GOVERNMENT AND REGULATORY

Global transport sector to meet in Sydney

Representatives from 17 countries and the European Union are for the first time meeting in Australia to finalise the agenda of this year’s annual gathering of the most influential political and business leaders from across the global transport industry. Last year’s three day Forum was attended by more than 800 government officials, businesspeople, academics and community leaders from 54 countries. Scheduled for May, the next Forum will take place against the backdrop of a global economy experiencing the most severe downturn in recent history. For the global transport industry these economic circumstances are creating unprecedented challenges.

INDUSTRY

V/Line gears up for scorching week

An increase in train maintenance and earlier cooling of trains were part of a package of measures V/Line put in place to counter one of Victoria's hottest weeks on record. With temperatures up to 41 degrees in Melbourne (and hotter in some parts of the state), V/Line prepared the regional train fleet and infrastructure for the heat wave. The package of hot weather measures saw a step-up in train maintenance over the past few days. While most hot days are soon followed by a cool change, the sustained heat expected over several days ensured maintenance crews were working to full capacity.

In-cab radios for the British train fleet

Direct, secure and even safer communication between train drivers and signallers is a step closer with the announcement that Network Rail is investing £24 million to fit state-of-the-art in-cab radios in the majority of the British train fleet over the next three years. Network Rail is installing the new Railway Communications System (RCS) across the whole British rail network. This will see the current analogue systems replaced by a high-specification, digital system. Passengers will benefit from increased safety and reliability. The RCS will allow the driver to contact a signaller within seconds, which could prove vital in emergencies. Better communications will also enable train operators to recover from delays more quickly while keeping passengers better informed.

Benefits of freight and passenger rail

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials held a hearing on 28 January 2009 to examine the important role that freight and passenger railroads play in the United States’ economy, the impact of the current economic crisis on the industry, the enormous economic and environmental benefits of freight and passenger rail, and rail investment needs now and in the future. Witnesses included representatives from the freight and passenger rail industry, rail supply industry, labor, think tanks, and state government officials.