LOCOMOTIVE leasing company Akiem has signed a contract worth €33m with Bombardier for the delivery of 10 140km/h Traxx DC locomotives, with an option for up to 10 additional units placing the value of the contract at approximately €65m.

NETHERLANDS Railways (NS) has received the first of 19 Traxx F140 MS multi-system electric locomotives from Bombardier, which will operate Dutch domestic services on HSL South following the cancellation of its order for AnsaldoBreda V250 trains.

BRITISH infrastructure manager Network Rail announced on August 12 that trial operation has begun using a Bombardier 25kV 50Hz ac class 379 EMU adapted to operate under battery power as part of the Independently-Powered Electric Multiple Unit (IPEMU) project.

PALERMO celebrated the inaugural trial run on Line 1 of the city's new light rail network on July 14 when a Bombardier Flexity Outlook LRV operated from the depot at Roccella to Scaffa square, where it was presented to the media and citizens.

PUBLIC services began operating on the first phase of the light rail network in Gold Coast, Australia, on July 20, when thousands of passengers enjoyed a day of free rides the 13km 14-station route from Gold Coast University Hospital to Surfers Paradise, and Broadbeach.

TRANSPORT for London (TfL) has selected MTR Corporation to become the first operator of the new Crossrail line. The £1.4bn concession will be for eight years with an option to extend it by two years.

TRANSPORT for London (TfL) announced on July 15 that four bidders have been shortlisted for a contract to supply at least 39 new trains for the London Overground network.

THE BOARD of Ile-de-France Transport Authority (STIF) has approved funding for the acquisition of 22 additional class Z 50000 Francilien EMUs from Bombardier for use on Paris suburban services.

POLISH infrastructure manager PKP PLK announced on July 1 that dynamic testing has begun on Poland's first ERTMS Level 2 installation.

EUROPEAN rolling stock leasing company Railpool has signed a framework agreement with Bombardier for 35 Traxx electric locomotives worth €135m with an option for up to 30 more units for an additional investment of €115m.