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Tfgm Begins Procurement For New £1.6 Billion Metrolink Contract

Tfgm Begins Procurement For New £1.6 Billion Metrolink ContractTransport 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.

East Midlands Railway Rolls Out Refurbished Class 170 Train

East Midlands Railway Rolls Out Refurbished Class 170 TrainEast 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.

Power Upgrades Underway To Support New Piccadilly Line Trains

Power Upgrades Underway To Support New Piccadilly Line TrainsUK Power Networks Services has signed a 24 million GBP contract to deliver High Voltage (HV) power network upgrades to support new rolling stock on London Underground’s Piccadilly line. The work forms part of a broader infrastructure programme preparing the network for the introduction of the new trains. This is the second contract awarded under the programme. Once all associated works are completed, the upgrades will enable a planned increase in service frequency to 27 trains per hour on the Piccadilly line during peak periods. The improvements will also provide additional resilience for parts of the Northern line. The scope of the contract includes substation upgrades and HV equipment enhancements at various sites. Works will take place at locations including Neasden, Acton Town and Ravenscourt Park. These upgrades involve modifications, extensions, and installations designed to meet the power demands of the new trains and the wider network. Construction began on 25 March 2025, with completion expected in 2027. UK Power Networks Services is thrilled to support work that will enable the rollout of new trains on London Underground’s Piccadilly line, with the signing of our latest contract to upgrade sections of the London Underground High Voltage power network. We are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with London Underground and Transport for London. Being awarded this contract is testament to the hard work and expertise of our staff and our continued support for the London transport network. UK Power Networks Services delivers a range of energy and infrastructure solutions, including power distribution, design and build, operations and maintenance, and asset management. Its client base includes organisations such as Network Rail, the Ministry of Defence, and various commercial and transport sector partners. The company has an established working relationship with Transport for London (TfL) and previously secured a 40 million GBP contract in 2022, also in support of the Piccadilly line. Other past projects include the redevelopment of Liverpool Street station as part of the Crossrail programme, and substation upgrades across several Underground lines including the Metropolitan, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and District lines.

Crrc Produces China’S First Six-Car Urban Rail Express Train

Crrc Produces China’S First Six-Car Urban Rail Express TrainIn March 2025, the first six-car urban rail express train for the Chongqing Metro Line 15 was officially completed at CRRC Changchun’s manufacturing facility. This development advances the ongoing expansion of Chongqing’s urban rail infrastructure, with the train specifically designed to meet the operational demands of the region’s topography and passenger needs. The train has a maximum passenger capacity of 2,428 per trainset and features a modular design that enables flexible configurations of either four or six cars. This allows operators to adjust train lengths based on passenger volumes, contributing to improved transport efficiency and lower operational costs. Additionally, the train can operate across multiple lines, including the Chongqing Bitong Line and Line 27, which supports system-wide compatibility and helps reduce spare parts inventory and maintenance requirements. A key aspect of the train’s design is its ability to navigate Chongqing’s mountainous terrain. It is built to handle gradients of up to 50‰ (5%) in line with the local geography. To improve environmental performance, the train incorporates lithium titanate batteries. These provide fast-charging capabilities, zero-emission operation, and an extended service life, contributing to reduced overall energy consumption. The vehicle’s structure also benefits from a lightweight design, with each car weighing approximately 2 tonnes less than comparable models. This has been achieved through the use of composite flooring, a high-frequency auxiliary inverter, and an integrated traction system. The train’s introduction will support the ongoing growth of the metro network while contributing to more efficient and environmentally conscious urban transport.

In Pictures: Sydney Metro Confirms Designs For Six New Stations

In Pictures: Sydney Metro Confirms Designs For Six New StationsWork 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.

Coventry Very Light Rail Set For City Centre Demonstration

Coventry Very Light Rail Set For City Centre DemonstrationRailAdventure UK, a transport services company based in the West Midlands, has been appointed to operate the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) vehicle during its upcoming city centre demonstration. The trial will take place on a 220-metre section of track between Greyfriars Road and Queen Victoria Road in Coventry in May and June 2025. Coventry Very Light Rail is being developed as a lower-cost, flexible alternative to traditional light rail systems. The project combines locally sourced automotive and rail expertise to create a new form of urban transport, featuring lightweight vehicles and an innovative track system installed within 30 centimetres of the road’s surface. This is a significant step in our ongoing testing of Very Light Rail, and it’s fantastic that we’re working with RailAdventureUK to demonstrate this innovative model and prove the benefits it will bring to Coventry. Very Light Rail is just the beginning of our plans to revolutionise transport in our city, tackle climate change, improve air quality, and provide a reliable and accessible travel option. The demonstration will offer Coventry residents and other stakeholders the opportunity to experience the system and provide feedback on its performance. RailAdventure UK will provide operational support for the trial, including vehicle operation. A father-and-son driving team from the company will run the demonstration services. This project is a perfect fit for RailAdventure - it’s local, innovative, and uses our operational expertise and passion for bringing new ideas to life! Our local teams will be working on this test. With our experience as a rail operator, including battery-powered traction, we are excited to showcase why we believe there is a strong future for this type of operation. We look forward to playing a role in shaping it. The CVLR programme is led by Coventry City Council and funded through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement via the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). The council ultimately aims to develop a full network of CVLR routes across the city. Members of the public will be able to register for test rides via the Coventry City Council website.

Caltrain Ridership Increases Following Electrification

Caltrain Ridership Increases Following ElectrificationNewly released data has demonstrated that ridership numbers on Caltrain have risen substantially since the launch of its electric train service in September 2024. The service, which operates between San Francisco and San Jose, recorded a 41% year-on-year increase in ridership in December, amounting to more than 500,000 additional journeys. This growth has since continued into early 2025. The rise in passenger numbers follows major investments at local, state, and federal levels to electrify the service. The project forms part of a broader plan by Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration to expand sustainable transport options across California. California’s commitment to building sustainable transportation corridors is already paying dividends as more travellers in the Bay Area are choosing electric trains to arrive at their destinations faster and cleaner. Caltrain is providing our state with a proof-of-concept in real time — demonstrating that efficient, affordable, and convenient mobility can be achieved as we clean our air and move away from fossil fuels. The electrification project was supported by a funding package that included 714 million USD from the California High-Speed Rail Authority and a further 1.7 billion USD from other sources, including the state’s Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program. The new electric trains have already demonstrated operational efficiencies. Caltrain reports that the fleet is returning more energy to the grid than initially projected — 23% above expectations — which is expected to reduce electricity costs over time. The switch from diesel to electric traction is already anticipated to lower fuel expenses. The Caltrain service is expected to eventually integrate with the California High-Speed Rail project, which will connect Northern and Southern California via the Central Valley. The high-speed rail initiative, currently under construction, is the largest infrastructure project underway in the United States. Our $714 million investment in Caltrain’s Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project underscores the Authority’s leadership and commitment to delivering real results for Californians. By contributing nearly 40% of the total project cost, we’re not only accelerating cleaner, more efficient rail service on the Peninsula — we’re also laying the groundwork for future high-speed rail along this corridor.

Ontario: Final Tunnelling Begins On Eglinton Crosstown West Extension

Ontario: Final Tunnelling Begins On Eglinton Crosstown West ExtensionThe Ontario government has commenced tunnelling on the final segment of the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, marking a significant milestone in expanding rapid transit in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The nine-kilometre extension will add seven new stations, linking the Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT) to areas from Scarborough to Mississauga. Construction crews have now commenced work on the last underground section of the extension, excavating twin 500-metre tunnels between Jane Street and the future Mount Dennis Station. The tunnelling is being completed using the sequential excavation method, which progresses at a rate of one to two metres per day. Once completed, the extension will bring more than 37,500 people within a 10-minute walk of the LRT network. It also cut travel times between key locations—such as Yonge and Eglinton and Square One in Mississauga—by up to 24 minutes per trip. The extension will further strengthen transit connections across the region by linking passengers to services such as GO Transit, TTC, MiWay and UP Express. Riders will benefit from the province’s “One Fare” policy, which eliminates transfer costs between different transit agencies. In total, 32 stations will form the full Eglinton Crosstown route once the extension is complete. It’s exciting to see so much progress being made on the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, which will extend Line 5 Eglinton by another 9.2 kilometres, ultimately creating a rapid transit line that will run from Mississauga all the way to Scarborough, bringing thousands of people closer to transit. Notably, the project is supporting over 4,500 jobs during construction, ranging from engineering to heavy equipment operation. Premier Ford and our government have a plan to tackle gridlock and shorten commutes for drivers and public transit users in the Greater Toronto Area. As President Trump’s tariffs continue to threaten Ontario workers and our economy, it has never been more important to invest in transportation infrastructure. We will do whatever it takes to protect Ontario jobs and build for the future. The Eglinton Crosstown West Extension forms part of a broader 70 billion CAD investment by the Ontario government in public transit over the next decade. This includes major undertakings such as the Ontario Line, the Scarborough Subway Extension and the Yonge North Subway Extension.

Egypt: Progress Rail Signs Locomotive Modernisation Deal With Enr

Egypt: Progress Rail Signs Locomotive Modernisation Deal With EnrProgress Rail has entered into three long-term agreements with Egyptian National Railways (ENR) to modernise 100 AA22T locomotives and provide technical services and spare parts support. The contracts, which will cover a total of 141 locomotives for a period of up to 15 years, are expected to improve locomotive availability and enhance network capacity. The signing ceremony took place in Cairo, with ENR Chairman, Mohamed Abdel Aziz Amer and Progress Rail Executive Vice President for Locomotive, Jack Zhang formalising the agreements. HE Kamel Al Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry & Transport, was also present at the event. This locomotive modernisation program will extend the existing assets’ useful life by up to 20 years, while updating the control and engine system to achieve significant fuel savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, this project will further strengthen our long history of collaboration with ENR to support the nation’s needs of improving transportation capacity, as well as enhancing job opportunities while receiving the latest technologies and components from the US. Progress Rail, a global supplier of EMD® locomotives, has a longstanding relationship with ENR, dating back to the 1950s. The company has delivered a significant portion of the railway’s current operational fleet. Under the new contracts, Progress Rail will continue to provide in-country support to ENR staff, helping to build local maintenance capabilities. The locomotive modernisation process involves retaining major structural elements such as the car body and bogie frame, while integrating new components and technologies. This approach offers a cost-effective alternative to acquiring new locomotives, providing enhanced functionality using refurbished platforms.

Barcelona: Alstom Constructs New Maintenance Depot For Fgc Airport Trains

Barcelona: Alstom Constructs New Maintenance Depot For Fgc Airport TrainsAlstom has commenced construction of a new maintenance depot for Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC) trains that will connect central Barcelona with Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport. The facility will support the maintenance of ten Coradia Stream trains for a period of 15 years. The depot is located on land adjacent to Alstom’s industrial site in Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Barcelona. Covering 3,500 square metres, it will include two maintenance tracks, auxiliary workshops, a warehouse, project offices, and staff facilities. It will also be equipped with a rail connection to the Adif network, a train washing tunnel, a traction substation, and a third auxiliary track with wheel turning equipment. The construction of the depot is being carried out by Comsa. It is always a pleasure to inaugurate new depots and projects, showing our commitment to Catalonia. With more than 1,100 direct employees, Alstom's industrial site in Barcelona is a global benchmark, not only for its operational excellence, but also for its commitment to sustainability, flexibility and its ability to diversify and take on new challenges. This new Alstom depot in Catalonia, which will maintain the new FGC fleet, is an example of our local maintenance capability and our proximity to our customers. Once operational, the new FGC line will run every 15 minutes, with a journey time of just over 20 minutes from Passeig de Gràcia to Terminal 1. The 22.7-kilometre route will serve nine stations, including Sant Andreu, Sagrera, El Clot, Passeig de Gràcia, Sants, Bellvitge, El Prat, Airport T2, and Airport T1. With the start of work on the new maintenance depot, together with Alstom, we are taking a step forward in advancing this new service. The connection with Ferrocarrils between Barcelona and Barcelona-El Prat Airport will significantly improve sustainable mobility in the area surrounding the Airport and reduce the journey time from the centre of Barcelona to terminals 1 and 2 of the Airport. The Coradia Stream trains, manufactured at the same Santa Perpètua site, will have a total capacity of 656 passengers. The trains will be fully accessible, featuring step-free boarding, automatic ramps, and dedicated areas for passengers with reduced mobility. Onboard facilities will include luggage storage areas and panoramic information screens displaying train and flight details.