RATP CEO named as new French Transport Minister
On 17 May, Elisbaeth Borne was named Minister for Transport in the new Macron Government in France.
read moreModertrans sole bidder in Elbląg
Modertrans was the sole bidder for the supply of three single-section trams to the 16km (9.9-mile) metre-gauge tramway in the Polish city of Elbląg.
read more
French co-operation to rehabilitate Alexandria’s Ramlh line
On 16 May Egypt’s Ministry of Investment and International Co-operation signed an agreement with the French Development Agency (AFD) for a EUR100m contribution to the EUR360m project to rehabilitate Alexandria’s Ramhl tramline.
read more
Streetcars return to Motor City
The 5.3km (3.3-mile) QLine streetcar loop along Detroit’s Woodward Avenue (US) opened to passengers on 12 May, ahead of a weekend of celebrations and free travel until 22 May.
read more
Alstom capitalises on Metrolinx uncertainty
On 12 May Metrolinx, the Greater Toronto & Hamilton Area transport authority, awarded Alstom an order for 61 Citadis Spirit 100% low-floor light rail vehicles in a deal worth CAD529m (EUR350m).
read more
Three more tenders for Tel Aviv
NTA has announced three further tenders for work on Tel Aviv’s purple and green light rail lines.
read moreSeattle to build world’s first floating light rail
Seattle is to begin work on the world’s first floating light rail line as part of a USD3.7bn project to build a 14-mile light rail corridor linking Seattle to Bellevue.
read more
US Congress rejects ‘skinny budget’ transit cuts
US Congressional leaders unveiled a spending deal on 1 May that includes increased funding for transportation projects intended for significant cuts in the new administration’s draft budget.
read moreBombardier and Siemens to merge?
The worldwide financial press has been filled with reports that discussions are underway between Bombardier and Siemens about merging their rail divisions. A larger company than either of the current existing enterprises would provide the financial clout to compete more effectively against China’s CRRC Corporation, which has been winning more orders in the traditional manufacturers’ markets and now has ambitions to enter the European market.
read more
RATP trials driverless tram stabling
Parisian transport operator RATP and Alstom have completed a trial with a tram that can stable itself in the depot autonomously.
read more
Automatic for the people (part one)
With a review of existing systems and new developments, TAUT gives an overview of the opportunities and challenges presented by automated urban rail systems.
read more
DC Streetcar developments (part two)
Vic Simons reports on what the future holds for the US capital’s modern streetcar, in part two of this feature.
read more
Tram automation: not if, but when?
Hervé Mazzoni, SYSTRA Product Lines Development Director, looks at the barriers to automated tramway operation and asks when, not if, will it become a reality?
read more
DC Streetcar developments (part one)
Following a few false starts, in early 2016 the US capital finally opened its modern streetcar starter line along H and Benning Streets. Vic Simons reports on what has been a very long gestation and what the future holds.
read more
Tenerife’s solution to tram speed control
Examining the innovative SIMOVE speed monitoring and control safety system, now in its second year of successful implementation on Tenerife’s tramway.
read more
Is the world ready for driverless trams?
Edmund West seeks the expert view on driver assistance systems for street-running light rail.
read more
Developing the Guild Line
Professor Lewis Lesley of Trampower explains the programme to deliver England’s first new tram scheme for over a decade.
read more
Suspension of Belief
The German city of Wuppertal is rightly proud of its Schwebebahn hanging railway, a rare installation of such technology that is being transformed as it enters its 12th decade. Neil Pulling pays a visit.
read moreUnited Nations : ‘Sustainable transport could save USD70tr’
Report recommends USD2tr annual spend to address urban population growth and rising emissions.
read more
Re-connecting Cincinnati
Cincinnati recently welcomed a hard-won renaissance of streetcar service – and hopes are high it will precipitate a downtown revival. Herbert Pence and Hans Retallick relate the full story for TAUT.
read moreAmbitious plans in the Eurasian region for 2023 deadline
High-level speakers from the region’s top operators will be discussing the developments and solutions for the rail industry in the Eurasia region at SmartRail Eurasia in Istanbul on 26-27 January 2016.
read more
Ffestiniog Travel – dedicated tram holidays
Ffestiniog Travel has been organising rail holidays since 1974, and for 2015 is running two special-interest tram holidays.
read moreUK Light Rail Awards 2014
‘Light rail is a success story in the UK that needs to be replicated in more cities’, UK Minister of State told those assembled at the UK Light Rail Awards.
read more