Netherlands Railway is to modernise 60 Sprinter EMUs used on stopping services between the Randstad conurbations. The 20-year old vehicles will gain new interiors, more spacious seating, more accommodation for wheelchairs, bicycles and pushchairs and a passenger information system. Partitions will be replaced with glass screens, and electrical equipment will be improved.
The renovation of Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof’s historic 1880s train shed will begin in the autumn.
Railtrack has commissioned Pearce Signs to produce and install directional and display signage at London’s Waterloo, King’s Cross and Paddington stations.
On-line travel booking facility Amadeus is now offering both air and rail travel options together, allowing passengers to compare schedules.
On February 15 Transport for London launched a WAP real time travel information service, including the Underground and Docklands Light Railway, at http://tflwap.gov.uk
Interfleet Technology is converting a former British Rail MkIII catering coach purchased from Porterbrook Leasing into a snack car with light catering facilities under a £1m contract with Iarnród éireann. The vehicle will operate between Dublin and Waterford after delivery in mid-2001.
A pilot on-train television channel launched on 25 Naledi - Johannesburg line trainsets last April is to be extended to other lines in the Wits Metrorail area. Over 300 trains are to be equipped over the next few months, subject to stock availability. The TV monitors offer passengers pre-packaged visual entertainment, including sport, current affairs and music.
Romania’s CFR Timisoara is to modernise Arad station at a cost of 100bn lei.
CAPTION: Interior design of Belgian National Railways’ M6 double-deck inter-city coaches was unveiled on March 12 at a presentation by Bombardier in Brugge. Height between floor and ceiling on both decks is 2m
