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The Better Offer from Canadian National Railway
April 12, 2024 (Canada) Federal conciliators assisted in the negotiation process between CN and the TCRC union, which took place between April 10 and 12, 2024. In this discussion, CN presented the union with an enhanced offer that included significant upgrades. There has been a $5/hour rise in the suggested hourly rates. Workers who are hired prior to the agreement's ratification will have employment security and won't be at risk of being laid off. Salaries of workers who now make more than the suggested hourly rate will be safeguarded. Source https://www.cn.ca/en/news/2024/04/20240412-tcrc-update
2 days ago
Read MoreThe Penang LRT will be well worth the trouble
02 Apr 2024 (George Town, Penang, Malaysia) The final cost is approximately RM10.5 billion. According to Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, the Penang LRT Mutiara Line project has completed all required procedures, and its cost can only be assessed once proposals and terms have been finalized. Although there may be some inconveniences during the construction phase, the finished project will benefit the state in the long run in a number of ways. Source https://gamuda.com.my/2024/04/penang-lrt-will-be-worth-the-hassle/news/
4 days ago
Read MoreAlstom's railway bogie frame plant in Mátranovák, Hungary, will use a development program of HUF six billion to boost manufacturing capacity
11 April 2024 (Hungary) Alstom's railway bogies manufacturing facilities in Mátranovák will increase its production capacity as part of the Mátranovak 2030 development. The location plans to modernize the equipment, restructure the production processes, and hire 150 new employees. The corporation implements the job-creating investment with the assistance of the Hungarian government. Source https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2024/4/alstoms-railway-bogie-frame-factory-matranovak-hungary-increase-its-production-capacity-huf-six-billion-development-program
5 days ago
Read MoreThe £4 billion train control systems framework by Network Rail will transform signaling in the United Kingdom
10 April 2024 (UK) With a combination of conventional signalling and digital control, contemporary equipment will increase nationwide reliability on Britain's railways from Carlisle to Brighton as part of Network Rail's £4 billion, ten-year signalling strategy. Under its Train Control Systems Framework, contracts for the supply of traditional and digital signaling services have been given to six organizations. The £4 billion framework will be in place from 2024 to 2034 (£3 billion will go toward digital signaling and £1 billion for conventional signaling). Conventional signalling (Alstom,AtkinsRealis,Hitachi,Siemens) Digital signalling (using European Train Control System technology)(Alstom,AtkinsRealis and CAF,Siemens,Thales and VolkerRail) Source https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/network-rails-gbp-4bn-train-control-systems-framework-to-revolutionise-signalling-across-britain
5 days ago
Read MoreAmtrak Chooses Wilmington Unified Operations Center Construction Contractor
4 April, 2024 (Wilmington, Delaware, US) Wohlsen Construction Company, a Wilmington, Delaware-based company, was chosen by Amtrak to be the recipient of the Unified Operations Center (UOC) Facility Project award. The procurement was competitive and started in August 2023, leading to the award. Wohlsen Construction Company and Amtrak will work together to develop the Renaissance Center's build-out and build conference rooms, workspaces, an operations center, a Tier-3 data center, video wall systems, and modifications to the building's mechanical and electrical systems. Source https://media.amtrak.com/2024/04/amtrak-selects-construction-contractor-for-wilmington-unified-operations-center/
5 days ago
Read MoreIn Ortenau, the first trains to enter passenger service relied on batteries rather than fuel
8 April , 2024 ( Germany ) On April 8, 2024, Siemens Mobility's first four battery-powered trains go into regular operation, making their debut in Germany. A private inaugural excursion from Offenburg to Oberkirch and back marked the formal start. Winfried Hermann, the state of Baden-Württemberg's minister of transportation, was among the many invited guests who joined the trip. Trains running in the Ortenau region that use the battery hybrid drive of the Mireo Plus B are more environmentally friendly than those that run on diesel. Source https://press.siemens.com/global/en/pressrelease/batteries-instead-diesel-first-trains-passenger-service-ortenau
7 days ago
Read MoreTRU extends gratitude to customers following ten days of Huddersfield upgrading work
8 April 2024 (UK) Passengers traveling through Huddersfield on the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) are being thanked for their understanding and cooperation during the ten-day closure of a portion of the train line. Major rail upgrades between Huddersfield and Ravensthorpe were finished between Friday, March 29 and Sunday, April 7. Replacement bus services and diversion routes were used to keep passengers moving while the upgrades were being completed. Source https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/tru-thanks-passengers-after-10-days-of-upgrade-work-in-huddersfield
7 days ago
Read MoreFirst METRONET train built in the region sets out on the inaugural trip
7 April 2024 ( Western Australia ) A significant first for local manufacturing, the first passenger train built in Western Australia in over 30 years has made its inaugural trip. 246 new C-series railcars in total will be produced locally in Western Australia. After a 50-minute return trip on the Joondalup Line from Stadium Station, hundreds of workers and community members boarded the new METRONET C-series train with Premier Roger Cook and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti. Source https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook-Labor-Government/First-locally-made-METRONET-train-makes-maiden-journey-20240407
a week ago
Read MoreTraxx Universal: Alstom's European locomotive continues to grow
25 March 2024 (Romania) The TraxxTM locomotives from Alstom are in demand in Europe. For its third-generation locos, Alstom signed a number of significant contracts in 2023. ARF, Romania, then placed an order in January 2024 with a 20-year maintenance service agreement. Strong, dependable locomotives with enhanced technical performance and maintenance are available with the Traxx Universal platform. Source https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2024/3/traxx-universal-alstoms-locomotive-europe-goes-strength-strength
a week ago
Read MoreAD Alliance has been selected for the High-Capacity Signalling Project in Perth
5 April 2024 (Perth, Western Australia) AD Alliance has been selected for the High-Capacity Signalling Project in Perth, marking the beginning of Australia's Public Transport Evolution. The Public Transport Authority has named the AD Alliance as its preferred contractor for the design, supply, construction, and management of the High-Capacity Signalling (HCS) project. The consortium comprises Alstom Transport Australia Pty Ltd and DT Infrastructure Pty Ltd. Funding for the HCS project is provided by both the State and Commonwealth governments. "The announcement of the preferred proponent for the High-Capacity Signalling project is a significant milestone in the ongoing expansion of Perth's passenger rail network. "This brings us closer to upgrading our rail network's signalling and train control systems, enhancing the reliability and safety of our trains. "Substantial upgrades to our signalling and train control systems will enable more frequent train services, benefiting current passengers and meeting future demands." Hon Rita Saffioti, Minister for Transport This strategic initiative will involve the upgrading of existing signalling and control systems to an integrated Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system. The primary objective is to optimize the utilization of Perth's rail network, enabling increased train frequency and efficiency. As part of this transformative initiative, a state-of-the-art METRONET Public Transport Operation Control Centre (PTOCC) is under development in East Perth. With four narrow-gauge lines, a spur line, and a dual-gauge line covering a total of 178 kilometers, Perth's urban passenger rail network is poised for a significant transformation. The transition from the existing 'fixed block' signalling system to the 'moving block' system signifies a new era of efficiency and safety. High Capacity Signalling will dynamically enforce train speed limits, optimize train spacing, and allow for simultaneous operation of more trains. The new signalling system promises not only increased service frequency but also enhanced reliability, faster recovery times from disruptions, reduced maintenance costs, and improved safety measures. The High-Capacity Signalling Project is expected to span approximately ten years. About Consortium AD Consortium AD is a joint venture between Alstom and DT Infrastructure. Alstom, a leading multinational corporation, is dedicated to designing, manufacturing, and maintaining railway systems and equipment worldwide. Specializing in advanced signalling solutions for railway networks globally, Alstom's Signalling division leads the way. This division offers cutting-edge systems encompassing train control, traffic management, and interlocking systems. DT Infrastructure's (the infrastructure projects division of Downer) transportation and rail capabilities will receive a significant boost through the utilization of Gamuda's Asia-Pacific expertise (DT Infrastructure and Gamuda collaborate closely). Source https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook-Labor-Government/Preferred-proponent-announced-for-signalling-and-train-control-systems-upgrade-20240405
2 weeks ago
Read MoreEurope's first battery train is now available in long-distance form thanks to Hitachi Rail
3 April 2024 (Italy) Innovative hybrid battery train develops for Southern Italy's intercity market This summer, a new intercity hybrid battery train will go into operation in Southern Italy. Seven intercity hybrid battery trains will be provided by Hitachi Rail to Trenitalia as part of a larger €1.23 billion framework deal. A hybrid train reduces CO2 emissions by 83% by utilizing diesel, electric, and battery power. Source https://www.hitachirail.com/press/#/pressreleases/hitachi-rail-unveils-long-distance-version-of-europes-first-battery-train-3314460
2 weeks ago
Read MoreDB Cargo: Customer use of the digital freight train
02 April 2024 (Germany) Approximately 500,000 freight wagons are currently traveling along Europe's rails. Currently, freight wagons are not able to establish continuous data connections or electricity; instead, they must be connected manually. The adoption of a Digital Automatic Coupling (DAK) as a new system standard throughout the EU will greatly increase the capacity and effectiveness of environmentally friendly rail freight transportation. DB is involved in the development and introduction of the DAK throughout Europe along with many other railway industry partners and other European rail freight firms. Approximately 20,000 freight trains are operated by DB Cargo each week across 17 EU nations, with 60% of all trips involving at least one border crossing. A mechanical screw coupling, which has been in use for about 200 years, is used to couple freight wagons traveling from Spain to Scandinavia. Employees at DB Cargo alone must physically fasten the 30-kilogram couplings to the iron hangers of the wagons up to 50,000 times every day. A freight train can save 80–100% of CO2 emissions in exchange for replacing up to 52 trucks. Source https://www.deutschebahn.com/en/presse/press_releases/DB-Cargo-Digital-freight-train-goes-into-customer-use-12780552#
2 weeks ago
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