About the author

David Briginshaw

David Briginshaw joined IRJ in 1982 as associate editor, and was appointed editor-in-chief in 2001. He has travelled the world extensively interviewing many of the CEOs and senior managers of the world's railways and transit systems which has given him an in-depth knowledge of the global railway industry. David Briginshaw is currently consulting editor and associate publisher of IRJ.

November 6, 2013 | Australia/NZ

New Australian government sets out rail priorities

Australia's new federal government has already approved the Inland Rail project since it came to power in September as part of its commitment to invest in infrastructure. As David Briginshaw reports, this welcome news should help to allay some fears about the new government's intentions towards rail.

November 4, 2013 | David Briginshaw

Clear thinking needed to maximise infrastructure investment benefits

TWO reports this month from Australia and Europe regarding additional infrastructure investment should give heart to the rail industry, but they also highlight the differing attitudes to investment around the world, the way projects are funded and the importance of setting clear objectives for capital projects.

November 1, 2013 | Europe

European Rail Timetable to be re-launched in February

THOMAS Cook, which published the European Rail Timetable from 1873 until August 2013, has reached agreement with a member of the former editorial team to transfer the publishing rights so that publication of the timetable can restart in February 2014.

October 31, 2013 | Financial

Britain’s ORR determines Network Rail five-year plan

BRITAIN's Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has concluded its review of Network Rail's (NR) five-year plan covering the period 2014-2019 and says it will receive more than £21bn to run the national network and will be allowed to invest £12bn.

October 28, 2013 | Europe

Storm disrupts rail travel in Britain and the Netherlands

TRAIN services have been disrupted by a severe storm with winds gusting at up to 159km/h which swept across southern England in the early hours of October 28 before heading to the Netherlands en route to Denmark where it was expected to arrive later today.

October 28, 2013 | North America

Boston to replace metro train fleets

MASSACHUSETTS Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has issued requests for proposals to replace the 44-year old trains on its Red Line and the 32-year old cars on its Orange Line at a cost of around $US 1.3bn.

October 25, 2013 | Main line

British government launches East Coast franchise competition

BRITAIN's Department for Transport (DfT) has issued an invitation for operators to qualify to bid for the InterCity East Coast franchise, which will be let for eight or nine years with a possible two-year extension at the DfT's discretion.

October 24, 2013 | Track

Plasser reveals new universal tamper for Britain

PLASSER & Theurer exhibited a new Unimat 09-4x4/4S Dynamic universal tamping machine at an open day held on October 23 at Plasser UK's maintenance depot in West London. The machine will be operated by SB Rail, Britain.

October 14, 2013 | Rolling stock

Prasa finalises $US 5bn emu contract with Alstom JV

PASSENGER Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) has signed a Rand 51bn ($US 5bn) contract with the Gibela joint venture led by Alstom to supply 3600 cars to be formed into 600 emus during a 10-year period, plus spare parts for 18 years. Financial closure of the contract is expected in December.

October 14, 2013 | Africa

South African leasing company orders Vossloh locomotives

SWIFAMBO Rail Leasing, South Africa, has awarded a €250m contract to Vossloh for 70 electro-diesel passenger locomotives which will be leased to the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) to haul passenger trains. The contract includes options for a minimum of 10 additional units as well as to maintain the fleet.