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Arriva To Operate Electric Trains In Czechia Under €750 Million ContractThe Czechia Ministry of Transport has contracted Arriva Group to operate new long-distance electric train services from December 2028.
The contract includes a planned investment of 300 million EUR in 22 electric trains capable of operating at speeds up to 200 km/h. These will serve routes west of Prague, connecting the capital with cities in the Pilsen and Karlovy Vary regions, including Cheb and Klatovy near the German border.
The new services will expand Arriva’s rail presence in the West Bohemia region. The modern fleet is expected to offer passengers improved comfort and journey times while supporting broader efforts to reduce road congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.
This is a flagship win that reinforces our commitment to sustainable growth in Czechia and across Europe. It unlocks a major investment in modern, zero-emission trains and gives more people the choice to switch to reliable, high-quality passenger transport, taking cars off the congested highway between these major cities.
Arriva has been active in Czech rail since 2013 and currently operates more than 100 trains in the country, alongside a substantial bus network. This latest contract complements ongoing government investment in rail infrastructure, including the construction of a new line connecting Prague and Beroun, which includes a 25-kilometre tunnel.
This is the largest investment Arriva has made in the Czech Republic. It will bring greater comfort to passengers travelling from Prague to Western Bohemia, and we believe it will attract new customers to rail. I’m proud of our team, who won this contract against strong competition from three other operators.
The tender was competitively awarded following a procurement process involving four bidders. Details of the train manufacturer and delivery schedule will be confirmed at a later stage.railway
Jun 26, 2025
Railway News
£500 Million Network Rail Deal To Secure British Steel JobsThe Transport Secretary has announced a five-year, 500 million GBP agreement between Network Rail and British Steel, safeguarding thousands of manufacturing jobs and supporting the continued operation of the Scunthorpe steelworks.
The deal, confirmed during a ministerial visit to the site, will see British Steel provide over 337,000 tonnes of rail track to Network Rail. The contract follows an emergency intervention by the Government in April, which aimed to prevent the closure of the site’s blast furnaces after British Steel’s owners, Jingye Group, proposed shutting down key operations.
Under the new contract, British Steel will supply approximately 80% of Network Rail’s rail requirements. Additional contracts for specialist products are expected to be awarded to European suppliers, covering a further 80,000 to 90,000 tonnes.
This landmark contract truly transforms the outlook for British Steel and its dedicated workforce in Scunthorpe, building on its decades-long partnership with Network Rail to produce rail for Britain's railways.
After taking urgent action to step in and save these historic blast furnaces from closure, we've now helped secure their long-term future by backing British Steel with meaningful Government contracts, protecting thousands of skilled manufacturing jobs in the process.
This crucial investment in our railway infrastructure shows we are delivering on our Plan for Change commitment to raise living standards in every part of the UK and ensure economic growth is felt by working people in our proud industrial heartlands.
The announcement marks the first major public procurement initiative since Parliament passed legislation aimed at protecting steel production in Scunthorpe.
The Network Rail deal aligns with the Government’s broader Plan for Change industrial strategy, which includes a 2.5 billion GBP steel support fund. Officials say the plan aims to enhance domestic manufacturing capacity and ensure supply chain resilience across key sectors.
We’re exceptionally proud to be extending our long-term strategic partnership with Network Rail with an agreement demonstrating British Steel’s importance to the UK’s economy and infrastructure.
The contract represents a huge vote of confidence in UK workers and British industry, underpinning the vital role we play in ensuring millions of passengers and freight operators enjoy safe, enjoyable, and timely journeys on Britain’s railways.
The contract is set to begin on 1 July and will contribute to ongoing rail infrastructure projects across the UK. Further announcements regarding the remaining supply contracts are expected in the coming weeks.railway
Jun 17, 2025
Railway News
Öbb Invests €19.7 Billion In Austria'S RailwayÖBB has provided an update on projects contained within its new 2025-2030 framework, which will see an annual figure of over 3.2 billion EUR invested into the national rail network over the next five years.
The framework plan, worth 19.7 billion EUR, will see the administrator invest in a large number of nationwide infrastructure projects to benefit both the stability and quality of the network, as well as increase capacity and commit a total 4.7 billion EUR toward maintenance, repair, servicing, and troubleshooting.
Projects set to be funded as part of the framework include works on the Semmering & Brenner Base Tunnels, as well as the implementation of a four-track western line and the continued modernisation of the Vienna S-Bahn.
Funding has also been allocated for works related to the Traisentalbahn, Kamptalbahn, Erlauftalbahn and Puchbergerbahn in Lower Austria, the Mattigtalbahn in Upper Austria and the Styrian Western and Eastern Railway in Styria.
Investments in the expansion and maintenance of railway infrastructure are an important contribution to a strong economy and contribute to crisis and climate resilience. Given the challenging budgetary situation, however, it goes without saying that ÖBB also contributes.
However, it is important to me to emphasise that every railway project started will be completed and that we will maintain our course of railway expansion.
ÖBB has also re-affirmed that the Koralm Railway is set to begin operations in 2025, with the operator carrying out a full review on each project in conjunction with the Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMI IMI) to ensure minimal disruption to passenger services.
As a result, ÖBB has stated that a small number of projects will either see delays or extended projection times, including the Eastern Railway’s Airport Express Line connection (Klederinger Schleife, Lower Austria), the new line between Köstendorf and Salzburg (Salzburg) and works set to be carried out in the Enns Valley (Salzburg/Styria).
Investments in rail will remain at a very high level in the coming years. We will invest a total of almost 20 billion euros in rail expansion by 2030. With every euro of these investments, we will massively advance the mobility transition and also strengthen the domestic economy. And more good news: every newly ordered train will be put on the rails, thus increasing passenger comfort.
Investigations are set to be launched into the under-utilisation of regional railways, despite increases in passenger demand, in order to address disproportionate costs, with the operator stating it will be developing ‘new approaches’ for public transport separate from the main routes.
Locations included in the review for an alternative system include the Mühlkreis, Hausruck and Almtal Railway in Upper Austria, as well as the Thermal Railway in STMK, which could be set to receive an alternative bus route with an equivalent frequency.railway
May 16, 2025
Railway News
Us Transportation Secretary Announces $282.4 Million In Rail Work GrantsUS Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has announced a series of 180 new infrastructure grants for projects across the country.
The grants, which amount to more than 3.2 billion USD, will form part of a strategy to motion a portion of projects inherited from the previous government, with Secretary Duffy and the Department of Transportation having approved a total of 329 grants since taking office.
America is building again.
At the Department of Transportation, that means getting back to basics: Building More, Building Efficiently and Building Quickly.
Projects set to benefit from the grants include Alabama’s I-10 Bridge, which will receive 550 million USD for its Mobile River bridge and Bayway multimodal project, allowing for the replacement of the two existing Bayway Bridges.
The announcement also lists several grants intended for the funding of a number of rail programmes to be delivered by the Federal Railroad Administration (totalling 282.4 million USD), including:
Elsewhere, the grants include 497.4 million USD in funding for a number of bus programmes, 279 million USD in funding for the Federal Aviation Administration and 1.4 billion USD for the Federal Highway Administration.
A full list of grants & recipients can be downloaded here.railway
May 09, 2025
Railway News
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.railway
Apr 24, 2025
Railway News
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.railway
Apr 16, 2025
Railway News
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.railway
Apr 16, 2025
Railway News
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.railway
Apr 15, 2025
Railway News
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.railway
Apr 14, 2025
Railway News
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.railway
Apr 14, 2025