13 Must-Read Rail News Stories for Week 47
The Railway-News Industry Insider week 47 (19–23 November):
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Germany at InnoTrans 2018
Firstly, German Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer and Deutsche Bahn CEO Dr Richard Lutz answer questions about digitalisation and sustainability. Additionally, Andreas Scheuer comments on the penalties the EU recently imposed on Germany.
Read: Germany at InnoTrans 2018
GE Transportation at InnoTrans 2018: President and CEO Rafael Santana
Rafael Santana discusses GE Transportation’s progress. Another key point is that GE Transportation unveiled a new engine at InnoTrans 2018. In addition, he highlighted the importance of digitisation. He said, “digitisation […] triggers cultural change”.
Read: GE Transportation at InnoTrans 2018: President and CEO Rafael Santana
Rolling Stock News
Bombardier TWINDEXX Swiss Express Trains Given Operating Licence in Switzerland
The Swiss Federal Transport Office has issued an operating licence for the double-decker passenger train, Bombardier’s TWINDEXX. These trains will run on intercity and interregional routes. It must be remembered that this operating licence is currently valid for two years. However, this licence will help SBB with the new European timetable that comes into effect on 9 December.
Read: Bombardier TWINDEXX Swiss Express Trains Given Operating Licence in Switzerland
First OEBB Cityjet TALENT 3 Arrives in Austria
Austrian Federal Railways celebrated a milestone on 15 November. This is when the first Bombardier Cityjet TALENT 3 trains arrived in the country. In order to improve passenger transport in Vorarlberg, these trains will enter service in 2019. The Cityjet TALENT 3 was first unveiled at InnoTrans 2018.
Read: First OEBB Cityjet TALENT 3 Arrives in Austria
GE Transportation Secures Locomotive Order in Moldova
GE Transportation has secured its first business in Moldova. It has signed a contract with Moldovan Railways to supply 12 Evolution Series locomotives. Furthermore, it will take care of parts, training and services.
Read: GE Transportation Secures Locomotive Order in Moldova
Hauts-de-France Region to Get 19 Bombardier OMNEO Premium Trains
National French rail operator SNCF has ordered 19 OMNEO Premium trains from Bombardier. These trains are to serve the Hauts-de-France region. They will enter service in 2022. Significantly, these trains will increase capacity by 25 percent on the routes they will serve.
Read: Hauts-de-France Region to Get 19 Bombardier OMNEO Premium Trains
Siemens Mobility to Design and Manufacture Next-Generation Trains for London Underground
London Underground has contracted Siemens Mobility to design and manufacture the new trains for the city’s Piccadilly line. In particular, Siemens will supply 94 Inspiro London trains. They will replace the rolling stock that has service the line since the 1970s. Additionally, Siemens will provide the rolling stock for London’s other three deep tube lines as part of the Deep Tube Upgrade Programme.
Read: Siemens Mobility to Design and Manufacture Next-Generation Trains for London Underground
Stadler to Supply New Regional Diesel-Electric Trains to FNM
FNM has contracted Stadler to supply diesel-electric trains to service Italy’s Lombard region. The agreement covers a minimum of 30 trains. Each train also costs almost 6.5 million euros. Delivery of these trains is scheduled for 2021.
Read: Stadler to Supply New Regional Diesel-Electric Trains to FNM
Infrastructure News
Morocco High-Speed Rail Line Between Tangiers and Kenitra Opens
The high-speed rail line between Tangiers and Kenitra in Morocco opened on 15 November. Significantly, the event was attended by the King. Alstom supplied its Avelia Euroduplex trains. As a result, French president Emmanuel Macron also attended. Another key point is that these 8-car double-decker trains are able to cope with the country’s climate.
Read: Morocco High-Speed Rail Line Between Tangiers and Kenitra Opens
Austrian Federal Railways Investing in Next-Generation Vehicle Maintenance
OEBB will invest 12 million euros on building a bigger, modern hall to maintain the new Cityjet TALENT 3 trains for Vorarlberg. The site in Bludenz will also safeguard jobs. Construction works should be completed by spring 2020. Meanwhile, the first of these trains recently arrived in the country (see above).
Read: Austrian Federal Railways Investing in Next-Generation Vehicle Maintenance
Railway Policy
80 Percent Green Electricity by 2030 Says Deutsche Bahn
Germany’s national rail operator has increased its target for 2030. It is important to point out that Deutsche Bahn initially set the target at 70 percent. Now, however it says that 80 percent of its electricity will come from renewables by 2030. Significantly, DB is already Germany’s main consumer of green electricity.
Read: 80 Percent Green Electricity by 2030 Says Deutsche Bahn
Allianz Pro Schiene Criticises Rail Provisions in German 2019 Budget
Not everyone is happy with the developments in the German rail system, however. Allianz pro Schiene, an organisation that works towards increasing rail’s market share. It says the budget provisions for rail are too little. In addition, the government is investing too much in highways. This, they say, sends the wrong message.
Read: Allianz Pro Schiene Criticises Rail Provisions in German 2019 Budget
2 Billion Euros for Digital Services Says Russian Railways
Finally, the CEO and Chairman of Russian Railways attended a discussion panel at the 12th International Forum Transport of Russia. During this event he said that Russian Railways wanted to invest around 150 billion roubles in digital services by 2025.
Read: 2 Billion Euros for Digital Services Says Russian Railways
