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Three years after it was launched, the results and recommendations of Ferrmed’s global study detailing its great axis railfreight network are ready for consideration by the European Commission. Kevin Smith was at the 3rd Ferrmed Conference in Barcelona to hear insights into the project’s potential impact on future European freight transport.

 

THE decision by the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) to wheel out its big hitters at the European Parliament in Brussels last month to argue the case for more stable funding of railways was commendable. While the five CEOs chosen for the task put the case forcefully, unfortunately the exercise also revealed a deepening schism between Europe’s state-owned railways on the future of liberalisation and its consequences for rail transport.

 

A DELEGATION from the Mayoralty of Baghdad visited the head office of engineering consultancy Systra in Paris this week to discuss plans for the first two metro lines in the Iraqi capital. The delegation was lead by vice-mayor Mr Ibrahim Hussein, who was received by Systra managing director Mr Philippe Citroën for three days of talks on the project.

THREE-and-a-half years after the island's 345km north-south high-speed line opened for business, Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation (THSRC) has announced its first ever net operating profit. At its annual shareholders' meeting on June 23, THSRC reported operating revenues for 2009 of $NT 23.3 billion ($US 728.8 million) and a net operating income of $NT 5.6 billion. Operating revenues rose by 1.2%, while operating costs, excluding amortisation and depreciation, fell by 7.5%.

THE state government of Western Australia has approved plans for a 300km heavy-haul line linking a new iron-ore mine at Roy Hill with Port Hedland bulk export terminal.

THE British government invited bids on June 21 for the sale of High Speed One (HS1), the wholly-owned subsidiary of London & Continental Railways which has a 30-year concession to operate and maintain the high-speed line between London and the Channel Tunnel.

 

RAILWAYS, road authorities, government agencies, police forces, and railway associations in 45 countries have joined forces to raise awareness of the danger posed by road users taking unnecessary risks at level crossings. Despite numerous campaigns around the world, too many motorists and pedestrians are killed and injured each year at level crossings.

ITALY'S track authority Italian Railway Network (RFI) has awarded Ansaldo STS a Euros 43.7 million contract to upgrade signalling and communications systems in the Genoa area.

SHAREHOLDERS at British train and bus operator Arriva have voted in favour of German Rail's (DB) £1.6 billion offer for the company which was submitted in April. Subject to approval by the competent antitrust authorities, the deal is expected to officially go through by the end of August.

BRITISH track authority Network Rail (NR) is looking for a new chief executive following today's announcement that Mr Iain Coucher will step down.