With the spread of electrification, ridership growth and the need to replace life-expired fleets, Britain’s market for electric multiple units is primed for growth. Keith Barrow looks at how Bombardier is seeking to deliver greater reliability and reduced operating costs with its new Aventra platform.

TEL Aviv’s Metropolitan Mass Transit System (NTA) has invited bids by November 10 for a consultant to conduct a feasibility study for a high-capacity metro line connecting the northern and southern suburbs of Tel Aviv.

Siemens will present at InnoTrans a 3D virtual mock-up of its new Mireo articulated lightweight EMU for commuter and regional services. As Keith Fender explains, Mireo will replace Desiro ML as Siemens’ EMU platform for the European market.

THE first of 300 Bombardier R179 cars ordered by New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority for the subway B Division was unloaded at 207th Street yard in Upper Manhattan on September 6.

STRUKTON announced on September 5 that it has been awarded a contract by Melbourne tram operator Yarra Trams to supply new static inverters for B-class trams.

SWITZERLAND’s Federal Office of Transport (BAV) confirmed on September 8 that four types of modern freight locomotive will be banned from operating through the Gotthard Base Tunnel when it opens in December due to problems with the functioning of ETCS Level 2 equipment.

ICOMERA announced on September 7 that it has been selected by Norwegian train operator Flytoget to provide Wi-Fi for its 16 class 7 airport express EMUs, which are used on services between Drammen, Oslo central, Oslo Gardermoen Airport.

THE Czech region of Karlovy Vary published a prior information notice in the Official Journal of the European Union on September 7 for a contract to operate regional services around Karlovy Vary and Cheb.

JINDAL Steel and Power Limited (JSPL) announced on September 6 that it has become India’s first manufacturer of head hardened rails for high-speed rail and metro applications.

AFTER several months of speculation over the future of its Belfort facility, Alstom confirmed on September 7 that production will cease at the plant in 2018.