International Railway Journal back issues from January 2007:
French stay one step ahead.(This Month)
Jan 01, 2007; ... THE decision by the French to have another attempt at the world rail speed record is certainly a bold one (see page 2). Some may say why bother, when France already holds the record set in 1990 by a modified TGV Atlantique train which reached 515.3km/h. But there is a lot more at stake ...
North American railways plan heavy spending.(News)
Jan 01, 2007 ... MANY of North America's freight railways are set to increase their capital spending in 2007, according to a survey by IRJ's sister magazine Railway Age. Union Pacific (UP) will increase capital spending by around 15% to $US 3.2 billion, which the railway says would allow it to ...
French to set new world speed record.(News)
Jan 01, 2007 ... FRENCH National Railways (SNCF), French Rail Network (RFF), and Alstom will attempt in April to set a new world rail speed record of at least 540km/h, smashing the current record of 515.3km/h set in France on May 18 1990 using a modified TGV Atlantique train. The project will ...
Brazil unveils $US 6.5 billion investment plan.(News)
Jan 01, 2007 ... BRAZIL'S federal government has revealed plans to invest Reais 14 billion ($US 6.5 billion) in the rail network over the next four years. Of this, Reais 12 billion will be spent on the construction of new lines, including the Transnortheastern railway (FTN), the North-South Railway and ...
Departing Weibel goes for the throat on ETCS.(News)
Jan 01, 2007 ... AFTER 28 years in the industry and 13 years as chief executive of Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), Mr Benedikt Weibel (pictured) retired in December, but not before condemning progress on the installation of European Train Control System (ETCS). In an interview with Swissinfo, ...
First test trains run in Lotschberg tunnel.(News)
Jan 01, 2007 ... TRIAL runs along the whole length of the Lotschberg base tunnel started at the beginning of December, after the Swiss Federal Transport Ministry (BAV) issued a permit for test runs up to 280km/h. In January and February, several trains will be sent through the tunnel one after ...
Toll ponders rail sell-off.(News)
Jan 01, 2007 ... TOLL Holdings is considering whether to sell its rail operations in Australia and New Zealand as part of a wider restructuring exercise. The Australian company has been conducting a review of its entire business since it bought ports operator Patrick Corp, and Singaporean ...
EC calls for greater cross-acceptance of trains.(News)
Jan 01, 2007 ... NEW measures aimed at simplifying operation of trains between different countries are being proposed by the European Commission (EC). A key priority is a change in the law to make cross-acceptance of rolling stock easier. Among the examples of contradictory legislation quoted is ...
Creditors secure Eurotunnel debt agreement.(News)
Jan 01, 2007 ... THE future of Channel Tunnel operator Eurotunnel looks increasingly secure after creditors agreed to a new debt restructuring deal that will write off more than half of the company's 6.2 billion [pounds sterling] debt. Creditors had little choice other than to agree to ...
SBB to buy more new trains.(News)
Jan 01, 2007 ... SWISS Federal Railways (SBB) will spend at least SFr 326 million ($US 260 million) for the purchase of new trains for regional services and the Zurich S-Bahn. SBB will order 140 low-floor coaches from Bombardier for regional services at a cost of SFr 262 million. The remaining ...
UIC appoints new chairman.(News)
Jan 01, 2007 ... THE International Union of Railways (UIC) has appointed a new chairman to succeed Mr Benedikt Weibel, the outgoing CEO of Swiss Federal Railways. ...
NS launches radical new timetable.(News)
Jan 01, 2007 ... AFTER three years of planning, Netherlands Railways (NS) has launched its first completely new timetable since the inauguration of the intercity network in 1970. The timetable is designed to help NS accommodate the rapid increase in passenger numbers and increase punctuality ...
Rescue package agreed for Tasmanian rail.(News)
Jan 01, 2007 ... THE Australian state of Tasmania has reached an agreement with operator Pacific National on a rail rescue package for the island's rail network. Under the agreement, the state and federal governments will contribute $A 118 million ($US 90 million) over the next 10 years to ...
SNCF to expand high-speed mail.(News)
Jan 01, 2007 ... FRENCH National Railways (SNCF) and the French postal service La Poste are to launch a major expansion of high-speed postal rail by 2009 as an alternative to air and road transport. Mr Jean-Paul Bailly, president of La Poste, and SNCF president Mrs Anne-Marie Idrac signed an ...
Russia-Germany ferry launched.(News)
Jan 01, 2007 ... RUSSIAN Railways (RZD) and German Rail (DB) have signed an agreement to launch a new train ferry service that will allow freight between the two railways to bypass Poland. DB says it is unhappy with customs procedures at the border and operating practices on the Polish rail ...
Berkeley locks horns with Mehdorn over state aid.(News)
Jan 01, 2007 ... THE Chairman of British lobby organisation the Rail Freight Group (RFG) has hit back at criticism of Britain's rail network by German Rail (DB) CEO Mr Hartmut Mehdorn. Lord Tony Berkeley (pictured) says financial support sought by DB contravenes State Aid and First Railway ...
SNCF extends regional train order.(News)
Jan 01, 2007 ... FRENCH National Railways (SNCF) has exercised an option to purchase an additional 112 high capacity regional trains (AGC) from Bombardier at a total cost of 467 million [euro]. The trains will be built at Bombardier's Crespin plant in France, which is currently completing the ...
British franchise fracas resolved.(News)
Jan 01, 2007 ... HIGH-PROFILE British operator Virgin West Coast has had its franchise agreement reinstated after prolonged uncertainty caused by cost overruns on modernisation of the London to Glasgow route. Virgin's franchise runs until 2012, and the company will receive subsidy of up to 294 ...
Capacity enhancements costing 70 million [pounds sterling] on the London Marylebone--Birmingham line were inaugurated in December last year.(Britain)
Jan 01, 2007 ... Capacity enhancements costing 70 million [pounds sterling] on the London Marylebone--Birmingham line were inaugurated in December ...
Croatian Railways (HZ) says it expects to make a profit of 27 million [euro] for 2006, and that revenues are growing at 3% per year.(Croatia)
Jan 01, 2007 ... Croatian Railways (HZ) says it expects to make a profit of 27 million [euro] for 2006, and that revenues are growing at 3% per year. Passenger traffic is ...
Strict electro-magnetic compatibility standards in the Czech Republic are being blamed for the failure to run a number of international trains last year.(Czech Republic)
Jan 01, 2007 ... Strict electro-magnetic compatibility standards in the Czech Republic are being blamed for the failure to run a number of international trains last year. Direct trains between the Czech ...
Estonia's parliamentary economic commission finally approved the controversial nationalisation of Baltic Rail Services.(Estonia)
Jan 01, 2007 ... Estonia's parliamentary economic commission finally approved the controversial ...
The head of Fret SNCF, Mr Marc Veron, has stepped down.(France)
Jan 01, 2007 ... The head of Fret SNCF, Mr Marc Veron, has stepped down. He will be succeeded by Mr Olivier Marembaud, currently president of ...
The director general of cross-border operator GySEV, Mr Csaba Sikles, has retired.(Hungary)
Jan 01, 2007 ... The director general of cross-border operator GySEV, Mr Csaba Sikles, has retired. His deputy, Mr Csaba Szekely will take over his position. The railway plans to spend Forints 18 billion ($US ...
Consortium wins ETCS contract.(News)
Jan 01, 2007 ... SIEMENS and Alstom will install European Train Control System (ETCS) equipment on 26 German Rail (DB) freight locomotives for operation on the Betuwe freight route in the Netherlands. However, delays in completing fitting out of the route's tunnels means that Dutch track ...
Architect raises the roof over Berlin station.(News)
Jan 01, 2007 ... GERMAN Rail (DB) may have to replace the roof of its new main station in Berlin after it lost a court case brought by the station's architect. Mr Meinhard von Gerkan sued DB for changing his roof, which was designed to resemble the interior of a cathedral, for a flat roof ...
Slovakia service cuts suspended.(News)
Jan 01, 2007 ... PLANS to slash regional train services in Slovakia have been abandoned after Prime Minister Mr Robert Fico threatened to fire Slovakian Railway's (ZSSK) board of directors. The December 10 timetable change was to have seen the withdrawal of around 200 services, while another 250 ...
Boring of the first of two parallel 6km single track tunnels under the Swedish city of Malmo began on November 21 when a tunnel boring machine (TBM) began excavating from the southern end of the tunnel at Holma.(News)
Jan 01, 2007 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Boring of the first of two parallel 6km single track tunnels under the Swedish city of Malmo began on November 21 when a tunnel boring machine (TBM) began excavating from the southern end of the tunnel at Holma. The TBM will bore the tunnel at a ...
The first direct container train between China and Germany has started operation on a 20-month trial basis.(International)
Jan 01, 2007 ... The first direct container train between China and Germany has started operation on a 20-month trial basis. The train ...
The proposed eastern link of the $US 1.8 billion Singapore-Kumning Rail Link could be finished by 2015, according to Malaysian transport minister, Mr Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy.(International)
Jan 01, 2007 ... The proposed eastern link of the $US 1.8 billion Singapore-Kumning Rail Link could be finished by 2015, according to Malaysian transport minister, Mr Datuk ...
Kazakhstan Railways (KTZ) freight subsidiary, Kazzheldortrans, is set to be listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange in 2008 in a bid to raise up to $US 200 million of capital.(Kazakhstan)
Jan 01, 2007 ... Kazakhstan Railways (KTZ) freight subsidiary, Kazzheldortrans, is set to be listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange in 2008 in a bid to ...
Express Rail Link (ERL) says it wants to operate the proposed rail link between Kuala Lumpur International Airport and the low-cost carrier terminal in a bid to reverse a decline in passengers carried on its express service from the city centre.(Malaysia)
Jan 01, 2007 ... Express Rail Link (ERL) says it wants to operate the proposed rail link between Kuala Lumpur International Airport and the low-cost carrier terminal in a bid to reverse a decline in passengers carried ...
Construction of the new l126km line between Lagos and Kano started on November 28 last year.(Nigeria)
Jan 01, 2007 ... Construction of the new l126km line between Lagos and Kano started on November 28 last year. Due to take five years, it is the first phase in a project ...
The long-planned Karachi Circular Railway moved a step closer in December last year with the government giving its approval in principle.(Pakistan)
Jan 01, 2007 ... The long-planned Karachi Circular Railway moved a step closer in December last year with the government giving its ...
Russian Railways (RZD).(Russia)
Jan 01, 2007 ... Mr Alexei Mersiyanov has been appointed vice-president of Russian Railways (RZD) ....
South African Rail Commuter Corporation (SARCC) is to upgrade Cape Town's main station.(South Africa)
Jan 01, 2007 ... South African Rail Commuter Corporation (SARCC) is to upgrade Cape Town's main station at ...
SARCC also plans to refurbish 1600 multiple unit vehicles.(South Africa)
Jan 01, 2007 ... SARCC also plans to refurbish 1600 multiple unit vehicles. Much of the current fleet of 4000 vehicles is between 30 and 40 years old, ...
Spoornet's chief executive, Mr Siyabonga Gama has been elected president of the Union of African Railways (UAR).(South Africa)
Jan 01, 2007 ... Spoornet's chief executive, Mr Siyabonga Gama has been elected president ...
Four new fines are planned over the next 10 years, says the government.(Sri Lanka)
Jan 01, 2007 ... Four new fines are planned over the next 10 years, says the government. The new lines are ...
Construction of the 163km Puerto Bolivar--Maracaibo--Ciudad Ojeda--Sabanda de Mendosa line has started, at an estimated cost of $US 480 million.(Venezuela)
Jan 01, 2007 ... Construction of the 163km Puerto Bolivar-Maracaibo-Ciudad Ojeda-Sabanda de Mendosa ...
LUL reveals 3.1 billion [pounds sterling] investment plans.(Transit News)
Jan 01, 2007 ... LONDON Underground's (LUL) sub-surface lines are set for a 3.1 billion [pounds sterling] investment in trains and infrastructure over the next four years, according to the latest plans by Transport for London (TfL). New trains for the Circle, and Hammersmith & City lines will be ...
Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority (TransLink) has awarded Bombardier a $US 99 million contract to supply extra vehicles for its automated SkyTrain metro.(Transit News)
Jan 01, 2007 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: GREATER Vancouver Transportation Authority (TransLink) has awarded Bombardier a $US 99 million contract to supply extra vehicles for its automated SkyTrain metro. Bombardier will supply 34 Advanced ...
Phase 1 of tramway de Marechaux opens.(Transit News)
Jan 01, 2007 ... PLANS to create a light rail ring around central Paris moved a step closer on December 16 with the opening of Line T3 from Pont du Garigliano to Porte d'Ivry. The 311.5 million [euro] line runs for 7.9km south of the River Seine serving 17 stops in the city's 13th, 14th and 15th ...
Bangkok pushes ahead with metro expansion plans.(Transit News)
Jan 01, 2007 ... THE Thai government has vowed to speed-up a massive expansion of Bangkok's metro network, despite a series of recent setbacks that have stalled plans for extensions. The Transport Ministry says construction of the 23km Purple Line from Bang Yai to Bang Sue, and the 27km Blue ...
Lyon launches LRT Line T3.(Transit News)
Jan 01, 2007 ... LYON celebrated the completion of the 14.6km Line T3 at the end of November. The line linking Meyzieu in the eastern suburbs with Part-Dieu in the city centre has 10 stations, of which five have park-and-ride facilities. The distance between stops means LRVs ...
Hamburg orders new-design metro trains.(Transit News)
Jan 01, 2007 ... HAMBURGER Hochbahn, Germany, has awarded a consortium of Alstom and Bombardier a 240 million [euro] contract to supply 27 metro trains for Line U4, construction of which is due to begin in 2007. The three-car DT5 trains will be delivered from 2009 to 2013 for the new Line U4, ...
Perth tunnel complete.(Transit News)
Jan 01, 2007 ... A PROJECT to double the size of Perth's commuter rail network has reached a major milestone with the completion of tunnelling under the city's business district. The twin-bore 770m tunnel under William Street forms part of the 76km Mandurah line and is being built by a joint ...
A joint venture of EDI Rail and Bombardier has begun delivery of a fleet of 16 three-car emus.(Brisbane)
Jan 01, 2007 ... A joint venture of EDI Rail and Bombardier has begun delivery of a ...
Alstom says it is planning to bid for contracts as the metro network expands.(Dubai)
Jan 01, 2007 ... Alstom says it is planning to bid for contracts as the metro network expands. A tender for the ...
A consortium including Siemens and Opus, Malaysia, has begun a feasibility study in the construction of a 22km metro line.(Colombo)
Jan 01, 2007 ... A consortium including Siemens and Opus, Malaysia, has begun a feasibility ...
The regional government has approved plans for a 20.2km extension of Line 2 from its southern terminus at Central Secretariat.(Delhi)
Jan 01, 2007 ... The regional government has approved plans for a 20.2km extension of Line 2 from its southern terminus at ...
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has invited pre-qualification bids for the design, manufacture and supply of automatic fare collection equipment.(Delhi)
Jan 01, 2007 ... Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has invited pre-qualification bids for the ...
The first track has been laid on the city's first light rail line.(Jerusalem)
Jan 01, 2007 ... The first track has been laid on the city's first light rail line. Tracklaying ...
MTR Laing and Go-Via have been invited by Transport for London (TfL) to submit a "best and final offer" for the contract to run London Overground services on the North and East London lines.(London)
Jan 01, 2007 ... MTR Laing and Go-Via have been invited by Transport for London (TfL) to submit a "best and final offer" for the ...
Construction is due to begin in January on the 211 million [pounds sterling] extension of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Stratford International after the Stratford-North Woolwich section was closed by Network Rail for conversion to light rail.(London)
Jan 01, 2007 ... Construction is due to begin in January on the 211 million [pounds sterling] extension of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Stratford ...
Metronet Rail.(London)
Jan 01, 2007 ... Metronet Rail, the consortium responsible for maintaining and upgrading two thirds of ...
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority has awarded LB Foster, United States, a $US 5.9 million contract to supply rail.(Los Angeles)
Jan 01, 2007 ... Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority has awarded LB Foster, United States, a $US 5.9 million ...
The Light Rail Transit Authority says 15 companies have expressed an interest in funding the southern extension of LRT Line 1.(Manila)
Jan 01, 2007 ... The Light Rail Transit Authority says 15 companies have expressed an interest in funding the southern ...
Alstom has been awarded a 56 million [euro] contract to refurbish metro trains.(Mexico City)
Jan 01, 2007 ... Alstom has been awarded a 56 million [euro] contract to refurbish ...
Preliminary construction has started on an 18km extension of Line 1.(Nanjing)
Jan 01, 2007 ... Preliminary construction has started on an 18km extension of ...
The 11.9km Line 8 from Imazato to Itakano was due to.(Osaka)
Jan 01, 2007 ... The 11.9km Line 8 from Imazato to ...
The extension of Line 1 from Siqueira Campos to Cantagalo opened on December 16.(Rio de Janeiro)
Jan 01, 2007 ... The extension of Line 1 from Siqueira Campos to Cantagalo opened on December ...
A consortium of TSO and CIM, France, has been awarded a 35 million [euro] contract to supply and install track for the Dominican Republic capital's first metro line.(Santo Domingo)
Jan 01, 2007 ... A consortium of TSO and CIM, France, has been awarded a 35 million [euro] contract to supply and install ...
Thirteen trams have been donated to the town by the Swiss city of Zurich.(Vinnitsa (Ukraine))
Jan 01, 2007 ... Thirteen trams have been donated to the town by the Swiss ...
The capital of China's most populous province, Henan, is planning to invest $US 1.3 billion in the construction of its first metro line.(Zhengzhou)
Jan 01, 2007 ... The capital of China's most populous province, Henan, is planning to invest $US 1.3 billion in the construction of its ...