Dear Readers,
If you are travelling by train in China, you should be on your best behaviour or face detention.
In the first half of this year, over 9,000 people have been given administrative detention for disturbing railway operations, China's Ministry of Public Security has announced.
Twenty-two people were detained for forcibly taking other people's seats on high-speed trains and 11 for blocking or pushing open train doors, according to the ministry. The ministry has now launched a special campaign to crack down on public safety issues that will last until the end of this year. are the key targets of the campaign.
"We stand firm and have zero tolerance toward behaviors' that affect the safety of passengers and the trains' regular operations," said Wang Hongsheng, the director of public security administration of the Railway Public Security Bureau. Wang also reminded passengers to call the police when their rights and interests were infringed upon rather than remaining silent. (Source: Xinhua)
Jobs of the Week features four fantastic opportunities - two in New Zealand, one in Taiwan and one in the U.A.E.
Our client is an international engineering consultancy with an unrivalled track record. They are NSW's largest rolling stock technical advisor with over 100 talented engineers, managers and specialists engaged on all major NSW rolling stock projects.
They are looking for a Rolling Stock Maintenance Planning Advisor to provide expert rolling stock maintenance planning advice to the client, primarily to improve fleet availability, while considering fleet safety and reliability.
This position will be based in Wellington, New Zealand. Fly in Fly out is possible.
We have further role in New Zealand for a Principal Rail Safety Officer to deliver effective regulatory management through monitoring the compliance of rail licence holders and rail participants.
And we are seeking an Electrical QS/Contract Engineer for a permanent role in Taiwan.
In the U.A.E., we are seeking a Construction Expert.
For further information and other opportunities worldwide, visit our website at www.railpersonnel.com.
Regards
Ceri Taylor
Editor
ceri@railpersonnel.com
This Week's Headlines:
13 Jul 2019. Cuba. China, Russia help with first step in railways upgrade
Cuba's first new passenger train in more than four decades has set off on its maiden journey across the island.
Source: Reuters
12 Jul 2019. Romania. DB Cargo launches direct freight shuttle service
Due to exceptional demand, DB Cargo has expanded its single wagonload network to link Northern Germany to Southeast Europe.
Source: Global Railway Review
11 Jul 2019. UK. Port Talbot rail deaths prompt safety task force
The deaths of two men has prompted the introduction of a GBP70m task force to improve the safety of railway workers.
Source: BBC
11 Jul 2019. Poland. Stadler to supply PKP's Intercity EMUs
PKP Intercity has selected Stadler as preferred bidder for a contract to supply 12 eight-car 160 km/h Flirt electric multiple-units and maintain them for 15 years.
Source: Railway Gazette
11 Jul 2019. Pakistan. 23 dead in train collision
A passenger train has crashed into a stationary freight train in the Sadiqabad area of Punjab province's southern Rahim Yar Khan district, killing 23 people and injuring more than 70.
Source: Reuters
Jobs of the Week:
Job Title: Rolling Stock Maintenance Planning Advisor ( #12656 )
Discipline: Rolling Stock; Planning
Role: Maintenance; Planning
Position Type: Contract
Country: Wellington, New Zealand
Languages: English
Job Description:
Our client is an international engineering consultancy with an unrivalled track record. They are NSW's largest rolling stock technical advisor with over 100 talented engineers, managers and specialists engaged on all major NSW rolling stock projects.
They are looking for a Rolling Stock Maintenance Planning Advisor to provide expert rolling stock maintenance planning advice to the client, primarily to improve fleet availability, while considering fleet safety and reliability.
The person is to assist:
- The clients' maintenance planning department to work collaboratively with engineering, operations and maintenance to maximise fleet availability
- The client to develop industry leading planning techniques utilising the MMIS (Maintenance Management Information System) to provide a 'single source' of planning information, allowing efficient execution of preventative and corrective maintenance activities as well as full control over modifications and fleet checks.
This position will be based in Wellington, New Zealand. Fly in Fly out is possible.
Requirements
- Minimum 5 years' experience conducting rolling stock maintenance planning
- Experience using a MMIS system (e.g. Maximo)
- Experience using Primavera
- Background in Engineering preferred
- Must have Australian or New Zealand residency.
Contact: davidh@railpersonnel.com
Job Title: Principal Rail Safety Officer, Critical Risk ( #12631 )
Discipline: Safety; Risk Assessment
Role: Management
Position Type: Permanent
Country: Wellington, New Zealand
Languages: English
Job Description:
Our client is seeking a Principal Rail Safety Officer to deliver effective regulatory management through monitoring the compliance of rail licence holders and rail participants. Principal Rail Safety Officers lead the full range of regulatory functions to ensure the client is effective in delivering its rail regulatory responsibilities.
Location is Wellington, New Zealand (but can be in Auckland or Christchurch).
This role influences outcomes and provides expert advice and direct to the rail community and the client. It connects operational needs with organisational and government strategic outcomes and champions innovation, taking the lead on controversial issues when necessary.
The role will provide thought and practice leadership in one or more areas of specialist technical expertise.
In addition to the Senior/Principal Rail Safety Officer core responsibilities, the primary purpose of this role is to deliver specialist investigation and intervention in critical rail safety risk areas services on behalf of the client.
Requirements
- 10+ Years applied experience and knowledge in a relevant industry
- Strong investigative, risk assurance or lead audit experience
- Significant regulatory compliance experience
- Strong analytical background in design, analysis or operation of safety systems or strong 'whole of system' risk management experience
- Extensive practical experience and knowledge in a relevant heavy industry. Tertiary qualification or relevant experience in a regulatory compliance role.
Contact: sarasj@railpersonnel.com
Job Title: Electrical QS/Contract Engineer ( #12629 )
Discipline: Quantity Surveying; Electrical
Role: Contracts; Project Engineer
Position Type: Permanent
Country: Changhua, Taiwan
Languages: Mandarin; English
Job Description:
We are seeking a Electrical QS/Contract Engineer for a permanent role in Taiwan.
The role reports to the Manager, Commercial/Senior Manager, Commercial/Senior Quantity Surveyor.
Responsibilities:
- Able to take-off quantity, costing and liaise with contractors and suppliers
- Able to handle daily contract/commercial duties for projects, which includes tender and contract preparation, procurement, variation and payment evaluation, payment certification and closing of final account
- Assist with cost estimates, cost and budget reporting
- Work with Package Engineers and contractors on the administration of Work Packages.
Requirements
- 10-15 years related experience
- Engineering background, Electrical major is must.
Contact: patricia@railpersonnel.com
Job Title: Construction Expert ( #12666 )
Discipline: Civil
Role: Construction Management
Position Type: Contract
Country: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Languages: English
Job Description:
Our client is seeking a Construction Expert to be responsible for the effective management and coordination of project design, construction and building by working closely with the project's key stakeholders to ensure project is delivered and handed over in a timely manner and within the set budget, to enable the client to reach its organizational objectives.
Activities include:
- Manage projects end-to-end management of assigned project by planning and organizing all the various project related activities such as project planning, resource allocation, budget management and issue and risk management, in accordance with project management principles and tools
- Supervise the administration of assigned project and oversee the project team's works in designing and building the rail through on-going coordination with PMC and project team members and contractors.
Requirements
- Mandatory: Bachelors' degree in Civil Engineering or relevant field
- Preferable: Post graduate degree
- Preferable: Project management certification
- Preferable: Rail management certification
- Preferable: A minimum of 5-8 years of relevant experience.
Contact: jackie@railpersonnel.com
More Rail News:
13 Jul 2019. Cuba. China, Russia help with first step in railways upgrade
Cuba's first new passenger train in more than four decades has set off on its maiden journey across the island in what the government hopes will prove a total revamp of its decrepit railway system with help from allies Russia and China. Cuba's railway system is one of the oldest in the world; its first stretch was launched in the 1830s. But it has suffered from a lack of maintenance and new equipment in an inefficient state-run economy under a crippling U.S. trade embargo that lacks cash. But Cuba's government is planning to change all that by 2030, starting with upgrading its equipment, before moving onto the more daunting task of restoring the railroads. In May it received 80 Chinese-made, gleaming blue rail cars, including those that set off eastwards from Havana on Saturday and expects to receive 80 more next year, Cuba has also signed a deal worth almost US$1bn with Russia to modernise its railways, according to Interfax news agency, although details have not yet been released.
Source: Reuters
12 Jul 2019. Romania. DB Cargo launches direct freight shuttle service
Due to exceptional demand, DB Cargo has expanded its single wagonload network to link Northern Germany to Southeast Europe. The new service links the Ruhr region and northern Germany with the growing economy in Southeastern Europe and takes three days in each direction. In addition, this regular direct connection cuts the turnaround time for freight wagons by two thirds, noticeably improving wagon availability levels for customers. The single wagonload train is formed in Schwandorf, located in eastern Bavaria, and then crosses Austria and Hungary on its way to Craiova. From Craiova, the freight wagons are then distributed throughout the country. At present, there is one train per week on the southbound leg. DB Cargo and its national subsidiaries DB Cargo Hungaria and DB Cargo Romania supply all the locomotives used and thereby act as a single service provider.
Source: Global Railway Review
11 Jul 2019. UK. Port Talbot rail deaths prompt safety task force
The deaths of two men has prompted the introduction of a GBP70m task force to improve the safety of railway workers. Michael Lewis and Gareth Delbridge were struck and killed by a train while working on the tracks near Port Talbot on 3 July. Network Rail said the new scheme would develop systems to support the well-being of workers. This would include warnings of approaching trains, better briefings and improving the health the workforce. Investigations are ongoing into the deaths of Mr Lewis and Mr Delbridge, though police believe they may not have heard the approaching train because they were wearing ear defenders. The task force would be a partnership of industry organisations including rail regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), trade unions and contractors. It would be led by the firm's group safety, technical and engineering director, Martin Frobisher.
Source: BBC
11 Jul 2019. Poland. Stadler to supply PKP's Intercity EMUs
PKP Intercity has selected Stadler as preferred bidder for a contract to supply 12 eight-car 160 km/h Flirt electric multiple-units and maintain them for 15 years. The Formal award of the contract announced is subject to the standard 10-day regulatory standstill period. The EMUs are intended for use on the Szczecin - Lublin, Szczecin - Krakow and Krakow - Lublin routes, creating a uniform fleet with the 20 Flirt units which have been in service with PKP Intercity since December 2015. They will be equipped with ETCS and at least 294 second class and 60 first class seats, power sockets, wi-fi, wheelchair lifts, bicycle spaces and catering facilities. The first two EMUs are expected to be delivered within 18 months of the contract being signed, and would be required to operate at least 250 000 km before the rest of the fleet is delivered.
Source: Railway Gazette
11 Jul 2019. Pakistan. 23 dead in train collision
A passenger train has crashed into a stationary freight train in the Sadiqabad area of Punjab province's southern Rahim Yar Khan district, killing 23 people and injuring more than 70.The Akbar Express was heading to the western city of Quetta from Lahore when the crash occurred, destroying five carriages and trapping passengers. Prime Minister Imran Khan issued a statement of condolence in which he blamed the infrastructure of Pakistan's colonial-era railway network, which has fallen into disrepair due to chronic under-investment and poor maintenance. He added: "Have asked railways minister to take emergency steps to counter decades of neglect of railway infrastructure and ensure safety standards. I have ordered an inquiry. Investigation will complete in two-three days," Khan said.
Source: Reuters
11 Jul 2019. Philippines. ADB seal loan agreement for Malolos–Clark Railway Project
The Philippine government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a US$1.3bn loan deal for the Malolos–Clark Railway Project. The Manila-based multilateral lender said the loan agreement inked represents the first tranche of a total US$2.75bn credit facility to fund the railway project. The project is part of the Philippine government's North–The Malolos–Clark Railway Project is ADB's single largest infrastructure project financing ever. The Japan International Cooperation Agency, or JICA, is co-financing the project with an additional funding of up to US$2bn for the rolling stock and the railway systems.
Source: Philippine Star
10 Jul 2019. UK Government backs Leeds high speed rail research hub
A high-speed rail research facility in Leeds aiming to "transform transport systems across the world" has been backed by the government. The Institute for High Speed Rail and System Integration will work as a hub for rail design, construction and manufacturing research. Operated by the University of Leeds, it will be built at Gateway 45 near a HS2 rolling stock depot. The government will contribute GBP11m to fund the hub, which could open by 2021. A further GBP40m has come from the university and partners in the rail industry, with GBP13m from the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Deal. The institute will include a vehicle testing area allowing trains to be trialled "under real-world conditions" and an open-air track testing facility.
Source: BBC
10 Jul 2019. Latvia. Tender announced to design section of the Rail Baltica main line
The Rail Baltica Joint Venture RB Rail AS has announced a tender for the design and design supervision services of the Rail Baltica main line North and South sections in Latvia. There are two lots being tendered under one procurement procedure but shall be contracted individually with the winning contractors to deliver design and design supervision services for the construction of railway track substructure, superstructure as well as related civil structures on the new standard gauge (1435 mm) high speed double track electrified railway line. The first lot of the tender covers a 94 km long section from Vangaži to the Latvia-Estonia state border. The section is estimated to include 16 road viaducts, four bridges, and four railway viaducts A two-stage procedure consisting of qualification and negotiations has been selected for this procurement.
Source: Global Railway Review
9 Jul 2019. Canada. Bombardier to lay off workers at Ontario plant
Bombardier is laying off half of the 1,100 workers at its Thunder Bay, Ontario, railway car plant, according to a federal government source. Two major contracts in Ontario -for the Toronto Transit Commission streetcars and Metrolinx GO Transit rail cars - are slated to halt by the end of the year. Local union president Dominic Pasqualino pointed the finger at the Trump administration, which has backed Buy America-like clauses requiring a minimum threshold of local content. The transportation giant has been downsizing its aerospace and railway operation for several years as it attempts to improve profitability. The company shored up its finances in 2015 by selling a 30 per cent stake in Bombardier Transportation to the Caisse de depot for US$1.5 billion. Despite the ownership, the Quebec pension fund manager awarded a contract for its $6.3-billion electric train project to a consortium involving Alstom Transport Canada and a subsidiary of SNC-Lavalin instead of Bombardier.
Source: The Canadian Press
9 Jul 2019. UK. Avon Valley Railway buys locomotive for GBP1
The Avon Valley Railway has announced that they have bought an ex-BR Class 08 shunter locomotive for just GBP1. Class 08 No.08663, or D3830, has been sold to the heritage railway for the generous price by train operating company, Great Western Railway. The locomotive has spent its recent years at Great Western Railway's St Philips Marsh depot, in Bristol. It has been used to move diesel multiple units and High-Speed Train carriages and power cars around the depot. Class 08s are the standard BR general diesel shunter. The class became a familiar sight at major stations and freight yards, and will still prove useful in today's world. This locomotive is relatively quiet and will be useful for the weekly shunting requirements and works/engineering trains. The Avon Valley Railway Company Limited will also be looking at opportunities for this locomotive to go on hire to other heritage or industrial works, in order to pay for its future maintenance.
Source: Rail Advent
9 Jul 2019. India. Tejas Express to be India's first 'private' train
The Delhi-Lucknow Tejas Express is set to be the first train to be operated by private operators, indicating that the Railways is going ahead with its 100-day agenda of handing over operations of two of its trains to the private sector. The Railway Board is deliberating on a second such route, which too would be within the 500-km distance range. The decision has been taken by the ministry despite the strong opposition of the unions against the idea of roping in private players to run trains. The Centre for Indian Trade Union (CITU) has opposed to the 100-day proposal of the Modi government for privatise the cheapest mode of transport available for the people. CITU also called upon all the federations as well as unions of the railway employees to "mobilise their entire strength through united actions to stop such disastrous measures".
Source: PTI
9 Jul 2019. Japan. JR Central unveils first battery-powered Shinkansen
Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) has conducted for the press a test run of its new battery-powered Shinkansen, a world first for high-speed rail. JR Central said it hopes the technology will be useful in emergencies that might otherwise leave trains stranded in tunnels or on bridges during an extended power outage. In such an emergency, battery-powered Shinkansen would be able to proceed to the nearest station. The N700S train, which is set to debut in July 2020, is able to carry batteries on the underside of its carriages due to the reduced size of other technology and equipment.
Source: The Japan Times
8 Jul 2019. UK. Britain's slow trains lag behind global rivals
Britain's trains are being left behind by high-speed rivals in other countries because of congestion on the rail network, according to research. An international study ranked British trains 13th fastest in the world, down from 2nd in the late 1970s. The league table was based on the actual speed that trains achieved on weekday timetables rather than the maximum they were capable of on a particular line, making it more reflective of real-life passenger experiences. The study, published by Railway Gazette International, found that China had by far the fastest services. One route between Beijing and Nanjing had average speeds of almost 200mph. Italy, France, Spain and Germany, which have invested heavily in high-speed rail, all had trains that travelled far faster than domestic services in the UK.
Source: The Times
7 Jul 2019. Australia. State dithering risks stopping inland rail line
Construction of the A$10n inland rail line could be delayed because of the Queensland government's reluctance to sign off on a crucial agreement. Sources close to the landmark project say if the deal with the federal government is not signed within months, "it will start to impact on delivery timelines". Queensland's Labor government has been reluctant to approve the agreement, citing a lack of willingness by the federally owned Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) to address community concerns. Lobby groups have ramped up the pressure on the Queensland government to sign the agreement, while community groups, particularly in rural areas, have continued to criticise the proposed route. Inter-governmental agreements were signed in Victoria and NSW early last year, providing certainty for the delivery of the project and a commitment to negotiate a new long-term lease with the ARTC over the rail corridor.
Source: The Australian
5 Jul 2019. India. Passenger comfort targeted in Railways budget
The government has allocated more than $US502.84m for rail passenger amenities in the 2019-2020 Budget, an around 200 per cent rise from the last fiscal. To improve the quality of travel and services, the government will build world-class modern train sets, including more 'Train 18s' and 'Train 20' which are the next level of such train sets and consists of sleeper coaches. It is expected to be rolled out in 2020. Railway minister Piyush Goval said his aim is to produce 100 such train sets, which will replace the Shatabdi and Rajdhani express trains in the near future. Redevelopment of 600 major railway stations has also been taken up which will improve passenger amenities at stations.
Source: The Hindu
