GOVERNMENT AND REGULATORY

Private siding and interface agreement information sessions

The Independent Transport Safety and Reliability Regulator (ITSRR) has invited rail infrastructure managers and road authorities to information sessions on their requirements following the introduction of the Rail Safety Act 2008, which commenced on 1 January 2009. The changes include a requirement that qualifying private sidings be registered with ITSRR. Rail infrastructure managers of private sidings have until 1 January 2011 to register their private sidings. Rail infrastructure managers and roads authorities also have a new obligation to seek to enter into interface agreements to manage the risks to safety that may arise because of rail or road crossings on public roads.

Feedback invited on Hunter timetable

Transport Minister David Campbell has invited CityRail customers who travel on the Hunter Line to have their say on the proposed timetable to be introduced later this year. Mr Campbell unveiled the draft timetable for the Hunter Line and encouraged local commuters to provide feedback during a two-week consultation period, 20 April - 1 May. “The draft timetable proposes a number of improvements to rail services on the Hunter Line and better integrates the local timetable with Newcastle to Sydney services,” Mr Campbell said.

$8 million upgrade for southern stations

Two of Adelaide’s busiest southern suburb train stations will receive multi-million dollar makeovers as part of the State Government’s on-going $2 billion investment in public transport infrastructure. Transport Minister Patrick Conlon released concept plans for the $8 million upgrade of the Hallett Cove and Hallett Cove Beach stations. “We expect to have contractors appointed to undertake the works on these stations during August this year, allowing for the upgrades to be completed by the end of the year,” Mr Conlon said.

Sydney Metro generates interest

NSW Minister for Transport David Campbell has invited industry to provide feedback on the contract to deliver the rolling stock, track, station fit-out and operating systems for the CBD Metro. Mr Campbell said it was a very exciting time as Sydney’s transport future took shape. “The $4.8 billion CBD Metro is the first section of an expansive metro rail network and will be the backbone of Sydney’s transport future,” Mr Campbell said. “Those companies and consortia interested in delivering the rolling stock, the stations and operating the Metro are being asked to comment on the proposed contracts.”

Call for high speed trains

President Barack Obama has announced a new push to transform travel in America, creating high-speed rail lines from city to city, reducing dependence on cars and planes and spurring economic development. The President released a strategic plan outlining his vision for high speed rail. The plan identifies $8 billion provided in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and $1 billion a year for five years requested in the federal budget as a down payment to jump-start a potential world-class passenger rail system.

INDUSTRY

Rail Partnership Awards 2009

The search is on for the best in the business as Network Rail seeks nominations for the first ever Rail Partnership Awards 2009. The awards will recognise and celebrate the hard work and dedication of Network Rail’s contractors and suppliers who have played a major role in helping the company deliver thousands of rail improvement schemes across the country. Nominations are open to all suppliers - both firms or individuals - who have worked with Network Rail from January 2008 to May 2009.

Railway industry's top environmentalist

A CSX Transportation employee from Jacksonville has been named the railroad industry's top environmentalist. Michael O'Malley, who is assistant chief engineer, facilities, for CSX Transportation, was one of five railroaders who were nominated to receive the John Chafee Environmental Excellence Award, named after the late Senator from Rhode Island, a strong environmentalist who understood and promoted the environmental advantages of rail transportation. Also honored at the reception was Delaware Senator Thomas Carper, who received the Congressional Chafee Award which annually goes to a member of Congress who, like Senator Chafee, is dedicated to the environment.

UIC Activities Report

The International Union of Railways (UIC) has just published a report of its activities for 2008. This comprehensive document provides a complete overview of progress on current work as well as results obtained during 2008, in all the main fields of railway cooperation. The report shows changes in the worldwide railway sector, in terms of passenger traffic, high speed and freight volumes.

ACCIDENTS

Blackwater rail services disrupted

Rail services in the Blackwater coal system in central Queensland have been disrupted following the collision of two trains at Grantleigh, west of Rockhampton on 22 April 2009. The collision also affected a train travelling in the opposite direction. The incident caused damage to wagons and locomotives, as well as the track and overhead wires. QR is assessing the extent of damage and forecast the rail lines might be closed for three or four days.

Passenger train derails in Berlin

German railway operator Deutsche Bahn said 24 people were injured when a regional train derailed after colliding with a freight train north of Berlin. Deutsche Bahn said it was investigating the accident late on Thursday (17 April 2009) that disrupted traffic on the railway lines running north to the coastal city of Stralsund. The driver suffered the most serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital, along with 11 other passengers.