Happy 40th! MTS Trolley Celebrates Anniversary
San Diego (Calif.) Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) recently marked the 40th anniversary of the Trolley—the first modern light rail system in the U.S.
Siemens Mobility
Humatics, Siemens Partner on NYCT UWB
The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has awarded $14 million, 15-month contract to a joint venture of Humatics and Siemens Mobility to develop an interoperable Ultra-Wideband (UWB) specification “enabling competition, expanding the UWB ecosystem, and building the foundation for UWB to be used in revenue service” on the MTA New York City Transit (NYCT) rapid transit system as it transitions to communications based train control (CBTC).
Commentary
Amtrak: New Equipment Brings New Challenges
Having worked into Washington D.C. Union Station from the South my entire Amtrak career as a locomotive engineer, I’m excited yet apprehensive about the acquisition of dual-power and battery-hybrid motive power and integrated trainsets from Siemens Mobility, because it’s going to require the type of commitment to maintenance and service that’s historically been haphazard at Amtrak, at best.
From Siemens: Amtrak’s Next-Gen Trainsets
Amtrak has awarded Siemens Mobility $3.4 billion in contracts to design, manufacture and provide technical support services and maintenance for 83 trainsets of two power configurations, with options for up to 130 additional trainsets. For Siemens, it is the company’s largest North American contract in history. For Amtrak, its total investment, with a long-term parts supply and service agreement, facility modifications and upgrades, and contingencies, is $7.3 billion. Deliveries are slated to commence in 2024.
Amtrak Debuts Long-Distance Train Improvements
Amtrak unveiled refreshed railcar interiors and other onboard improvements for riders this week at Chicago Union Station, as part of a three-year, $28 million initiative to modernize more than 450 long-distance service cars.
Amtrak, MDOT to Boost Track Speed—and Service
Amtrak and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will increase the maximum speed of Amtrak Midwest service to 110 mph on more of the Detroit/Pontiac-Chicago corridor starting May 25, and add another Wolverine roundtrip on July 19.
New Sound Transit LRVs Enter Service
The first of Sound Transit’s 152 new Series 2 light rail vehicles from Siemens Mobility have been launched into revenue service.
Supply Side: PS Technology, Savage, Siemens
PS Technology (PST) has designed and supplied 3D simulation training to Savage for its rail yard and industrial switching operations; Savage has established a team to work on renewable energy assets and services projects; and Siemens Mobility has acquired Software as a Service (SaaS) provider Padam Mobility.
Amtrak: Siemens Preferred Bidder on ‘Generational Procurement’
Siemens Mobility has been selected as the preferred bidder to replace a large portion of Amtrak’s aging single-level railcar fleet.
Siemens Launches Component Catalog, ‘Docuseries’
Siemens Mobility has released its first consolidated online catalog of railcar and locomotive components for rolling stock manufacturers, OEMs and operators, as well as the first of a four-part “docuseries” showcasing the “importance of American rail investment.”