Brazil: América Latina Logística do Brasil has become the first of Brazil’s privatised railways to turn in a profit, achieving net income of R$13m in the first half-year.
Bulgaria: Income from asset sales and higher fares were expected to contribute to improved financial results for BDZ in the third quarter, following disastrous figures for the January to June period which led Transport Minister Antoni Slavinski to replace two BDZ board members in July. The situation means further delay to plans for splitting the railway into infrastructure and operating companies.
Czech Republic: The CSOB bank has agreed to lend Czech Railways KC900m, which will be used to fund the purchase of Class 471 double-deck 3 kV DC EMUs and container wagons. The loan will also fund infrastructure upgrades.
Estonia: Raudtee Erastamise Rahva, a company set up to bid for a majority stake in the privatisation of Estonian Railways, is to raise its capital to 100m kroons by issuing 7·5m new shares of 10 kroons.
Russia: As an experiment under RZD’s reform programme, the October Railway has been permitted to set its own fares in the coming year. A 25% increase was implemented in September, but with no money earmarked for passenger subsidies in RZD’s 2001 draft budget, a further rise of as much as 90% may be applied before the end of the year.
USA: Georgia’s Rail Passenger Authority is seeking $44·6m from the state legislature in its budget for fiscal 2002 to begin work on commuter routes from Atlanta to Athens and Macon, scheduled to start operating in 2004. The money would match previously-agreed federal funding of $178·9m.
Pasadena Metro Blue Line Construction Authority is seeking a corporate sponsor for its 22 km light rail line due to open in 2003. A multi-million dollar investment over 20 years is sought in return for the right to choose a name for the line.
Subject to Congressional approval, the FTA has granted a further $8m of funding for Salt Lake City’s 4 km University line.
