News Technical problems delay Paris - Barcelona TGV launch
Fernando Puente Correspondent
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RENCH National Railways (SNCF) and Renfe have postponed the launch of direct TGV services between Paris and Barcelona due to delays in completing certification of TGV Dasye sets for operation on the Figueres - Barcelona high-speed line. The twice-daily Paris -
Figueres TGVs were initially to be extended to Barcelona at the end of April, with Renfe launching a new Barcelona - Toulouse service at the same time. In addition, SNCF plans to introduce a Barcelona -
Marseille service on July 7. Spanish infrastructure manager Adif has now confirmed that validation of TGV Dasye sets is taking longer than anticipated and while one of the main problems - electromagnetic interference between trains and track circuits - has now been resolved, some sources suggest there are ERTMS compatibility issues which will require the adjustment of onboard equipment. Adif, SNCF, and the Spanish certifying body Cetren are now working to ensure that the trains comply with the relevant technical specifications
prior to issuing the required safety certificate to SNCF. In the meantime, SNCF and Renfe will continue to operate Paris - Figueres TGVs, which are timed to connect with Figueres - Barcelona AVE services at Figueres Vilefant. Both companies expect to launch the through service within the next few months but now refuse to give an exact start date for both the Paris and Toulouse services. The Barcelona - Figueres high-speed line opened last January, and is equipped with ETCS Level 1 (version 2.3.0d), with the Spanish ASFA system installed as a backup.
Siemens concludes Invensys acquisition
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IEMENS is starting the process of integrating the signalling division of Invensys into the rail automation unit of its Mobility and Logistics Division following the completion of its $US 2.8bn acquisition of Invensys Rail on May 2. The takeover was approved by the European Commission in April.
The first tangible step in the takeover is the announcement that the CEO of Invensys Rail Systems, Mr Nick Crossfield, will head Siemens Rail Automation in Britain. Crossfield will be based in Chippenham, which will become the hub of Siemens’ signalling activities in Britain as well as a regional manufacturing and research and development centre for the company.
Aurizon ponders infrastructure sale
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OLLOWING a review of its capital structure, Australia’s largest railfreight operator Aurizon Holdings is to implement stand-alone debt facilities for both Aurizon and Aurizon Network, and has also indicated that it would consider a partial sale of its infrastructure assets. Previously Aurizon’s capital
Turkish government passes liberalisation bill T
URKEY’s president Mr Abdullah Gül signed legislation at the end of April which authorises private sector investment in rail infrastructure and open-access operation on the Turkish State Railways (TCDD) network. Under the new legislation, TCDD will become an infrastructure manager with train operations being managed by a new business unit, which will be known as TCDD Transport.
The law allows the Ministry 6
of Transport, Maritime Affairs, and Communications to grant private companies licences to build and operate railways to carry freight and passengers. A rail regulator was established in October 2012 under legislation approved by parliament in November 2011, and a safety authority has also been set up in readiness for the transition.
The new legislation will seek to establish a transparent financing system for TCDD, and will include bridging
loans for the incumbent’s freight operations as they undergo restructuring with the eventual aim of achieving profitability. This measure is intended to make railfreight more competitive and supports the government’s objective of increasing rail’s share of the inland freight market from 5% to 25% by 2023. For the passenger business, the legislation also authorises the introduction of public service obligation contracts for regional services.
structure consisted solely of bank debt facilities at the holding company level. The company says the move is a step towards creating a sustainable financial structure with debt placed against the regulated Central Queensland Coal Network (CQCN), which forms the bulk of Aurizon Network’s assets.
Aurizon holds a 99-year lease on the CQCN following the 2010 privatisation of QR National and provides related services including construction and infrastructure maintenance. Access charges are still subject to regulatory oversight by the Queensland government. Analysts estimate the value
of Aurizon Network’s assets at around $A 7bn ($US 6.9bn), although the proposed sale is expected to generate income of between $A 1.4bn and $A 2.1bn.
IRJ June 2013
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