News Flash
Alstom unit faces conspiracy and corruption charges.(FT.com)
The Serious Fraud Office have charged a UK subsidiary of the French group, Alstom Network UK. with 6 counts of corruption. It is alleged that Alstom hid payments in exchange for winning key contracts by using consultancy agreements......
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A couple of "firsts".....Midland Metro unveils its first CAF tram, and in China, the first catenary-free trams with Bombardier technology enter regular revenue service.
Elsewhere, the UK Transport Select Committee reports on vulnerable children being at risk in Britain’s railway stations.
The Rail Market Reporter advertises Crude By Rail 2014: Railcar Availability, Market Opportunities & Capacity Expansion Summit, taking place this October 29-30 in Houston.
And perhaps whilst on the subject, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada's press conference on its Lac- Megantic report will sober up those with responsibilities in moving crude oil by rail...hopefully......
Click on the links.....
Headlines
UK
Crossrail - Lates 'On Track' newsletter for Liverpool Street station....
Chancellor agrees to explore rail link to Leeds-Bradford Airport after pressure from MP.(Telegraph & Argus)
Campaign group says bringing the HS2 will have 'extraordinarily powerful economic benefits' for Liverpool (Liverpool Echo)
South West Trains services into London Waterloo to get 150 carriages.(BBC News)
Go-Ahead enjoys leaping profits as it takes over rail franchise.(The Guardian)
Isle MP lobbies rail minister over line retention.(Doncaster Free Press)
HS2 route decision will be made in autumn says minister.(Warrington Guardian)
Midland Metro unveils first CAF tram - Railway Gazette
Christian Wolmar: Londoners need railways — don’t price us off them - Comment - London Evening Standard
www.parliament.uk.
Security on the railway: Vulnerable children at risk in Britain’s railway stations say MP's
05 September 2014
In its report that examines security on Britain’s railways, the cross-party Transport Select Committee calls for more action to safeguard young people at major railway stations
Vulnerable children at risk in Britain’s railway stations
In a report that examines security on Britain’s railways, the cross-party Transport Select Committee calls for more action to safeguard young people at major railway stations.
Launching the report, Transport Committee Chair Louise Ellman MP said today:
“Vulnerable children and young people who have run away from home or from care are often found in and around railway stations. Over 700 were found at London stations between April 2012 and August 2013. More must be done by British Transport Police to improve their child protection arrangements.”
The Committee calls for BTP to compile and examine the available data on vulnerable young people in railway stations, and to establish the extent and nature of the issue. MPs also call on the BTP to develop new practices to safeguard at-risk children, with more funding from central government if necessary.
While recognising that overall crime levels on the rail network have fallen, MPs warn that year-on-year decreases in the total number of offences committed on Britain’s railways should not mask increases in particular categories of crime.
Commenting on this Louise Ellman MP added: “We recognise that the British Transport Police has worked hard to bring down crime on Britain’s railways, but we are concerned about increases in serious crimes such as assault, racial harassment and sexual offences.”
The Committee also praises the BTP’s proven approach to counter-terrorism, developed over several decades and strikingly evidenced during the attacks on London in 2005. However, they stress the importance of the organisation’s future access to expertise and the latest intelligence.
Louise Ellman adds, “Following the re-organisation of the DfT’s Transport Security Executive, it’s vital BTP maintains close links with other police forces and security services to ensure prompt intelligence and liaison about major threats.”
MPs also highlight the need for the British Transport Police Authority to exercise greater scrutiny in order to better address emerging problems.
“The British Transport Police Authority is the body with responsibility for monitoring the performance of the BTP and for setting challenging but achievable targets to tackle crime on the railway. We are not convinced that the Authority is fulfilling this remit effectively. For example, the BTP’s current detection rate for theft offences is only 7%, which clearly requires urgent improvement,” says Louise Ellman.
The report welcomes the sharp decline in the frequency of cable theft on Britain’s railways, which has improved reliability for passengers and saved Network Rail some £10 million a year.
“In 2012, we recommended that the DfT should address cable theft by amending the law on scrap metal dealing to make sellers prove their identity at scrap metal yards. The DfT implemented our recommendation, which has clearly prevented criminals from melting down stolen cable. That has curbed cable theft, reduced delays for passengers and saved Network Rail a significant amount of money,” added Louise Ellman.
See also: Transport Committee - Fifth Report.Security on the railway ....
(British Transport Police)
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Newton said: “As the committee acknowledges, crime on Britain’s railways has fallen for the tenth year in a row due to the ‘effectiveness of the specialist rail policing provided by British Transport Police.’ “We support the committee’s focus on vulnerable people on the rail network. BTP is confident its child-safeguarding measures are robust, with children and young people found on the railway returned to places of safety. There is always more we can do. “The report says 750 missing children were found at London railway stations in the 16 months to August 2013. This figure has been misinterpreted. In fact, the vast majority came into police contact for entirely different reasons and were not missing at all. “BTP will continue to develop analysis in other areas to inform its work in keeping children safe when they come to our notice. “Between November 2012 and this month, BTP found approximately 265 children on or around the railway, reported missing from home across the country – around three a week.” -
Louise Ellman MP responds to BTP comments about the Transport Committee’s report on Security on the Railway.
Responding to comments from the British Transport Police about a Transport Committee report published today, Louise Ellman chair of the committee said:
“BTP has welcomed our Report but calls into question a figure for vulnerable children given in the evidence to the Committee. This is unfortunate as it distracts attention from a serious issue: the protection of vulnerable children and young people.
“The critical issue is that there are no reliable figures for the number of vulnerable children at London stations, and no figures at all outside London. Data about vulnerable children on the rail network is just not routinely collected; Millie Banerjee, Chair of the British Transport Police Authority, acknowledged this in her oral evidence to the Committee.*
“We may be missing a key opportunity to intervene and protect vulnerable children on the railway, and not just those who are classified as missing but all of those young people who might come into contact with transport authorities for whatever reason. Without accurate data we cannot be confident that, as a society, we are doing all we can to protect vulnerable children and young people.”
=============================================
International
Italy
High-speed dream turns sour on Milan to Rome rail route.(The Independent)
Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar Railway modernisation strategy.(Railway Gazette)
Russia
Russian Railways on YouTube
Infinite Siberia with Thabang Motsei
Russia Today’s reporter, Thabang Motsei made her dream come true – an outstanding trip on Transsib. Definetely a must-do!
Saudi Arabia
Riyadh - Dammam high speed line study contract awarded.(Railway Gazette)
USA
Japanese consortium vying for California high-speed rail project.(The Japan Times)
www.progressiverailroading.com.
U.S. railroads made several more traffic strides in August, AAR says
Investor group advances plan for Baltimore-D.C. high-speed line
Public, private partners cap off Roberts Bank Rail Corridor program in Canada
MARTA seeks RFQs for transit-oriented development
Cloud Peak Energy reduces PRB coal forecast, strikes mine deal with Ambre Energy
Metra reveals $1.3 million cost for former CEO's departure
Tennessee transportation agency hires firm to study proposed commuter-rail line
BNSF, Tacoma Rail forge locomotive servicing pact
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www.railway-technology.com
Network Rail awards £1.6bn framework agreements to nine suppliers in UK
UK infrastructure operator Network Rail has selected nine suppliers for the 20 framework agreements with a combined value of £1.6bn, as part of its new procurement and contracting strategy.
HCL Technologies to provide bespoke systems support services for Sydney Trains
Global IT provider HCL Technologies has been contracted by Sydney Trains to provide customised application management and support services to help transform its IT landscape.
Thales to deliver ETCS Level 1 solution for India's Southern Railway
Thales India has signed a signalling contract with Indian rail operator Southern Railway to deliver the European train control system (ETCS) Level 1 solution.
NTA and RPA awards new five-year Luas operation contract to Transdev
Ireland's National Transport Authority (NTA) and the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) has awarded a new five-year €150m Luas operation contract to Transdev Dublin Light Rail.
Bombardier
(CSR Puzhen), a subsidiary of China South Locomotive and Rolling Stock Corporation Limited, has delivered the first four of 15 catenary-free low-floor trams to the city of Nanjing, China. Two of these trams have entered into passenger revenue service on the 8 km long Hexi line to support the 2nd Summer Youth Olympic Games, held in Nanjing between August 16 and 28, 2014.
Nanjing’s new trams represent the next generation of tram technology. Based on new high-power BOMBARDIER PRIMOVE Li-Ion battery systems, the trams operate without overhead cables on 90 per cent of the lines. The batteries are re-charged seamlessly during normal passenger service via the pantograph, statically at tram stops and dynamically during acceleration. It is the first time ever that trams with PRIMOVE traction batteries have entered into passenger service as well as the first time, in general, that Li-ion batteries have been used for catenary-free tram operation.
After winning the order in April 2013, Bombardier’s partner CSR Puzhen is building the trams, based on Bombardier’s FLEXITY 2 technology, at its site in Nanjing. Bombardier will supply the MITRAC propulsion and controls equipment, the innovative FLEXX Urban 3000 bogies and the PRIMOVE battery systems. As CSR Puzhen’s partner, Bombardier will also support the project under a 10-year technology license agreement, signed in 2012, that enables CSR Puzhen to sell and manufacture 100 per cent low-floor trams using Bombardier’s technology in China (including Hong Kong and Macao).
In total, eight vehicles will run on the Hexi line, which connects four stops on central metro lines 1 and 2 with the venues of the Youth Olympic Games. Another seven vehicles are planned for the 9 km long Qilin line, also in Nanjing, that will be opened later this year. The Qilin line features steep sections and an elevated route over a major highway. Service on this demanding route will demonstrate the suitability of PRIMOVE batteries for reliable and efficient catenary-free operation (CFO) on nearly any tram line across the globe.
Vulnerable children at risk in Britain’s railway stations
In a report that examines security on Britain’s railways, the cross-party Transport Select Committee calls for more action to safeguard young people at major railway stations.
Launching the report, Transport Committee Chair Louise Ellman MP said today:
“Vulnerable children and young people who have run away from home or from care are often found in and around railway stations. Over 700 were found at London stations between April 2012 and August 2013. More must be done by British Transport Police to improve their child protection arrangements.”
The Committee calls for BTP to compile and examine the available data on vulnerable young people in railway stations, and to establish the extent and nature of the issue. MPs also call on the BTP to develop new practices to safeguard at-risk children, with more funding from central government if necessary.
While recognising that overall crime levels on the rail network have fallen, MPs warn that year-on-year decreases in the total number of offences committed on Britain’s railways should not mask increases in particular categories of crime.
Commenting on this Louise Ellman MP added: “We recognise that the British Transport Police has worked hard to bring down crime on Britain’s railways, but we are concerned about increases in serious crimes such as assault, racial harassment and sexual offences.”
The Committee also praises the BTP’s proven approach to counter-terrorism, developed over several decades and strikingly evidenced during the attacks on London in 2005. However, they stress the importance of the organisation’s future access to expertise and the latest intelligence.
Louise Ellman adds, “Following the re-organisation of the DfT’s Transport Security Executive, it’s vital BTP maintains close links with other police forces and security services to ensure prompt intelligence and liaison about major threats.”
MPs also highlight the need for the British Transport Police Authority to exercise greater scrutiny in order to better address emerging problems.
“The British Transport Police Authority is the body with responsibility for monitoring the performance of the BTP and for setting challenging but achievable targets to tackle crime on the railway. We are not convinced that the Authority is fulfilling this remit effectively. For example, the BTP’s current detection rate for theft offences is only 7%, which clearly requires urgent improvement,” says Louise Ellman.
The report welcomes the sharp decline in the frequency of cable theft on Britain’s railways, which has improved reliability for passengers and saved Network Rail some £10 million a year.
“In 2012, we recommended that the DfT should address cable theft by amending the law on scrap metal dealing to make sellers prove their identity at scrap metal yards. The DfT implemented our recommendation, which has clearly prevented criminals from melting down stolen cable. That has curbed cable theft, reduced delays for passengers and saved Network Rail a significant amount of money,” added Louise Ellman.
See also: Transport Committee - Fifth Report.Security on the railway ....
(British Transport Police)
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Newton said: “As the committee acknowledges, crime on Britain’s railways has fallen for the tenth year in a row due to the ‘effectiveness of the specialist rail policing provided by British Transport Police.’ “We support the committee’s focus on vulnerable people on the rail network. BTP is confident its child-safeguarding measures are robust, with children and young people found on the railway returned to places of safety. There is always more we can do. “The report says 750 missing children were found at London railway stations in the 16 months to August 2013. This figure has been misinterpreted. In fact, the vast majority came into police contact for entirely different reasons and were not missing at all. “BTP will continue to develop analysis in other areas to inform its work in keeping children safe when they come to our notice. “Between November 2012 and this month, BTP found approximately 265 children on or around the railway, reported missing from home across the country – around three a week.” -
Louise Ellman MP responds to BTP comments about the Transport Committee’s report on Security on the Railway.
Responding to comments from the British Transport Police about a Transport Committee report published today, Louise Ellman chair of the committee said:
“BTP has welcomed our Report but calls into question a figure for vulnerable children given in the evidence to the Committee. This is unfortunate as it distracts attention from a serious issue: the protection of vulnerable children and young people.
“The critical issue is that there are no reliable figures for the number of vulnerable children at London stations, and no figures at all outside London. Data about vulnerable children on the rail network is just not routinely collected; Millie Banerjee, Chair of the British Transport Police Authority, acknowledged this in her oral evidence to the Committee.*
“We may be missing a key opportunity to intervene and protect vulnerable children on the railway, and not just those who are classified as missing but all of those young people who might come into contact with transport authorities for whatever reason. Without accurate data we cannot be confident that, as a society, we are doing all we can to protect vulnerable children and young people.”
=============================================
International
Italy
High-speed dream turns sour on Milan to Rome rail route.(The Independent)
Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar Railway modernisation strategy.(Railway Gazette)
Russia
Russian Railways on YouTube
Infinite Siberia with Thabang Motsei
Russia Today’s reporter, Thabang Motsei made her dream come true – an outstanding trip on Transsib. Definetely a must-do!
Saudi Arabia
Riyadh - Dammam high speed line study contract awarded.(Railway Gazette)
USA
Japanese consortium vying for California high-speed rail project.(The Japan Times)
www.progressiverailroading.com.
Other Railway Press Releases
www.railway-technology.com
Network Rail awards £1.6bn framework agreements to nine suppliers in UK
UK infrastructure operator Network Rail has selected nine suppliers for the 20 framework agreements with a combined value of £1.6bn, as part of its new procurement and contracting strategy.
HCL Technologies to provide bespoke systems support services for Sydney Trains
Global IT provider HCL Technologies has been contracted by Sydney Trains to provide customised application management and support services to help transform its IT landscape.
Thales to deliver ETCS Level 1 solution for India's Southern Railway
Thales India has signed a signalling contract with Indian rail operator Southern Railway to deliver the European train control system (ETCS) Level 1 solution.
NTA and RPA awards new five-year Luas operation contract to Transdev
Ireland's National Transport Authority (NTA) and the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) has awarded a new five-year €150m Luas operation contract to Transdev Dublin Light Rail.
Bombardier
Bombardier’s Catenary-Free Tram Technology Enables Start of Passenger Operations During Summer Youth Olympic Games in China
September 4, 2014 Berlin Transportation, Press Release
- First catenary-free trams with Bombardier technology in regular revenue service
- CSR Puzhen holds a 10-year-license to produce trams based on BOMBARDIER FLEXITY 2 technology
- New lightweight and long-life BOMBARDIER PRIMOVE batteries make overhead cables unnecessary
(CSR Puzhen), a subsidiary of China South Locomotive and Rolling Stock Corporation Limited, has delivered the first four of 15 catenary-free low-floor trams to the city of Nanjing, China. Two of these trams have entered into passenger revenue service on the 8 km long Hexi line to support the 2nd Summer Youth Olympic Games, held in Nanjing between August 16 and 28, 2014.
Nanjing’s new trams represent the next generation of tram technology. Based on new high-power BOMBARDIER PRIMOVE Li-Ion battery systems, the trams operate without overhead cables on 90 per cent of the lines. The batteries are re-charged seamlessly during normal passenger service via the pantograph, statically at tram stops and dynamically during acceleration. It is the first time ever that trams with PRIMOVE traction batteries have entered into passenger service as well as the first time, in general, that Li-ion batteries have been used for catenary-free tram operation.
After winning the order in April 2013, Bombardier’s partner CSR Puzhen is building the trams, based on Bombardier’s FLEXITY 2 technology, at its site in Nanjing. Bombardier will supply the MITRAC propulsion and controls equipment, the innovative FLEXX Urban 3000 bogies and the PRIMOVE battery systems. As CSR Puzhen’s partner, Bombardier will also support the project under a 10-year technology license agreement, signed in 2012, that enables CSR Puzhen to sell and manufacture 100 per cent low-floor trams using Bombardier’s technology in China (including Hong Kong and Macao).
In total, eight vehicles will run on the Hexi line, which connects four stops on central metro lines 1 and 2 with the venues of the Youth Olympic Games. Another seven vehicles are planned for the 9 km long Qilin line, also in Nanjing, that will be opened later this year. The Qilin line features steep sections and an elevated route over a major highway. Service on this demanding route will demonstrate the suitability of PRIMOVE batteries for reliable and efficient catenary-free operation (CFO) on nearly any tram line across the globe.
Maximize Profits For Railroads Transporting Crude: How Railroads Are Capitalizing On The Impacts Of Rail Car Safety Regulations, Crude Supply And Demand Changes And Refinery Expansions
Plus Railroad Presentations From Kansas City Southern, Union Pacific, CSX, Kinder Morgan, Rangeland Energy, NuStar Energy And Dakota Plains
Crude By Rail 2014: Railcar Availability, Market Opportunities & Capacity Expansion Summit, taking place this October 29-30 in Houston will be hosting executive level speakers from the crude by rail supply chain to provide railroads, E&P companies, terminal operators and refiners with a clear line of sight on new market opportunities and how safety regulations are impacting the ongoing viability of Crude By Rail.
The forum will provide the very latest updates on the recently established infrastructure from Rail, Terminal, Refiner & Pipeline Operators to provide attendees with the data needed to make predictions on Crude By Rail economics in the currently changing environment and enable the early management factors that could impact profitability.
The forum will provide the very latest updates on the recently established infrastructure from Rail, Terminal, Refiner & Pipeline Operators to provide attendees with the data needed to make predictions on Crude By Rail economics in the currently changing environment and enable the early management factors that could impact profitability.
Kansas City Southern Railway, Union Pacific and CSX Transportation, amongst other railroads, will provide their unique insights into the following crucial railroad specific topics of the day:
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