International Railway Journal back issues from January 2005:
New thinking required.(This Month)
Jan 01, 2005; ... THIS MONTH, IRJ's north American sister magazine, Railway Age, will stage a conference on railway security. To coincide with this, IRJ is also looking at this subject. Until the terrorist attacks on New York and Madrid, rail transport security was only concerned with things such as theft, ...
NS spending nears $US 1 billion.(World Report)
Jan 01, 2005 ... NORFOLK Southern Railway, which operates a 34,600km network in 22 US states, the District of Columbia, and Ontario, Canada, plans to spend $US 938 million this year in capital improvements--including $US 671 million on infrastructure and $US 225 million on equipment. The largest ...
Bombardier announces more job cuts.(World Report)
Jan 01, 2005 ... BOMBARDIER Transportation has blamed "significant change" in the global rail market outlook for a second round of cuts totalling 2200 permanent jobs. The company said that market growth of between 3 and 5% had now shrunk to between zero and 2%. The company's "extension of its ...
Indonesian coal lines improved.(World Report)
Jan 01, 2005 ... INDONESIA's state-owned coal mining company, PTBA, in association with the state railway, PT KAI, and power company, PT Indonesia Power, plans to invest $US 200 million to improve railway facilities in South Sumatra and Lampung. PTBA has often had problems transporting coal from ...
$US 4 billion Angolan plan.(World Report)
Jan 01, 2005 ... THE rehabilitation of Angola's three railways is planned for completion in 11 years at a cost of $US 4 billion. The programme was announced by Mr Andre Luis Brandao, minister of transport, at the 32nd ...
Faiveley buys SAB Wabco.(World Report)
Jan 01, 2005 ... FAIVELEY TRANSPORT now claims to be the third largest railway equipment manufacturer in the world following its purchase for 310 million [euro] of the SAB Wabco group which has it headquarters in Sweden. SAB Wabco specialises in brakes, couplers, and wheelsets, which now gives ...
Beijing-Tianjin new line proposed.(World Report)
Jan 01, 2005 ... THE Chinese capital, Beijing, and the neighbouring city of Tianjin are planning to build a 140km high-speed line that could get commuters between the two centres in half an hour. The line, for which government approval is still needed, would cost about Yuan 14.3 billion ($US ...
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) successfully launched a complete revamp of its timetable on December 12 2004--the changes affected about 90% of services.(World Report)
Jan 01, 2005 ... SWISS Federal Railways (SBB) successfully launched a complete revamp of its timetable on December 12 2004--the changes affected about 90% of services. The key element of the new timetable was the opening of the 45km ...
India takes over Beira rail system.(World Report)
Jan 01, 2005 ... AN Indian consortium of Rail India Technical and Economic Services (Rites) and Indian Railway Construction International (Ircon), in association with Mozambique's publicly-owned port and railway company, CFM, took over management of Mozambique's Beira railway system last month. ...
More interest in Belgrano Railroad.(World Report)
Jan 01, 2005 ... ADDITIONAL interest from Spain and China has been shown in the privatisation of the metre-gauge Belgrano Railroad in Argentina since the deadline for bidding papers was extended from November 15 to December 17. Four groups had purchased bidding papers by the first deadline. ...
Bombardier sells Mexican wagon interest.(World Report)
Jan 01, 2005 ... BOMBARDIER has sold its 50% interest in Greenbrier-Concarril and its manufacturing subsidiary, Gunderson Concarril, to the Greenbrier Companies for about $US 10 million. Greenbrier Concarril was formed in 1998 as a joint venture between Bombardier and the Greenbrier Companies to ...
Pay up--or we close the doors!(World Report)
Jan 01, 2005 ... NORM Mineta, transportation secretary in President Bush's second-term cabinet, plans to reduce federal support for Amtrak, the United States national passenger rail operator, and shift a greater financial burden onto states served by Amtrak on the east and west coasts. And if ...
KTX tunnel work restarts.(World Report)
Jan 01, 2005 ... WORK on a key part of phase two of the Korea Train eXpress (KTX) high-speed line--the 13.2km Mount Chonsong tunnel north of Busan--recommenced at the end of November following failure in the courts by environmental activists to halt the project. The tunnel, on which work stopped ...
RFF seeks TGV line approval.(World Report)
Jan 01, 2005 ... THE president of French Rail Network (RFF), Mr Jean-Pierre Duport, has asked the prefect of Charente to open an enquiry in order to obtain approval to construct the first phase of the 302km Sud Europe Atlantique high-speed line. RFF hopes to receive a declaration of public utility during ...
An innovative intermodal system called Woodpecker has been launched by Railogistics, Switzerland, to transport woodchip by rail in specially designed containers three times a week between Bulle and the Borregaard wood processing plant at Luterbach, a distance of 95km.(World Report)
Jan 01, 2005 ... AN innovative intermodal system called Woodpecker has been launched by Railogistics, Switzerland, to transport woodchip by rail in specially designed containers three times a week between Bulle and the Borregaard wood processing plant at Luterbach, a distance of 95km. The containers are ...
Five pre-qualify for East African concession.(World Report)
Jan 01, 2005 ... FIVE companies have been pre-qualified for a joint concession to run the metre-gauge rail networks in Kenya and Uganda. They will bid for a 25year concession for the freight operations of both Kenya Railways (KR) and Uganda Railways (UR), and a seven-year concession for KR's passenger ...
India pursues HS ambition.(World Report)
Jan 01, 2005 ... INDIA's prime minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, is supporting plans for 250-300km/h high-speed train services between Mumbai and Ahmedabad and between Bangalore and Chennai. Rail India Technical and Economic Services (Rites), assisted by two Japanese trade and international ...
GM close to selling EMD.(World Report)
Jan 01, 2005 ... REUTERS news agency reported late last year that General Motors was close to a deal to sell its locomotive division (EMD), the world's largest manufacturer of diesel-electric locomotives. But by mid-December the railway world was still waiting for news that outstanding issues with trades ...
The chief executive officer of Great North Eastern Railway (GNER), Britain, Mr Christopher Garnett, wheels GNER's bid to retain the InterCity East Coast franchise along the platform at London King's Cross.(World Report)
Jan 01, 2005 ... THE chief executive officer of Great North Eastern Railway (GNER), Britain, Mr Christopher Garnett, wheels GNER's bid to retain the InterCity East Coast franchise along the platform at ...
Public transport statistics for 2004 show that light rail journeys in England increased by 4.2% compared with a 2.3% increase for local buses.(Britain)
Jan 01, 2005 ... Public transport statistics for 2004 show that light rail journeys in England increased by 4.2% compared ...
In the first six months of 2004-05, Network Rail cut train delays by 16% and recorded an operating profit of 249 million [pounds sterling].(Britain)
Jan 01, 2005 ... * In the first six months of 2004-05, Network Rail cut train delays by 16% and recorded an operating profit of 249 ...
The government has given the go-ahead, and up to 402 million [pounds sterling], for a new Eurostar maintenance depot linked to the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) to be built at Temple Mills near Stratford in east London.(Britain)
Jan 01, 2005 ... * The government has given the go-ahead, and up to 402 million [pounds sterling], for a new Eurostar maintenance depot linked to the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) ...
Bulgarian State Railways (BZD) is purchasing 25 two-car dmus from Siemens.(Bulgaria)
Jan 01, 2005 ... Bulgarian State Railways (BZD) is purchasing 25 two-car dmus from ...
The Ministry of Railways has appointed Systra, France, to supervise construction of the rail section of the 4.7km Tianxingzhou cable-stay bridge across the Yangtze River.(China)
Jan 01, 2005 ... The Ministry of Railways has appointed Systra, France, to supervise construction of the rail section of the 4.7km Tianxingzhou cable-stay bridge across the Yangtze River. The link will form part of ...
Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a loan of $US 180 million to build a 167km, single-track railway from Dali county to Lijian city in the southwest of the country.(China)
Jan 01, 2005 ... * The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a loan of $US 180 million to build a 167km, single-track ...
Mainline passenger ridership reached 1.07 billion this year.(China)
Jan 01, 2005 ... * Mainline passenger ridership reached 1.07 ...
The Chinese economy's thirst for energy will be partially satisfied by a promise from Russia to supply at least 70 million barrels of crude oil by rail this year.(China)
Jan 01, 2005 ... * The Chinese economy's thirst for energy will be partially satisfied by a promise from Russia to supply ...
The Pendolino tilting train that reached a record 237km/h in southern Moravia recently.(Czech Republic)
Jan 01, 2005 ... The Pendolino tilting train that reached a record 237km/h in southern Moravia recently, actually exceeded the maximum ...
Only two of six companies prequalified to bid for the privatisation of the Ethio-Djibouti Railway sent representatives in response to an invitation to visit the railway.(Ethiopa/Djibouti)
Jan 01, 2005 ... Only two of six companies pre-qualified to bid for the privatisation of the Ethio-Djibouti Railway sent representatives in response to an invitation to visit the railway. They were Comazar, South Africa, ...
CBRail, a new rolling stock leasing company created by Babcock & Brown and the Bank of Scotland (a division of HBOS), has purchased the European arm of Porterbrook Leasing, which has lease contracts in several European countries for 28 locomotives an d 67 coaches.(Europe)
Jan 01, 2005 ... CBRail, a new rolling stock leasing company created by Babcock & Brown and the Bank of Scotland (a division of HBOS), has purchased the European arm of ...
PKP Cargo, Poland, is negotiating to take over two German rail transport operations, DAP and RHB.(Germany)
Jan 01, 2005 ... PKP Cargo, Poland, is negotiating to take over two German rail transport operations, ...
China eyes Argentina for investment.(World Report)
Jan 01, 2005 ... LETFERS of intent signed by the Chinese and Argentine governments indicate heavy Chinese investment in Argentine railway projects during the next decade. China expects to make total investments of $US 19.7 billion in Argentina of which $US 8 billion will be for railways ....
Siemens and Nortel share the spoils.(World Report)
Jan 01, 2005 ... FOLLOWING hard on the heels of a $US 3.3 million contract for Nortel to equip India Railways' (IR) Eastern Railway with the railway version of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM-R), the company's main competitor, Siemens, has bagged a $US 5.1 million contract to supply IR's ...
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has made a loan of $US 313.6 million to India Railways (IR) for the Golden Quadrilateral project and its diagonals.(India)
Jan 01, 2005 ... The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has made a loan of $US 313.6 million to India Railways (IR) for the ...
Mr Marc Falchi has been appointed secretary general of European Railway Infrastructure Managers (EIM).(International)
Jan 01, 2005 ... Mr Marc Falchi has been appointed secretary general of European Railway Infrastructure Managers (EIM). He has been a senior EIM technical adviser for the past two years and ...
The chairman of Indian Railways, Mr R K Singh.(International)
Jan 01, 2005 ... * The chairman of Indian Railways, Mr R K Singh, has been elected ...
European Rail Freight Association.(International)
Jan 01, 2005 ... * The European Rail Freight Association (ERFA) has appointed Ms Monika Heiming as secretary general in succession to Mr Klaus Meyer, who has become secretary ...
JR East reopened the 72km Echigo Yuzawa-Nagaoka section of the Joetsu Shinkansen on December 28 following the earthquake that hit the area on October 23.(Japan)
Jan 01, 2005 ... JR East reopened the 72km Echigo Yuzawa-Nagaoka section of the Joetsu Shinkansen on December 28 following the earthquake that hit ...
Malayan Railway (KTM) is investing $US 58 million to acquire 20, 120km/h locomotives from China.(Malaysia)
Jan 01, 2005 ... Malayan Railway (KTM) is investing $US 58 million to acquire 20, 120km/h locomotives from ...
After two decades of discussion, the Ministry of Transport has set aside 164 million [euro] for the replacement of the mainline viaduct in Delft by a 2.3km tunnel including one new underground station.(Netherlands)
Jan 01, 2005 ... After two decades of discussion, the Ministry of Transport has set aside 164 [euro] million for the replacement of the mainline viaduct in Delft by a 2.3km ...
Under pressure from the workers' council, NS Reizigers has decided not to bid for the concession to operate the rural Arnhem-Tiel line on the ground that it would be impossible if the requirement to retain conductors on the train were to be met.(Netherlands)
Jan 01, 2005 ... * Under pressure from the workers' council, NS Reizigers has decided not to bid for the concession to operate the rural Arnhem-Tiel line on the ground that it would be impossible if ...
The Bureau for Public Enterprise has started the process to privatise Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) by appointing consultants.(Nigeria)
Jan 01, 2005 ... The Bureau for Public Enterprise has started the process to privatise Nigerian ...
Russian Railways (RZD) has announced a net profit of Roubles 13.9 billion ($US 485 million) for the first half of 2004.(Russia)
Jan 01, 2005 ... Russian Railways (RZD) has announced a net profit of Roubles 13.9 billion ($US 485 million) for the first half of 2004. Revenues reached Roubles 323.1 ...
RZD may set up a joint venture with China to jointly manage Russia's growing volume of container shipments to Chinese customers.(Russia)
Jan 01, 2005 ... * RZD may set up a joint venture with China to jointly manage Russia's growing volume of container shipments ...
The two countries have signed a memorandum on high-speed rail traffic between Moscow and Kiev.(Russia/Ukraine)
Jan 01, 2005 ... The two countries have signed a memorandum on high-speed rail traffic between Moscow and Kiev. The journey currently takes about 13 hours with a one hour stop ...
Slovenian Railways (SZ) was expected to make a profit of 4.17 million [euro] in 2004, despite remaining heavily in debt.(Slovenia)
Jan 01, 2005 ... Slovenian Railways (SZ) was expected to make a profit of 4.17 million [euro] in 2004, despite remaining heavily in debt. Operating revenues were expected to reach ...
SBB Cargo has launched a new door-to-door freight service to the north of Italy.(Switzerland)
Jan 01, 2005 ... SBB Cargo has launched a new door-to-door freight service to the ...
A consortium of Siemens and B Grimm International has been tipped to win the Baht 26 billion ($US 636.3 million) contract to build a high-speed line linking Makkasan in Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi international airport.(Thailand)
Jan 01, 2005 ... A consortium of Siemens and B Grimm International has been tipped to win the Baht 26 billion ($US 636.3 million) contract to build a high-speed line linking Makkasan in Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi international airport. The two other ...
Montana Rail Link will next year take delivery of 16 SD70Ace locomotives from the Electro-Motive Division of General Motors.(United States)
Jan 01, 2005 ... Montana Rail Link will next year take delivery of 16 SD70Ace locomotives from the Electro-Motive Division of General Motors. The ...
Newly-elected president, Mr Tabare Vazquez, wants to privatise the country's railways by having private enterprise take over the system.(Uruguay)
Jan 01, 2005 ... Newly-elected president, Mr Tabard Vazquez, wants to privatise the country's railways by having ...
Japan's first indigenous full low-floor LRV.(Transit News)
Jan 01, 2005 ... JAPAN's first 100% low-floor light rail vehicle is due to enter service in Hiroshima in March. The LRV (right), dubbed the [U.sup.3].ALFAvehicle, has been developed jointly by Kinki Sharyo, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), and Toyo Electric. [U.sup.3] stands for Ultimate, ...
Sydney makes local service cuts.(Transit News)
Jan 01, 2005 ... STRUGGLING to get its trains running on time in the Sydney region, the New South Wales state government is cutting services and relaxing "on-time" criteria. Premier, Mr Bob Carr, said the measures were "about getting people to work on time and getting them home on time." In ...
Madrid Metro goes for CBTC.(Transit News)
Jan 01, 2005 ... MADRID Metro has awarded a 104 million [euro] contract to Bombardier for a communications-based train control (CBTC) system on lines 1 and 6. Bombardier will install its Cityflo 450 CBTC automatic train control system for the first time in Europe on a total of 40.2km of lines covering 54 ...
Washington Group teams up with RATP.(Transit News)
Jan 01, 2005 ... AFRANCO-AMERICAN alliance has been formed to offer operation and maintenance of heavy and light rail systems in the United States. Washington Group International has teamed up with RATP DOveloppement, a subsidiary of the Paris public transport operator, RATP, to offer services to US ...
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), United States, has awarded a $US 187 million contract to A1store for 120 metro cars.(Transit News)
Jan 01, 2005 ... WASHINGTON Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), United States, has awarded a $US 187 million contract to A1store for 120 metro cars. The order is the exercise of an option in the original contract in June ...
Go Transit, Toronto, has placed a $US 22 million order with Bombardier for 10 BiLevel double-deck commuter cars.(Transit News)
Jan 01, 2005 ... GO Transit, Toronto, has placed a $US 22 million order with Bombardier for 10 BiLevel double-deck commuter cars. They will be built at Bombardier's ...
Pennsylvania faces transit funding crisis.(Transit News)
Jan 01, 2005 ... THE lack of additional transit funding from the Pennsylvania state legislature to cover projected operating deficits in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh has resulted in plans for job and service cuts, and fare increases in the two cities. Under Pennsylvania law, transit operators are obliged to ...
AirTrain seeks more riders.(Transit News)
Jan 01, 2005 ... THE $US 1.9 billion AirTrain connecting terminals at New York's Kennedy international airport with subway lines and the Long Island Rail Road, reached the end of its first year of operation on December 17 2004. Despite the fact that daily ridership was estimated at 11,000, ...
URS Corporation has been selected to lead a team of consulting companies in the conceptual design of a light rail line for Charlotte as part of the city's long-term 2025 transit plan.(Charlotte (USA))
Jan 01, 2005 ... URS Corporation has been selected to lead a team of consulting companies in the conceptual design of a light rail line for Charlotte as part of the city's long-term 2025 ...
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) reached another milestone at the end of November 2004 with the successful conclusion of testing of the Automatic Train Operation (ATO) system that allows trains to run automatically at speeds up to 80km/h.(Delhi)
Jan 01, 2005 ... Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) reached another milestone at the end of November 2004 with the successful conclusion of testing of ...
The first 8.67km section of the metro, on which construction began in 1997, is due to open in August 2005. (Kazan.(Russia)
Jan 01, 2005 ... The first 8.67km section of the metro, on which construction began in 1997, is due to open in August 2005. The section ...
The Nigerian government has announced its intention to invest Naira 40 billion ($US 300.6 million) on a new mass transit rail system in the former capital.(Lagos)
Jan 01, 2005 ... The Nigerian government has announced its intention to invest Naira 40 billion ($US 300.6 million) on a new mass transit rail system ...
The Spanish government has approved a $US 170 million credit to complete construction of the Peruvian.(Lima)
Jan 01, 2005 ... The Spanish government has approved a $US 170 million credit to complete construction of the ...
London Underground passengers travelling to and from Terminal 4 at Heathrow airport will have to use a dedicated bus shuttle between the terminal and Hatton Cross for 20 months from January 7.(London)
Jan 01, 2005 ... London Underground passengers travelling to and from Terminal 4 at Heathrow airport will have to use a dedicated bus shuttle between the terminal and Hatton Cross for 20 months from January ...
Connex North America has won a five-year contract to operate Southern California's Metrolink commuter rail services.(Los Angeles)
Jan 01, 2005 ... Connex North America has won a five-year contract to operate Southern California's Metrolink commuter rail services. Amtrak, which was eliminated from the bidding in October ...