Dear Readers
The RISSB Rail Safety Conference will take place on the 13th to 14th May 2025 at the Swissotel in Sydney, Australia.
Bringing together operators, manufacturers, contractors, and government stakeholders, the 25th RISSB Rail Safety Conference 2025 will feature keynotes, case studies, and interactive industry panels to showcase and explore the best practices shaping the changes, challenges, and opportunities ahead.
For more information and to register to attend, please visit: https://www.informa.com.au/event/conference/transport-logistics/rissb-rail-safety-conference/
Our Job of the Week this week is in the Philippines. We are looking for a Contract Manager to assist with their activities on the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) Phase 1 (Valenzuela to Paranaque).
Best Regards
Rail Personnel
Rail News
5 May 2025. Colombia. Medellín’s ‘Metro de la 80’ makes progress
Siemens Mobility has selected Spanish company GMV to supply service planning and vehicle location technology for the Metro de la 80 light rail project in Medellín. Metro de la 80, also known as Ecociudad Line E or the Pink Line, is being built by the Metro de la 80 consortiums, which comprises main suppliers CRRC (rolling stock) and Mota-Engil (civil works) with Ineo Urban Transportation Solutions (telematics) and Siemens Mobility (power supplies and signalling).
Source: Metro Report International
The West Seattle Link Extension is expected to serve over 24,000 daily riders and cut travel times between Alaska Junction and Westlake by 50%. The US Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has issued a record of decision for the West Seattle Link Extension project, enabling Sound Transit to progress to the design phase.
The development of the 4.1-mile light rail extension was approved by voters in 2016 as part of the Sound Transit 3 (ST3) plan.
Source: Railway Technology
The Metro Line 7 concessionaire SMC MRT-7 Corp signed a 150bn won, 10-year contract with South Korea’s national operator Korail on April 22 for the operation and maintenance of Manila Metro Line 7. SMC MRT-7 Corp is a wholly owned subsidiary of brewing, infrastructure and energy conglomerate San Miguel Corp and holds the concession to build Line 7 and manage the assets for 35 years. The contract also covers carrying out test running, procurement of spare parts, and the deployment of various operational IT systems.
Source: Metro Report International
1 May 2025. Slovakia. Stadler wins $114m contract to supply new KISS trains to Slovakia
The first new KISS unit is set to enter service by late 2026, with the second following in 2027. Stadler has secured a new contract worth €100m ($113.6m) from the Slovak state-owned passenger train company Zeleznicna spoločnost Slovensko (ZSSK) to deliver four KISS double-decker trains. Additionally, the contract includes an option for ZSSK to acquire two more trains in the future. The first of the new KISS units is expected to enter service by the end of 2026, followed by the second in 2027. These trains will primarily operate on the route connecting Bratislava and Zilina.
Source: Railway Technology
30 April 2025. Australia. Inland Rail unveils upgrades
Detailed designs for two major infrastructure upgrades near Broadford have been released, giving engineers and contractors a clearer view of the next phase of Inland Rail’s Beveridge to Albury section. The project will see tracks lowered under the Hume Freeway at Tallarook and Seymour, and the full replacement of the Marchbanks Road bridge – upgrades needed to accommodate double-stacked freight trains along the north-south freight corridor. Tracks will be lowered between 1.5 and 2.1 metres beneath freeway overpasses to achieve the required clearance.
Source: Infrastructure Magazine
30 April 2025. Malaysia. Hitachi Rail Signs MoU with Prasarana
Hitachi Rail has announced the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malaysian public transport operator, Prasarana. The MoU focuses on the overall enhancement of the operation and maintenance of Hitachi Rail’s SelTrac™ signalling technology, fostering local talent development and collaborations on potential projects in both the domestic and international rail markets. Further initiatives under the Understanding include the development of new digital tools for predictive maintenance and operational efficiency, as well as joint R&D collaborations for sustainable railway engineering projects.
Source: Railway News
29 April 2025. United Kingdom. London St. Pancras High Speed unveils £300 million renewals programme
London St. Pancras High Speed has announced a major £300 million investment in infrastructure renewals over the next five years, covering its Control Period 4 (CP4), which runs from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2030. As part of the programme, £4 million will be dedicated to research and development to trial innovative technologies to improve asset renewal efficiency and monitoring, including systems for remote condition surveillance. Ahead of each new control period, the condition and performance of assets are assessed and used to develop strategies for asset renewal over the next 40 years.
Source: Rail UK
Job of the Week
Contract Manager, Manila, Philippines
Job ID#: 15086
Discipline: Contracts
Position Type: Contract
Language: English
Positions Available: 2
Job Description:
Our client is seeking a Contracts Manager to assist with their activities on the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) Phase 1 (Valenzuela to Paranaque).
seeks
Job Description:
1. Overall Contract Management
2. Contract Compliance: Ensuring that all parties involved adhere to the terms and conditions outlined in the contract.
3. Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating potential risks associated with contracts, such as legal or financial risks.
4. Financial Management: Monitoring budgetary aspects of contracts, including tracking expenses, invoicing, and payments.
5. Contract Negotiation: Participating in negotiations to secure favorable terms and conditions for the organization.
6. Performance Monitoring: Evaluating contractor performance against established KPIs and taking corrective actions when necessary.
7. Dispute Resolution: Handling disputes or conflicts that may arise during the contract period, seeking resolutions that align with contract terms.
8. Documentation and Reporting: Maintaining accurate records of contracts, amendments, and related correspondence, and preparing reports for management review.
9. Stakeholder Communication: Collaborating with internal stakeholders, legal teams, and external parties to ensure effective contract management and compliance.
Job Requirements:
- Degree
- Minimum 15 years of experience in contract management
- Can demonstrate how he or she has been able to recognize Project trouble spots and devise ways and means to overcome them
Contact: David Hyland (davidh@railpersonnel.com)
