Dear Readers
I think most of us are looking forward to getting back to some semblance of normality and start taking holidays again.
One that will definitely be on my list is the new two-day ‘Rockies to the Red Rocks’ rail journey between Denver in Colorado and Moab in Utah which luxury train operator Rocky Mountaineer plans to launch during 2021.
The new service will be in addition to Rocky Mountaineer’s three routes from Vancouver to Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper in the Canadian Rockies.
There will be 40 departures across 10 weeks from August to October 2021, with Rocky Mountaineer working with local tourism organisations, hotels and tour operators to provide custom holiday packages with tours and other activities. The trains will run during the daytime, with a dome car for panoramic views and ‘premium’ onboard catering. Passengers would stay overnight in a hotel in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
Prices will start from US$1,250 plus tax, and places can be reserved with a refundable deposit of US$25. (Source: Travel Weekly).
Bob Lupton’s farewell took place in Waiuku, Auckland on the 20th November and there was a good turnout with at least a dozen railway colleagues attending. Mike Yeoman spoke and passed on condolences to Edna his widow and his children and mentioned he was not only representing himself , but many of his railway friends who could not be there. It was a good send off and they even had his Royal Enfield motorbike in the foyer with his ashes on the seat! He will be missed by many.
Our Jobs of the Week this week are all located in Saudi Arabia. We are looking for a Senior Manager Telecommunications, a Design Manager Utilities and a Senior Manager Systems Integration to assist with a project in Tabuk.
Regards
Ceri Taylor
Editor
This Week’s Headlines
21 Nov 2020. Australia. Victoria unveils A$4bn plan for new train lines
Victoria has announced a major boost to Melbourne's transport system which could see travel times halved for people travelling from Geelong to the city..
Source: 9News
20 Nov 2020. UK. Isle of Wight receives first 'new' train for Island Line
The Isle of Wight has taken delivery of its first "new" train for 31 years under a £26m railway investment scheme..
Source: BBC
20 Nov 2020. Portugal. 10-year rail investment plan announced
Prime Minister, Mr António Costa, has outlined a €26.3bn 2030 National Investment Programme, which includes investing €10.51bn in 16 rail projects over the next decade.
Source: International Railway Journal
20 Nov 2020. Pakistan. Karachi Circular Railway section reinstated
The long-proposed resumption of services on part of the Karachi Circular Railway was celebrated with an inaugural train on 19 November.
Source: Railway Gazette
19 Nov 2020. Spain. Tango hydrogen train to be ready in 2023
Train manufacturer Talgo has announced that its hydrogen-powered train, called the Talgo Vittal-One, will be ready in 2023.
Source: H2 View
Jobs of the Week:
Senior Manager Telecommunications, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
Job ID#: 13125
Discipline: Telecommunications
Position Type: Contract
Language: English
Job Description
Our client is seeking a Senior Manager Telecommunications to support the Director Rail Systems in the management of the Railway Telecommunication Systems elements of the Backbone designs undertaken by Backbone Engineering Consultant and subsequent contractor design and delivery as part of a project. You will also be responsible for providing technical oversight of activities relating to rail Comms. The Senior Manager Comms reports to the Director Rail Systems.
Key Accountabilities & Activities:
* Leadership of the Railway Comms function for multiple modes for HSR, Freight and Metro
* Oversee the provision of Operational Telecommunications to define the systems required for the safe operation of trains in terms of:
o Trackside communications
o Traction Power Control Circuits
o Signalling circuits
o Alarms
o Condition Monitoring
o On-train operational communications
* Includes Data Transmission Network (DTN), telephony system, tunnel radio system, telecoms masts, Global System for Mobile Communications - Railway (GSM-R) and line of route security.
* Oversee the provision of the Data Transmission network, a dedicated fibre network connecting all locations to facilitate all communications needs to allow support of all systems, with transmission through a common and secure network to support public/passenger comms sized to support stations retail and their possible oversite developments.
Job Requirements
* Bachelor of Civil Engineering, Construction Management or equivalent qualification.
* Over 15 years of rail telecommunications design & construction experience.
* Over 5 years of rail telecommunication design & construction experience gained in the Gulf Region.
* Demonstrated track record of the delivery or supervision of complex and high-value rail infrastructure construction projects.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to effectively interact with a diverse group of individuals.
* Supporting the achievement of Comms, design assurance and acceptance with agreement from stakeholders in a timely way.
* Management of multiple internal external interfaces
* Management of Comms between multiple contractors.
Contact: Jackie Hendry (jackie@railpersonnel.com)
Design Manager Utilities, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
Job ID#: 13127
Discipline: Electrical
Position Type: Contract
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is seeking a Design Manager Utilities to be responsible for the Utility technical aspects of a project in Saudi Arabia.
Key Accountabilities & Activities:
Responsible for:
* The Utilities deliverables for the Backbone, including transmission networks and containment structures.
* Interface management between supply and end-user (the client and external).
* Management of land use approvals.
* The approval of design from concept to IFC.
* Managing the RFI process in timely schedule.
* Ensuring consultants are progressing design as per the schedule and have sufficient information ahead of requirement.
Also:
* Briefs the Line/Backbone PD on design issues and progress, assists in preparation of design reports.
* Identifies critical design decisions ahead of schedule.
* Ensures drawings and designs are completed on time and adhere to specifications and standards.
* Assist in the appointment of design consultants" scope of works, ensuring they are agreed and fully understood by all parties.
* Monitors the bid or proposal process for design to ensure organizational goals are met.
* Liaising with other teams including statutory approval design requirements.
* Making sure that design information is available to those who need it, when they need it.
* Maintaining thorough documentation of all processes.
* Assists in evaluation of Contractors Proposals, ensuring they are complete and unambiguous.
Job Requirements
* Degree or above in engineering
* 15 years + experience
* Excellent written and spoken English
* Knowledge and previous experience in KSA
* Technical experience in:
o Utility networks including utility corridors, culverts, chambers, etc
o Power transmission
o Water transmission, including tanks, pumping stations, etc (pressurised/gravity)
o Wastewater/sludge lines (pressurised/gravity)
o ICT networks
* Knowledgeable about principles of design, construction, engineering and building regulations.
* Organized, analytical with excellent problem-solving skills, proactive, good team player and able to meet tight deadlines.
* Experience in managing multiple design disciplines and projects.
* Ability to identify critical design decisions ahead of schedule.
* Experience in managing delivery of design, through a precontract schedule and construction phase, including design change process.
* Knowledge and experience in safety in design.
* Knowledge and experience in modularization and prefabrication design.
Contact: Jackie Hendry (jackie@railpersonnel.com)
Senior Manager Systems Integration, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
Job ID#: 13135
Discipline: Systems
Position Type: Contract
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is seeking a Senior Manager Systems Integration to assist with activities on a project in Saudi Arabia.
As the Senior System Integration Manager, you will:
* Support the Director Rail Systems in the management of the Rail Integration elements of the Backbone designs undertaken by Backbone Engineering Consultant and subsequent contractor design and delivery.
* To provide technical oversight of activities relating to rail systems integration. The Senior Manager Signalling reports to the Director Rail Systems.
* Manage the phasing, migration, integration, and acceptance of the railway
* Review the progress of Interface development to ensure timely and satisfactory resolution and provide support to contractors as necessary.
Key Accountabilities and Activities:
* Leadership of the Systems Integration function.
* Providing visible leadership and demonstrable commitment to Systems Integration principles demonstrating by the processes put in place;
* Accountable for identifying company wide Systems Integration issues.
* Keeping the Director Rail Systems informed of technical issues arising from Systems Integration works.
* Establish and develop Systems Integration processes and monitor performance against objectives.
* Liaise with the Executive Programme Management for Systems Integration related works.
* In order to identify the interfaces, System Architecture drawings are to be procured and these will form part of final Works Information.
Job Requirements
* Bachelor of Civil / Systems Engineering, or equivalent qualification.
* Over 15 years of Rail Systems Integration design / construction experience.
* Over 5 years of Rail Systems Integration design / construction experience gained in the Gulf Region.
* Demonstrated track record of the delivery or supervision of complex and high-value Rail Systems Integration design / construction projects.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to effectively interact with a diverse group of individuals.
* Supporting the achievement of design and construction Integration and acceptance with agreement from stakeholders in a timely way.
* Management of multiple internal and external interfaces
* Management of systems Integration between multiple contractors.
Contact: Jackie Hendry (jackie@railpersonnel.com)
Rail News
21 Nov 2020. Australia. Victoria unveils A$4bn plan for new train lines
Victoria has announced a major boost to Melbourne's transport system which could see travel times halved for people travelling from Geelong to the city. The new plans, which will form part of the state's upcoming budget, will see new transport lines for people in Geelong and tourists travelling to and from the airport. Premier Daniel Andrews said the government would allocate A$2bn on express rail links from Geelong into the city – matching the Federal government's A$2bn contribution to the project. The new train route is expected to halve travel time to just 15 minutes, making it the most direct rail line between Geelong and Melbourne. Construction of the Geelong Fast Rail is expected to be underway from 2023 however Mr Andrews said there was no specific end date to the project. Also announced today was the Airport Rail Link which will take travellers into Melbourne's CBD in less than 30 minutes. With construction due to start in 2022, the project is expected to create 8000 jobs.
Source: 9News
20 Nov 2020. UK. Isle of Wight receives first 'new' train for Island Line
The Isle of Wight has taken delivery of its first "new" train for 31 years under a £26m railway investment scheme. Five refurbished former London Underground trains will operate on Island Line from May 2021. The existing trains, built for the Tube system in 1938, have run on the route between Ryde and Shanklin since the late 1980s. Island Line will close from 4 January until the end of March for track and platform upgrades. The new trains, which formerly ran on London's District Line, incorporate 40-year-old body shells but have been refitted with new parts. The track upgrade will include a new passing loop at Bradding and enhancements to improve ride quality, operator South Western Railway said.
Source: BBC
20 Nov 2020. Portugal. 10-year rail investment plan announced
Prime Minister, Mr António Costa, has outlined a €26.3bn 2030 National Investment Programme, which includes investing €10.51bn in 16 rail projects over the next decade. This includes €4.5bn for the Lisbon – Porto high-speed line, which will have a travel time of 1h 15min; a new cross-border Porto – Vigo line with a one hour travel time; the modernisation and complete electrification of the network by 2030; an and increase in capacity in urban areas; and the replacement and purchase of new rolling stock. The first phase of the Porto – Valença – Vigo high-speed line, which has been allocated €900m, will reduce journey times between Porto and the Galicia region in Spain, increase the quality of long-distance services, free up capacity for suburban and freight traffic on the Minho line, and connect with Sá Carneiro Airport. The project will be constructed in stages, giving priority to the Braga – Valença section. Electrification of the national network has been allocated €740m. The programme will increase capacity, eliminate bottlenecks and allow trains of up to 750m to pass each other on some parts of the network.
Source: International Railway Journal
20 Nov 2020. Pakistan. Karachi Circular Railway section reinstated
The long-proposed resumption of services on part of the Karachi Circular Railway was celebrated with an inaugural train on 19 November. Pakistan Railways has reinstated a passenger service on an initial 14km of the 55km orbital route around the city, with was developed in the 1960s to facilitate travel between residential, industrial, business and educational areas. Ridership on the KCR peaked at six million passengers/year, before a deterioration in services, a culture of fare evasion and accusations of corruption involving competing road transport operators led to unsustainable losses. Services ceased in 1999. There will initially be four trains each way per day. Speeds on the reopened section of line are extremely low, with manual controls causing delays at level crossings. The government has allocated Rs1·8bn for the KCR revival project, of which Rs17m has so far been spent on clearing the first part of the route and refurbishing coaches at the Islamabad workshop.
Source: Railway Gazette
19 Nov 2020. Spain. Talgo hydrogen train to be ready in 2023
Train manufacturer Talgo has announced that its hydrogen-powered train will be ready in 2023. Called the Talgo Vittal-One, the train is powered by renewable energy sources which produce hydrogen that is stored and later used to power advanced propulsion systems based on fuel cells. The system is complemented with batteries that increase the acceleration available in the starts, taking advantage of the braking of the train to recharge. On-track hydrogen technology validation tests will be carried out in a first phase in 2021. After validation, hydrogen technology will be installed on the new train in a second manufacturing phase that will take place between 2021 and 2023.
Source: H2 View
19 Nov 2020. China. Bombardier’s JV wins contract to build 112 new high-speed trains
Bombardier Transportation’s Chinese joint venture, Bombardier Sifang (Qingdao) Transportation Ltd (BST) has been awarded a contract from China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. to supply 112 CR300AF cars – the new Chinese standard high-speed train car used for China’s evolving high-speed rail network. The 112 cars will be configured into fourteen 8-car trainsets with an operating speed of 250km/h. The contract is valued at approximately CYN1.6bn CNY (US$248m) Bombardier Transportation owns 50 per cent of the shares in BST, which is consolidated by Bombardier Transportation’s partner CRRC Sifang Rolling Stock Co., Ltd.. Among the 14 trainsets, 10 are for Fujian Fuping Railway Co., Ltd. and the remaining train-sets are for Guangdong Meizhou-Shantou Passenger Dedicated Line Co., Ltd. All 112 cars will be delivered by January 2021.
Source: Global Newswire
19 Nov 2020. Bangladesh. Systra selected for another Dhaka Metro project
Systra has been awarded another contract by the Dhaka Metro Mass Rapid Transit Company Limited (DMTCL). Systra’s teams in India will provide consulting services for detailed design, tender assistance and construction supervision for the Northern Route of Line-5 of the Dhaka Metro. Systra is working in partnership with several consultants and has the largest share in the project after the Japanese firm Nippon Koei Co. Ltd. The Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project is part of the Strategic Transport Plan, an initiative implemented by the Bangladeshi government’s Transport Coordination Authority. Systra was awarded two contracts for the Dhaka Metro Line-6 in 2018, followed by another contract for the Dhaka Metro Line-1 in 2019. The government aims to build five metro lines in the capital and surrounding area by 2030. The 20.1km MRT Line 6, the city’s first line, is expected to open in December 2021 to coincide with the country’s golden jubilee (50 years) of independence.
Source: Systra
17 Nov 2020. USA. FRA finalises on-time performance rule
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has published a final rule on performance metrics for passenger trains, addressing an issue that has been in limbo for over a decade. The rule sets forth metrics and a minimum standard measuring the performance and service quality of Amtrak trains, including metrics relating to on-time performance and train delays, customer service, and financial and public benefits. The rule is important for the freight rail industry because Amtrak uses portions of the Class I network in areas such as the Northeast and around Chicago.
Source: Freight Waves
17 Nov 2020. Eire. Synectics awarded contract to upgrade Irish Rail rolling stock
Synectics plc, a l UK-based security and surveillance systems company has been awarded a €1.3m contract with Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) to upgrade all MkIV InterCity rolling stock on the Dublin to Cork Intercity route to an IP-based video surveillance solution, following a competitive bid process. The contract will see Synectics develop and install an innovative, safety-critical IP video surveillance system that enables full connectivity from trains to the engineering depot and other operational locations. Installation is expected to commence in September 2021, to be followed by an additional support contract to provide a five-year in-territory maintenance programme.
Source: Synectics
17 Nov 2020. UK. No evidence of COVID on trains says GTR
London’s biggest rail operator has revealed that checks for COVID-19 on its fleet of trains had failed to find evidence of the virus. In the latest reassurance for commuters, Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) said a long-lasting anti-viral disinfectant appeared to keep surfaces clear of COVID for three weeks. The tests were carried out by independent organisations, with GTech Strategies taking swabs that were then analysed by Eurofins Scientific laboratory. Swabs were then taken from grab rails, tables, toilet handles, door buttons and the driver’s power-brake controllers, which are in constant use. The announcement comes after similar tests commissioned by Transport for London) have twice found no evidence of COVID on the “touch areas” on the Tube or bus networks.
Source: Evening Standard
17 Nov 2020. UK. British Steel establish rail R&D base in Rotherham
British Steel is enhancing its range of rail products and services by embarking on a multi-million-pound research and development (R&D) programme with engineers from the University of Sheffield. The company supplies the majority of the track laid in the UK and exports to major networks across the globe. Installed across two sites at the University's Faculty of Engineering and the R&D facility at the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham, state-of-the-art equipment will test steel that can be used to build new and improved railway infrastructures. The investments include machinery that will be able to simulate the contact between wheels and railway rails under a variety of different conditions, giving British Steel and the rail industry the ability to test new rails and sleepers more rapidly than could be achieved by trial installations on the network. Grinding maintenance machinery will also be available to British Steel and the rail industry via the University of Sheffield. Jingye Group, a leading Chinese steelmaker, completed the acquisition of British Steel's UK and Netherlands assets from the Official Receiver earlier this year.
Source: Rotherham Business News
17 Nov 2020. Croatia. Končar to supply 21 electric trains
HŽ Passenger Transport and Končar – Electric Vehicles have signed a contract for the sale of 21 commuter and regional electric trains worth HRK 844.7m (€112.62m), of which 85% comes from the EU’s Cohesion Fund and The first of the new electric trains for commuter transport will be delivered in 24 months, after which ten more such trains will be delivered, and be followed by the delivery of 10 regional trains. The deadline for the delivery of all trains is December 2023. The new trains will have low floors and be able to develop a speed of up to 160 kilometres per hour. The commuter trains will have 130 seats and standing room for 385 passengers, while the regional trains will have 209 seats and standing room for 222 passengers.
Source: Croatia Weekly
16 Nov 2020. Canada. The first REM car unveiled in Montreal
The Alstom-led consortium, Groupe des partenaires pour la mobilité des Montréalais (Groupe PMM), participated in the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) project office’s unveiling of the first cars that will carry passengers on the REM in Greater Montreal. To date, Alstom has delivered four cars to Montreal. The cars will form a single uninterrupted train for passengers, serving the mobility of Greater Montreal. The exterior livery, chosen by the public, was inspired by the Samuel-De Champlain Bridge and was designed to blend into the Montreal environment. Alstom is supplying REM with not only 212 Metropolis cars, or 106 trains, but also Alstom’s automated and driverless Urbalis 400 communication-based train control (CBTC) solution, an Alstom Iconis control centre, as well as platform screen doors and depot equipment for this fully automated light-metro system.
Source: Alstom
16 Nov 2020. Germany. DB to convert lighting systems to sustainable LED lamps
As part of its efforts to achieve its 2050 sustainability target, Deutsche Bahn (DB) is swapping its incandescent lamps for LED lamps. Thousands of light bulbs in trains, factories and stations are gradually being replaced by the greener LED lamps. Over 60,000 signal lights and the lights at around 900 train stations have already been replaced, which means that around 80 per cent of the backlit station signs, 60 per cent of the signage systems and half of the illuminated showcases and weather shelters are now benefitting from LED technology. As a result of these changes, DB will save around 4,000 tonnes per year of CO2 at the 900 stations alone. Due to the significantly longer service life of LEDs – between five and more than 10 years – energy efficiency increases many times over. In addition, DB will achieve savings in both raw materials and financial budget.
Source: Global Railway Review
16 Nov 2020. Australia. Melbourne's new Suburban Rail Loop to start at Cheltenham
Melbourne's future Suburban Rail Loop will begin at Southland Shopping Centre, which is one of six new train station locations picked by the Victorian Government for the project. Next week's budget will include A$2.2bn for early works for the first 26 kilometres of the project. The full project aims to eventually link every major train line between Frankston and Werribee, via Melbourne Airport. No date has been set for completion, but the money announced today will allow early works to begin in 2022. Stations will be built next to Monash and Deakin universities, while a new station at Clayton will serve as interchange with V/Line services and Cranbourne-Pakenham trains. Despite the eye-watering bill for the early works, the Government has not revealed how much the total project will cost, saying a full cost analysis is still underway.
Source: ABC News
13 Nov 2020. USA. AECOM awarded TEXRail extension project
AECOM has been selected by Trinity Metro to conduct the environmental assessment and preliminary engineering for the TEXRail extension project. Trinity Metro plans to extend the commuter rail line south from downtown Fort Worth, Texas, connecting the Fort Worth T&P Station to the future TEXRail station in the Fort Worth Medical District. The extension will serve the more than 40,000 people who work in the fast-growing Medical District, plus residents and businesses in the surrounding Near Southside neighbourhood. The TEXRail commuter rail line opened in January 2019 and extends northeast for 27 miles between downtown Fort Worth and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport’s Terminal B. As project consultant, AECOM’s role will include a study to review the environmental impact of the project. AECOM will prepare the preliminary engineering plans, environmental documentation and support public outreach consistent with all Federal Transit Administration and National Environmental Policy Act requirements.
Source: AECOM
12 Nov 2020. USA. Cummins to open new European facility
Columbus-based Cummins Inc. is expanding its global footprint as it increases development of hydrogen fuel cell systems for the rail industry. The company has announced plans to open a new production facility in Herten, Germany, which will focus on the assembly of fuel cell systems for hydrogen-powered trains. Partnering with Alstom, which has already launched hydrogen-powered trains in test markets across Europe. the trains use on-board fuel cells to convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, thereby reducing operating emissions to zero. The company says the new facility will include space for both manufacturing and research and development, with plans to expand in the future to support fuel cell stack refurbishment. The new plant is scheduled to open next July.
Source: Inside Indiana Business
10 Nov 2020. France. Alstom to supply 13 additional tram-trains to Paris
Alstom has received an order to supply 13 additional Citadis Dualis tram-trains to Île-de-France Mobilités and Transilien SNCF, for the sum of approximately €70m. Île-de-France Mobilités will cover 100% of the investment cost of these trains. In total, 11 trains are destined for line T4 (Bondy/Aulnay-sous-Bois and Montfermeil Hospital), and 2 trains for line T12 (Massy/Evry). This exercise of options is part of the tram-train contract signed in 2007 with Transilien SNCF for the delivery of up to 200 tram-trains. To date, 78 Citadis Dualis tram-trains are in operation in France. This includes 30 in Île-de-France, 24 in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and 24 in Pays-de-la-Loire. In Europe, more than 200 Alstom tram-trains (Citadis Dualis and Regio Citadis) have already been sold, covering more than 50 million kilometres
Source: Alstom
