Dear Readers
We are pleased to be supporting Africa Rail 2026 which will take place from 7-8 July 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Built on 25 years of history, Africa Rail is the largest and most established rail event in Africa and the meeting place for all customers looking to do business in the rail, freight and transport space. The event will host over 150 industry leading speakers, who will leave you inspired and full of actionable tactics that you can apply to your day-to-day routine. The exhibition is a once-a-year opportunity to meet and do business with new and existing customers. It provides access into Africa’s railway markets that are traditionally difficult to penetrate, but most importantly the show allows sponsors and exhibitors to meet real buyers.
For more information and to register to attend, click here
Our Jobs of the Week this week are in the Philippines where we are looking for a Contract Manager and Contract Specialist.
Best Regards
Rail Personnel
Rail News
The Department of Transportation (DoTr) is targeting the award of the Philippine Automated Fare Collection System (PAFCS) concession contract by the fourth quarter of 2026. The bidding process for the project is expected to commence in the third quarter under the public-private partnership programme. The project has an estimated cost of approximately PHP9.5 billion, subject to approval by the Investment Coordination Committee.
Source: Southeast Asia Infrastructure
Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager has signed rail access agreements with 11 train operating companies that have been awarded capacity on the national network. TRIM was established to manage and maintain the 1 067 mm gauge national network, unbundled from incumbent operator Transnet Freight Rail Operating Company. The signing of the rail access agreements on May 13 ‘represents more than just slot allocation, it signals the creation of a functional and competitive rail marketplace’, said TRIM Chief Executive Moshe Motlohi. ‘We have moved from policy design to practical implementation, enabling real private sector participation and investment in rail.’
Source: Railway Gazette
M Group has been awarded a major five‑year contract by Transport for London (TfL) to deliver the maintenance of bridges and civil structures across the London Underground network, following a competitive procurement process. The contract, which commenced on 8 April 2026, includes an option to extend for a further three years, potentially running through to March 2034. The award reinforces M Group’s position as a trusted partner in the delivery and stewardship of safety‑critical rail infrastructure.
Source: Rail Technology Magazine
20 May 2026. Mexico. Hitachi Rail to Develop Railway Systems for Mexican Corridor
Hitachi Rail has signed a contract to design, develop, supply, install and commission the railway systems of the Saltillo–Nuevo Laredo corridor in Mexico. The contract, valued at 168 million EUR, forms part of the Mexican Government’s programme to reactivate and expand passenger rail transport across the country, as well as boost regional economic development.
Source: Railway News
19 May 2026. Malaysia. Malaysia approves RM10 billion E-ART project for Johor Bahru
Malaysia’s Cabinet has approved the RM10 billion Elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit (E-ART) project aimed at easing traffic congestion in Johor Bahru. Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that the federal government required time to review the project due to its significant investment value before granting approval. The proposed E-ART system is intended to improve urban mobility and disperse traffic congestion within Johor Bahru, particularly ahead of the commencement of operations for the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link in 2027.
Source: Southeast Asia Infrastructure
19 May 2026. United Kingdom. Northern City Line celebrates one year of digital signalling
The Northern City Line (NCL), between Finsbury Park and Moorgate in the City of London, today (Tuesday 19 May) celebrates one year since its physical lineside signals were removed. The NCL became Britain’s first ‘no signals’ commuter railway in May 2025, and since then almost 70,000 train services have been operated by Great Northern using digital in-cab signalling.
Source: Rail UK
At last week’s USHSR Conference, Ian Choudri, CEO of the California High-Speed Rail Authority, provided a project update focused on construction delivery, procurement reform, and private-sector partnerships. Earlier this month, the project proposed key changes to construction sequencing, funding strategy and delivery timelines to allow key tunnel sections towards San Francisco and Los Angeles to begin before completion of the currently mandated Central Valley segment.
Source: Railway News
18 May 2026. Kazakhstan. President opens Astana automated light metro line
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was issued ticket number 001 when he travelled from the airport to Ulttyk Museum to inaugurate Astana Light Rail Transit Line 1 on May 16. Tokayev said the opening was an event of special significance for Astana and for Kazakhstan, saying ‘the capital should eventually develop into a transport hub of Eurasia.’ The 22.4 km LRT Line 1 is an automated light metro rather than a light rail line. The 1 520 mm gauge route is designed for a maximum speed of 80 km/h and fully segregated from road traffic, with 11 stops at ground level and seven elevated.
Source: Railway Gazette
Job of the Week
Contract Specialist, Manila, Philippines
Job ID#: 15418
Discipline: Claims
Job Description:
Our client is looking for an experienced Contracts Specialist to assist then in managing their contract on the Manila Metro by providing:
-Strategic Dispute Resolution Advisory by providing expert guidance on the resolution of complex contractual disputes through detailed analysis, negotiated strategies and ADR mechanisms to support the Contract Manager in minimizing conflict escalation.
- Clams Management Oversight by leading the review and evaluation of contractor and subcontractor claims. Assess entitlement, validity, and potential impacts, recommend resolution strategies aligned with contract provisions.
- Contractual Compliance and Risk Mitigation by ensuring adherence to contract obligations related to claims and disputes. Identify risks, recurring issues and non-compliance to support pro-active mitigation.
- Documentation Management and Executive Reporting by maintaining structured records of disputes and claims. Prepare analytical summaries and high-level reports for management decision-making and continuous improvement.
Job Requirements:
Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or Law.
- Master's degree or specialization in International Arbitration or dispute resolution preferred.
- Legal practicing certificate or bar admission may be required depending on jurisdiction.
Experience
- 5+ years of experience in arbitration, litigation, claims management, or dispute resolution.
- Demonstrated proficiency in FIDIC contracts, forensic schedule analysis, and quantum assessments
- Experience handling commercial, construction, energy, infrastructure, or international disputes preferred.
- Familiarity with arbitration institutions and procedures
Technical Skills
- Arbitration procedures and case management
- Contract interpretation and legal drafting
- Negotiation and mediation techniques
- Risk assessment and claims analysis
- Legal research and documentation
- Knowledge of domestic and international arbitration laws
Soft Skills
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong negotiation and communication abilities
- Attention to detail
- High ethical and professional standards
- Ability to work under pressure and manage sensitive disputes
- Stakeholder management and interpersonal skills
Preferred Competencies
- Experience in construction or infrastructure arbitration
- Multilingual communication skills
- Strategic thinking and conflict management
- Financial and damages analysis capability
Contact: David Hyland (davidh@railpersonnel.com)
Contract Manager, Manila, Philippines
Job ID#: 15419
Discipline: Contracts
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is looking for an experienced Contracts Manager to manage one of the major contracts for work on the Manila Metro.
- Lead contract administration including management of variations, claims, and contractual correspondence.
- Contract Compliance Management by ensuring full adherence to all contractual terms and conditions.
- Monitor financial aspects such as budgets, expenditures, and payments to ensure accountability and transparency.
- Participate in contract negotiations and variation discussions to secure fair and equitable outcomes.
- Maintain comprehensive records of contracts, amendments, and correspondences, ensuring accurate and timely reporting to the Employer.
- Serve as the primary liaison between the client, contractors, and consultants for all contractual matters relating to the contract.
Job Requirements:
- Degree qualified
- Ideally with legal and contracts background
- Minimum 10 years of experience in contract claims resolution on major contracts both during pre-construction and construction
- Experience in resolving claims issues related to program delay
- Can demonstrate how he or she has been able to recognise Project trouble spots and devise ways and means to overcome them
Contact: David Hyland (davidh@railpersonnel.com)
