A new system which enables passenger train interiors to be reconfigured to carry freight is ready for trials, according to its developer.

CZECH Railways (ČD) has confirmed it will lease 10 multi-system Siemens Vectron locomotives to modernise motive power on Prague - Berlin - Hamburg services.

A tender notice for contracts to build and operate an 18.5km light rail line in the Brazilian city of Salvador was published in the official journal of the state of Bahia on May 3.

TRIAL operation began on May 1 on the eastern section of the 51km Klang Valley MRT Sungai Buloh - Kajang Line (Line MRT1) in Kuala Lumpur.

THE Northeast Corridor Commission submitted two reports to Congress on May 3 detailing short-and-long-term capital investment needs totalling around $38bn for the 735km line from Boston to New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC.

THE Industrial Development and Renovation Organisation of Iran (Idro) has signed a joint venture contract with Transmashholding (TMH), Russia, to manufacture freight and passenger rolling stock in Iran.

RB Rail, the company set up to oversee the Rail Baltica high-speed rail project to link the three Baltic states to Poland, has appointed its management team and published the results of a cost-benefit analysis.

CRRC Corporation announced on May 5 that it is planning to build a plant in eastern Canada to manufacture freight wagons and components as it seeks to expand its presence in the North American rolling stock market.

SOUTHEASTERN Pennsylvania Transportation Authority signed a contract with CRRC Tangshan on May 4 for 45 double-deck coaches, which will be used with Septa’s new Siemens ACS-64 electric locomotives on Regional Rail services on the Northeast Corridor.

SWEDEN’s infrastructure manager Trafikverket has awarded a 20-year framework contract for concrete sleepers, fastenings and sleeper pads to Strangbetong Rail, Abetong, and Pandrol.