MASS Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), which owns Bangkok's metro network, has approved construction of the 21.6km Brown Line for an estimated Baht 45bn ($US 1.45bn).

HOHENZOLLERN Railways (HzL) has won the tender to continue to operate stopping services on the 87.5km line between Tübingen and Sigmaringen, south of Stuttgart.

IN the run-up to Australia's federal election on 7 September 2013, both major political parties have given their backing to the eventual construction of the $A 5bn ($US 4.4bn) Inland Rail project, which will provide a new standard-gauge link between Melbourne and Brisbane.

POLISH long-distance operator PKP Intercity has selected a consortium of Stadler and Newag, Poland, as preferred bidder for a contract worth more than Zlotys 1.5bn ($US 472m) to supply and maintain 20 160km/h emus.

MTR Corporation has awarded Aecom a contract to design the cross-harbour tunnel on Hong Kong's North South Line (NSL), which forms part of the new Shatin – Central Link (SCL).

FRENCH National Railways (SNCF) stepped up the operation of high-speed services between France and Germany on August 26 with the launch of a daily TGV between Paris and Freiburg-im-Breisgau.

UNITED Streetcar despatched the first of eight low-floor LRVs for Tucson's Sun Link light rail line from its plant in Clackamas, Oregon, on August 26.

NETWORK Rail reopened Nottingham station on August 26 following the completion of a £100m project to remodel and resignal the station and its approaches.

KNORR-BREMSE announced on August 27 that it has acquired British rolling stock overhaul, accident repair, and component specialist Railcare, which entered administration on July 31.

CUBAN Union Railways (UFC) has placed an order for 300 two-car dmus with Russian manufacturer Murom, the first of which has already been shipped to the island.