East Japan Railway and Kintetsu have signed a memorandum of understanding to co-operate to standardise specifications, reduce development costs and speed up the introduction of equipment when working on new projects such as the ATACS train protection system and enhancing the performance of automatic train operation.
Italy’s FS Group and financial crime agency Guardia di Finanza have signed a Memorandum of Understanding concerning co-operation to prevent corruption and criminal infiltration. The agreement includes surveys using Guardia di Finanza aircraft to monitor strategic infrastructure.
The Australasian Railway Association’s Rail Industry Executive Committee has established a research and development working group. This is intended to increase the visibility of local research capabilities in Australia and their current international standing; to identify key areas requiring research which industry wants to solve collaboratively; and to demonstrate how R&D is linked to type approval, local content, support and investment in local manufacturing and technology.
Czech infrastructure manager Správa Železnic has commissioned Ness Czech to supply a railway-specific geographic information system based on the Technical Map Information System developed by Ness and Hexagon. ‘All data related to technical and transport infrastructure will be made available to regions, municipalities and every builder for the purposes of spatial planning and construction procedures’, said Director General Jiří Svoboda. ‘We will speed up and improve the quality of building permits.’
Head of Programme Giorgio Travaini has been appointed interim Executive Director of the Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking, replacing Carlo Borghini who is stepping down with effect from March 1. Travaini will oversee the pan-European research and innovation programme pending the recruitment of a permanent successor
RITES and Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd have a signed a MoU to explore jointly domestic and export opportunities in the rolling stock, Infrastructure and Urban Transport markets. RITES will provide expertise in design, marketing, operations and maintenance, while KOEL is to be responsible for the development and manufacturing of customised products.
HellermannTyton has launched a heavy-duty polypropylene spiral binding range to protect rolling stock cables and hydraulic hoses from damage. ‘We possess a deep understanding of the ever-changing technical requirements of this unique industry, and as our spiral binding is manufactured in the UK, we can offer a bespoke service to create the most suitable spiral binding for specific rail applications’, said Associate Product Manager Jodie Thomas.
ENSCO has promoted Ronald Lang to Deputy Division Manager of the Applied Technology & Engineering Division, taking on a lead role in developing and executing the ATE strategic plan as well as financial oversight of the with a focus on commercial and federal activities at the Transportation Technology Center, where he is Operations Director.