London King's Cross.(C) P.S. Lewis
Rising train fares (in the UK) results in the usual comments regarding privatization, and the lack of an improving service....
In China, there will now be just the one mega corporation (CRRC) which will enhance Chinese competition in the international marketplace.
Iarnrod Eireann reflects on the 1 million passenger increase in the last 12 months, and describes this as a "welcome indicator both for Iarnród Éireann and the wider economy."
The European Commission sends a "statement of objections" relating to Lithuania's not replacing a cross border (to Latvia) double track, thus effectively limiting competition..breaking anti trust rules.
And in the USA, excitement over work starting on the California High Speed Railway...
Click on the links...
UK
Rail fares go up so why doesn't the service get better? (This is Money)
FOI release
West Coast, Midland and East Coast Main Lines: demand and capacity.
Response about West Coast, Midland and East Coast Main Lines demand and capacity and the cost of David Higgins' 'HS2 Plus' and Northern work.... (Click on the following 2 links....)West Coast, Midland and East Coast Mainlines: demand and capacity
Total morning peak capacity and critical loads on train services arriving into London on the Midland Mainline and East Coast Mainline on a typical autumn weekday: 2007-2013
International
China
Mega merger ahead as China’s CNR + CSR = CRRC Corporation. (SmartRail World)
Europe
European Commission
China
Mega merger ahead as China’s CNR + CSR = CRRC Corporation. (SmartRail World)
Europe
European Commission
| European Commission - Press release |
Antitrust: Commission sends statement of objections to the Lithuanian railway incumbent AB Lietuvos geležinkeliai
Brussels, 05 January 2015
The European Commission has informed the Lithuanian railway incumbent AB Lietuvos geležinkeliai ("LG") that it suspects the company of having limited competition on the rail markets in Lithuania and Latvia by removing a railway track connecting the two countries. Such behaviour, if established, would breach EU antitrust rules that prohibit the abuse of dominant market positions. The removal of this track may have prevented customers from using the services of other rail operators for the transport of freight between Lithuania and Latvia. The sending of a statement of objections does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation.
In September 2008, LG suspended traffic on a railway track running between Lithuania and Latvia. One month later LG dismantled the track. Since then the track has not been rebuilt. The Commission is concerned that these actions could have limited competition on the rail markets in Lithuania and in Latvia, in particular by obstructing the plans of a major customer of LG from redirecting its railway freight to Latvia using the services of other rail operators.
Background
Following a complaint, the Commission carried out inspections at the premises of LG in 2011 and has opened formal antitrust proceedings in March 2013.
A Statement of Objections is a formal step in Commission investigations into suspected violations of EU rules on restrictive business practices. The Commission informs the parties concerned in writing of the objections raised against them and the companies can examine the documents in the Commission's investigation file, reply in writing and request an oral hearing to present their comments on the case before representatives of the Commission and national competition authorities.
If, after the parties have exercised their rights of defence, the Commission concludes that there is sufficient evidence of an infringement, it can issue a decision prohibiting the conduct and impose a fine of up to 10% of a company's annual worldwide turnover.
More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the Commission public case register under the case number 39813. New decisions on competition policy are listed in the electronic newsletter Competition weekly e-News.
In September 2008, LG suspended traffic on a railway track running between Lithuania and Latvia. One month later LG dismantled the track. Since then the track has not been rebuilt. The Commission is concerned that these actions could have limited competition on the rail markets in Lithuania and in Latvia, in particular by obstructing the plans of a major customer of LG from redirecting its railway freight to Latvia using the services of other rail operators.
Background
Following a complaint, the Commission carried out inspections at the premises of LG in 2011 and has opened formal antitrust proceedings in March 2013.
A Statement of Objections is a formal step in Commission investigations into suspected violations of EU rules on restrictive business practices. The Commission informs the parties concerned in writing of the objections raised against them and the companies can examine the documents in the Commission's investigation file, reply in writing and request an oral hearing to present their comments on the case before representatives of the Commission and national competition authorities.
If, after the parties have exercised their rights of defence, the Commission concludes that there is sufficient evidence of an infringement, it can issue a decision prohibiting the conduct and impose a fine of up to 10% of a company's annual worldwide turnover.
More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the Commission public case register under the case number 39813. New decisions on competition policy are listed in the electronic newsletter Competition weekly e-News.
IP/15/2940
Ireland
Almost 1 million more rail journeys in 2014
Journeys increase from 36.7 million to 37.6 million,
with growth across Intercity, DART and Commuter
Passenger journeys on Iarnród Éireann services increased by almost one million in 2014 over the previous twelve months, preliminary figures reveal.
In total, 37.6 million journeys were made across Intercity, DART and Commuter services during the year, compared to 36.7 million journeys in 2013. The increases were recorded across rail modes, with Intercity travel across national routes up from 8.1 million to 8.4 million, and DART and Commuter journeys increasing from 28.7 million to 29.3 million.
After a number of years of falling passenger journeys, and stabilisation during 2013, the growth is a welcome indicator both for Iarnród Éireann and the wider economy.
Key factors in passenger growth include:
- Promotional activity, with strong growth in online bookings, student travel and the Taxsaver commuter ticket scheme
- Economic recovery, including growth in employment
- Benefits from integration initiatives with the NTA and other operators, including Leap Card
- Additional business from sporting, musical and other major events
The company has begun its latest online sale this week, with Intercity fares available from €14.99 each way.
Of major routes, strongest growth was recorded on:
- Dublin/Galway with growth of 6.4% to 1.1 million journeys
- Dublin/Sligo with growth of 4.1% to 1.2 million journeys
- Dublin/Drogheda was the fastest growing commuter route in the Greater Dublin area up 3.4% to just under 6 million journeys
- Cork/Cobh commuter route jumped 15% to 730,000 with extra journeys for the Irish Open Golf at Fota Island a significant factor
However, the largest growth on the network was on the Limerick/Galway route up almost 75% from 29,000 to 50,000 journeys during the year through the new Ennis/Athenry section of the line. This followed the introduction of online booking and promotional fares for the route.
David Franks, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann said: “We thank our existing and new customers who travelled with us in 2014 – a return to growth is hugely encouraging. We will target further growth throughout 2015 by ensuring we meet customer needs with our services; continuing to promote online sales and other discount options; working with major events to ensure we provide attendees with the strongest possible transport options; and working with tourism and other business interests to identify new opportunities. Together with continued cost control, and working with the NTA and Department of Transport on ensuring Iarnród Éireann is sustainably funded into the future, we hope 2014 marks a key moment in the development of our railway.”
The coming year will also see focus on future rail investment options, including assessment by the National Transport Authority of the DART Airport link as part of a consideration of options to improve public transport to Dublin Airport and North Dublin area.
USA
www.progressiverailroading.com
California groundbreaking slated for high-speed rail system
BNSF continues to expand intermodal, automotive capacity
Houston transit authority readies new CAF light-rail cars for service
NTSB issues alert on rail signal visibility
Global high-speed rail market continues strong growth trend, BCC Research says
Watco seeks longer KCSR lease for Alabama Southern, launches short line in Louisiana
Sound Transit signs Hill International for East Link extension pre-construction work
Minnesota DOT pursues upgrades at nine grade crossings
US HSR
CALIFORNIA HIGH SPEED RAIL GROUNDBREAKING
Official Groundbreaking to draw top Government Officials and Business Leaders to Launch High Speed Rail in America.
Washington, DC - The US High Speed Rail Association and its entire membership congratulate Governor Brown, the State Legislature, the California High Speed Rail Authority, and all those who've helped deliver this project. California's high speed rail project is the most important step in bringing 21st Century transportation to America.
"This is truly a historic moment in America, where California once again is leading the way," said Andy Kunz, USHSR President & CEO. "High speed rail will transform the nation as dramatically as the internet did. Congratulations to all those involved in this nationally important project."
California high speed rail is a project of national significance as it represents the start of a new era of transportation planning in America. In addition to providing a new high-capacity transportation system, the project will reduce congestion on highways and runways, spur statewide rail modernization, encourage transit-oriented development, revitalize American manufacturing, create new economic development and millions of jobs. High speed rail sets up America to save energy, money, and time - year after year. It delivers a fast and reliable mobility option, it protects the nation from energy price spikes, and increases national security by reducing our dependency on foreign oil.
High speed rail has proven to be the best form of transportation in country after country starting 50 years ago in Japan. Its now in operation in more than 20 countries (including the UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Japan, China, Korea, and Taiwan). HSR is under construction in more than 10 countries (including China, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, France, and Italy); and in development in another 14 countries (including Qatar, Morocco, Russia, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, India, Argentina, Mexico, and Brazil).
The US High Speed Rail Association has advocated for the California high speed rail project for many years - working to build widespread public, business, and political support. The Association's education programs have helped Americans learn about the many benefits high speed rail will offer the country. The Association's national conferences - a number of which have taken place in California - bring together business and political leaders, and the investment and real estate industries.
The California high speed rail project will be one of the main topics at USHSR's upcoming High Speed Rail Conference taking place April 21-23 in Washington, DC. For more information, visit www.ushsr.com
The US High Speed Rail Association has advocated for the California high speed rail project for many years - working to build widespread public, business, and political support. The Association's education programs have helped Americans learn about the many benefits high speed rail will offer the country. The Association's national conferences - a number of which have taken place in California - bring together business and political leaders, and the investment and real estate industries.
The California high speed rail project will be one of the main topics at USHSR's upcoming High Speed Rail Conference taking place April 21-23 in Washington, DC. For more information, visit www.ushsr.com
Other Railway Press
China CNR and CSR Corporation merge to form new $26bn firm
China's state-owned train manufacturing companies China CNR and CSR Corporation have decided to merge in a bid to form a $26bn company.
Mexico to relaunch bidding process for $3.75bn high-speed train contract China's state-owned train manufacturing companies China CNR and CSR Corporation have decided to merge in a bid to form a $26bn company.
The Mexican Government has decided to relaunch the bidding process for $3.75bn high-speed train contract that was scrapped in November 2014.
UK rail fares increase by 2.2%
The decision to increase rail fares in England and Wales has come into effect with 2.2% hike in the average fare of a rail ticket.
Australia's Toll Group divests its stake in Cambodia's Toll Royal Railway
Toll Group managing director Brian Kruger has said Royal Group will now hold 100% share of the railway concession, and will continue the operation and redevelopment in country's railway sector.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Tell us your Railway News!