Dear Readers,
Every railway station has at least one clock. I've never given them much thought but last week someone asked me if I knew why station clocks have no numbers. So, I did a little research into the not so humble station clock.
Switzerland's 5 train station clocks are an instantly recognized symbol of a country renowned for its punctuality and its amazing public transport network.
The Swiss train station clock was designed by Swiss electrical engineer and railway employee Hans Hilfiker in 1944 after the national rail operator SBB/CFF put out a call for a clock that would guarantee the smooth running of trains and become part of the Swiss national image.
In 1953, Hilfiker added a red second hand to its design in the shape of a railway guard's signaling disc.
Each train station has a 'master clock' which controls all the platform clocks. There are 760 of these master clocks. They operate by receiving a time signal every minute - generally by GPS or satellite - which is then passed on to the other station clocks (technically known as 'slave clocks' as they depend on the accuracy of another clock) via an electric impulse.
The clocks have also become an icon of global design, with examples appearing at the London Design Museum and the MoMa (Museum of Modern Art) in New York. (Source: The Local)
Jobs of the Week features roles located in Taiwan, Indonesia and Australia.
Our client, an international power company is seeking a strong individual to assist their team in the area of program and scheduling work in Taipei, Taiwan Candidates must understand all aspects of system engineering and be able to match their client's overall programme.
We are also seeking a Land Development Advisor for part-time role with intermittent ad-hoc input in Jakarta, Indonesia over a two year period. Circa 100 days in 4 inputs.
Finally this week, we are seeking a Transition and Implementation Manager, to be based in Sydney.
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:
20 Jul 2019. UK. HS2 railway could go GBP30bn over budget
HS2 could end up costing GBP85bn - GBP30bn over the original budget.
Source: Metro UK
19 July 2019. Germany. Deutsche Bahn resumes acceptance of ICE 4 trains
Deutsche Bahn will resume acceptance of further ICE 4 trains with immediate effect.
Source: Webwire
19 Jul 2019. New Zealand. Vinci team signs contract for Auckland metro extension
A consortium led by Vinci Construction has won a E970m design-and-build contract for the E2.7bn City Rail Link Project in Auckland.
Source: Global Construction Review
17 Jul 2019. UK. London Bridge Station shortlisted for architecture prize
London Bridge has become the first underground station to be shortlisted for this year's Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stirling Prize.
Source: BBC
17 Jul 2019. China. Alstom to supply train systems for Nanjing driverless metro
Alstom has signed a contract with Nanjing Metro to provide traction systems and the train control and monitoring system (TCMS) for 318 metro cars that will run on Nanjing Line 7.
Source: Alstom
Jobs of the Week:
Job Title: Schedule Engineer ( #12673 )
Discipline: Scheduling; Electrical
Role: Scheduling; Project Management
Position Type: Contract
Country: Taipei, Taiwan
Languages: Mandarin; English
Job Description:
This international power company is seeking a strong individual to assist their team in the area of program and scheduling work. Candidates must understand all aspects of system engineering and be able to match their client's overall programme.
Suitable candidates must be familiar with scheduling and understand about engineering related items.
Requirements
- Working proficiency in Primavera Software 6
- Strong written, communication, and problem solving skills
- Computer proficient and the ability to adapt to new innovations and processes
- Broad understanding of industry
- Ability to multi-task
- Functions effectively as part of a team
- Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality at all times
- Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering preferred, but experience may be considered in lieu of 5-10 years of related experience in power plant projects required.
Contact: patricia@railpersonnel.com
Job Title: Land Development Advisor ( #12661 )
Discipline: Land Acquisition; Rail Infrastructure
Role: Planning
Position Type: Contract
Country: Jakarta, Indonesia
Languages:
Job Description:
Part-time role with intermittent ad-hoc input in Jakarta over a two year period.
Circa 100 days in 4 inputs.
Key tasks for the advisor are:
- Assess the land assets of the railway and potential of developing surplus land for revenue generation. Suggest options on how to carry-out railway land asset management
- Prepare a land use and land management plan for railway operational use as well as for potential commercial use and suggest an institutional set-up for land development
- Suggest options to structure land asset management for the railway sector. Review legal requirements and suggest adjustments, where required.
Requirements
- A land use and management specialist with at least 10 years' experience in developing land management/asset management plans and developing revenue streams using land assets
- Strong focus on preparing land development/asset management plans and experience in identifying new revenue streams
- Candidate should have appropriate postgraduate academic qualifications in finance/urban development/economics.
Contact: jon@railpersonnel.com
Job Title: Transition and Implementation Manager - New Intercity Fleet ( #12671 )
Discipline: Transportation; Project Manager
Role: Project Management
Position Type: Contract
Country: Sydney, Australia
Languages: English
Job Description:
The primary purpose of the Transition and Implementation Manager is to ensure that NIF Stakeholders are ready to accept the NIF Fleet and to manage the transition of the NIF Fleet into revenue service. This role is accountable for the end to end delivery and management of project transition and implementation activity for the NIF Project.
The key requirements for this role include:
- Manage the NIF Project operational readiness, transition and implementation activity within defined resources, timeframe, budget and quality parameters
- Manage relationships and expectations with both internal and external stakeholders.
Requirements
- Minimum: Significant and substantial relevant experience in project management or transition management within the engineering or transport industry
- Essential: Demonstrable experience in successfully managing transition and operational readiness within a complex corporate environment with tight delivery schedules
- Essential: Pro-active with a demonstrated ability to effectively manage confrontation to achieve desired outcomes
Contact: davidh@railpersonnel.com
More Rail News:
20 Jul 2019. UK. HS2 railway could go GBP30bn over budget
HS2 could end up costing GBP85bn - GBP30bn over the original budget. The chairman of the high-speed railway service has written to the Department for Transport to warn that it cannot be completed for the original sum. The Financial Times said Allan Cook, who is reviewing the project amid cost concerns, has predicted the final figure could end up being between GBP70bn and GBP85bn. An unnamed source said the potential price increase is down to various factors including engineering costs and poor ground conditions. Extra costs due to it being designed to run faster than other comparable rail projects were also named as an issue. A decision over which company will operate HS2 trains has been delayed amid concerns with the project and bidders suffering upheaval. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said in April that the West Coast Partnership (WCP) franchise was due to be awarded in June, but no announcement has been made. A spokesman for HS2 Ltd said: 'We don’t comment on leaks or speculation'.
Source: Metro UK
19 July 2019. Germany. Deutsche Bahn resumes acceptance of ICE 4 trains
Deutsche Bahn will resume acceptance of further ICE 4 trains with immediate effect. Siemens Mobility and Bombardier Transportation have reached an agreement with Deutsche Bahn (DB) and the Federal Railway Authority (EBA) on a reworking and testing concept for welds that were occasionally not executed in the specified quality on ICE 4 body shells. Since these deviations do not preclude safe operation, the affected cars can be used in passenger service. As a result of this agreement, five ICE 4 trains will be accepted by DB in the coming days and enter service. At that point, the customer will have 30 ICE 4 trains available. Subsequently, DB will continue receiving ICE 4 trains as planned and immediately place them in service. The reworking will be carried out during ongoing operation as part of the warranty of Bombardier and should not have any effects on passenger service.
Source: Webwire
19 Jul 2019. New Zealand. Vinci team signs contract for Auckland metro extension
A consortium led by Vinci Construction has won a E970m design-and-build contract for the E2.7bn City Rail Link Project in Auckland. The Link Alliance team also includes Soletanche Bachy International of France, Australia's Downer Group, WSP Opus, Tonkin + Taylor of New Zealand and US engineer Aecom. It was named preferred bidder for the scheme, but no contract had been signed. The consortium has now been officially awarded Package 3 of the scheme. This involves building two 3.5km-long, twin rail tunnels up to 42m below the city centre, connecting Britomart station to the western line at Eden Terrace.
Source: Global Construction Review
17 Jul 2019. UK. London Bridge Station shortlisted for architecture prize
London Bridge has become the first underground station to be shortlisted for this year's Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stirling Prize. The station is up against five other finalists fighting to be named the UK's best new building. London Bridge, one of Britain's busiest railway stations, reopened last year after a redevelopment that cost GBP1bn under the Thameslink Programme and took five years to complete. The Stirling Prize jury said its "voluminous" spaces and "impressive" new concourse had "significantly improved the experience of those who use it daily".
Source: BBC
17 Jul 2019. China. Alstom to supply train systems for Nanjing driverless metro
Alstom has signed a contract with Nanjing Metro to provide traction systems and the train control and monitoring system (TCMS) for 318 metro cars that will run on Nanjing Line 7, the first driverless metro line in the Chinese city. Alstom, , will also provide technical review for the system. The value of the contract is nearly E50m. Alstom will provide the OptONIX traction system, which was developed specifically for the Chinese market. Alstom's joint venture, Shanghai Alstom Transport Electrical Equipment Co, (SATEE), will manufacture the traction systems with support from Alstom sites in Belgium, France and India. Alstom's joint venture in Xi'an, Xi'an Alstom Yongji Electric Equipment Co. will supply the traction motors.
Source: Alstom
16 Jul 2019. USA. California readies high-speed rail design contract
California officials have moved toward awarding a US$1.65bn contract to design and construct the tracks and system for the first segment of its beleaguered high-speed rail project. The action taken by the California High-Speed Rail Authority's board of directors was a first step in moving ahead with a contract they hope to award by next summer. US and international businesses can apply for the contract, and whoever wins it would be responsible for designing and building rail infrastructure along 119 miles in the Central Valley as well as maintaining it for a period that of up to 30 years. A US subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn AG has already been awarded a US$30m contract for early operation of the trains.
Source: AP
16 Jul 2019. UK. Review finds rail franchise system has "had its day"
A new body to run the UK's railways is being considered by the independent chair of a review of the industry, who says that the current franchise system has "had its day" and greater priority must to be given to passenger needs. In his first major update since the public consultation for his government-ordered review closed in May, Keith Williams wrote in the Financial Times that he was asked for "revolution not evolution". Whilst Mr. Williams did not give details of how he would propose changing the franchising system, he wrote that a wholesale shake-up was required to restore trust in the system. "Franchising in its current form has had its day. What worked 20 years ago is now preventing innovation, long-term decision-making and stopping the railway working as a system," Mr. Williams wrote. "We need a different relationship between the public and private sector. One that allows train operators to get on with running services in the interest of passengers. And where ministers take far fewer decisions."
Source: Financial Times
16 Jul 2019. UK. World's first train line powered directly by solar will launch soon
The world's first railway lines directly powered by sunlight are set to launch next month in the United Kingdom. The new, super-modern train setup will bring zero-emission energy to Aldershot station in southern England by connecting the train lines directly to nearby solar panels, which in turn will provide traction current. South Western Railways is working with solar rail enterprise Riding Sunbeams to bring the project to light. Unlike other solar-powered setups that n the roof and provide limited power, this project hooks directly into the substation box placed around every two miles on DC-powered tracks. That means clean power can be routed through existing infrastructure, bypassing the grid and potentially saving money. The world's first solar powered train was set up by the Byron Bay Railroad Company in Australia and operates as a tourist attraction.
Source: Inverse
15 Jul 2019. Belgium. Two trains a week ‘forget’ to stop
Two Belgian trains a week do not stop at the station where they normally should pick up or drop passengers. The reason is distracted train conductors, according to SNCB. In 2018, 99 stops were missed, the year before 57. Belgium's national railway company, SNCB, admits it's "no picnic" for passengers when they see their train passing by. While for passengers who cannot get off, have to take a train back to their destination at the next stop. Passengers who cannot get on the train have to wait for the next one, and if that is not possible, for instance, when the train was the last one, the SNCB has to arrange buses or taxis for the stuck passengers. There is currently a staff shortage at SCNB. This year, there are 1,400 vacancies, mainly in the department of train attendants.
Source: The Brussels Times
16 Jul 2019. Latvia. EU gives full approval to railway electrification project
The European Commission has given full approval to the Latvian rail network electrification project, launched by SJSC Latvijas Dzelzceļš (LDz). After the European Commission's approval, the project on the Cohesion Fund's co-funding for railway electrification will be approved by the Central Finance and Contracting Agency, with which an agreement will be concluded on the project's implementation, The plan is to carry out the railway electrification works using E347m provided under the EU-funded project (including E318m available from the Cohesion Fund), as well as by raising additional funding from the European Investment Bank. Phase 1 of the national 25 kV 50 Hz electrification programme covers the routes radiating from Krustpils to Daugavpils (89 km), Rēzekne (95km) and Riga (129km), with completion planned by the end of 2023.
Source: The Baltic Course
16 Jul 2019. Philippines. Japan to supply bullet train for Tutuban-Malolos railway
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has signed inked a supply contract with a Japanese firm to supply 104 train cars for the planned Tutuban-Malolos railway line. The US$149.1bn project forms part of the North-South Commuter Railway system, which is funded through official development assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Asian Development Bank. DOTr chose the joint venture of the Japan Transport Engineering Company (J-TREC) and its local partner Sumitomo Corp. to supply 13 train sets for the service, each made up of eight linked cars which can carry up to 2,200 passengers per trip. J-TREC is the biggest supplier of passenger rail cars in Japan, which include the Shinkansen as well as other commuter lines in the country. the trains are set to be delivered to the country between October-December 2021. Once completed, it is expected to trim travel time between Malolos and Tutuban from one hour and 30 minutes to 35 minutes.
Source: CNN Philippines
15 Jul 2019. Germany. DB Regio win E-Netz MainÂfranÂken operating contract
DB Regio has been awarded the E-Netz Mainfranken passenger train operating contract following a European tender conducted by Bayern railway agency BEG, Rhein-Main transport authority RMV and Baden-Wurttemberg's Ministry of Transport. The contract running for six years from December 2021 covers the operation of around 4.35 million train-km/year using Alstom Coradia Lirex Class 440 electric multiple-units on routes from Wurzburg to Nurnberg, Bamberg, Lauda, Gemünden, Marktbreit, Schluchtern and Aschaffenburg, as well as from Gemunden to Schluchtern and Aschaffenburg. The contract includes performance-based incentives under BEG's quality management system which encompasses factors including cleanliness, passenger information and customer service, while a new approach to punctuality will penalise delays depending on their duration. There will be an increase in service frequencies, conductors on every train and an increase in capacity at the busiest times.
Source: Railway Gazette
15 Jul 2019. UK. Train seats: a new approach to comfort
New research found train seats in the future will benefit from a more scientific approach to comfort that includes legroom, seat dimensions and compression. Research by rail industry body RSSB, has led to the first comfort rating scale for designing in an appropriate level of comfort into train seats. This has led to a seat comfort specification for manufacturers with a set of minimum requirements, allowing comfort to be properly considered as an essential feature, alongside other needs such as crashworthiness and fire safety. This could help all organisations involved in rolling stock procurement. Rail experts from across the industry have encouraged designers and specifiers to adopt the new research findings in future specifications for new rolling stock, and interior overhaul. First Rail is the first operator to use elements of this new comfort scale and methodology in its specification of new train fleets.
Source: Global Railway Review
15 Jul 2019. Spain. Atlas ERTMS Level 2 starts on Valladolid-León high-speed line
Following extensive reliability proving tests by ADIF and approval by the Spanish Railway Safety Agency (AESF), Alstom's Atlas ERTMS Level 2 train control system has entered commercial service on the Valladolid-León high-speed line in the north of Spain. This entry into service follows the 2014 contract from Adif, awarded to an Alstom-led consortium[2], to upgrade the Valladolid-León section with ERTMS Level 2 technology, including maintenance for a period of 20 years. With Atlas, the Valladolid-León line will see an increase in safety and availability, as well as in train speed, with maximum speeds increasing from 200 km/h to 300 km/h. The contract includes the design, procurement, installation, commissioning and twenty years of maintenance of the signalling, fixed telecommunication and Automatic Train Protection systems, the centralised traffic control security equipment, the mobile GSM-R communications equipment and infrastructure for trains and mobile phone operators.
Source: Alstom
15 Jul 2019. Switzerland. Stadler awards traction equipment contracts
Rolling stock manufacturer has awarded ABB traction equipment orders worth more than US$140m. ABB will supply equipment that uses the latest technology for trains and locomotives deployed in the US and across Europe. Booked in the second quarter of this year, the orders comprise ABB's traction transformers and converters to be fitted on 27 regional trains for Norwegian state-owned passenger transport operator Norske Tog (NT). Fourteen of these trains are set to be equipped with ABB on-board energy storage systems The US order involves traction converters for 19 double-deck trains for Caltrain. Roof-mounted traction converters and dry-type traction transformers will be implemented on 64 Fast Light Innovative Regional Train (FLIRT) trains for the S-Bahn networks in Hanover, Germany. The Spanish arm of Stadler has placed an order for traction converters and transformers for 15 locomotives to be operated in various countries, including France, Germany and Spain.
Source: Railway Technology
