About the author

Keith Barrow

Keith Barrow joined IRJ as News Editor in 2006 and was promoted to Associate Editor in 2008. He was previously editor of employee publications for the Welsh Assembly Government, G4S, and Thomsonfly, and has written for a range of other publications including the Derby Telegraph. He graduated from Lincoln University in 2002 with a degree in journalism.

April 21, 2017 | Financial

SNC-Lavalin to acquire Atkins

SNC-LAVALIN announced on April 20 that it has reached an agreement with WS Atkins to acquire the company’s entire share capital at £20.80 per share, representing an aggregate cash consideration of £2.1bn.

April 21, 2017 | Commuter Rail

Metra to order new locomotives and coaches

THE board of Chicago commuter rail operator Metra has given the agency the go-ahead to issue Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for the procurement of new locomotives and coaches as it begins the replacement of its ageing fleet.

April 20, 2017 | Policy

European open-access rail alliance formed

AN alliance has been formed in Brussels which brings together open-access operators in the passenger and freight sectors with the aim of collectively addressing issues affecting non-incumbent rail companies.

April 19, 2017 | Locomotives

Californian Charger locomotives ready for operation

SIEMENS confirmed on April 18 that the first SC-44 Charger diesel-electric passenger locomotives for California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will begin revenue testing on the Sacramento - Oakland - San Jose Capitol Corridor before the end of the month.

April 19, 2017 | Rolling stock

Stadler chosen for Hungarian tram-train order

HUNGARIAN national train operator MÁV-Start confirmed on April 18 that it has selected Stadler Rail Valencia as preferred bidder for a contract to supply eight electro-diesel tram-trains for the Szeged - Hódmezővásárhely line.

April 19, 2017 | Light Rail

Samarkand opens first tram line

THE Uzbek city of Samarkand inaugurated the initial phase of its tram network on April 15, just six months after the start of construction on the first line.

April 19, 2017 | Light Rail

Ottawa seeks bidders for Trillium Line extension

THE City of Ottawa has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a contract to design, build, finance and maintain the southern extension of the diesel-operated Trillium Line.

April 19, 2017 | North America

Seattle light rail network to run on wind power

SOUND Transit has signed a 10-year agreement with Puget Sound Energy (PSE) which will enable Seattle’s Link light rail network to operate on 100% renewable energy from 2019.

April 19, 2017 | Technology

The networked train: making the connection

While passenger Wi-Fi and remote monitoring of rolling stock systems are now commonly used by train operators, a convergence is underway which promises to unlock the full potential of onboard connectivity. Nomad Digital CEO Reece Donovan explains the company’s vision for the networked train to Keith Barrow.