Japan’s maglev train sets new world speed record
Japan’s magnetic levitation (maglev) train set a new world speed record of 603km/h (374mph) in a test run near Mount Fuji.
Owned by Central Japan Railway (JR Central), the train broke its own record of 590km/h that was reached during another test last week, BBC News reported.
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Using maglev technology, which allows the electrically charged magnets to lift and move carriages above the rail tracks, the new train is expected to be operational by 2027.
UK rail network’s new signalling system could be hacked, says scientist
The new signalling system aimed to upgrade the UK’s rail network could be exposed to cyber attack, resulting in a serious train crash, according to a leading scientist.
UK rail infrastructure operator Network Rail is currently testing the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) on the country’s network.
According to professor David Stupples, who has previously advised the government, the effort to replace old signal lights with new computers could leave the rail network exposed to malicious software or malware, BBC News reported.
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By GlobalDataNew high-speed train Frecciarossa 1000 makes inaugural journey in Italy
Italian transport operator Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane put the new Frecciarossa 1000 high-speed train into service for the first time, running from Milan to Rome.
Bombardier and its consortium partner AnsaldoBreda were awarded a €1.54bn ($2.1bn) contract by Trenitalia in September 2010 to supply 50 Frecciarossa 1000 train units.
The cost a train set is €30.8m ($40.2m). Bombardier’s share of the contract is estimated at €652m ($889m).
Virgin Trains launches new technology to find customers’ lost belongings
UK railway operator Virgin Trains introduced HomingPIN, a lost property recovery system that will help passengers to find their belongings.
According to the operator, this handy system works on whatever the customer chooses to protect, ranging from phones, cameras and wallets through to passports, keys and bags.
Virgin Trains customer service executive director Steve Tennant said: "This new service is a really simple, reassuring solution, which we hope will reassure our customers that their belongings are safeguarded if they are accidentally left behind.
Škoda begins testing its battery-powered tram for Turkish city
Škoda Transportation started testing its ForCity Classic battery-powered tram, which is intended for the Turkish city of Konya.
The new modern, fully low-floor tram, with a range of at least 3km, will be capable of moving independently of the traction mains.
Škoda Transportation project manager Václav Petr said: "Already the third battery-powered tram is undergoing a part of type tests on the rails of the transport company Škoda in Pilsen."
UK’s South West Trains introduces new technology to ensure punctuality
UK rail operator South West Trains is set to introduce a new technology on its trains to enhance reliability and punctuality across the network.
The new high-tech solution, GreenSpeed Driver Advisory System, will be able to collect real-time data from a range of sources to calculate the ideal speed of the train, helping to ensure service punctuality.
In addition, this system is capable of minimising the impact on the environment by reducing energy consumption, as well as allowing running more frequent trains on the network.
Samskip complete first rail freight using flora container
Dutch logistics company Samskip successfully completed the first rail freight transports of plants using reefer containers from the Netherlands to Sweden.
Samskip has achieved this milestone with the support of the Dutch Association of wholesalers in Floricultural products, VGB.
Developed by Unit45, the flora container allows the transportation of plants and flowers through multimodal rail.
Bombardier reportedly seeking advice from UBS and Citigroup for rail unit sale
Train manufacturer Bombardier reportedly hired global financial services firms UBS Group and Citigroup to offer assistance for a potential initial public offering or sale of its rail unit.
Bloomberg reported citing people familiar with the matter that the potential transaction could be valued at approximately $5bn.
Reuters previously reported that the Canadian rail and aeroplane manufacturer is exploring a possible sale of all or part of its railway business, to pay for huge cost overruns in its aircraft business.
Foster + Partners to design new transport network in Jeddah
UK-based Foster + Partners was selected to develop the architectural vision for the city-wide public transport plan of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, following an international design competition.
The vision for Jeddah’s transport network includes the design of metro, ferry, bus, cycle and public spaces. The detailed plan of this project ranges from the design of the stations to the trains and branding.
According to Saudi Gazette, Foster + Partners has signed a SAR300m ($80m) contract with the officials of Jeddah Metro Company.
Stadler Rail to supply 58 FLIRT trains for Dutch rail operator NS
Stadler Rail secured a €280m contract from Dutch passenger railway operator Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to deliver 58 FLIRT trains.
Expected to be delivered at the end of 2016, the new trains will be used in the commuter and regional transport systems nationwide.
Stadler Rail Group owner and CEO Peter Spuhler said: "This order increases the number of FLIRT trains sold to 1,094."
