Tramwaje Śląskie orders 50 trams
POLAND: Tramwaje Śląskie has awarded Pesa Bydgoszcz and Modertrans Poznań contracts to supply 50 trams worth 777m zloty.
Urban transport industry news round-up
This week’s round-up of news from the urban transport sector.
Austin Light Rail construction procurement gets underway
USA: The procurement process has begun for a contract to design and build Austin Light Rail Phase 1.
Modernisation of Alexandria’s Raml network gathers pace
EGYPT: Hyundai Rotem is to supply LRVs as part of a wider programme to modernise Alexandria’s Raml tram network.
Warszawa seeks next-generation tram fleet
POLAND: Tramwaje Warszawskie has called tenders for up to 160 trams under a framework agreement seeking a proven design but delivering improved passenger comfort. It wishes to increase the proportion of low-floor vehicles in its fleet, but also provide capacity as the network grows.
HS2 invites Birmingham Interchange peoplemover bids
UK: High speed line project promoter HS2 Ltd has invited shortlisted companies Poma and Doppelmayr Cable Car UK to tender for contracts to supply and operate a cable-hauled automated peoplemover to link the future Interchange station with the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham International station and the airport.
UAE rail sector graduate scheme aims to nurture local skills
UAE: The first intake has completed what Dubai metro and tram operator Keolis MHI says is the region’s first graduate training programme of its kind for the rail sector.
Mexico: Guided buses challenge urban rail projects
While Mexico is enjoying a renaissance in rail investment at a national level, urban rail projects in several cities are coming under threat from cheaper bus options and Chinese-backed ART technology. Michael Dreyer reports.
Philadelphia fare payment upgrade contract awarded
USA: Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority has awarded Cubic Transportation Systems a $211m contract to design, install and operate its SEPTA Key 2.0 next-generation fare payment system.
Zagreb tram deliveries begin
CROATIA: Local manufacturer Končar KEV has delivered first of 40 NT2400 trams ordered by Zagreb public transport operator ZET.
Adelaide train services return to the public sector
AUSTRALIA: The government of South Australia has taken the operation of suburban passenger train services in Adelaide back into the public sector, ending the contract with Keolis Downer. Tram operations are to follow.
Incoming Uruguayan government commits to Montevideo light rail
URUGUAY: The national government elected in the autumn is to ‘carry to an end’ Montevideo’s proposed tram-train project by the end of its term.
Sevilla metro Line 3 contracts awarded
SPAIN: The Junta de Andalucía has awarded a joint venture of Vías y Construcciones, Lantania and DSV Empresa Constructora y Ferroviaria a €173m contract to build Section 3 of the northern part of Sevilla metro Line 3.
Tunis suburban rail Line D opens
TUNISIA: Line D of the Tunis Réseau Ferroviaire Rapide suburban rail network was launched on January 25, with 10 000 passengers carried on the first day.
Urban transport industry news round-up
This week’s round-up of news from the urban transport sector.
Stepping into the future with Atlanta’s next metro train
USA: ‘When I stepped onto that new train this morning, it felt like stepping into the future’, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority General Manager & CEO Collie Greenwood said after the unveiling of the first Stadler CG400 metro trainset on January 30.
Iran begins series production of domestic metro trains
IRAN: Tehran Wagon Manufacturing Co has received approval for series production of metro trainsets with 85% domestic content.
Trieste’s partly funicular tramway reopens
ITALY: The unusual tramway which links Trieste with Villa Opicina via a cable-hauled incline has reopened after being suspended in 2016.
Baseball branded trainset to ‘raise excitement and enthusiasm’
JAPAN: Seibu Railway has ordered three Mitsubishi Heavy Industries rubber-tyre Automated Guideway Transit trainsets for use on its 2·8 km three-station Yamaguchi Line peoplemover which connects Tamako to Seibukyujo-mae in the greater Toyko area.
Modertrans delivers updated tram to Poznań
POLAND: The first of 30 Moderus Gamma LF 04 AC BD trams that operator MPK Poznań’s in-house manufacturer Modertrans is supplying has arrived at Franowo depot.