Bulgaria Begins Procedure To Support Intermodal Operators

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has launched the procurement process for the next operating and maintenance contract for Metrolink, the UK’s largest light rail network. The new contract is valued at up to 1.6 billion GBP and will run for up to 11 years. The current contract, held by KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM) since 2017, is due to end in 2027. TfGM’s new procurement process aims to identify a partner to continue operating and maintaining the network, which spans eight lines, 103 kilometres of track, and 99 stops across Greater Manchester. This future contract will support a period of investment and development across the region. Metrolink forms a core part of the Bee Network, Greater Manchester’s integrated public transport and active travel system. TfGM is currently exploring potential network expansions, including new routes, line extensions, and tram-train connections that would link light and heavy rail services. The scope of the new contract includes operating services, inspecting and maintaining infrastructure, and supporting future enhancements such as new lines, trams, and signalling systems. The selected operator will also work alongside TfGM to identify renewal works as needed. The contract is expected to support Greater Manchester’s wider economic and environmental objectives, including growth in key development zones and the transition to a net zero economy. Metrolink saw record passenger numbers in 2024, with 45.6 million journeys made across the year. The network also recorded its busiest month in history last November, with 4.2 million passengers. Contactless payment has become the primary method of payment for tram users, with more than 50 million contactless journeys made since its introduction in 2019. As of March 2025, the contactless ‘tap and go’ system operates across both Bee Network buses and Metrolink, enabling integrated travel across modes with fare capping. TfGM will hold a market engagement day on Tuesday 10 June to provide potential bidders with further details on the contract opportunity. A formal market engagement notice is scheduled for publication on 15 May.

Transport for Wales (TfW) is now testing brand-new electric tram-trains on the recently electrified Valleys railway lines. It called the tests “another step forward” in the delivery of the next phase of the South Wales Metro. Part of an £800 million investment into brand-new trains across Wales and the Borders, the Stadler Class 398 CITYLINK tram-trains will revolutionise transport in South Wales. With the ability to run on both rail and tram lines, they can operate on overhead electrical lines and battery power, and with three carriages can carry more than 250 passengers. Over £1 billion has been invested into transforming rail infrastructure in South Wales, with the electrification of over 170 km of railway, including the Merthyr, Aberdare and Treherbert lines. A £100 million brand-new purpose-built depot has also been constructed in Taff’s Well, serving as a control centre for the Metro and as the home for the 36 new tram-trains. Marie Daly, Chief Operating Officer at Transport for Wales, added: “This is another major milestone for us at TfW. We’ve already introduced our brand-new Class 756 trains onto the Merthyr, Aberdare, and Treherbert lines to improve the experience for our passengers. We’re now excited to progress to the next phase of the project, testing our light rail tram-trains that will offer a turn-up-and-go service as part of the South Wales Metro. “The introduction of our new Metro Class 756s and tram-trains is part of our £800 million investment into brand-new trains for Wales, alongside a billion pounds of infrastructure upgrades to improve the frequency and accessibility of services. By transforming our rail network, we aim to provide reliable, comfortable, and attractive public transport options for our customers.” Andrew Gazzard, Head of Operational Readiness at TfW said: “Our teams now need to gain familiarisation and handling experience of the trains, and we need to embark on driver training later in the year. “It’s a really proud moment for me and the team to be able to see these tram-trains on the network and we look forward to the next stage in getting them prepared for passengers.”

Valued at over 20 million EUR, the project encompasses both deployment and a four-year maintenance period. It is among the largest recently awarded projects for GSM-R deployment by ADIF. The 338 km long Medina del Campo – Orense conventional line is providing medium-distance passenger services and freight traffic. ADIF, the public entity responsible for managing and maintaining Spain’s railway network — one of the largest in Europe — plays a crucial role in its development and modernization. This project reinforces the commitment of ADIF and Kontron Transportation to enhancing railway infrastructure, delivering high-quality services, and strengthening their collaboration. The main benefits of this project are enhanced railway services, increased safety and a positive environmental impact. Enhanced railway services: The infrastructure will be modernized and optimized, contributing to the improvement of the railway service and will increase the frequency of commercial traffic. Increased safety: The GSM-R technology is of crucial importance for increasing safety in railway operations, as it enables clear and fast communication in critical situations. Environmental benefits: By optimizing train operations and reducing delays, the GSM-R system will contribute to a more efficient use of energy, resulting in a reduced carbon footprint. More efficient train operations are in line with ADIF’s sustainability goals, such as achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9. www.kontron.com Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest

During the weekend of 3 and 4 May, there’ll be a ‘takeover’ of all things small at the Severn Valley Railway (SVR), when The Engine House at Highley hosts around 25 model railway displays. Entry to the event is included in the price of travel along the heritage line, which is currently operating between Kidderminster and Hampton Loade. The northernmost section between Hampton Loade and Bridgnorth remains closed, pending repairs to the serious landslip that occurred earlier in the year. Exhibitors will travel from across the country, and layouts on display will include Illie Town, Memory Lane, New Abberley and Quarry End. The displays will be set out amongst the full-size locomotives and carriages on display in The Engine House, including ‘Gordon’ the blue engine and 7819 ‘Hinton Manor’.  Entry to The Engine House will be from 10.45am to 4.30pm, with last entry at 4pm.   Meanwhile, despite Bridgnorth station being cut off from the rest of the line, visitors will be able to take part in short footplate rides on a steam locomotive throughout the weekend, including Bank Holiday Monday on 5 May. These are payable on the day, subject to availability, or can be pre-booked at svr.co.uk.  For more information on the Model Railway weekend, including timetables, please visit svr.co.uk.

Posted: 16 April 2025 | Gabriel Higgins | No comments yet Geoff Price retires after 48 years with Northern, starting as a carriage cleaner and ending as conductor team manager. Credit: Northern A Northern manager has retired after 48 years on the railway, calling time on a “fantastic” career that began with cleaning carriages and ended with managing teams at Blackpool North station. Geoff Price, 67, from Warton, joined British Rail in July 1976 after a short stint in a factory. His first job was as a carriage cleaner at Enfield Road Carriage Sidings in Blackpool, secured with help from his uncle, Tony Bretherton, who was a train driver at the time. “I really enjoyed it,” Geoff said. “It was a good job and I still can’t stand dirty windows or any muck.” Geoff spent 12 years as a shunter, moving trains within the Blackpool North area. When diesel units with automatic couplings were introduced, he foresaw the role’s decline and shifted to a new position. In 1990, he became a station chargeman at Blackpool North, ensuring timely train dispatches. “It was another challenge and something different,” he said. “I had a clean, smart uniform and interacted with the public, which was new to me. I wasn’t getting filthy and soaking wet anymore or crawling around under locomotives and coaches.” Two years later, Geoff was promoted to station supervisor, leading the team that won the Best Kept Station Award three years in a row in the 1990s. He later moved to Manchester Piccadilly as a revenue protection inspector. “I didn’t know much about tickets, validities and railcards when I started and had to work a lot of things out for myself,” he said. “But I was working as part of a good team and soon developed a sixth sense for spotting fare dodgers.” Geoff returned to Blackpool in 1997 to become a trains inspector, later known as a trains manager and then conductor team manager, a role he held until his retirement. “One of the best parts of the job was finding a good candidate, giving them a chance and then seeing them do really well,” he said. “When everything about them is spot on and you see them get promoted and move up through the ranks – that gives you a real sense of satisfaction and pride.” Reflecting on nearly five decades in rail, Geoff said: “Everything I’ve got and been afforded over the years has come to me through working on the railway. The experiences I’ve had and the people I’ve worked with have shaped me into the person I am today. I wouldn’t change a thing.” He added: “I’m going to miss everybody, it’s like being part of a family. But it really is time to go as I’m not getting any younger. I want to spend some quality time with my lovely wife Patricia and Roxy Dog, my 11-year-old Chocolate Labrador.” Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England. Movers & Appointments, Operational Performance, Passenger Experience/Satisfaction, Safety, Station Developments, The People Behind the Wheel, The Workforce, Training & Development Northern UK Geoff Price

East Midlands Railway (EMR) has unveiled its first fully refurbished Class 170 train as part of a 23 million GBP programme to modernise its regional fleet. The refurbished trains aim t0 deliver a more comfortable, connected and reliable travel experience for passengers across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire. The revamped train features brand-new seats and tables, upgraded flooring, refurbished toilets, and modern charging facilities — including 230V, Type-C, and dual USB sockets. A new passenger information system and dedicated bike storage area have also been introduced, bringing the train’s interior design in line with EMR’s forthcoming Aurora intercity fleet. This refurbishment is more than just a lick of paint – it’s a complete transformation that puts our customers first. We’ve focused on creating an environment that is comfortable and functional – and it’s just the beginning. Over the next year, customers will start to see real, tangible improvements across our network. The upgrade is part of a wider 60 million GBP investment in EMR’s fleet, which includes planned refurbishments for the Class 158 and Class 360 fleets. In total, 44 Class 170 trains — previously operated by West Midlands Railway and owned by Porterbrook — will be refurbished, with one new unit entering service each month following this launch. Our investment in this Class 170 fleet ensures continued comfort, reliability, and performance to meet passengers’ evolving needs for years to come. It’s fantastic to welcome the first refurbished train back onto the network, and we’d like to thank our partners at EMR, Arriva Train Care, and all companies who have supported this significant milestone. The refurbishment project has involved numerous local suppliers and designers, including Derby-based DG Design,reinforcing EMR’s commitment to investing in the communities it serves. The updated Class 170s will operate on key regional routes, including services connecting Matlock, Derby, Nottingham, Lincoln, Skegness, Cleethorpes, and Crewe — as well as the cross-country route from Liverpool to Norwich.

RailSoft is a system that comprehensively supports HR departments, dispatchers, company management, and safety departments in the process of managing and controlling the validity of railway staff documents, authorizations, and certifications. Complete Management of All Certificates and Exams in One Place RailSoft enables recording, monitoring, and managing the validity of all documents required by Polish and EU law for train drivers, rolling stock inspectors, and other employees involved in the operation of railway vehicles. The system allows you to manage, among others: . A register of exams and certificates . Records of authorizations for vehicle types (locomotives, wagons, special vehicles) . Monitoring of document validity and their automatic renewal based on R7 documents and/or working time records . Automatic suspension of authorizations in case of long employee inactivity (e.g., leave, sick leave, no rides for 6 months). Wagon Authorization – Response to New UTK Guidelines On February 17, 2025, the President of the Polish Office of Rail Transport (UTK) published an official position on the obligation for rolling stock inspectors to have up-to-date authorizations for the vehicles they service when completing the Brake Test Card (KPH). RailSoft has long allowed authorizations to be assigned to both wagons and locomotives. Now — in response to customer needs and legal changes — the system additionally allows these authorizations to be displayed directly in the Exam Register of a specific inspector. This means a complete list of vehicle types the employee is authorized to handle is visible in one place. Automatic Reminders and Restrictions The system notifies users of upcoming document expiration dates, allowing for early planning of exams, training, or license renewal procedures. Additionally, if an employee does not work as a train driver or inspector for a longer period, the system can automatically suspend their authorizations, preventing their assignment to train operations. This way, a dispatcher cannot make a mistake — the system will not allow assigning a person without active authorizations. Transport Safety and Protection Against Penalties RailSoft helps railway companies meet the requirements of the law and UTK guidelines. Cases of railway companies being fined for allowing employees without required authorizations to work are not uncommon. The Office of Rail Transport regularly imposes penalties for: . Lack of valid exams or certificates . Lack of required authorizations for the operated rolling stock . Allowing a driver or inspector to work without valid authorizations Thanks to RailSoft, the risk of such situations is practically eliminated. www.petrosoft.pl   Ask For More Information…

Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems (UK), under the Merak brand, has secured an extension of its HVAC repairs, spares and on-site support maintenance contract with Chiltern Railways for a further five years. The contract cements the existing long-term relationship between Chiltern Railways and Knorr-Bremse developed over the last decade. Initially focussed on supporting KBRS (UK) Class 168 HVAC systems, this agreement now encompasses all HVAC systems installed on the Chiltern fleet. Paul Battams, Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems (UK) Ltd Business Development Manager, said: “This is great news for Knorr-Bremse. This contract solidifies our position as the unrivalled market leader for the supply of HVAC overhaul, repairs and spare parts and proves our commitment to long-standing customers. It also highlights our ability to work on HVAC systems produced by various manufacturers.” HVAC is the heating, ventilation and air conditioning fitted to the trains. The work sees Knorr-Bremse responsible for 358 HVAC systems across Chiltern Railways’ Class 165 and Class 168 diesel multiple units as well as the operator’s ‘Silver Set’ Mk 3 coaches and driving van trailers. Under the contract, Knorr-Bremse will work with other maintenance providers such as Arriva TrainCare, which works with Chiltern Railways.  Knorr-Bremse is conducting the overhaul work at their state of the art HVAC facility in Calne, Wiltshire, supported by a dedicated on-site repair team at Chiltern Railways’ Aylesbury depot.  Phil Andrews, Head of Engineering Commercial at Chiltern Railways, said: “We are delighted to have renewed our partnership with Knorr-Bremse. This is a well-established relationship put in place for the maintenance and repair of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems fitted to our trains which are crucial for our customers’ travel experience.” If you would like to know more about HVAC overhaul, repairs, spares and modernisation within Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems (UK) for your HVAC systems, visit: https://www.merak-hvac.com/en/

Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has been awarded a contract worth €159 million[1] to provide high-capacity driverless signalling system for the upcoming Taichung Blue Line metro (MRT), a milestone project set to transform public transport across the city and beyond. Alstom is part of a strategic international consortium chosen by the Rapid Transit System Bureau of Taichung City Government to deliver a complete metro system for what will become Taichung's second fully-fledged MRT line, working with Singapore Technologies Engineering (STE), CTCI and Hyundai Rotem Company. As the signalling consortium partner, Alstom will provide its Urbalis CBTC[1] system, the same successful platform already in operation on Taichung's Green Line. The system will enable Blue Line trains to operate more frequently and precisely, even at peak times, with shorter waiting times. It will help to absorb the rising ridership as the city continues to expand. The system maximises network capacity by allowing shorter headways, down to 90 seconds, which increases the frequency of trains and reduces commute time. Spanning 24.8 kilometres and comprising 20 stations, the Taichung Blue Line will link Taichung Port in the west with Taiwan Railway's Taichung Station in the east, thereby creating a major connection between the present Green Line and the future Orange Line. Supporting the Blue Line project with Alstom’s technology contributes to fulfilling the long-term goal of the government to create an integrated, multimodal transit system for one of Taiwan's fastest-expanding metropolitan areas. Toby Tiberghien, Managing Director of Alstom, East Asia, said: “Following the success of the Green Line, which began revenue service in 2021, we are honoured to continue our journey in Taichung with the new Blue Line. Our Urbalis solution will deliver an efficient and reliable driverless signalling system through a high-quality solution and service excellence, supporting our commitment to build a better connected future for the city.” With over 40 years of active presence in Taiwan, Alstom has delivered signalling systems to the Taipei Metro line and continues to play a leading role in contributing to Taiwan’s future of public transport, from automated metros to next-generation trams. Today, in addition to Taichung’s Green Line signalling system in revenue service, Alstom also supplies the Urbalis Forward signalling solution in Taiwan for Taipei Wanda Phase 1, Phase 2 and Taipei Circular Line Phase 2 lines in construction, as well as 35 Metropolis metro trainsets for the Wanda-Zhonghe-Shulin Line. With over 30 years of expertise in CBTC and the successful equipping of over 190 metro lines across 32 countries, Alstom stands as a formidable leader in the mass transit market. Our advanced Urbalis and Onvia technology positions us at the forefront of automation solutions for both urban and mainline rail systems. ALSTOM™, Metropolis™, Urbalis™, Urbalis Forward™ and Onvia ™ are protected trademarks of the Alstom Group. [1] Communication Based Train Control www.alstom.com   Ask For More Information…

The 20 best-loved railway artworks in the UK were unveiled today (15 April, World Art Day) following a global vote held as part of a celebration of 200 years of the modern railway. Art lovers and rail enthusiasts are now invited to choose an outright winner to be announced on 9 June, the birthday of rail pioneer George Stephenson. Famous works by J.M.W. Turner and Eric Ravilious are included in the final 20, along with six works by renowned railway painter Terence Cuneo and two by Norman Wilkinson, whose paintings are featured in popular travel posters. The shortlist includes artworks by 14 artists, including female painters Anna Todd, Ann Emily Carr and Grace Lydia Golden. The top 20 artworks were selected by public vote from a longlist of 200 compiled by Art UK, the online home of the nation’s art, as part of a partnership with Railway 200, rail’s bicentenary campaign to celebrate a British invention that changed the world. Nearly 4,000 votes were cast. The shortlist is drawn from 11 public collections across England, Scotland and Wales, including the National Railway Museum, Hopetown Darlington and The Postal Museum. The initial vote highlights the breadth of organisations that hold public artworks, ranging from The National Gallery and Aberdeen Art Gallery to Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Royal Holloway, University of London. Anyone can register for the final vote to choose the nation’s favourite at https://railway200.artuk.org/ and the poll will close at midnight on Sunday, 1 June. Art UK is also hosting online exhibitions of both the shortlist and longlist or artworks. Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross said: “For two centuries, our railways have carried passengers and freight as well as inspiring artistic creativity across Britain. This remarkable collection showcases how deeply trains are woven into our cultural fabric.  “I’m delighted to see such diversity in the shortlist and encourage everyone to celebrate this bicentenary by viewing these wonderful artworks and voting for their favourite.” Alan Hyde from Railway 200 said: “The railway has always been a source of inspiration for artists, helping to enrich our cultural lives. We hope that, in rail’s bicentenary year, art lovers will travel by train to enjoy the best of railway-inspired art at first hand and help to choose the nation’s favourite.” Andrew Ellis, Chief Executive of Art UK, added: “There are so many terrific artworks of trains and the railway in the UK national collection and on Art UK. This first public vote has narrowed this down to 20 artworks from which a winner must now be chosen. Given the shortlist, this will be quite a challenge, and I cannot wait to see which one is chosen as the ‘world’s favourite UK railway artwork!” The paintings will be displayed in The Railway 200 Gallery in an exhibition on the Art UK website until 31 December 2025.  Railway 200 commemorates the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR) in 1825 when George Stephenson drove Locomotion No.1 a distance of 26 miles between Shildon, Darlington and Stockton in the North East of England. As part of Railway 200, this historic event is also being celebrated with a nine-month international festival known as S&DR200.

Specialist engineering consultancy Encompass Engineering has completed a critical review of West Midlands Railway’s Maintenance Design Justification File (MDJF) for its newly introduced Class 196 fleet. Encompass Engineering said that the “meticulous” validation process would ensure maintenance schedules and tasks aligned with operational requirements, supporting the safe and efficient running of the trains. As part of West Midlands Railway’s ongoing commitment to safety and reliability, the company sought independent verification of its maintenance documentation to eliminate any discrepancies. The MDJF – a key document outlining essential maintenance tasks – needed to be cross checked against the Vehicle Maintenance Schedule (VMS) and Vehicle Maintenance Instructions (VMIs). Encompass Engineering was appointed to carry out this task, helping the operator to achieve full compliance and operational confidence. Josh Gilsenan, Operations Director at Encompass Engineering, highlighted the importance of this work: “Ensuring maintenance documentation is accurate and aligned is a fundamental part of delivering a safe and reliable rail service. Our team’s expertise in detailed validation helps prevent operational issues before they arise.” Encompass Engineering revealed that the review involved a structured approach – breaking down maintenance tasks into low, medium and high-priority categories. By comparing the MDJF with the VMS and VMIs, it identified discrepancies and worked with the train manufacturer to resolve them. “The work we carried out has given West Midlands Railway a strong foundation to finalise their maintenance documentation,” commented Josh. “By identifying and categorising discrepancies, we have helped streamline the validation process and ensure that the Class 196 fleet meets industry standards.” Encompass Engineering added that its expertise in maintenance documentation and process reviews helps train operators to avoid costly errors and maintain peak operational performance. For more information, visit www.encompass-engineering.com or contact the Encompass Engineering team.

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The films, which are being screened on the Tyne and Wear Metro’s social media channels, show members of the Metro fleet project team explaining the many modern features on board the new trains – which are currently in the process of entering customer service. Film is the ideal medium to help customer to familiarise themselves with the new Stadler trains, which differ vastly from the current fleet.  Workers in key project roles appear in the campaign to add authenticity and tap into their expert knowledge. They take the viewer on a walk through the Metro carriage, showcasing technology and customer benefits.  This includes a focus on safety systems, the linear seating layout, USB charging points, climate control, CCTV, accessibility, the automatic sliding steps, digital display screens, handrails and grab poles, the doors, the coloured lights around each set of doors, art work, the public address system and emergency alarm system, customer intercom, priority seating, and the fleet testing process.  The films were shot in an informal and easy-to-understand way. They can be viewed on the Tyne and Wear Metro’s official Instagram, Tik Tok and Facebook channels. They will also be available to view on the Nexus and Tyne and Wear Metro YouTube channels.  Michael Richardson, Head of Fleet and Depot Replacement at Nexus, said: “This series of short films will really help our customers get to know their new Metro trains as the entry into service continues to make progress.  “This is a really exciting step forward for us and video is a great medium to showcase the new Metro fleet, which will be transformative for comfort, quality and reliability.  “Members of our own project team appear on camera, sharing their expert knowledge of the Stadler trains, and explaining more about the many modern new features on board.  “All of this bitesize content will be appearing on our social media channels to help customers familiarise themselves with the trains, which boast the latest technology and are vastly different from the current Metro fleet.  “I hope our customers enjoy watching the reels, which are going to appear on Metro’s Instagram, TikTok and Facebook channels, as well as the Metro and Nexus YouTube pages. Don’t forget to like and share.”  The new Metro fleet began entering customer service in December last year.  Stadler, the Swiss train manufacturer, is building 46 new Metro trains for Nexus.  The introduction of the new Metro trains will happen in phases in what is the biggest project in Metro’s history.  Half of the 46 new trains which are on order from Stadler are scheduled to be in service by the end of 2025.  We aim to have all 46 new trains running in customer service over the next two years.  Image and video credit: Nexus Share this article

Northern is introducing changes to bicycle storage facilities at several stations across its network. The move will see older and redundant provisions replaced with new alternatives that include free bike racks, short-term storage lockers and long-term rental units. It follows a review by the train operator of bicycle storage at its stations. The new measures are being introduced at seven locations on the network, including: · Carnforth in Lancashire. · Cheadle Hulme, Hazel Grove, Lostock Parkway and Romiley in Greater Manchester. · Guiseley and Kirkstall Forge in West Yorkshire. Alex Hornby, Commercial and Customer Director at Northern, said: “This is great news for our customers that ‘bike it’ to the station at these locations. “We know that excellent facilities are important for customers who want to pedal and park, whether they’re using their bikes for fitness, convenience or simply for their own enjoyment – and of course, we’re keen to promote cycling to our stations, which in turn keeps cars off the roads. “The fact there is a choice of free bike racks, short term lockers for hire and long-term rental units means bicycle users can pick the option that works for them.” In 2024, Northern published a list of some of the best cycle routes from its stations across the North of England, and the operator has recently partnered with komoot to promote scenic cycling and walking trails across Northumberland and the Peak District.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (CPKC) has announced the sale of the Panama Canal Railway Company (PCRC) to APM Terminals, a global terminal operator and independent division of A.P. Moller – Maersk. PCRC, which offers freight and passenger services along the Panama Canal, has operated as a 50/50 joint venture between CPKC subsidiary Kansas City Southern and Lanco Group/Mi-Jack since its inception in 1998. In 2024, the company reported revenue of USD 77 million and EBITDA of USD 36 million. “We are pleased to have completed this transaction with APM Terminals, a part of A.P. Moller – Maersk, a key strategic partner of CPKC’s and major customer of the Panama Canal Railway Company,” said Keith Creel, CPKC President and Chief Executive Officer. “The sale of this non-core asset creates value for our shareholders and reflects our commitment to optimise our assets as we focus on growing our core North American rail business through our unrivalled three-nation network connecting Canada, the United States and Mexico.” Mike Lanigan, Chief Executive Officer of Lanco Group/Mi-Jack, added: “Lanco is very proud to have worked with CPKC and A.P. Moller – Maersk over the past several years. Keith Creel and his group have been a pleasure to work with and I wish to congratulate APM Terminals on the purchase of the Panama Canal Railway. As we all know, Panama is a major transportation hub, and I am quite confident the container business will continue to grow under the leadership of APM Terminals.” “PCRC represents an attractive infrastructure investment in the region aligned to our core services of intermodal container movement,” said Keith Svendsen, CEO of APM Terminals. “The company is highly regarded for its operational excellence and will provide a significant opportunity for us to offer a broader range of services to the global shipping customers we serve.” PCRC was established following the award of a concession by the Republic of Panama to reconstruct and operate the Panama Canal Railway – a 47-mile route that runs adjacent to the Panama Canal, linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The railway forms a key part of Panama’s logistics infrastructure. APM Terminals has over 50 years of experience in developing and managing advanced container terminals worldwide. The company currently operates in 60 strategic locations across 33 countries and employs approximately 33,000 people. In the Americas Region, APM Terminals operates 14 terminals in eight countries.

Scotland’s Railway says it is celebrating an “incredible” first year of fundraising, awareness-building, and community support for Scotland’s older people. Age Scotland has been the official charity partner of ScotRail and Network Rail Scotland since April 2024. Over the past 12 months, the partnership has contributed almost £332,000 in support through fundraising and in-kind contributions to help tackle loneliness and promote the importance of older people feeling valued and included in Scottish society. Through a variety of initiatives, rail customers and colleagues have played a vital role in supporting Age Scotland’s mission to inspire, involve, and empower older people in Scotland. Fundraising activities have included bucket collections at stations, customer donations through Delay Repay contributions, and exciting staff-led fundraising events such as bake sales, craft fairs, musical performances, a 13 mile walk from Clydebank station to Balloch station, auctions, and raffles. Scotland’s Railway employees have stepped up to the challenge, participating in fundraising and awareness events, such as abseiling challenges at the Forth Bridge and the Falkirk Wheel, zip-lining across the Clyde and the Supernova 5k at the Kelpies. The charity has also benefited from in-kind support, including complimentary travel for Age Scotland employees as they work across the country to support older people, and the charity featuring in a significant brand awareness campaign delivered by Scotland’s Railway. From TV adverts and posters on trains and at stations to Age Scotland branding on trains and a Christmas marketing campaign, the partnership has helped Age Scotland reach millions across Scotland, amplifying its vital work. Throughout 2025, ScotRail and Network Rail will continue to support Age Scotland with an exciting calendar of fundraising events, including Kiltwalks, abseiling the Kelpies, the Edinburgh marathon, 5k runs, and fire walks. Scotland’s Railway staff are also set to volunteer as Friendship Callers for Age Scotland, providing invaluable support and companionship to lonely older people. David Ross, ScotRail Communications Director, said: “We are incredibly proud of everything we have achieved in partnership with Age Scotland over the past year. “Thanks to the generosity of our customers and the dedication of our staff, we have been able to help make a difference in the lives of older people across Scotland. “We look forward to continuing our work together and making an even greater impact in the years ahead.” Innis Keith, Network Rail Health, Safety, and Environment Director, said: “This is a deeply meaningful partnership that has helped us better connect with the communities we serve. “A little effort goes a long way, and it’s inspiring to see how small actions add up to make a big difference. “It’s in all our interests to ensure life as we get older is fulfilling and rewarding, and we look forward to continuing supporting this in the year ahead.” Katherine Crawford, Age Scotland Chief Executive, said: “The support from Scotland’s Railway has been fantastic and we are incredibly grateful to staff and customers for their wonderful fundraising efforts, volunteering to tackle loneliness with friendship calls, and sharing information about how our services can help. “This positive partnership is having an impact and raising fantastic awareness of how we can support older people in Scotland. We’re really looking forward to what else we can achieve together.”

Work to construct six new stations for the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line is progressing, with final designs for each station now confirmed. The designs aim to reflect the natural and cultural characteristics of the Cumberland Plain while supporting a strong sense of place and community connection across Western Sydney. The design process was led by Hassell in collaboration with First Nations design studio Djinjama. Engagement with Knowledge Holders of Country also played a central role, ensuring cultural perspectives were embedded in the architectural outcomes. Each of the six stations will feature materials, colours and textures inspired by the surrounding landscape. These design elements will be visible across key station areas, including public plazas, walkways and building interiors. Community and stakeholder input shaped the final designs, following a public consultation process held earlier in the project. The feedback received informed adjustments to design features to ensure the stations respond to local priorities and cultural values. The new stations are part of the broader Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project, which is intended to provide efficient and accessible transport connections for residents, workers and visitors to the region. The Australian and NSW governments anticipate that the line will be operational in time for the opening of the new Western Sydney International Airport.

Metro workers are starring in a series of short films to help customers get to know the new Metro trains. The films, which are being screened on the Tyne and Wear Metro’s social media channels, show members of the Metro fleet project team explaining the many modern features on board the new trains – which are currently in the process of entering customer service. Nexus, the public body which runs Metro, said film was the ideal medium to help customer to familiarise themselves with the new Stadler trains, which differ vastly from the current fleet. Workers in key project roles appear in the campaign to add authenticity and tap into their expert knowledge. They take the viewer on a walk through the Metro carriage, showcasing technology and customer benefits. This includes a focus on safety systems, the linear seating layout, USB charging points, climate control, CCTV, accessibility, the automatic sliding steps, digital display screens, handrails and grab poles, the doors, the coloured lights around each set of doors, art work, the public address system and emergency alarm system, customer intercom, priority seating, and the fleet testing process. The films were shot in an informal and easy-to-understand way. They can be viewed on the Tyne and Wear Metro’s official Instagram, Tik Tok and Facebook channels. They will also be available to view on the Nexus and Tyne and Wear Metro YouTube channels. Michael Richardson, Head of Fleet and Depot Replacement at Nexus, said: “This series of short films will really help our customers get to know their new Metro trains as the entry into service continues to make progress. “This is a really exciting step forward for us and video is a great medium to showcase the new Metro fleet, which will be transformative for comfort, quality and reliability. “Members of our own project team appear on camera, sharing their expert knowledge of the Stadler trains, and explaining more about the many modern new features on board. “All of this bitesize content will be appearing on our social media channels to help customers familiarise themselves with the trains, which boast the latest technology and are vastly different from the current Metro fleet. “I hope our customers enjoy watching the reels, which are going to appear on Metro’s Instagram, TikTok and Facebook channels, as well as the Metro and Nexus YouTube pages. Don’t forget to like and share.” The new Metro fleet began entering customer service in December last year. Stadler, the Swiss train manufacturer, is building 46 new Metro trains for Nexus. The introduction of the new Metro trains will happen in phases in what is the biggest project in Metro’s history.  Half of the 46 new trains which are on order from Stadler are scheduled to be in service by the end of 2025.  Nexus aims to have all 46 new trains running in customer service over the next two years.

Rail operator Chiltern Railways has announced the launch of its Community Investment Fund (CIF) for 2025/26, offering grants to support projects that deliver meaningful social, economic and environmental benefits to communities across its network. Applications for the fund are now open, closing on 05 May 2025. Grants ranging from £5,000 to £20,000 are available, with the potential for match funding up to a total project value of £40,000.   The CIF is designed to deliver initiatives that improve station environments for customers, encourage sustainable and accessible travel, and strengthen community relationships. Eligible applicants include local charities, Community Interest Companies, Business Improvement Districts, Community Rail Partnerships and other not-for-profit groups.  This builds on the successful delivery of 11 projects in 2024/25, including Chiltern Rangers and Buckinghamshire New University delivering gardening and artwork projects at High Wycombe Station, the creation of the Marylebone on Display exhibition promoting local charities and businesses around London Marylebone and Midlands-based charity Jericho providing rail confidence visits to survivors of modern slavery and people trafficking across the West Midlands.  Zach Bailey, Regional Growth Manager at Chiltern Railways, said: “I am excited to announce that applications are now open for our 2025/26 Community Investment Fund, building on Chiltern’s track record of delivering social value projects in our communities. “We were delighted by the quality of last year’s projects, from working with community partners to deliver creative artwork installations at Banbury, Great Missenden and Oxford Parkway stations and helping to build rail confidence amongst school children and those impacted by domestic abuse and modern slavery, among other really important causes along our route. “We look forward to receiving applications from a diverse range of not-for-profit charities, community groups and organisations over the next month.”  For more information and to apply, visit here.

A Railway Pact for the Łódź Voivodeship has been signed by Poland’s Minister of Infrastructure, Dariusz Klimczak, the CEO of PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe (PLK), Piotr Wyborski, and the Marshal of the Łódź Voivodeship, Joanna Skrzydlewska. The agreement focuses on enhancing cooperation in the planning and construction of new railway lines that will connect Bełchatów with Łódź, Piotrków Trybunalski with Tomaszów Mazowiecki, and Wieluń with both Chorzew Siemkowice and Bełchatów. The Railway Pact for Łódź also includes the modernisation and revitalisation of existing infrastructure to improve rail connectivity—particularly between Zgierz and Kutno, Łódź and Opoczno, and Skierniewice. “The expansion of the railway network in the Łódź Voivodeship is a key element of our strategy to increase the efficiency of both passenger and freight transport. Investments such as the construction of new routes will help create a new network of connections across the region and the country. Together, we will carry out analyses to improve capacity on key lines, contributing to the continued dynamic development of rail infrastructure,” said Marcin Mochocki, Director for Investment Implementation at PKP PLK. The Pact highlights the pressing need to improve transport accessibility in the Łódź Voivodeship, reinforcing regional cohesion and capitalising on its central location. “The development of rail infrastructure in the Łódź region will lead to better integration of regional connections, allowing for more efficient and effective travel between cities. This will offer residents more mobility options and enable businesses to transport goods more quickly and conveniently. Both major urban centres and smaller local communities will benefit,” said the CEO of PKP PLK at the signing ceremony. The signatories have committed to maximising the potential of rail transport upon completion of strategically important investment projects. These include developments such as the Łódź Railway Junction, led by PLK in cooperation with Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK), along the Central Railway Line (CMK), which is currently under modernisation and expansion works, including the deployemtn of ETCS, all subprojects expected to be completed in 2026. This includes the construction of Biała Rawska station and is supported by funding from the European Funds for Łódź 2021–2027 programme. Additionally, other rail initiatives in the province are being implemented under the Kolej Plus programme, running through to 2029 and financed jointly by the state and local authorities. “Our region is undergoing a transport revolution. Major projects such as the high-speed railway and the construction of two tunnels beneath the centre of Łódź are opening up new opportunities for social, cultural, and economic development. However, these investments must be complemented by regional connections—‘tributaries’ that support the main lines. The Railway Pact for Łódź responds to the region’s dynamic transformation. This tripartite commitment will provide us with a concrete action plan for the coming years,” said the Marshal of the Łódź Voivodeship during the ceremony held on 9 April 2025. The aim of the Railway Pact for Łódź is to ensure synergy between regional and long-distance rail connections, enabling more effective provincial and interprovincial transport. “Together with local authorities and PLK, we will work to ensure synergy between regional and long-distance routes by balancing strategic investments already underway. Increasing the region’s transport accessibility will strengthen its internal cohesion and optimise the use of its geographical, central location,” said the Minister of Infrastructure. Future actions and investment priorities will be determined based on the results of the agglomeration junction planning study. As funding becomes available, the Łódź Voivodeship and PKP PLK will enter into further agreements to initiate project studies and documentation for two potential railway axes: one connecting Bełchatów with Łódź, and the other linking Piotrków Trybunalski and Tomaszów Mazowiecki. Additionally, the Voivodeship authorities intend to pursue the launch of a fast rail connection on the Łódź–Tomaszów Mazowiecki–Warsaw route. These projects will be co-financed by funds available to the signatories of the Railway Pact. Regional authorities are committed to ensuring the provision of provincial public utility rail transport using infrastructure managed by PLK with a minimum of eight pairs of trains operating daily. Regarding the high-speed projects in this region, Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) is advancing the Warsaw – Łódź HSR aiming to reduce travel time to approximately 45 minutes. In June 2023, the EU delivered EUR 64 million for this 140 km line, which will accommodate speeds up to 350 km/h. The connection through Łódź will be provided by a new 4.6 km tunnel for which the construction was launched at the end of 2023. This tunnel will link the Retkinia and Fabryczna chambers, facilitating high-speed trains connecting Warsaw, Wrocław, and Poznań. The project is budgeted at approximately PLN 2.8 billion (EUR 654 million), with construction expected to be completed in 2028. Another strategic rail project is the cross-city railway line running through the centre of the city of Łódź with transport hubs in Łódź Kaliska (situated west of the city), Łódź Fabryczna, the largest and most modern railway station in the city of Łódź and Łódź Widzew, located in the eastern part of Łódź. The line is currently under construction and also includes the construction of a new section linking the Widzew and Niciarniana stations, and the tunnel reaching Łódź Fabryczna station, enhancing urban mobility. ​ In addition, PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe is implementing several projects involving the construction of new stations in the Łódź region, as part of the Government programme for the construction or modernisation of railway stations for the years 2021–2025. The result of the investment will be more convenient train journeys and improved access to rail services, thereby increasing the attractiveness of rail travel for both everyday and occasional journeys. Łódź Voivodeship is strategically located in central Poland for which transport is not only a way of mobility, but also the driver of trade and economic development. Concerning transport, the local authorities, as well the Polish government are focused on the modernisation and development of railway infrastructure. These enhancements are designed to improve connectivity, reduce travel times, and bolster economic development both regionally and nationally.​ The Łódź Voivodeship’s substantial investments in railway infrastructure reflect a strategic vision to enhance transport efficiency, stimulate economic growth, and improve environmental sustainability. These projects not only benefit the region but also contribute to Poland’s position within the European transport network, paving the way for a more connected and prosperous future.​ These initiatives underscore the Łódź Voivodeship’s commitment to modernizing its railway infrastructure, improving passenger experience, and bolstering regional development.​