Dear Readers
We are pleased to be supporting RailwayTech Indonesia which will take place from 28 – 30 July 2026 at JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Returning in its 8th edition, Railwaytech Indonesia 2026 will be hosted by MASKA (Indonesia Railway Society) and supported by Indonesian Ministry of Transportation. As a global B2B and B2G railway event, the exhibition will be the golden opportunity for professional to interact with pioneering industry players, discuss business matters, and find the latest information in the relevant industry.
Railwaytech Indonesia 2026 is the most prospective event for the entire rail transport ecosystem in the Southeast Asia. The exhibition will highlight rail infrastructure, railway technology, rolling stock manufacture, rail operator, signaling & control system, passenger service and components & parts.
For more information and to register to attend, visit: https://www.railwaytech-indonesia.com/
Our Jobs of the Week this week are in the UAE where we are looking for a Bus Operations Manager to work in Abu Dhabi and a Chief Engineer, Rail Rolling Stock Maintenance to work in Dubai.
Best regards
Rail Personnel
Rail News
7 July 2026. Philippines. Marcos OKs LRT-1 common station, 3 other projects
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday approved the variation order for the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) South Extension Project, and other key initiatives aimed at expanding skills training and employment opportunities, strengthening the country’s clean energy sector, and enhancing disaster resilience, Malacañang said Tuesday. The President, who chairs the Economy and Development (ED) Council, gave the green light to the projects during their meeting in Malacañang.
Source: Manila Times
7 July 2026. United Kingdom. HS2’s reveals first completed ‘green’ tunnel
The first completed cut and cover tunnel on Britain’s new high-speed railway has been revealed at a site on London’s western periphery. HS2’s 880-metre Copthall ‘green’ tunnel near West Ruislip has been created using 1.2 million cubic metres of material excavated during construction of the line’s nearby twin-bore Northolt tunnel. Originally planned as an open cutting, engineers opted for a cut and cover design. The decision enabled the Northolt tunnel material to be kept on site – negating the need to transport it elsewhere by road in an operation that would have resulted in around 100,000 truck movements.
Source: Rail UK
6 July 2026. Australia. First train arrives for Western Sydney Airport metro
The first train for the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport Line has arrived in Sydney, marking a major milestone ahead of passenger services commencing. The three-carriage train travelled more than 23,000 kilometres from Vienna before arriving at Port Kembla, where it was transported to Sydney Metro’s new Stabling and Maintenance Facility at Orchard Hills for assembly. Purpose-built for airport passengers, the new trains feature wider accessible aisles.
Source: Infrastructure Magazine
6 July 2026. United Kingdom. UK Aims to Mirror Japan’s Bullet Train Success as HS2 Reset Gains Pace
The UK Government is stepping up efforts to reposition HS2 as a world-class high-speed railway, drawing direct inspiration from Japan’s renowned Shinkansen network. Following a recent visit to Japan, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has set out a renewed ambition to deliver a faster, more efficient HS2—both in performance and delivery. During her trip, the Transport Secretary travelled onboard the Shinkansen between Tokyo and Osaka, gaining first-hand experience of the operational excellence that has defined Japan’s high-speed rail system for decades.
Source: Rail Technology Magazine
4 July 2026. India. AECOM India-Nippon Koei JV wins general consultancy contract of Thane Metro
Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro) has awarded the General Consultant contract for the Thane Integral Ring Metro Project to an AECOM-led consortium. The consortium includes AECOM India Private Limited and Nippon Koei India Private Limited. The estimated cost of the contract is Rs 179.86 cr (excluding GST). The Thane Integral Ring Metro is a 29 km urban transit project planned to improve public transport and reduce traffic issues in Thane.
Source: Metro Rail News
3 July 2026. Brazil. São Paulo Opens First Section of Line 6-Orange Metro Line
Commercial operations have commenced on the first section of São Paulo’s Line 6-Orange metro, with trains manufactured at Alstom’s facility in Taubaté, Brazil. The newly opened section runs between Brasilândia and Perdizes and forms part of a public-private partnership between the São Paulo State Government and the Linha Universidade concessionaire. The launch represents the first phase of a metro line designed to improve public transport links across the city.
Source: Railway News
3 July 2026. Malaysia. Malaysia’s proposed e-ART system to complement RTS Link
The Government of Malaysia has announced plans to develop an elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit (e-ART) system in Johor Bahru to complement the Johor–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, which is scheduled to commence operations in January 2027. The proposed e-ART network is intended to improve last-mile connectivity from Bukit Chagar Station, helping to distribute passengers travelling to key destinations such as Skudai, Iskandar Puteri, Tebrau and Pasir Gudang while reducing traffic congestion in the city.
Source: Southeast Asia Infrastructure
3 July 2026. Kyrgyzstan. President launches work on Kyrgyz railway project
President Sadyr Zhaparov has installed a time capsule to mark the start of construction of the 86 km Balykchy – Tamchy – Cholpon-Ata railway along the north shore of the Issyk-Kul lake. This will provide a link to Issyk-Kul International Airport, where a modern transport and logistics hub is to be established. Other large-scale investment initiatives are currently being implemented on the shores of the lake. The construction of the railway is expected to create more than 400 jobs, and once the railway is operational it will provide over 200 permanent jobs.
Source: Railway Gazette
2 July 2026. Philippines. Finally on track: San Miguel’s MRT-7 targets partial opening in Q2 2027
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) expects to partially open the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) by the second quarter of 2027, with the first 12 stations scheduled to begin operations.
“We are advancing MRT-7, a 22-kilometer line connecting North Avenue in Quezon City to Bulacan. Travel time will be cut from up to three hours to just 35 minutes,” Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said. “We expect to commence operations for its first 12 stations by the second quarter of next year.”
Source: Bilyonaryo
Alstom has marked a major milestone in Australian rail manufacturing with the successful introduction of the first Australind train into passenger service for the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia. The new train, named Marley, completed its inaugural passenger journey on 29th June, travelling from Perth to Bunbury in approximately two and a half hours. The launch concluded with a large-scale community event in Bunbury, underscoring the significance of the project for the region.
Source: Rail Technology Magazine
Job of the Week
Bus Operations Manager, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Job ID#: 15452
Discipline: Transportation
Language: Arabic, English
Job Description:
Our client is seeking a Bus Operations Manager to provide strategic and operational expertise to support the successful transfer of bus and ART operations from ITC to the client. The role involves planning, coordinating, and overseeing all aspects of the transition process, including service continuity, asset handover, contractual realignment, operational integration, and regulatory compliance. The position will ensure the development of a high-performing, customer-focused public transport service aligned with the client's long-term transport strategy.
This role is based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and candidates should preferably be fluent in Arabic.
Accountability Areas:
Strategic and Operational Leadership
* Develop and execute a comprehensive transition plan for bus and ART operations from ITC to the client.
* Advise senior leadership on the structure, staffing, and operating model for bus and ART operations under the company.
* Align transition activities with the client's strategic objectives and the Emirate's multimodal transport vision.
Operational Transition and Integration
* Coordinate with ITC, client departments, and third-party operators to ensure smooth transfer of operational control.
* Ensure minimal disruption to public transport services throughout the transition period.
Regulatory and Contractual Management
* Preparation and lead in future tenders for Bus and ART-related activities.
* Support the review and transfer of service contracts, operating agreements, and third-party vendor relationships.
* Liaise with legal and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with local transport laws and permits.
* Ensure all bus and ART operations meet safety, environmental, and performance standards.
Stakeholder Engagement
* Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including ITC, DMT, transport operators, and community groups.
* Represent the client in technical and operational discussions, workshops, and public forums related to bus and ART services.
Job Requirements:
* Education: Bachelor's degree in Transport Planning, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field.
* Specialization: Transport planning, Bus and ART Operations
* Experience: Minimum 15 years of experience in bus and ART operations, public transport management, or service transition in a government or private sector transport agency.
Contact: Jackie Hendry (jackie@railpersonnel.com)
Chief Engineer, Rail Rolling Stock Maintenance, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Job ID#: 15425
Discipline: Rolling Stock
Language: English, Arabic
Job Description:
Our client is seeking a Chief Engineer, Rail Rolling Stock Maintenance to lead planning, oversight, and compliance of Dubai Metro rolling stock maintenance and delivery programs. Ensure safety, performance, and integration with the client's standards. Govern contractor execution, testing, and lifecycle optimization to sustain reliable service.
Roles and Responsibilities
Accountabilities:
Strategy
* Develop rolling stock maintenance strategies with KPIs and optimisation initiatives aligned to operational and strategic objectives.
* Support the preparation of functional requirements and technical specifications for rolling stock and associated procurements.
* Provide technical expertise in tender evaluations, apply value engineering principles, and oversee contractor performance on projects.
* Supervise all technical systems related to rolling stock and mass transit maintenance, ensuring system sustainability and integration with internal and external platforms.
* Maintain risk register, oversee hazard mitigation measures, verify safety cases, and manage variations/claims related to rolling stock and associated systems.
Operations
* Monitor rolling stock maintenance contracts to ensure quality, compliance, and timely execution of preventive and corrective maintenance programmes.
* Review and evaluate contractor submissions related to design, installation, and maintenance of subsystems including HVAC, propulsion, brakes, TCMS, and doors.
* Coordinate cross-functional interfaces involving signalling, SCADA, power, depot, and communications to ensure seamless implementation and serviceability.
* Lead and supervise Factory and Site Acceptance Testing activities; oversee commissioning, technical inspections, and quality assurance for assets.
Job Requirements:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree/master's degree in engineering (Required)
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or rail systems engineering; master's degree in transportation Engineering or maintenance management (Preferred)
Experience:
- 3+ years in case of master's degree (5+ years in case of bachelor's degree) (Required)
- 6-8 years of experience (Preferred)
Must be an Arabic Speaker
Contact: Jackie Hendry (jackie@railpersonnel.com)
