Industry Insider Week 16 – 7 Must-Read Rail News Stories
All the important rail news of the week, summed up for you in one place: our Railway-News Industry Insider for 15–19 April 2019:
Rolling Stock
RRX Train – a Siemens Mobility Desiro HC – a Success
Project Partners of the RRX train, which has been running on Line 11 in Germany since December 2018, have taken stock and the feedback is extremely positive. Operations have been seamless and preparations for the RRX train to run on Line RE5 are on course.
Read more | RRX Train – a Siemens Mobility Desiro HC – a Success
RSBN Franchise Goes to NordWestBahn Again
NordWestBahn have successfully won the bid for the regional S-Bahn Bremen/Niedersachsen franchise. The new contract will commence in December 2021 with a service level agreement for the trains to travel 6.5 million kilometres per year. NordWestBahn will be purchasing 16 new trains taking the overall fleet up to 51 in the future.
Read more | RSBN Franchise Goes to NordWestBahn Again
Stadler and Rhaetian Railway Unveil New Capricorn Train
The new Capricorn train has been unveiled by the two CEOs of Swiss companies Stadler and Rhaetian Railway. The Capricorn will be the first train that is a separable multiple unit in Switzerland’s largest canton, Graubünden. RhB have voiced hopes of the first new trains entering service by Autumn 2019.
Read more | Stadler and Rhaetian Railway Unveil New Capricorn Train
Amtrak Increases Acela Express Services on NEC Route
In the run-up to the new Alstom trains which will be replacing the Acela Express fleet, Amtrak will run an additional trip each way between Boston, New York and Washington, D.C. on Saturdays. Alstom’s new trains will begin operating on the Northeast Corridor in 2021. The trains will have a capacity of 386, almost 30 percent more than the current fleet.
Read More | Amtrak Increases Acela Express Services on NEC Route
Stadler to Supply 60 Locomotives to VR Group in Finland
Stadler and VR Group (Finland) have signed a contract for 60 new diesel-electric locomotives. The total value of the contract is around 200 million euros (225 million USD). The first five locomotives will enter service in 2022. Stadler will then deliver the remaining 55 locomotives gradually by the end of 2025.
Read More | Stadler to Supply 60 Locomotives to VR Group in Finland
Infrastructure
Swiss Railway Infrastructure Projects Progressing Well
The Swiss Federal Office of Transport has published its progress report on the country’s railway development programmes. The report includes insights into the status of rail infrastructure developments, including high-speed rail links, the New Rail Link through the Alps, the 4-metre corridor and more.
Read more | Swiss Railway Infrastructure Projects Progressing Well
Policy
Transport for the North Chief Executive Visits Hitachi Rail
Barry White visited Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe facility to see how Hitachi Rail is investing in the country’s future engineers. Hitachi Rail has collaborated with the University of Sunderland and Gestamp Tallent to create the University Technical College (UTC). The state-funded school for 14–19-year-olds specialises in a range of professions, including engineering.
Read more | Transport for the North Chief Executive Visits Hitachi Rail
