World Railway News... 1st August 2012

International Railway Journal

CHINA's Ministry of Railways (MOR) has announced it will increase rail investment this year by 16% to Yuan 470bn ($US 73bn) as the country seeks to boost economic growth through infrastructure spending.

BRAZILIAN bus operator EMTU says CAF has submitted the best proposal for a contract to supply 22 LRVs for the planned light rail line from São Vicente Barreiros Terminal to Valongo in Santos.

SENER, Spain, has signed an ownership, protection and license distribution agreement with Spanish infrastructure manager Adif, the Polytechnic University of Madrid, and the Cidaut Foundation to promote the use of an innovate sleeper designed to tackle the problem of flying ballast on high-speed lines.

www.progressiverailroading.com US Railroad News

Atlanta-area voters reject transportation tax

IANA part of legal brief filing in FMCSA hours-of-service rule case

PANYNJ's ExpressRail posted cargo gain in first half

MBTA's ridership grew 5.7 percent in FY2012

Genesee & Wyoming's Australian subsidiary purchases intermodal terminal

MTA Metro-North Railroad to refurbish two bridges

Crossing and trespassing safety data reveals 'troubling trend,' Operation Lifesaver says

Union Pacific wins two service awards from Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics


www.railway-technology.com Latest Updates....

New Jersey Transit launches dual-powered locomotive
New Jersey Transit has launched a new dual-powered locomotive called ALP-45DP, the first locomotive in the US that can be powered by either overhead catenaries or twin diesel engines, at Montclair State University Station in New Jersey, US.       
                   
Amtrak rolls out eTicket system across national rail network
US rail operator Amtrak has launched a national eTicket programme that allows passengers to print their own tickets for services throughout its network, including the Northeast Corridor, state-supported routes and long-distance services.       
                   
Siemens to build tram system in Qatar Foundation campus in Doha
Siemens has won a €100m contract from the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development to build a tram system within its campus in Doha, Qatar.       
                   
Kone and Otis to install incline lifts and escalators at UK Crossrail stations
Crossrail and Transport for London (TfL) have awarded two separate contracts to Kone and Otis to install incline lifts and escalators at Crossrail stations in the UK.

Office of Rail Regulation (UK)

Regulator sets out Network Rail's finance and output frameworks for 2014-19

1 August 2012
The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has today launched consultations to help establish Network Rail’s financial and output frameworks between 2014-19, towards ensuring that the company delivers a safe, high-performing and ‘value for money’ railway.
Following the publication in July 2012 of Britain’s rail investment plans for 2014-19, the consultations represent an important step as the regulator works closely with the rail industry to establish how the plans can best be delivered.

• ‘Consultation on financial issues for Network Rail in CP5’ seeks views on proposals aimed at ensuring Network Rail finances are sustainable, covering issues like the level of Network Rail’s debt, and its exposure to changes in inflation.
• ‘Network Rail’s output framework for 2014-19’ sets out what Network Rail will need to deliver for the money it receives, including improved punctuality and safety, and the efficient management of the rail network’s assets. The company will be closely monitored and held to account by the regulator for this delivery.

ORR Chief Executive Richard Price said:

“Governments in England, Wales and Scotland have set out what they Britain’s railways to achieve between 2014-19, and have shown they are ready to back this with massive levels of investment. Now ORR and the rail industry need to establish the best way of delivering those plans, providing passengers and taxpayers with a railway which delivers safety, high performance, extra capacity and value for money.

“Today we are seeking views on Network Rail’s financial and performance frameworks, which will lay the foundations towards delivering a world class rail service.”

To contribute to the consultations, visit: http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/pr13/consultations/financial-issues.php and http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/pr13/consultations/outputs.php
For more information about delivering the plan for Britain’s railways between 2014-19, visit: http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/pr13/