Industry news

London’s Elizabeth line set to start operations in H1 2022

19 january | routes

Transport for London (TfL) is on track to conclude the first phase of its trial operations on the Elizabeth line, which is ready to begin services in the first half of this year.

Last November, TfL began trial operations on the Elizabeth line. As part of the upcoming phase, large-scale exercises will be conducted across the new railway line. Work progressed at the two new stations last month, with upgrades carried out for the completion of the new railway.

The new Alstom train software was deployed on trains, along with the commissioning of the modern Siemens signalling software for the railway. The control communications solution and the tunnel ventilation system were also modernised.

After opening, the Elizabeth line will run 12 trains per hour through the central portion of the railway.

16 July | Contract

Arup AECOM JV secures consultancy contract for Northern Link project

The Arup AECOM joint venture (JV) has secured a preliminary design consultancy contract from Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway (MTR) to conduct the planning and design for the proposed Northern Link main line project.

Work will include the development of the scheme into an engineering design, preparing the construction programme and gazette plans, as well as determining the cost estimate.

The Arup AECOM JV will work closely with MTR’s Capital Works team to deliver the works.

17 January | operations

AOR assumes operations of Auckland’s passenger rail network

Auckland One Rail (AOR) in New Zealand has taken over as the new operator of the city’s commuter rail services, replacing Transdev, which has been serving as the operator since 2004.

In August last year, Auckland Transport awarded a contract to AOR to run rail services in the city from 2022.

AOR, a joint venture comprising ComfortDelGro Transit and UGL Rail, won the contract after an international tender.

For the first eight years, it will receive $88.60m per year for operating the services.

As per the contract, AOR will be in charge of the train operations, electric train maintenance, station operations, upkeep, and security.

11 January | deals

Teleste acquires rail electronics company Ermetris

Finnish technology company Teleste has acquired Ermetris, an Italian provider of rail electronics and related services.

The acquisition is expected to bolster Teleste’s position in providing services for rolling stock manufacturers and public transport operators in Italy.

Established in 2011, Ermetris develops electronic products for the public transport sector in Italy and Europe.

The company particularly focuses on delivering passenger information services, public address, on-board internet, video surveillance, passenger counting services, and other transportation products.

More than 500 trains in Italy are currently equipped with Teleste solutions.

10 January | rolling stock

China unveils new bullet train ahead of Winter Olympics

China has launched a customised Fuxing bullet train with the capacity to run at a top speed of 350km/hour.

As part of its inaugural journey, the train travelled along the high-speed railway connecting Beijing and Zhangjiakou, the co-host city of the Beijing Winter Olympic Games.

The Beijing-Zhangjiakou high-speed railway will support passenger services for the 2022 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, which will run from 21 January to 16 March.

This train is said to be the world’s first high-speed train to feature a 5G live broadcast studio. The eight-car electric multiple unit bullet train will be able to accommodate more than 560 people, with one of the carriages including a media workspace.

The train will also include air-cleaning devices, lockers for ski gear, and wheelchair-accessible spaces, as well as supporting the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System.

10 january| rolling stock

DB Regio to receive Coradia Stream trains from Alstom

DB Regio has placed an order with Alstom for the delivery of 17 high-capacity Coradia Stream electric multiple units.

These new trains will operate on the Main-Weser network in Germany, running between Frankfurt, Giessen, Marburg, and Kassel.

The trains will include 13 four-car and four five-car trainsets.

With 420 seats, the four-car type includes two double-deck control cars and two single-deck middle cars.

The five-car versions include an extra double-deck middle car, increasing the number of seats to 540.

6 january | rollling stock

Railpool orders 100 Vectron locomotives from Siemens

Rail vehicle rental firm Railpool has reached a framework agreement with Siemens Mobility for the supply of 100 Vectron locomotives.

The initial order for 70 locomotives was placed at the signing of the pact.

These locomotive variants, which can operate in up to 18 nations, will run on diverse European rail corridors (north-south and east-west).

In August last year, Railpool contracted Siemens Mobility to deliver 20 Vectron MS multisystem locomotives.

To date, Siemens Mobility has delivered 1,270 Vectron locomotives to 61 clients.

In brief

Hitachi Rail collaborates with IMT to strengthen freight service

Hitachi Rail has formed a long-term alliance with the Netherlands’ Intermodal Telematics (IMT) to enhance its offerings for the rail freight market.

Under this partnership, Hitachi’s current digital freight service will incorporate IMT’s monitoring sensors that support real-time monitoring.

Chile’s Santiago Metro taps Wood to provide engineering solutions

Santiago Metro in Chile has awarded a contract to consulting and engineering firm Wood to deliver engineering solutions to support the expansion of the public transport system.

The expansion project is expected to cut down overcrowding on current lines, as well as enhance metro-connectivity in the remote areas of the city.

Lusail Tramway in Qatar begins commercial operations

French rolling stock company Alstom has announced that the Lusail Tramway in Qatar has commenced commercial services.

The new 28km transportation system is said to be the largest tramway system project in the Gulf region. It will particularly serve Lusail, a new city located north of Doha.

Major Waurn Ponds station revamp work reaches completion

Major works under the Waurn Ponds station improvement project have been concluded in Victoria, Australia.

Later this year, works related to the commissioning and safety trials will be conducted to support extra services on the Warrnambool Rail Line.

4 january | projects

Network Rail concludes rail upgrade project in Manchester

Network Rail has concluded a major project that involved upgrading track and signalling infrastructure in Manchester, UK.

Over seven days, more than 100 railway workers deployed four new track components, finished two sections of new electric wiring, and modernised signalling near Manchester Victoria station.

This upgrade project is expected to enhance connectivity across the North by offering a more reliable railway service.

The project was executed as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade, which aims to provide faster and better services between York, Leeds, Huddersfield, and Manchester.