Information forms the basis of all our decisions. However, there is often not enough time to filter out the relevant facts from the flood of information. With SCI RAILDATA we can take care of this for you. Every week we supply our subscribers with compact short news from the worldwide railway industry. More information
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has cancelled the contract signed in 2017 with the Chinese manufacturer CRRC for the delivery of 45 double-deck passenger coaches for regional passenger rail transport due to quality defects and significant delays. At the time of the cancellation of the EUR 173.8 million (USD 185 million) order, the production and delivery of the passenger coaches was around four years behind schedule, with the first units expected to be delivered in 2019 (SCI RAILDATA Issue 18/2017). In addition, deficiencies in brake and watertightness tests, faulty interior panelling and unsecured emergency exit windows were identified in January 2022. SEPTA had already invested more than EUR 47 million in the contract and is now examining ways to reclaim this expenditure. The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA), which contracted CRRC to deliver 404 metro cars, has also been affected by delayed deliveries and defects, which is why a supplementary agreement was reached to accelerate production and delivery (SCI RAILDATA Issue 15/2024).
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer 16.04.2024
DB InfraGO, the infrastructure company of German state railway DB, has equipped its fleet of maintenance and inspection vehicles (IFOs) with Internet of Things (IoT) diagnostic and control technology from Optimeas. The technology enables precise geolocalisation of the vehicles and the recording of operating data. Following successful tests with the BR708 inspection vehicle, it was decided to use the IoT technology across the entire vehicle fleet. The IoT devices record position data and transmit it to the Optimeas cloud network together with information about the battery status. The data also helps to determine maintenance requirements based on actual wear and tear, thereby optimising maintenance.
Source: RGI 15.04.2024
The Supervisory Board of German state railway DB is discussing the future of DB Cargo. However, DB has denied a possible partial sale of the freight transport division. According to a report in the Handelsblatt newspaper, DB\'s Chief Legal Officer, Alexander Gommlich, told a committee of the Supervisory Board that the future of DB Cargo is uncertain and that a sale of shares has not been ruled out. The European Commission (EC) could be satisfied with a sale of shares, while DB is under pressure as Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager wants to complete the state aid proceedings before the autumn (SCI RAILDATA Issue 34/2022). DB has rejected speculation about a sale and emphasised that it is working to strengthen DB Cargo\'s competitiveness.
Source: Handelsblatt 16.04.2024, DB press release 15.04.2024
Public transport authority Ile-de-France Mobilites (IdFM) has decided to finance 35 additional RER NG electric multiple units (EMU) for the RER line E of the Paris suburban rail network to the value of EUR 650 million. The EMUs are intended to secure the service on the suburban railway line after the extension to Mantes-la-Jolie goes into operation at the end of 2026. IdFM began the manufacture, delivery and putting into of the vehicles from manufacturer Alstom via RER-E operator SNCF Voyageurs Transilien. The new trains will complement the RER NG EMUs that are already in operation (SCI RAILDATA Issue 46/2023). In 2024, almost 160 more new and modernised EMUs and metros are scheduled to go into operation. IdFM has announced the order of further RER NGs to replace the MI2N vehicle series on line RER E and Z2N on line D.
Source: IdFM press release 10.04.2024
The Walloon government has approved the Mobi\'Park project, which provides for the purchase of 14 articulated and 18 double-articulated electric buses for the Walloon transport company TEC and the construction of a new bus depot in Tilleur in the province of Liège. The project has an investment volume of EUR 105 million and will be financed by the Belgian development plan. The money will also be used to install 34 charging stations, including two fast-charging stations. By the end of 2023, 282 zero-emission buses were in operation in Belgium. The introduction of a further 292 buses is planned for 2024 and 2025. Belgium aims to achieve a sustainable and zero-emission public transport system by 2035.
Source: Sustainable Bus 15.04.2024
