GOVERNMENT AND REGULATORY

Pram safety on the CityRail network

Minister for Transport, David Campbell, reminded parents to focus on pram safety when travelling on the CityRail network with young children. “We saw that frightening incident in Melbourne a couple of weeks ago. It only takes a brief lapse of attention for something to go wrong,” Mr Campbell said. Mr Campbell added the government’s $3.3 million investment to improve pram safety on the network had seen a drop in incidents, with just one so far in 2009, compared with five for 2008.

ATSB release rail safety occurrence data 2001-09

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has published the updated Australian rail safety occurrence data to include the period between 1 January 2001 and 30 June 2009. Data is adjusted biannually to reflect new information that comes to light during the reporting period. The report excludes tram and light rail or monorail operations.

Numerous drivers cited during 'Cops on Rails' campaign

More than two dozen motorists were issued tickets during a ‘Cops on Rails’ operation in Wichita. Officers rode on trains and radioed other law enforcement officers when they spotted motorists committing violations. A total of 30 drivers were cited, including 25 for violating rail crossing statutes. Violators can be fined US$180 plus US$88 in court costs.

INDUSTRY

Southern Sydney Freight Line project delivery schedule adjustment

Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) outlined that the program for delivery of the Southern Sydney Freight line is being re-evaluated with a view to determine the most cost effective way forward. It has become necessary to redesign part of the route to minimise impact on the Glenfield Garbage Tip. In addition, requirement for more extensive service re-location along aspects of the rail corridor has had an impact upon estimates of quantities of materials required for the project. Due to the significant size of this infrastructure project and the adjustments to its delivery, quantities need to be recalibrated for the final construction of the line. The Southern Sydney Freight Line Project is funded by ARTC.

Northern Missing Link Project moves step closer

The QLD Government has secured the future of the Northern Missing Link project after reaching agreement with two coal companies to get the $1.1 billion project off the ground. Premier, Anna Bligh, said QR Network had agreed commercial principles with foundation coal company customers Lake Vermont and Bowen Central Coal for the Goonyella to Abbot Point (GAP) project. “This project is the Suez Canal of the central Queensland coal industry - it will revolutionise coal transport in our State,” said the Premier. The project includes the 69-kilometre Northern Missing Link, which connects the Goonyella coal rail system to the Newlands rail system, as well as upgrades to the Newlands system.

ARA fortnightly update

The Australiasian Railway Association (ARA) has released its latest fortnight update. This update focuses on the rail skilled migration forum.

$14 million signal upgrade for Hunter Valley gets underway

Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) will partner with Ansaldo STS to commence a $14 million signalling upgrade in the Hunter Valley. The signalling project requires Ansaldo STS to replace the current route relay interlocking system at Maitland Junction with a computer-based system, and install a new crossover. The key benefits will be increased system reliability and a reduction in maintenance requirements.

AAR reports railroads continue to post weak carload, intermodal numbers

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported that rail traffic remains down year-over-year for the week ended 24 October 2009. US Railroads reported originating 276,357 carloads, down 14.8% compared with the same week in 2008 and 17.3% from 2007. It was around this time last year notable declines in rail carloads and rail intermodal traffic showed the first significant signs of the nation’s economic downturn. Therefore, the AAR will be reporting 2009 weekly rail traffic with year-over-year comparisons for both 2008 and 2007 going forward. Intermodal traffic totaled 207,401 trailers or containers, down 10.1% from a year ago and 14.5% from 2007. Compared with the same week last year, container volume fell 3.6% and trailer volume dropped 34.7%.

ACCIDENTS

One man dies as train slams into car near Gingin

A 46 year old man was killed when a freight train loaded with quartz slammed into his car at a rail crossing on a private road near Gingin, 90km north of Perth on 29 October. Police Inspector Dominic Wood said, “He left his residence and crossed the railway line, but unfortunately as he’s crossed the line the goods train has hit his vehicle and he’s died at the scene.” The crossing is not guarded by lights or a barrier. Only stop and railway crossing signs warn of the crossing, similar to the many roads and tracks that lead to private properties along the rail line.

Toddler in pram caught by train doors

A Red Line train took off from the Morse station with 22-month-old child in a stroller caught in its doors, dragging it down the platform and flinging the child alongside the tracks. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) continues to investigate the incident, but won't confirm whether the stroller was caught in the car door or dragged down the platform. CTA President, Richard Rodriguez, said the investigation is not complete, but preliminary tests suggest the doors were functioning properly. "So far, the tests indicate that there's nothing wrong with the rail car," he said.

Passengers killed in train collision

A passenger train has collided with a cargo train on the edge of Pakistan's biggest city, Karachi, killing at least 12 people and injuring more than 30 others. “The accident took place at Juma Goth, when the driver of the Karachi-bound Allama Iqbal express ignored a traffic signal and collided with the goods train”, senior railway official, Aftab Memon, said. Most of the casualties occurred in one passenger coach of the train, which was coming from the eastern city of Lahore, he said.