the $46.3 billion of freight to and from Mexico, followed by rail at 13.8 percent, vessel at 12.6 percent, air at 2.7 percent and pipeline at 0.9 percent. The surface transportation modes of truck, rail and pipeline carried 82.0 percent of the total U.S.-Mexico freight flows.  

See BTS Transborder Data Release for summary tables and additional data. See North American Transborder Freight Data  on the BTS website for additional data for surface modes since 1995 and all modes since 2004.      

    

Other Railway Press Releases

CER - The Voice of European Railways
SAVE THE DATE
Europe's rail sector to 2020: sector vision and policy choices
Wednesday, 15 October 2014 18:00 - 21:30
Stanhope Hotel Rue du Commerce 9,
1000 Brussels
The European railway sector has performed well in recent years in terms of increases in competitiveness and productivity, in spite of a challenging economic and business environment. Rail transport in Europe is an important contributor in terms of GDP and employment and also generates important wider economic benefits for the European economy. Furthermore, rail transport provides a springboard for Europe’s rail manufacturing industry which is a winner on the global market.


Based on these key findings, the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) would like to present its vision and its suggestions for European policy to 2020 – with the goal of ensuring a sound business environment and sound framework conditions for Europe’s rail sector to be able to reach its full potential and contribute further to the European economy.


The event will start with a general overview of key findings from a new study on the Economic Footprint of rail transport in Europe.
This shall be followed by a presentation of CER’s Strategy for the 2014-2019 period – highlighting key policy priorities and principles that CER believes could be conducive to business growth.


Invited experts and policy-makers shall then gather for a moderated panel discussion, followed by a Q&A with the audience.
The event will close with a cocktail reception where discussions will continue informally. Further details will be provided soon. Meanwhile, we kindly ask you to save the date in your agenda. To register for this event, please fill in our registration form. For further information, please contact Aline Bastin (aline.bastin@cer.be / +32 (0)2 213 08 72). Best regards, CER team


www.railway-technology.com
Alstom delivers signalling system for Spain's Málaga Metro
Alstom has delivered a new signalling system to be equipped on the Málaga Metro in Spain, under a €15.4m contract that was awarded in 2006. 
       
Singapore's LTA receives first new trains for Circle Line and North East Line
Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) has taken delivery of the first new metro trains for the Circle Line (CCL) and the North East Line (NEL), which aim to reduce congestion and passenger waiting times. 
       
US DoT proposed new measures for safe rail transportation of flammable materials
The US Department of Transportation (DoT) has announced its comprehensive proposed rulemaking to improve the safe transport of large quantities of flammable materials by rail. 
       
RAD to equip Sao Paulo Monorail route with communication systems
Israel-based communications provider RAD is to offer a wireless communications solution for the São Paulo Monorail project in Brazil.

Railway freight

PKP Cargo licensed to operate on the Lithuanian railway network

The Lithuanian State Railway Inspectorate under the Ministry of Transport issued to PKP Cargo a safety certificate B, granting access to operate on Lithuania’s railway network. PKP Cargo also obtained a five year extension for its safety certificates issued by Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Slovakia’s railway regulators. More

Macedonian Railways to face competition on the local rail freight market

A government-proposed amendment to the Railway Law will allow private companies to organize their own rail freight transport. The amendment passed the first reading in parliament earlier this week and if it will be adopted, companies will have the right to purchase and own rolling stock and also to hire train operators. More

Crimean crisis and its impact on containerized cargo traffic of Ukraine

Abstracting from political assessments of the events occurred in the Crimea in early 2014, Informall BG have analyzed container cargo traffic, processed by Ukrainian terminals, which was directed to consignees or shipped by shippers based in the Crimea. Based on these results, we tried to make an economic assessment of this traffic and its impact on overall container cargo traffic of Ukraine. More

Luka Koper: EUR 2.8 million European funding for the development of NAPA’s multimodal infrastructure

At the North Adriatic Ports Association’s assembly, held on 17th July in Koper, the Presidents of NAPA ports were acquainted with the recent decision of the TEN-T’s (Trans European Transport Network) Financial Board to financially support projects which NAPA members, in collaboration with other stakeholders in the field of logistics, detailed in response to the call for applications this March. More

Infrastructure

Lithuanian Railways finished setting up the Traffic Management Centre

Lithuanian Railways has finished setting up the Traffic Management Centre, which enables the company to manage over 120 different technological systems for interlocking trains on the Lithuanian network as well as the different signalling technologies. 94 stations have been connected to the Traffic Management Centre’s system. More

Bosnia & Herzegovina: contract for major track overhaul and tunnel rehabilitation works

Bosnia and Herzegovina Railway Public Corporation and the Railways of Federation Bosnia Herzegovina – (ZFBH) intends using the loan granted by the the EBRD and EIB, towards the cost of: “Contract for Major Track Overhaul and Tunnel Rehabilitation Works Railway Corridor Vc, Sarajevo-Bradina”. More

Two Serbian companies get USD 4.5 million subcontracting deal with RZD International

Energotehnika-Juzna Backa and ATM got USD 4.5 million subcontracting deal with RZD International, within the project aimed at the modernisation of Serbian railway infrastructure. The contract covers the delivery of materials, equipment and catenary construction works services and power supply substations on Pancevo bridge-Pancevo main station railway section.More