Region Stockholm has awarded Skanska a SKr1·2bn contract to build 1·2 km of tunnel and associated works for the future Nacka terminus of the eastern extension of the metro’s Blue Line. Construction is scheduled to run from Q1 2022 to Q1 2026.
Modertrans has delivered the first of 46 Moderus Gamma trams to MPK Wrocław. The operator placed a 205m złoty order for an initial 25 vehicles in September 2020, and exercised an option for a further 21 in March 2021.
Transmashholding and Toshkent Metro have signed a memorandum for co-operation in the development of infrastructure, rolling stock, passenger transport services and technical innovation during 2022-32. Plans include infrastructure and rolling stock modernisation, deployment of digital control systems, improvements to safety systems, multimodal co-ordination and a professional development programme for staff.
A consortium of Alstom and Sofratesa has been awarded a three-year contract to maintain the power supply and overhead electrification systems on Santo Domingo metro lines 1 and 2 in the Dominican Republic.
Szczecin municipality has signed a 262m złoty two-year contract for ZUE civil engineering to undertake the reconstruction of 12 km of tram tracks and electrification equipment in parallel with work on heating and water utilities.
On November 8 the Scottish government announced a further £2·2m of emergency funding to support Edinburgh’s tram services and the Glasgow Subway through to the end of March 2022. This takes the total support provided during the pandemic to more than £36m.
Commuter rail users in Boston can now access online information about median seat availability in a rolling 14 to 30 day period, based on figures from crew and automated systems. ‘As we continue to see increased ridership return to commuter rail, this new seat availability data will enable riders to have an understanding of what ridership looks like on their particular train and on alternatives’, said Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority General Manager Steve Poftak. ‘With all-day frequency now in place at regular and predictable intervals across the network for more of a regional rail system, we hope riders will benefit from both flexible service and enhanced transparency around ridership as they plan their travel.’
Russia’s National Welfare Fund is to provide St Petersburg with a loan of up to 96·9bn roubles to finance the purchase of 950 metro cars in 2022-31. The city administration will provide a further 33bn roubles.
Malaysia’s Iskandar Regional Development Authority and the UK’s West Midlands Combined Authority have signed a MoU to share urban and transport planning knowledge and lessons learned, and promote mutual recognition of international design standards for inclusive transport.
Deutsche Bahn has completed the modernisation of all 238 Class 423 electric multiple units used on München S-Bahn services, supported with €300m of funding from the Land of Bayern. Changes to the units built in 2000-05 include providing more space for rapid boarding and alighting, more luggage storage, four different seating arrangements, views throughout the length of the train, and the installation of real-time information screens.
From December 12 trams in Genève will only stop on request. The change comes four years after this was introduced on buses and trolleybuses, and aims is to improve service fluidity and reduce fleet maintenance.
The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System board has re-elected San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher to a second two-year term as Chair. His appointment will run to December 2023.
The UK’s Light Rail Safety & Standards Board has completed the first draft of an Overhead Line Best Practice manual, which is undergoing peer review and is expected to be published before the end of the year. ‘This comprehensive guide marks the completion of a project that was launched some time ago by UKTram’s Light Rail Engineers Group and then further developed by the LRSSB’, said Craig O’Brien, LRSSB Engineering Manager. ’The focus has been on comparing overhead line equipment maintenance techniques carried out by UK networks to build a clear set of recommendations. These are based on years of expert experience as well as the manufacturers’ guidance.’