GOVERNMENT AND REGULATORY
ITSRR Releases Survey Findings on the Impact of the New Rail Timetable on Cityrail Customers

On 28 February 2006 ITSRR released its Mini Survey Report of CityRail Customers. Since the introduction of the new rail timetable in September 2005, CityRail customers have experienced better levels of service. More customers have had their expectations of CityRail service met, but there is still substantial room for improvement.

Toll to Provide Undertakings to Federal Court

On 27 Feburary 2006 Toll indicated to the Federal Court it would propose new undertakings regarding the company’s takeover of Patrick Corporation, to address the competition concerns articulated by the ACCC in its Statement of Claim.

Australian Government Calls For Submissions For $126.8 Million In Strategic Regional Transport Projects

On 2 March 2006 the latest element in the Australian Government's AusLink strategy for rejuvenating the nation's transport infrastructure was launched in Canberra.

INDUSTRY

ARA Fortnightly Report

On 24 February 2006 the Australasian Railway Association released its fortnightly report. In the issue:

- Issue of New Rollingstock Standards
- Rail Safety Managers Workshop
- Passenger Transport
- RAIL - A Focus on People and a Plan for the Future
- Governments to Review Urban Congestion

Passengers Returning To Rail in their Thousands, Says Virgin

On 2 March 2006 Virgin Trains announced airlines on the Manchester-London route had lost out as rail had turned the tables to become the market leader with passengers returning to rail in their thousands.

Bi-state Support Brightens Outlook for NJ Transit

On 3 March 2006 George D. Warrington, the Executive Director of New Jersey Transit, indicated the outlook for mass transportation in New Jersey has gone from gloomy to sunny in a hurry, according to a report by Patrick McGeehan published by The New York Times.

Japan Tests 350 km/h ‘Fastech’ Trains

On 6 March 2006 it was announced Japan had tested the world’s fastest train – a 350 km/h “Fastech”, logging 366 km/hr.

INDUSTRY Cont...

Network Rail Faces Penalty Over Inaccurate Infrastructure Information

On 2 March 2006 the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) announced its proposal to impose a financial penalty of £250,000 on Network Rail for breach of Condition 7 of its network licence.

'No' to Single-Person Crews

On 3 March 2006 it was reported that Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway should not be permitted to operate trains with single-person crews until appropriate safety studies had been completed and regulations are in place.

  Siemens Wins Large Passenger Train Contract from the Austrian Federal Railway

On 24 February 2006 Siemens Transportation Systems (TS) announced that it had received an order from the Austrian Federal Railway (passenger services) for 23 seven-unit Railjet trains.

Railroad Deregulation is Under Attack

On 22 February 2006 the American Association of Railways announced that railroad deregulation is under attack again, in spite of overwhelming evidence that it has revitalized the railroad industry and produced enormous benefits for the American economy and for consumers.

Network Rail ‘Disappointed’ by £0.25m Fine

On 3 March 2006 Network Rail expressed ‘disappointment’ over the decision of the Office of the Rail Regulator (ORR) to impose a fine of £0.25 million.

ACCIDENTS AND INCIDENTS

TSB Releases 2005 Preliminary Transportation Occurrence Statistics

On 22 February 2006 the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) released its 2005 preliminary transportation occurrence statistics. A total of 1246 rail accidents were reported to the TSB in 2005, a 9% increase from the 2004 total of 1138 and an 18% increase from the 2000-2004 average of 1055.

Railway Occurrence Report

On 2 March 2006 the Federal Railroad Administration Administrator Joseph H. Boardman announced that his agency intends to issue regulations to address the most common human errors that cause train accidents.