The New South Wales government has announced a ‘comprehensive and independent review’ into the future of the Sydney Metro programme, including completion of the existing starter line to Bankstown, and two further planned routes. Expected to report to the state government’s cabinet by the end of 2023, the review will examine value for money, delivery models, project governance and passenger impacts. It will also evaluate the delivery of the various project elements to date, the current state of progress against delivery targets and make recommendations for getting the maximum value out of the programme.
Rostocker Straßenbahn has presented plans to build a 4 km extension of routes 3 and 6 with six stops from Zoo to Reutershagen, which is served by routes 1 and 5. From Reutershagen, Route 6 would run towards the city centre via Holbeinplatz, while Route 3 would continue north via Marienehe. The one-stop section from Zoo to Neuer Friedhof would be replaced by buses. The cost of the extension is estimated at €46m; the operator hopes the extension could open in 2030.
Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame station on Paris RER Line C reopened on April 17 after a major refurbishment. The local signalling and communications equipment has been upgraded and 28 windows built to allow natural light in. These are designed to withstand flooding from the nearby the River Seine. The total cost of the work was €32m, fully funded by Ile-de-France-Mobilités.
Hong Kong’s MTR Corp is planning to launch five solar photovoltaic projects throughout this year. The new installations will generate 1 GWh of electricity every year; the company aims to achieve full carbon neutrality by 2050.
Hamburger Hochbahn has extended Jens-Günter Lang’s contract as management board member responsible for technology from the end of 2026 until April 2028. ‘We are in a very exciting phase of the company, in which the basis for the mobility turnaround is being laid’, he said. ’Major rail expansion plans are becoming a reality, and the conversion of the bus fleet to emission-free operation is in full swing.’