Next Docklands Light Railway operating contract begins
UK: KeolisAmey’s latest contract to operate the Docklands Light Railway automated light metro in east London came into effect on April 1.
AI project aims to boost tram crossing safety
UK: Cameras are to be installed at foot crossings on several tram networks and the footage analysed by AI tools to identify opportunities for safety improvements.
Viewpoint: Winning the battle against antisocial behaviour
Keolis UK operates the Nottingham Express Transit network, where an array of enforcement and outreach policies have been used to cut antisocial behaviour on and around trams. Chief Executive Alistair Gordon explains the company’s approach.
Končar tram delivered to Osijek
CROATIA: Operator GPP Osijek has taken delivery of the first of 10 low-floor trams ordered from Končar KEV as part of a programme to modernise the city’s network.
Strasbourg and Le Havre order trams
FRANCE: Alstom has been awarded contracts to supply 27 additional trams to Strasbourg and eight trams for Le Havre’s future Line C, the manufacturer announced on March 19.
CAF to supply Tours Line 2 trams
FRANCE: Transport authority Syndicat des Mobilités de Touraine has awarded CAF a contract to supply 19 Urbos trams for use on the future Tours Line 2.
Swedish region to test ticketing app
SWEDEN: The Halland region is to trial Fairtiq’s pay-as-you-go ticketing system based on swiping in and out on a mobile app.
Porto orders CRRC trams equipped for automatic operation
PORTUGAL: Metro do Porto has awarded CRRC Tangshan a contract to supply trams equipped for GoA2 attended automatic operation on the future Line H (Ruby).
Pineapple tram conversion to de-ice light rail line
FINLAND: Helsinki transport operator Kaupunkiliikenne’s maintenance division has converted an old tram into a overhead electrification de-icing vehicle for use on light rail Line 15.
MPK Kraków selects preferred bidder to replace high-floor trams
POLAND: Operator MPK Kraków has selected Pesa Bydgoszcz as the preferred bidder to supply up to 90 light rail vehicles through three different tenders.
Luxtram cleared for takeoff
LUXEMBOURG: A 3·9 km tramway extension to Luxembourg airport opened on March 2, with an opening ceremony attended by Helge Dorstewitz, Managing Director of Luxtram, with Minister of Mobility & Public Works, Yuriko Backes, the city mayor and other municipality representatives.
Crown Bridges tram deliveries begin
FINLAND: Škoda Transtech’s Otanmäki factory has delivered the first of 23 ForCity Smart Artic X54 trams ordered for Helsinki’s future Crown Bridges light rail line.
Paris metro CBTC contract awarded
FRANCE: Paris metro operator RATP has awarded Hitachi Rail a contract to supply lineside communications-based train control technology for Line 12.
Tram-train scheme guidance issued
UK: The Light Rail Safety & Standards Board has published what it says is a ‘landmark’ document providing guidance for organisations considering the development of tram-train schemes where light rail vehicles run over both tramways and main line railway tracks.
Very light rail and pop-up metro partnership
INTERNATIONAL: US-based international railway investor Railroad Development Corp and British lightweight rolling stock developer TDI Greenway are to join forces in the emerging very light rail and ‘pop-up metro’ sectors.
Poland: Tram development continues apace
Polish cities have invested significantly in tram network reconstruction and expansion over the past two decades, and the trend is expected to continue. Rolling stock renewals enabled domestic suppliers to strengthen their businesses, and order prospects remain strong, as Michael Dreyer explains.
Roma metro funding agreed as more tram extensions studied
ITALY: The municipality of Roma has reached an agreement with the Ministry of Infrastructure & Transport for financing the next phases of metro Line C.
Stadler trams begin entering service in Milano
ITALY: The first of 74 Stadler Tramlink trams being supplied to Milano transport operator ATM has entered passenger service on routes 7 and 31.
Tram collects real-world data for driver assistance development
NORWAY: A CAF tram operating in regular service is Oslo has been fitted with sensors and cameras to collect data. This will be used to develop driver assistance technology as part of the EU-backed R2DATO research project.
Paris metro MF19 train unveiled as next order planned
FRANCE: The first MF19 trainset for the Paris metro was unveiled by operator RATP, manufacturer Alstom and transport authority Ile-de-France-Mobilités on February 14.