World Railway News.... 17th July 2012

International Railway Journal

TRANSNET, South Africa, revealed impressive results for the 2011-12 financial year on July 10, and pledged that even in the worst economic scenario, it will proceed with the bulk of its Rand 300bn ($US 26bn) capital investment programme.

MANCHESTER is set to complete the renewal of its tram fleet by 2014 after Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) approved the acquisition of a further 20 M5000 vehicles from Bombardier and Vossloh Kiepe.

RIFT Valley Railways (RVR), the consortium operating Kenya and Uganda's railways, has announced a $US 62m investment plan to buy new wagons and to rehabilitate its existing fleet.

ANSALDO STS has signed a strategic agreement with CNR Dalian, China to license its TramWave catenary-free light rail electrification system to a joint venture of CNR Dalian and General Resources Company, allowing the technology to be sold in China.

www.progressiverailroading.com US Railroad News

Kansas City Southern set revenue, income and operating ratio records in 2Q

MAP-21 provides FTA safety oversight of transit systems

OSHA, FRA team up to better enforce federal whistleblower provision

Intermodal rail a 'sensible' transportation option for U.S. Postal Service, inspector general report says

FRA issues safety advisory to raise awareness about track buckles

CTA completes Granville Station rehab project

Amtrak's Downeaster service breaks annual ridership record

Arbitrator rules in TriMet's favor in labor contract dispute

www.railway-technology.com Latest Headlines

John Holland starts work on light rail extension in Australia
John Holland has started its survey, investigation and other preparatory works on the A$176m ($179.8m) Inner West Light Rail extension along the 5.6km project corridor in Sydney, Australia.       
                   
Israel to build high-speed rail line between Tel Aviv and Beersheba
Israel has approved plans to build a new high-speed rail line connecting Tel Aviv on the Mediterranean coastline to the city of Beersheba in the southern Negev desert.       
                   
Amtrak opens new Uptown Station in Illinois, US
Amtrak has opened a new multimodal transportation centre called Uptown Station for its rail and motor coach passengers, and local transit buses in Normal, Illinois, US.       
                   
East Coast Main Line set for £240m upgrade
The UK's East Coast Main Line is to receive an investment of £240m to improve capacity and reduce journey times.


UK NEWS

ORR statement – Regulator responds to rail investment plans

Transport Secretary Justine Greening has today announced rail investment plans in the ‘High Level Output Specification’ programme for 2014-2019.
Office of Rail Regulation Chief Executive, Richard Price, said:

“The Government’s plan for the railways between 2014 and 2019 sets out a massive programme of investment towards achieving a world class rail service, underlining the importance of rail in economic growth and connectivity across England and Wales.

“We now need to ensure that the plan is affordable, and to work with the rail industry to set out in detail how it can be delivered. Fundamental in our role will be ensuring that all those involved in delivering the plan work together to make every penny count and achieve the best possible value for money for passengers and taxpayers.”

For more information about delivering the plan for Britain’s railways between 2014-2019, visit: http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/pr13/
Today’s HLOS announcement can be viewed at: http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press-20120716a


NETWORK RAIL RESPONDS TO GOVERNMENT RAIL INVESTMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

David Higgins, Network Rail chief executive, said: “Today the government has issued a strong vote of confidence in the railway, and in our ability to deliver sustainable economic growth through development of, and investment in, the network. It is also a vote of confidence in the success of rail over the last decade, with over one million more trains per year with half a billion more passengers, at record levels of safety, punctuality and satisfaction.

“We do not underestimate the task laid down for us, but we will work alongside industry partners in the Rail Delivery Group to respond with a suitable plan. There are some tough targets, made even more challenging with the need to deliver record numbers of services on essentially Victorian infrastructure. That is why the pledge to invest billions of pounds in projects to improve, update and transform our railway is not only welcome but essential. Alongside this we will continue to deliver the highest possible levels of safety and performance across the network, while reducing costs for the remainder of this control period and the next.”


THE RAIL DELIVERY GROUP SUPPORTS GOVERNMENTS’ PLANS FOR INVESTMENT IN BRITAIN’S RAILWAYS.

The leadership body of Britain’s rail industry, the Rail Delivery Group, has given its full support to the Government’s High Level Output Specification (HLOS) and the recently published Scottish Ministers' HLOS. The Rail Delivery Group includes the Chief Executives of the passenger rail owning groups, freight operators and Network Rail,
The High Level Output Specification is built around four priorities:

• Creating an electrified high-capacity freight and passenger corridor;
• Providing more capacity and faster journeys between key cities;
• Supporting commuter travel into major urban area; and
• Improved rail links to major ports and airports.

The Chairman of the Rail Delivery Group, Tim O’Toole, said: "The Rail Delivery Group has been established to provide leadership to Britain’s rail industry. Producing the strategies and policies that will enable the rail industry to respond to the Governments’ High Level Output Specifications is a core part of that leadership role. Ensuring that the industry collaborates to produce the plans for delivery is a priority for the Rail Delivery Group”
Tim O’Toole continued “The extensive investment programme is a massive boost for rail but with it comes an expectation that the rail industry will improve its efficiency and value for money. The Rail Delivery Group is focused on driving that improvement, particularly where those efficiencies can only be realised by the industry working together.”
In addition to providing leadership to the industry the Rail Delivery Group is focusing its efforts on identifying and delivering efficiency opportunities through:

• Collaboration in asset, programme and supply chain management;
• Reform of contractual and regulatory arrangements;Co-ordinated Industry planning
• Production of a rail technical strategy;
• Updating working practices by embracing advances in technology and innovation; and
• Improvements in train procurement and utilisation

Tim O’Toole concluded “Achieving fundamental improvements in efficiency whilst delivering the major investment programme outlined in the High Level Output Specification is a significant task for the industry. The Rail Delivery Group and its agenda will be structured to ensure that the industry can meet the investment and efficiency challenge laid down by the Governments”.