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THE President of the United States Barack Obama and vice-president Joe Biden have revealed details of the projects set to benefit from a $US 8 billion federal investment in intercity passenger rail, including the country's first true high-speed lines.

RUSSIAN Railways (RZD) says that the contingency plans it introduced at the end of last year eased the impact of the financial downturn while its continued investment strategies have placed it in a strong position for future growth.

 

CANADIAN Pacific (CP) has posted an increase in full-year profits, despite the effects of the economic crisis which caused a substantial decline in revenues.

GERMAN RAIL (DB) has revealed Siemens is the preferred bidder to provide its next-generation ICx fleet of intercity trains. DB CEO Mr Rüdige Grube confirmed exclusive negotiations will now begin with the aim of signing a framework contract for up to 300 trains in June. Grube has previously said that if all options are exercised, the deal could be worth up to Euros 6 billion.

 

A demonstration light rail line serving Winter Olympic sites in Vancouver was inaugurated on January 21 by the Mayor of Vancouver Mr Gregor Robertson and Mr Raymond Bachant, president of Bombardier Transportation North America. The 1.8km line links Granville Street with Olympic Village station on the Skytrain Canada Line, and will operate 18 hours a day, seven days a week, until March 21.

HUNGARIAN State Railways (MÁV) subsidiary MÁV Traction has signed a Euros 80 million contract with Bombardier for 25 Traxx P160 ac electric locomotives, with an option for a further 25 locomotives.

PASSENGER numbers on Eurostar services from London to Paris and Brussels reached record levels last year, despite the economic downturn and suspension of services for two days last month following the failure of five trains in the Channel Tunnel.

DANISH State Railways' (DSB) is launching a programme of modifications to its mainline diesel fleet in an effort to reduce emissions. DSB has ordered fuel-efficient emissions kits from EMD, United States, for half of its fleet of 36 class ME locomotives, which were originally supplied by Henschel between 1981 and 1986.

AUSTRIAN Federal Railways (ÖBB) has awarded Alstom a Euros 90 million contract to supply its European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) based Atlas onboard train control system, which will be installed on 449 locomotives and driving trailers. Alstom will also provide Specific Transmission Modules (STMs) to allow the converted vehicles to operate in neighbouring countries.

BRITISH passenger operator Chiltern Railways is to go ahead with a £250 million project to expand and upgrade its network after the government approved a 7.5 year extension to the company's 12.5 year franchise.