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Bangkok: On June 3, the MRT Yellow Line will be available for free trials at 13 stations

02 June 2023 (Bangkok, Thailand) It's  finally  here! On  June  3,  the  MRT  Yellow  Line  will  be  available  for  free  trials  at  13  stations. Eastern  Bangkok  Monorail  Co.,  Ltd.,  or  EBM,  the  concessionaire  for  the  Lat  Phrao-Samrong  segment  of  the  MRT  Yellow  Line  Project,  led  a  group  of  media  on  June  2,  2023  at  1:00  p.m.  at  Kelantan  Station. Visited the  area  to  check  on  the  trial  run's  readiness  for  the  train  service  between  Samrong  Station  (YL23)  and  Kelantan  Station  (YL12),  in  order  to  get  everything  ready  for  the  public  trial  run. without  taking  any  payments  on  June  3,  2023 The  Eastern  Bangkok  Monorail  Co.,  Ltd.  director,  Mr.  Surapong  Laoha-Unya,  announced  that  the  company  will  begin  a  limited  trial  operation  on  June  3,  2023. Source https://www.bts.co.th/information/information-views.html?id=IAjIJFd899I2HoGDBFxeIA==

16 hrs ago

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Indonesia's delayed China-funded rail project beset by fresh problems

Reuters June 7, 2023 (Jakarta, Indonesia) Indonesia's transport ministry and three consultants have pushed back on a China-funded consortium's plan to start full commercial operations of the country's $7.3 billion first high-speed train service in August, an internal document shows. A flagship project of President Joko Widodo - and part of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) - the 142 km (88 miles) line from capital Jakarta to the large city of Bandung being built by a consortium of Indonesian and Chinese state firms is already $1.2 billion over the initial budget and four years behind schedule. A smooth opening of the railway line, the most high-profile BRI project in Southeast Asia's largest economy, as part of Independence Day celebrations would be a shot in the arm for its ruling party ahead of a general election next year, analysts said. "A further delay will only become ammunition for the opposition to attack," said Teuku Rezasyah, an international relations analyst at Padjadjaran University, adding that setbacks would taint China's credibility to develop and deliver big projects in the region. Months before its proposed commercial launch in August, the showpiece project is beset by fresh problems, with the consortium's Chinese participants wanting a full operational worthiness certificate for the line despite an incomplete station, a 48-page presentation reviewed by Reuters shows. Instead, the transport ministry and consultants Mott MacDonald, PwC and local law firm Umbra have suggested that full-fledged commercial operations could start in January 2024, the "Progress Update" report dated May 14 shows. "There is a risk that the target of commercial operations in August could be delayed to complete all construction by December 31," said the report, written in the local language. Financial restructuring at PT Wijaya Karya Tbk (WIKA) (WIKA.JK) - an Indonesian state-owned construction firm with an indirect minority stake in the consortium - is also hitting the working capital needs of the project, which has already accumulated at least $381.75 million in outstanding payments, another internal document shows. WIKA corporate secretary Mahendra Vijaya said the company had the financial capacity to finish the remaining work, but it also needed the consortium to pay it for work already done. Indonesia is negotiating with China on an additional $560 million loan and asking for an interest rate of 2.8% for the portion of the loan in yuan, which is lower than the China Development Bank (CDB) offer of 3.46%, according to a second set of documents dated May 18. The possibility of a further delay and other details in the two documents have not been previously reported. Septian Hario Seto, a senior official with the investment coordinating ministry, said debt negotiations were underway with CDB, focused on the interest rate. The railway plans to begin a free trial with passengers in mid-August, with paid trips expected in September and the incomplete station likely finished by November, he added. PwC declined to comment. China-backed consortium PT KCIC, Mott MacDonald, Umbra, CDB and China's embassy in Jakarta did not respond immediately to requests for comment. DELAYS AND DOUBTS The fresh loan is needed to help cover a $1.2 billion cost overrun. PT KCIC was awarded the project in 2015 after lodging a cheaper proposal than a Japanese rival, with completion expected in 2019. But the project has been plagued by delays due to land ownership disputes, questions over its economic impact and the COVID-19 pandemic. Delays and cost blowouts are not uncommon in high-speed rail projects globally, including in Western countries. PT KCIC expects it will take 40 years for its investment to become profitable, twice as long as initial estimates, an executive said last year. One-way tickets on the line will cost up to 350,000 rupiah ($23.56) depending on the distance travelled, according to PT KCIC, nearly a quarter of the average Indonesian's weekly income. The planned 45-minute train ride between Jakarta and Bandung compares with a car journey of two to three hours or the current three-hour rail trip. But with the terminal stations located outside the city centres, the high-speed rail line could struggle to attract the business passengers being targeted, said Sutanto Soehodho, a transportation analyst at the University of Indonesia. "They value time and seek convenience," he said. "But if they need to transit again, why should they use it?" Locating the stations in central Jakarta and Bandung would have been too costly, ministry official Seto said. Source https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesias-delayed-china-funded-rail-project-beset-by-fresh-problems-2023-06-07/

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On the soon-to-be electrified Glasgow to Barrhead railway route, a new campaign encourages safety

5 June 2023 (UK) Along  the  rail  line  from  Glasgow  to  Barrhead,  a  safety  campaign  informs  children  about  the  risks  associated  with  railway  travel. As  part  of  the  Barrhead  to  Glasgow  electrification  project,  Network  Rail  has  completed  half  of  a  safety  campaign  that  raises  awareness  of  the  changing  railway  environment. Rail  employees  have  been  collaborating  closely  with  Learn  Live,  a  company  that  creates  and  conducts  safety  seminars  in-person  in  classrooms,  for  the  past  three  months. Together,  they  have  been  warning  young  people  and  children  about  the  risks  of  railroads  and  how  to  keep  safe  around  them  along  the  Glasgow  to  Barrhead  railway  corridor. Source https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/new-campaign-promotes-safety-on-the-soon-to-be-electrified-glasgow-to-barrhead-railway-line-1

17 hrs ago

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DMRC: A whatsapp-based ticketing option is now available at airport line

30 May 2023 (New Delhi) Delhi  Metro  has  unveiled  a  "WhatsApp  based  Ticketing  Service"  for  travel  on  the  Airport  Express  Line  (AEL),  further  boosting  the  commuting  experience  for  its  users  in  an  intuitive  digital  format. In  the  presence  of  other  senior  authorities,  this  service  was  introduced  by  Dr.  Vikas  Kumar,  Managing  Director,  DMRC,  from  Metro  Bhawan. With  the  addition  of  this  feature,  commuters  using  AEL  will  now  be  able  to  use  the  QR  Code  tickets  powered  by  the  WhatsApp  Chatbot  from  their  smartphones. The  ability  to  purchase  and  use  tickets  generated  in-app  through  a  dedicated  WhatsApp  chatbot  (available  in  English  and  Hindi)  will  make  commuting  more  effective  and  seamless  for  commuters,  especially  national  and  international  travellers  heading  to  or  coming  from  the  Airport  using  AEL. Source https://www.delhimetrorail.com/pages/en/pressrelease_details/whatsapp-based-ticketing-facility-introduced-on-ai

2 days ago

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US Metropolitan Transportation Authority opens Online Portal for Feedback on Changes to Fare and Tolls

June 2, 2023 (US) For  public  comment,  the  agency  outlines  proposed  fare  and  toll  adjustments. Starting  on  June  22nd,  the  agency  will  hold  four  hybrid  public  hearings  on  proposed  fare  changes. Customers  Can  Submit  Feedback  Through  Zoom,  Mail,  Phone,  Online,  and  Other  Methods Saturday,  June  3  marks  the  opening  of  the  online  comment  portal  and  registration  to  speak  at  any  scheduled  hearing. According  to  information  presented  at  the  MTA  Board  Finance  Committee  last  week,  the  Metropolitan  Transportation  Authority  (MTA)  h as  stated  that  the  public  can  now  submit  online  comments  on  proposed  adjustments  to  prices  and  tolls. Source https://new.mta.info/press-release/mta-launches-online-portal-public-comment-fare-and-toll-change

2 days ago

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During the EvAU, the Regional Government of Madrid approves a special plan to improve public transport.

June 02, 2023 (Madrid, Spain) The  University  Entrance  Examinations  (Evaluación  para  el  Acceso  a  la  Universidad,  EvAU),  which  will  be  held  on  the  six  campuses  in  the  region  between  Monday  and  Thursday  next  week,  will  be  strengthened  by  a  special  system  that  will  be  put  in  place  by  the  Region  of  Madrid. The  objective  is  to  fulfil  the  demands  brought  on  by  the  anticipated  increase  in  passengers,  particularly  at  exam  start  and  end  periods. The  Regional  Transport  Consortium  (CRTM)  will  improve  connections  to  the  universities  where  38,200  students  are  expected  to  enrol  the  following  week:  Complutense  (Moncloa  and  Somosaguas  campuses),  Autónoma  (Cantoblanco),  Alcalá,  Carlos  III  (Leganés  and  Colmenarejo),  Politécnica  (Moncloa),  and  Rey  Juan  Carlos  (Móstoles  and  Fuenlabrada). Source https://www.metromadrid.es/en/press-release/2023-06-02/the-regional-government-of-madrid-enables-a-special-plan-to-reinforce-public-transport-during-the-evau

2 days ago

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The new intelligent intercity train CINOVA2.0 from CRRC was formally unveiled

19 May 2023 (Qingdao, China) The  new  intercity  smart  train  (CINOVA2.0),  which  CRRC  independently  developed  and  produced,  was  recently  formally  introduced  in  Qingdao. The  train  achieves  intelligence  in  all  usage  scenarios  and  is  the  first  intercity  train  in  China  to  use  technology  like  ADAS  (advanced  driver  assistance  system)  and  Digital  Twin. The  intercity  trains  in  China  have  been  upgraded  as  a  result  of  its  official  introduction. The  smart  train  is  an  intelligently  enhanced  version  of  China's  original  intercity  train,  the  CINOVA1.0,  and  it  inherits  features  like  "fast  start  and  fast  stop,  fast  boarding  and  landing,  large  capacity,  and  safety  and  reliability"  from  intercity  trains. The  train  also  incorporates  cutting-edge  design  principles  from  the  CR  train  as  well  as  cutting-edge  intelligent  technology  like  5G,  big  data,  cloud  computing,  and  digital  twin,  offering  benefits  like  intelligence,  low  carbon  footprint,  and  high  performance. Source https://www.crrcgc.cc/en/g7389/s10408/t340834.aspx 

3 days ago

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Together for a Summer of Pride: LNER Debuts the Pride-Celebrating AZUMA Train

01 June 2023 (UK) As  Pride  festivities  begin  this  summer  in  the  UK,  London  North  Eastern  Railway  (LNER)  is  pleased  to  introduce  a  new  named  and  fully  liveried  Azuma  train. With  the  theme  "Together,"  it  honours  LNER's  ongoing  dedication  to  efforts  that  promote  diversity,  equality,  and  inclusion  for  employees,  clients,  and  communities  all  year  long.  LNER  also  supports  Pride  festivities  on  the  LNER  route. Prior  to  the  first  Pride  event  LNER  is  promoting  throughout  the  956-mile  East  Coast  route  between  Scotland  and  London,  the  unique  livery  was  made  public. The  name  "Together"  was  selected  by  LNER  coworkers  and  a  designated  train  naming  panel. Before  a  shortlist  was  chosen  by  a  vote  of  all  colleagues,  coworkers  were  given  the  chance  to  contribute  a  name  that  had  special  importance  for  them. The  name  recognises  both  the  special  bond  between  members  of  the  LGBTQ   community  and  allies  within  LNER  as  well  as  the  unification  of  all  groups,  which  LNER  is  pleased  to  support. The  striking  livery,  which  was  produced  by  LNER  colleagues,  is  the  first  to  be  used  on  each  of  the  nine  carriages  in  the  Azuma  fleet. Eight  LGBTQ   flags  are  used  in  the  livery,  illustrating  the  community's  wide  range  of  vibrant  and  varied  identities. Source https://www.lner.co.uk/news/together-for-a-summer-of-pride-lner-launches-azuma-train-celebrating-pride/

3 days ago

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Armadale Line transition preparations are intensifying

May 22, 2023 (UK) The  construction  of  three  additional  bus  interchanges  is  a  sign  of  how  seriously  the  Armadale  Train  Line  closure  will  be  prepared  for  during  the  next  18  months. Beginning  next  month,  work  will  be  done  to  build  1.2  km  of  priority  bus  lanes  and  make  other  necessary  changes  to  the  Albany  Highway,  Welshpool  Road,  and  Shepperton  Road. One  of  Perth's  largest  public  transit  infrastructure  projects  will  be  made  possible  by  closing  the  queue. The  Armadale  Line  is  getting  modifications  that  involve  removing  13  level  crossings,  building  seven  new  stations  and  adding  5.5  km  of  Perth's  first  elevated  rail. Source https://www.pta.wa.gov.au/news/media-statements/preparations-ramp-up-for-transformation-of-armadale-line 

3 days ago

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High-speed rail passengers in France and abroad will benefit from Hitachi Rail's onboard digital technology

2 June 2023 (France) A  new  framework  deal  has  been  reached  for  the  provision  of  bi-standard  ERTMS/TVM  to  equip  SNCF's  TGV  fleet. A five-year  agreement  for  up  to  €77  million,  with  €25  million  already  secured. In  order  to  provide  on-board  digital  signalling  equipment  (bi-standard  ERTMS/TVM)  for  the  most  recent  generation  of  TGV  trains  (TGV-M)  and  existing  TGV  trains  that  run  across  the  French  and  European  high-speed  rail  networks,  Hitachi  Rail  and  SNCF  have  signed  a  new  framework  deal  worth  up  to  €77  million. With  the  help  of  the  new  machinery,  passenger  train  services  will  be  more  dependable  and  accessible,  improving  Europe's  connectivity  through  green  transportation. The  machinery  will  be  produced  at  the  Hitachi  Rail  facility  in  Riom,  located  in  central  France. Orders  under  the  framework  contract  start  at  a  minimum  of  €25  million  and  can  reach  €77  million  over  the  following  five  years. Source https://www.hitachirail.com/press/#/pressreleases/hitachi-rail-on-board-digital-technology-to-benefit-high-speed-rail-passengers-in-france-and-beyond-3256947

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Window opened after carstairs closing for improved performance and security

2 Jun 2023 (UK) Network  Rail  has  spent  more  than  £2  million  in  the  past  three  months  to  increase  performance  and  safety  on  the  West  Coast  Main  Line. Remodelling  work A  once-in-a-generation  opportunity  to  access  the  main  cross-border  route  was  provided  by  Carstairs  Junction,  and  Network  Rail  completed  a  variety  of  tasks  at  several  points  along  the  line. The  prolonged  track  access,  which  was  aimed  at  enhancing  safety  and  performance,  made  it  possible  to  do  tasks  that  would  not  have  been  practical  or  effective  if  limited  to  Saturday  nights. In  order  to  track  safety  and  performance  and  to  provide  information  for  future  maintenance  and  investment  planning,  activities  included  the  replacement  of  overhead  lines  and  track,  vegetation  management,  and  thorough  inspection  work  on  structures. Source https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/carstairs-closure-opens-window-to-improve-safety-and-performance

4 days ago

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To increase the functionality of its Train Planning System, Siemens Mobility purchases Optrail

01 June 2023 (Italy) Siemens  Mobility's  position  as  a  top  provider  of  rail  industry  software  is  strengthened  by  the  acquisition. A  new  generation  of  rail  traffic  management  systems  using  optimisation  are  provided  by  algorithms  from  Optrail  S.r.l. Optrail  S.r.l.,  an  Italian  technology  business  that  develops  proprietary  algorithms  for  traffic  management  systems  (TMS)  based  on  mathematical  optimisation  techniques  and  operations  research,  has  been  acquired  by  Siemens  Mobility. The  acquisition  expands  Siemens  Mobility's  existing  Train  Planning  System  -  TPS  -  portfolio  and  solidifies  the  company's  position  as  a  top  provider  of  rail  customers'  software  solutions. Source https://press.siemens.com/global/en/pressrelease/siemens-mobility-acquires-optrail-expand-its-train-planning-system-functionalities

7 days ago

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