MTR Corp has completed preparatory works for the installation of platform gates on Hong Kong’s East Rail Line, including changing the positions where trains stop, reinforcing the platform structures and altering the signalling.
Transport Minister Clément Beaune has announced that he wants to deploy a single ticket for use across public transport in France. A hackathon was organised to tackle the technical problems involved, with Agence de l’Innovation pour les Transports selecting France Moov and Carte LEM to undertake further development.
Singapore’s Land Transport Authority has awarded a joint venture of CES_SDC and Chip Eng Seng Contractors a S$562m contract for design and construction of the underground Elias station and tunnels on the Cross Island Line-Punggol Extension. Opening is planned from 2032.
Warszawa tram operator Tramwaje Warszawskie has exercised a 56m złoty option for Budimex to build an 800 m Świętego Bonifacego – Stegny branch from an 8 km extension it is currently building from Rakowiecka southeast to Branickiego. The main extension is expected to be completed in January 2024, and the branch by the end of 2024.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland has directly awarded Transport for London a €800 000 contract to provide specialist property consultancy services for large-scale public transport projects; expertise in land acquisition and property interfaces; and business case advisory support.
Germany’s Julius Kühn plant research centre has developed a wildflower seed mix for use on grassed tram track in Braunschweig, and will provide scientific support over two growing seasons.
Toronto’s Metrolinx has begun an accessibility audit to better understand where improvements are needed across the network. Recent changes under its Early Station Improvements project have included the installation of yellow tactile platform edge tiles at 20 stations as well as improvements to lift reliability at six stations.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland has appointed Atkins to develop detailed designs and tender documents for the advance works programme for the MetroLink north-south metro project in Dublin. There will be seven advance works contracts, including utility diversions, archaeological and heritage works, facilitation of land access and environmental monitoring.
Chennai Metro Rail Ltd has awarded Voltas a Rs1·3bn contract to supply electrical, fire protection and ventilation equipment for 18 elevated stations from Kodambakkam Powerhouse to Poonamallee Bypass and Poonamallee depot on Corridor 4 Phase II.
Operator FGV has awarded manufacturer Stadler a €3·2m contract to improve the accessibility of 62 Class 4300 light rail vehicles used in València. Stop request and door buttons will be installed at a suitable height for wheelchair users, and software modified to allow the driver to open and close doors without leaving the cab. The doors will also be fitted with audible and visual alerts.
Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority has awarded a joint venture of Systra MVA Consulting and DB Engineering & Consulting a general consultancy contract covering assistance with design, supervision, safety, quality control and contract management for proposed metro lines 10 and 12. Line 10 would run be a western extension of Line 4 (Green) from Gaumukh to Shivaji Chowk/Miragaon on Line 9. The north-south Line 12 in Navi Mumbai would be an extension of Line 5 (Orange) to Taloje Panchnand on Line NM1.