First Minsk 2024 metro train delivered
BELARUS: The first custom-designed Minsk 2024 metro train was delivered to the Belarusian capital from the TMH Metrowagonmash factory in Russia at the end of July.
Hanoi metro Line 3 opens as tunnel boring starts
VIETNAM: The western 8·5 km section of Hanoi metro Line 3 between Nhon and Cau Giay opened with the launch of free demonstration services on August 8. The official inauguration of Hanoi’s second metro line is scheduled for September.
Innovative approach to excavation propping at London Euston
UK: Altrad RMD Kwikform says it used ‘revolutionary’ techniques as part of a complex project to assist High Speed 2 contractor Mace Dragados with the construction of a London Underground traction substation at Euston station.
Tel Aviv and Jerusalem metro plans make progress
ISRAEL: The Knesset voted to approve the bill authorising the Tel Aviv metro project on July 25, and the Ministry of Transport has given Jerusalem municipality approval to begin planning a metro.
Delhi Metro expands ticketing options
INDIA: Delhi Metro Rail Corp has added additional ticket purchasing options in an effort to make transactions easier.
Rolling stock and signalling partners selected for Los Angeles driverless metro proposal
USA: One of the two consortia developing concepts for a high capacity public transport link through the Santa Monica mountains between Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley and Westside has selected the companies which would supply driverless metro trains and control systems should its proposal go ahead.
Positive response to Docklands Light Railway extension consultation
UK: Transport for London has published the results of its public consultation on plans to extend the Docklands Light Railway automated light metro from Gallions Reach to Beckton Riverside and under the River Thames to Thamesmead. This aims to support the development of new housing.
Baghdad metro project consortium selected
IRAQ: An international consortium has been selected to negotiate a design, build, finance, operate, maintain and transfer contract for the long-planned Baghdad metro project, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani has announced.
Kochi mobility study recommends metro expansion
INDIA: A review of transport infrastructure and services in Kochi has recommended further expansion of the city’s metro network.
London Underground seeks new ways to mind the gap
UK: Transport for London is looking for innovative approaches to managing safety at the platform-train interface, where there is a risk of people or objects falling onto the track.
Alstom to overhaul Buenos Aires metro cars
ARGENTINA: Buenos Aires metro operator EMOVA has awarded manufacturer Alstom a contract to overhaul 60 Metropolis 300 cars used on lines D and H.
Hitachi Rail awarded Philadelphia metro train contract
USA: The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority board has approved a $724·3m contract for Hitachi Rail to supply 200 metro cars to replace the current fleet on Philadelphia’s Market-Frankford Line.
New trains and CBTC to increase Bilbao metro capacity
SPAIN: Metro de Bilbao has announced a €736m plan to increase capacity by 12% by upgrading its metre-gauge network and replacing its oldest vehicles.
Orange Line heads for Bangkok centre
THAILAND: The government has approved a 13·4 km extension of Bangkok Orange Line west across the city centre, awarding Blue and Purple line operator Bangkok Expressway & Metro a 140bn baht 30-year public-private partnership contract for construction and operation on July 18.
Madrid metro Line 6 to go driverless
SPAIN: Metro de Madrid has announced more details of its plans for the automation of the 23·5 km, 28-station circular Line 6, which is the busiest on the network with an average of 618 000 passengers on weekdays.
Mail by metro train trial
SINGAPORE: Singapore Post and operator SMRT are testing the use of metro trains for moving post.
Art and architecture mark Napoli metro Line 6’s return
ITALY: Napoli metro Line 6 reopened on July 17, 11 years after services were suspended.
Singapore metro operator co-develops diplomas to upskill staff
SINGAPORE: SMRT Trains and Nanyang Polytechnic have co-created two diplomas to support the development of talent for the transport sector.
Baghdad metro consultancy contract awarded
IRAQ: The city of Baghdad has awarded a contract for the provision of project management and supervision services for the US$17·5bn metro project.
Carbon fibre metro trainset to enter service
CHINA: CRRC Qingdao Sifang has unveiled its six-car Cetrovo 1.0 Carbon Star Express metro trainset, which features carbon fibre composite bodyshells, bogies and other load-bearing structures.