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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
Read MoreIndonesia'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/
17 hrs ago
Read MoreOn 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
Read MoreDMRC: 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
Read MoreUS 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
Read MoreDuring 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
Read MoreThe 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
Read MoreTogether 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
Read MoreArmadale 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
Read MoreHigh-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
4 days ago
Read MoreWindow 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
Read MoreTo 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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