Legal changes aim to streamline Californian rail electrification projects
USA: The Governor of California has signed legislation designed to accelerate electrification by exempting zero-emission railway projects on existing lines from requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act, which can lead to legal delays.
London Overground line branding roll-out begins
UK: Transport for London began rolling out new line names and colours on the London Overground network on November 20. This will replace the previous system where the various routes on the complex inner-suburban rail network were not distinguished with individual branding.
‘Turning point’ reached for potential new Channel Tunnel train operators
EUROPE: The rail industry has finally reached a ‘turning point’ which will facilitate the launch of new international passenger train operators competing with Eurostar on routes to the UK.
NSW railway upgraded ahead of grain harvest
AUSTRALIA: Australian Rail Track Corp has completed the Narrabri to Turrawan Line Upgrade project ahead of what it expects to be one of the largest grain harvests in years for farmers in northwest New South Wales.
Hitachi Rail awarded Thai ETCS contracts
THAILAND: South Korean company LS Electric has awarded Hitachi Rail a contract to supply ETCS Level 1 trackside equipment as part its work to renew signalling and telecoms on two State Railway of Thailand main lines.
New Elizabeth Line operator aims to offer ‘the best of Tokyo and London’
UK: Transport for London has selected the GTS Rail Operations Ltd joint venture of rail and bus operator Go-Ahead Group (65%), recently part-privatised operator Tokyo Metro (17·5%) and diverse Japanese business group Sumitomo Corp (17·5%) for the next concession to operate Elizabeth Line services.
3D digital maps designed to help people navigate stations
UK: Govia Thameslink Railway is testing digital 3D maps designed to help passengers, and particularly those who are disabled, gain more confidence in navigating its stations.
