News
Showing stories from June 2004
Public urged to back rail crossing push
The Member for Benalla has called on the Avenel community to continue its campaign for an upgraded rail crossing.
Disposal of rail-mounted missile launcher underway
The Bryansk central repair workshop of the Russian Strategic Missile Troops has begun the disposal of another railroad-mounted missile launcher, a Defense Ministry source told Interfax.
Rail safety review to get top priority
The Waterfall rail disaster commissioner, Peter McInerney, having conducted two rail disaster inquiries and heard a litany of mismanagement, is determined to leave behind him a series of rapid and lasting changes.
Man killed by moving train
MAN was struck and killed by a train at Camberwell in Melbourne's east this morning. A WorkCover spokesman said initial reports suggested a man in his 40s, possibly a track maintenance worker, was struck by a train near Riversdale station, on the Alamein line, about 9.40am (AEST). He said WorkCover inspectors were on their way to the scene.
Runaway train leaves a trail of red faces
THEY say a good tradesman never blames his tools. Rail maintenance workers at Adelaide's Mt Lofty yesterday didn't have a choice - their tool, a 15m ballast regulator, simply took off on an unmanned 7km journey.
Rail travel between S.F and San Jose gets faster
Caltrain's long-awaited "Baby Bullet" commuter rail service which promises a quick shot from San Jose to San Francisco is loaded and ready to fly.
New tracks have been put in, new computerized signals installed, and new rail cars and locomotives purchased. Schedules have been set, and tests of the speedy commuter rail service have been completed.
Ffestiniog engine stars at rail festival
An historic loco from North Wales has taken centre stage at a national rail festival. The world's oldest working locomotive, Prince, owned by Ffestiniog Railway, stood alongside the 100mph steam loco Flying Scotsman to mark the bicentenary of rail travel.
Florida proposal to repeal high-speed rail makes first milestone
A proposed ballot measure to kill Florida's voter-mandated high-speed rail project cleared its first milestone Tuesday, with enough signatures to warrant review by the state Supreme Court.
Competitive boost for European rail freight
Having lost ground to road transport in recent years, rail freight may be on the verge of making a comeback in Europe with the development of a wagon fleet management system that promises to increase efficiency, expand market potential and offer important benefits to society as a whole.
Monorail shut down by fire
An electrical short apparently sparked a monorail fire outside a Seattle museum that trapped as many as 100 people, officials said today.
Probe into railway death
A railway maintenance contractor died when a train struck him at Camberwell yesterday.
Railroad Tunnel Collapse
One hundred feet of a Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad tunnel has partially collapsed.
Council pushes close rail relations
Wodonga City Council has backed calls for the new manager of Victoria's rail network to work closely with the State Government.
Time running out for rail closure submissions
People wanting to comment to an inquiry into the closure of the Casino to Murwillumbah rail line have until tomorrow to make their submissions.
Public input sought for rail timetables
V/Line will establish focus groups shortly of residents living between Ballan and Ararat, to help in drawing up the timetable for passenger trains on the Ballarat to Ararat line.
Network Rail debts to reach £20 billion
Network Rail's debt will jump to almost £20 billion in the next two years as the transport infrastructure group turns to the City to make up a shortfall in public funding.
Linfox opposes Pacific National purchase of Freight Australia
Toll Holdings Limited is facing pressure from prominent Australian businessman Lindsay Fox after rumors arose reporting that the trucking magnate’s private company Linfox had launched an appeal to the ACCC objecting Toll’s proposed rail joint venture with Patrick Corporation. The previously announced Pacific National joint venture involves the proposed purchase of Freight Australia from RailAmerica Inc.
ACCC looking at Pacific National purchase of Freight Australia
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission said Thursday it is examining rail joint venture Pacific National's planned acquisition of Freight Australia. But the competition watchdog wouldn't confirm a newspaper report that privately held transport group Linfox has submitted an objection to the ACCC over the proposed purchase.
High speed rail backers sue over petitions in repeal effort
Backers of the high-speed rail project required by a 2000 constitutional amendment asked a judge Wednesday to throw out thousands of petition signatures collected by a group that wants the project killed. The bullet train's opponents turned in thousands of invalid petitions to get repeal measure on the November ballot, backers alleged.
Concern for missing diabetic
A 23-YEAR-OLD insulin dependant man with the mental capacity of a 10-year-old is missing after he boarded a train at Sydney's central railway station.
Striking rail workers expected back on track
Striking Queensland Rail workers hope to be back at work tonight after a day of negotiations in the state's Industrial Relations Commission.
$432 million more for WA roads and rail
THE federal government will put $432 million into road and rail projects in Western Australia under its new national transport network, AusLink.
Rail merger case queried
THE competition regulator will for the first time reveal its reasons for allowing or rejecting a merger proposal next week when it rules on the acquisition of Victorian rail operator Freight Australia by Pacific National.
Toll doesnt fear Fox
LOGISTICS group Toll Holdings Ltd is confident that a $285 million acquisition of Victorian rail operator Freight Australia will proceed despite an objection to the competition watchdog from trucking magnate Mr Lindsay Fox. Pacific National, the rail company jointly owned by Toll and stevedore Patrick Corp Ltd, reached agreement to buy Freight Australia from RailAmerica Inc in March.
Govt moves to boost rail freight
The Federal Government is planning to dramatically increase the amount of freight travelling by rail across Australia.
Train passenger in court after drugs find
An Indian Pacific train passenger has appeared in Broken Hill Local Court in western New South Wales after up to $23,000 worth of marijuana and amphetamines were found in his luggage.
Miners hail freight deal
THE mining industry yesterday welcomed a landmark agreement to transfer the NSW freight lines to commonwealth control - and a promise to overhaul a costly Hunter Valley rail bottleneck. Under the deal announced yesterday, the Hunter Valley line, which was designed more than a century ago, gets a $170 million upgrade to lift the capacity of the gateway to the lucrative coal fields.
Rail deal brings 50 new SA jobs
MORE than 50 new Adelaide jobs are expected to follow yesterday's signing of an $872 million deal to increase Australian Rail Track Corporation's management of national rail lines. The agreement by the Federal and New South Wales governments and ARTC gives the company a 60-year lease of major NSW rail lines. Adelaide-based ARTC will also manage secondary NSW lines for the NSW Government.
Cameras catch gang attack
A BRUTAL gang attack at an eastern suburbs train station has been caught on video.
Rail chiefs ask for $355m extra
Senior managers have asked for $355 million more than they have been allocated in their budgets to run the state's troubled rail network.
Pair hit waiting for tram
A PREGNANT woman and her 11-month-old girl had a lucky escape yesterday after a car slammed into the tram stop where they were sitting.
Deputy PM to make Coffs visit
Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson is to make a whistle-stop visit to the the mid north coast region of New South Wales next week after the Commonwealth makes a major pre-election announcement on road and rail infrastructure.
Two charged over train assault
POLICE have charged two more men in relation to an assault at a Melbourne railway station on Friday night which left two men in hospital.
On the right road to better rail
The elevation of Footscray Road, which will dramatically expand Port of Melbourne capacity and efficiency, is a key project in the Federal Government's $1.9 billion AusLink program to be launched today. It would allow full integration between the docks and the Dynon rail precinct, creating what Patrick Corp chief executive Chris Corrigan last month said would be a world-class transport hub.
$11.8b pledged to road and rail program
An $11.8 billion AusLink plan would help address Australia's land transport needs which have increased due to rapid economic growth, federal Transport Minister John Anderson said today.
India rules out rail privatisation
Railway Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav on Saturday strongly opposed privatisation in the Railways saying he would step down from the ministry if any such attempt was made.
Koreas agree to open a cross-border road and rail links
North and South Korea agreed Saturday to open their first cross-border road and rail links by October, as South Korea announced that it would extend a 400,000-ton rice "loan" to North Korea.
Transport plan a bribe: Labor
The Federal Government's $11.8 billion national transport plan was a half-baked vote buying exercise, opposition transport spokesman Martin Ferguson said today.
On the right road to better rail
The elevation of Footscray Road, which will dramatically expand Port of Melbourne capacity and efficiency, is a key project in the Federal Government's $1.9 billion AusLink program to be launched today.
Damaged train to undergo repairs
West Coast Railway plans to have one of its damaged locomotives repaired and back in service early next month, after a safety alert forced the trains off the rails two weeks ago.
Like it or not, Victoria is fast becoming an insignificant railway rust belt
Whilst the Federal Government's Auslink programme announced today will go a long way to upgrading this country's road and more importantly rail links, let's hope the work and management for Victoria's projects stays with the Federal Government's Australian Rail Track Corporation.
Rail boost will ease road jams
A PUBLIC project rivalling Australia's ambitious Snowy Mountain Scheme will overhaul freight-carrying on the east coast.
Sydney-Brisbane rail mess heads rescue priorities
The Sydney to Brisbane rail "goat track" will receive a much-welcomed straightening, as part of an $1.8 billion upgrade of the national rail network.
Dubbo centre of new rail link
Dubbo is set to become one of the nation's major transport hubs under an $11.8 billion plan released by the Federal Government yesterday.
End of the line, then they wired for success
When the vintage steam train the Leschenault Lady cancelled its day-trips to Boyanup, few believed the museum there would survive.
Israel railway passenger traffic up 48% in May
There were 1.9 million railway passengers in Israel in May 2004, 48% more than in May 2003, according to figures published today by Israel Railways.
Fare for the fare: Colonial Tramcar Restaurant
The ride is as smooth as the pate on Melbourne's Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. Ben Canaider goes along for the feed.
Editorial: First steps towards efficient transport
John Anderson promises a land transport revolution the equivalent of two Snowy Mountains schemes. But given the time Australian governments traditionally take to finish roads and railways, this new project will likely seem to take as long to build as the Snowys. Not the hydro-electric project, the mountains.
Anthony champions northern rail link
The Federal Member for the northern New South Wales seat of Richmond says he hopes a multi-billion dollar project to improve the nation's road and rail system will convince the NSW Government it should restore the Casino to Murwillumbah rail link.
Rail standardisation funds just the start
Victorian Transport Minister Peter Batchelor says the Federal Government's promised $20 million for rail standardisation between Geelong and Mildura is only the beginning of the project.
Duplication of rail line to Stratford
The Coalition Government has recognised the importance of the Pacific Highway, New England Highway, the F3 Branxton link and Hunter rail, by making them a key part of its visionary land transport plan, AusLink.
AusLink fails regional rail network: councils
The Federal Government's AusLink program has pushed forward standardisation of Victoria's broad-gauge rail network - but not far enough for the local councils affected by it.
Package's funding 'off target'
The developer of the proposed inland railway between Melbourne and Brisbane has criticised the lack of support it received from the Federal Government's AusLink package.
Patrick, Toll on track for rail-road boom
Patrick Corp and Toll Holdings shares climbed higher yesterday, as the market continued to digest the benefits of the Federal Government's biggest rail funding splurge since World War II.
Opposition leader presented with rail line closure letters
NSW Leader of The Nationals, Andrew Stoner, has been presented with more than 1,600 letters protesting the Carr Labor Government's plans to shut down grain rail lines by the Federal Member for Parkes, John Cobb.
Rail agreement Brings Benefits
Member for Farrer, Mrs Sussan Ley, welcomed the signing of the historic rail agreement between NSW and Australian Governments on June 4, saying that it will have huge benefits for rural travellers.
Call for worker input into north coast rail probe
The NSW Government has been accused of gagging a parliamentary inquiry into rail closures.
Rail security stepped up in Washington
Bags checked by long-distance Amtrak travelers leaving from Washington's Union Station are now being screened for explosives before departing, the Department of Homeland Security announced.
Mediator final bid to end NZ rail impasse
Auckland regional ratepayers and commuters may be the losers in a struggle between train crews and rail operator Toll Holdings.
Beer nannies ale roving rail workers
GUESS which State Government department is asking its workers to abstain from alcohol but is putting them up in pubs when they are on overnight jobs?
Govt defends one rail plan
The Victorian Government has rejected Opposition claims that passenger services will decline with one operator running all of Victoria's regional rail services.
Rail operator quits
WEST Coast Railway has become the latest private operator to bail out of the public transport system. The Geelong-based company yesterday announced it would hand over the Melbourne to Warrnambool rail service to V/Line when its contract expires at the end of August.
On-time train targets 'impossible'
The NSW rail safety regulator has found that the government's targets for on-time running are too tight and impossible to meet.
AusLink fails regional rail network: councils
The Federal Government's AusLink program has pushed forward standardisation of Victoria's broad-gauge rail network - but not far enough for the local councils affected by it.
V/Line moves in
The company that helped save the Melbourne to Warrnambool rail line a decade ago is bowing out of the service and will be permanently replaced by the state-owned V/Line.
High speed rail is an investment, not a folly
Gov. Jeb Bush and Florida Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher have launched a disinformation campaign to discredit and defeat the Florida high-speed rail project voted into our constitution in 2000. This month, e-mails and letters asked Florida taxpayers to make contributions and sign petitions reversing the amendment.
Patrick, Toll on track for rail-road boom
Patrick Corp and Toll Holdings shares climbed higher yesterday, as the market continued to digest the benefits of the Federal Government's biggest rail funding splurge since World War II.
Russian Railways to invest 500m roubles to develop railway infrastructure
Russian Railways will invest 500 million roubles to develop railway infrastructure of Ust-Luga Sea Port, the company said.
Shanghai and Nanjing HSR
Shanghai and the neighbouring city of Nanjing have announced large-scale railway projects. Both had received state approval despite the central government's moves to slow investment, mainland media reported yesterday.
Council awaits light rail probe results
Gold Coast mayor Ron Clarke expects to have the results of a feasibility study on a light rail system for the city by the end of the month.
Trains running five minutes late deemed 'on time'
Trains on Sydney's Cityrail network will be officially allowed to run even later from September next year, when the new timetable comes into effect.
Spanish police make six more arrests over train bombings
Police in Spain have arrested six more people in connection with the Madrid train bombings which killed around 200 people.
Buzz for train buffs
BORDER train buffs will have the opportunity to experience a ride on the steam locomotive, the 3801, when it travels to Albury from Sydney this weekend
Derailment probed
FREIGHT Australia is investigating the cause of a train derailment in central Victoria, in which 15 carriages left the tracks, spilling grain and causing extensive damage.
Inquiry told 40 jobs lost following rail line closure
A parliamentary inquiry has been told 40 full time jobs have been axed as a result the closure of the Casino to Murwillumbah train service in northern New South Wales.
Rail bureaucrats cash in as service crisis mounts
The NSW Opposition has called for a public audit of the salaries paid to the state's senior rail bureaucrats after documents revealed more than 40 are receiving in excess of $150,000 a year.
NSW train fares frozen indefinitely
An indefinite freeze on rail fares has been ordered by NSW Premier Bob Carr because of CityRail's poor performance.
Carr calls for rail fare freeze
New South Wales Premier Bob Carr has recommended a freeze on train fares.
Level heads needed at rail crossings
A campaign is to highlight the dangers of not stopping at railway crossings. The campaign, developed by the Road Safety Task Force in partnership with ATN Tasrail, will include a series of television advertisements starting tomorrow on Southern Cross.
UK: End of the line for the privatised railways?
It may seem incredible, but this year taxpayers are forking out £5.3bn to to keep the private railway system in business, four times more than they had to in the supposedly bad old days of British Rail. To add to that, there are twice as many late trains as when they were operated by the state.
Passenger train hits truck
A TRUCK driver escaped injury when his truck collided with a passenger train in Victoria's north tonight.
Gheringhap Sightings w/e 12/6/2004
This week we had 139 sightings making a total of 2864 sightings for the year to date.
Costa urged to face north coast rail probe
There are demands for NSW Transport Minister Michael Costa to give evidence to an Upper House inquiry into the axing of the Casino to Murwillumbah rail line.
Miraculous escape from train crash
It was miraculous nobody was killed in a crash between a passenger train and a truck in northern Victoria, police said.
Train blast believed to be attempt to kill Kim
Officials investigating the devastating North Korean train explosion in April believe the blast was an assassination attempt on the country's leader, Kim Jong-il.
Groom throws wife out of train
AN Egyptian bride died when her husband shoved her out of a moving train between the southern towns of Aswan and Qena, police said today.
Hundreds steam in for model rail show
Model train buffs from as far afield as South Australia are spending the long weekend in Ballarat to show off their miniature marvels.
Council pursues plan to buy State Rail car park
Orange City Council will pursue the possible purchase of a car park from State Rail, even though it has been angered by the authority's response to its initial purchase inquiries.
Steam visitor recalls citys past
A railway icon steamed into Albury on Saturday afternoon offering people a chance to ride in a historic steam train.
Combino Bombino
Siemens Trams May Need Re-Construction
Train driver takes holiday brake
CityRail called on police to intervene yesterday when the driver of a city-bound Tangara stopped his train between stations for half an hour, complaining that a two-way radio was faulty.
Democrats seek central Qld train funds
The Australian Democrats are seeking financial backing from the Federal Government's AusLink program for a passenger train service between Rockhampton and Yeppoon.
Privatised trains now cost more than old British Rail
It may seem incredible, but this year taxpayers are forking out £5.3 billion to keep the UK's private railway system in business, four times more than they had to in the supposedly bad old days of British Rail.
Second line planned for Auckland rail link
Auckland rail developers are forging further west with preparations to lay duplicate track to a new transport centre in the heart of Henderson.
Swan Hill service back to normal after crash
Trains are back running normally on the Swan Hill line after Sunday night's crash north of Bendigo.
Costa under fire over north rail services
The New South Wales Transport Minister has been accused of being out of touch with transport needs in the far north of the state.
Rail gridlock a drag on China's roaring economy
Crates of car parts, truck tires, bags of fish meal and chemical containers are piling up at China's largest freight marshalling yard with no rail wagons to take them anywhere. The central government has also put priority on the transport of grains and fertilizers, meaning that a lot of everything else, including steel, gets left behind at stations or ports.
Freight Australia Derailment in central victoria
The rail line affected by the freight train derailment in Central Victoria late Thursday night should be re-opened by Sunday afternoon, the Chief Executive of Freight Australia, Mr Marinus van Onselen, said today.
Forrest expects swift rail ruling
Mining entrepreneur Andrew Forrest expects the National Competition Council (NCC) to rule within weeks on an application seeking access to BHP Billiton's Pilbara rail lines - providing the bid is not blocked by the iron ore giant.
Minister accused of bungling fast rail project timetable
The Victorian Opposition says Transport Minister Peter Batchelor has bungled timetabling for the fast rail project and has taken the process out of the hands of his department.
20 killed, 100 injured as train derails in western India
At least 20 people were killed and about 100 injured when a passenger train plunged off a bridge in western India after hitting a boulder on the tracks, railways minister Lalu Prasad Yadav said.
Train tour brings visitors to town
Collie welcomed a train full of visitors from Perth on Saturday when the Hotham Valley train pulled into town.
Toll denies stalling on rail deal
An outburst by finance Minister Michael Cullen over a deal to put the rail network into public ownership has left Toll Holdings bewildered.
Taipei airport rail by 2008
Construction of a mass rapid transit (MRT) system connecting CKS International Airport and Taipei City is scheduled to be completed in four years and open to public traffic by the end of 2008, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications reported yesterday.
Successful test of new Athens tram
The test run on Tuesday of the new tram from central Athens to the southern seaside suburbs including two major Olympic complexes was a success.
Poor transport leaves fringe on outer
People living in growing outer suburbs risked social isolation if public transport was not improved, advocacy groups warn.
Melbourne's fringe areas could become too polluted and home to unemployed, obese and depressed people if the State Government failed to improve public transport.
The Coalition for People's Transport, which includes the Victorian Council of Social Service, Environment Victoria, VicHealth, local government groups and disability advocates, has called on the Government to urgently fund public transport projects.
Train get $5000 parking fine
An illegally parked train got an equally humongous parking ticket of $5,000, according to the Beacon News of Aurora, Ill.
Leap for life to escape train
THE driver of a railway track maintenance truck leapt for his life as a train bore down upon him in central Victoria this morning.
Vic Opposition concerned with number of train crashes
The Victorian Opposition says it is becoming increasingly concerned about the number of train crashes in Victoria in the past three years.
Fast rail criticism reignited
YESTERDAY'S train collision has sparked further controversy over the State Government's proposed fast rail project. Bendigo's Better Rail Action Group claims the incident highlights the potential for lengthy delays and inconvenience to passengers if there is only a single rail line.
Another train crash? Not again!
A TEAM of maintenance workers leapt to safety moments before a passenger train smashed into their truck at Elphinstone yesterday.
Families private files left on a tram
The Federal Government has apologised to 15 families whose private files were left by a Child Support Agency staffer on a tram.
Baan Baa rail crash fight off to Costa
A GRIEVING Robert Jeffries will take his fight for justice for the tragic death of ex-wife Phyllis directly to Transport Minister Michael Costa next month.
Rail union says 200 Hunter jobs could go
A Newcastle rail union official says the takeover of freight lines in the Hunter Valley by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) could cost up to 200 jobs in the region.
Railway sleeper stops trains
Up to 20,000 Norwegian commuters were late for work on Thursday after a man decided to take a nap in a railway tunnel, causing disruptions on the train network during the Oslo rush hour.
Rail workers caught in restructure
The State Rail Authority will be undergoing a major restructure over the next four years with workers being caught in the middle of this transition.
Belgian rail freight gets cash boost
The Belgian government is to inject EUR 30 million in yearly subsidies to encourage more internal road freight traffic onto the national railways sytem.
Gheringhap Sightings w/e 19/6/2004.
We had a total of 134 sightings at Gheringhap this week, which is not bad seeing that the week included a long week end for the queens birthday holiday. The total sightings for the year to date is now 2998.
Govt denies forest sale to fund rail network
The New South Wales Government says it has no plans to pay for an overhaul of the rail system by selling off state forests.
Rail union to meet with Costa
A protest outside the New South Wales Country Labor conference in Bathurst has resulted in rail union officials gaining a meeting with Transport Minister Michael Costa.
Bathurst rail secure in 'short-term'
The future of CountryLink passenger rail service between Bathurst and Sydney is secure in the "short-term”, Transport Minister Michael Costa said.
'Ben would turn in his grave'
SOME 150 protesters were the ants that spoiled the Country Labor picnic in Bathurst on the weekend.
AusLink at a crossroad
Making private investment in transport viable calls for a clearer federal stance, Philip Hopkins reports.
Ballarat: Rail services back to normal
V/LINE passenger train services will return to normal timetables from today. Trains will run on all scheduled services to and from Bacchus Marsh, while coaches will continue to operate to and from Ballarat and Ballan.
NZ: Upgraded rail heavily favoured over new motorway in poll
Two out of three Aucklanders want upgraded rail services ahead of a motorway between Panmure and the central city, says a poll commissioned by Stop the Eastern Motorway lobby group (Stem).
NZ: Bus lanes losing green appeal
Green may be one of nature's prime colours, but it has become unpalatable to city councillors spreading more bus lanes through Auckland.
Association of Tourist and Heritage Rail Australia established
On 19th June 2004 an Australia-wide federation of the state based tourist & heritage sector rail bodies was formed. The name agreed upon was Association of Tourist and Heritage Rail Australia (ATHRA)
Hopes new rail link will boost Kimberley tourism
Australasian Railway Association chief Brian Nye says the line between Katherine and Wyndam could provide a major boost to agriculture in the East Kimberley region.
Signal from bush: maintain the rail
NSW Treasurer Michael Egan is under intense pressure from within Labor ranks to pump more money into country rail services after the NSW Country Labor conference passed a motion yesterday calling for the reinstatement of the Casino to Murwillumbah line.
UK rail freight rights under threat from reform plan
Freight operators are under pressure to surrender some of their wide-ranging rights to have access to the rail network as the government seeks to simplify the way railways are run.
NSW: Trains halted after person hit
A PERSON was struck by a train on the New South Wales south coast today, forcing the closure of the railway line.
Train kills three wild elephants
A FREIGHT train ploughed into a herd of wild elephants in north-eastern India early today, killing a mother and two calves and injuring two others, a wildlife official said.
Rail freight set to hit three million tonnes
Up to three million tonnes of freight could be moved on the Adelaide to Darwin railway each year, it was claimed last night.
Jetstar plane loses door on tarmac
A CABIN door from a Jetstar Boeing 717 was ripped off before the plane was due to take off from Sydney airport last night.
New Jetstar planes arrive
Budget airline Jetstar believes the introduction of its new airbus fleet will lead to fewer personal space complaints from travellers.
Rail service stumbles on
Warrnambool's crippled rail service forced Port Fairy's Wilma Preston to endure a torturous six-and-a-half hour trip home from Melbourne on Friday.
Tranz Rail costs prompt Toll warning
The NZ Commerce Commission has found that before Tranz Rail was bought by Toll New Zealand, it risked breaching the Commerce Act.
Rail and Shenzhen
Summary:
Rail ruled out a/c Lantau arrival point
Shenzhen off ramp rejected
Option still open for single Y HK-Zhuhai and Macau
West Rail trouble
Six months after it opened, the daily patronage of the KCRC's $46 billion West Rail is way below projection and seriously under-used.
Washingtonpost.com: Go Railfanning
For most Washingtonians, watching a train pass usually translates to missing the Metro by a few seconds. But for an obsessed -- er, dedicated -- subset of the local population, train watching is a pastime of choice, invoking a heated passion that other people might save for their local sports team (or a Trekkie convention). For railfans, there's no greater thrill than feeling the breeze from a 10,000-ton freight train whipping by at 60 miles per hour.
Toll warned to keep rail fees fair
The New Zealand competition regulator has threatened to prosecute logistics major Toll Holdings if it emulates the anti-competition behaviour of its acquired Kiwi rail operator, Tranz Rail.
Small rail operators score charges win over Toll NZ
Small rail operators are claiming victory after the Commerce Commission found Toll New Zealand's previous charges for access to its rail network risked breaching competition rules.
First rail tracks laid in Tibet
Nearly two centuries after railways were invented, this symbol of modern civilization has finally made its way into Tibet, the "roof of the world."
Florida proponents of disputed high speed rail cite benefits
A high-speed train will make money for Florida in the long run, proponents said Tuesday as a panel of state analysts begin looking at a proposal to kill the voter-approved project.
New York to revive Subway beauty contests
Miss Subways is making a comeback — thanks to the MTA and the New York Post.
1PS6 DERAILMENT AT CRYSTAL BROOK 22/6/2004
Yesterday PNL freight 1PS6 derailed at Crystal Brook after hitting 5 cows.
VENNING QUESTIONS MINISTER ON TRAIN SERVICE
Yesterday Member for Schubert Ivan Venning used Budget Estimates to ask the Minister for Transport Hon Trish White to consider extending the Gawler train service into the Barossa Valley.
Changes to Ghan timetable and Motorail services
Due to operational reasons, Great Southern Railway has made changes to The Ghan Timetable and Motorail facilities.
Teachers 'heroes' after crash
FOUR Bendigo teachers have been hailed as heroes for their actions following a collision between a commuter train and a maintenance truck at Elphinstone on Friday.
Fare for the fare
>Trams start and finish my day. About 5.42am, one rumbles and scratches its way around the corner, calling out like some strange industrial, arthritic dinosaur as it grinds metal wheels on metal tracks.
Rex launches new routes
Regional airline Rex will launch extra services and new planes for country routes in South Australia and NSW.
Fiji approves Pacific Blue airline
Virgin Blue Holdings' Asia Pacific carrier, Pacific Blue, has approval from the Fiji government to start flights in September.
Virgin Atlantic en route to Sydney
Virgin Atlantic yesterday confirmed plans to start daily services to Sydney from December 8, almost a year after founder Richard Branson said he would cross-dress as a Qantas hostess if his airline did not fly here by 2005.
Bomb scare disrupts commuters
MELBOURNE to Bendigo trains were interrupted for several hours yesterday because of a bomb scare at Sunshine Station.
Rail workers rally over jobs
RAIL track workers and their families from Tamworth and surrounding communities braved freezing winds on the weekend to rally against a proposed mass job loss for the area.
Community urged to get aboard rail campaign
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union says the Riverina community needs to do more to back its campaign against the possible closure of regional branch lines.
NZ: Christchurch - Greymouth line at risk
A damning report says the vital rail link to the West Coast cannot last more than two years without major repairs and investment. The report by Australian consultants Kellogg Brown and Root (KBR), commissioned by the Land Transport Safety Authority (LTSA) last year, says the Midland Line between the West Coast and Canterbury is not "fit for purpose" beyond the immediate future.
Rail bookings on foreign websites: agent commission ‘at risk’
Rail Plus has warned travel agents that they risk missing out on commissions when booking on foreign rail websites.
Integrated rail system essential for Africa
An integrated African rail network interconnected with the continent's ports, roads and waterways is essential for Africa's development, South African Transport Minister Jeff Radebe said on Tuesday.
Pakistan - Afghanistan rail link to be established by 2008
Pakistan's Minister for Railways Ghous Bakhsh Mahr Wednesday said that Pakistan-Afghanistan rail link would be established by 2008. He informed the National Assembly in a written reply that a plan has been chalked out to expand rail track from Chaman to Kandhar.
Snap tram strike strands commuters
Thousands of tram passengers Melbourne are stranded as a result of a snap strike.
Mees preaches hellfire in Auckland
Auckland's transport planners are the most extreme motorway-lovers in the world and should lose their jobs, says Australian expert Dr Paul Mees. Planners are still trying to implement a 50-year-old, "hate-filled" plan against public transport and are incapable of changing old habits, the Melbourne University urban and transport planning senior lecturer said in Auckland yesterday.
Wiri-Manukau City branch referred to again in NZ Herald
More than $300 million has been granted for two Auckland motorway extensions, both key ingredients of a western ring route aimed at bypassing traffic logjams in the central city. State funding agency Transfund today approved both 4km links, at opposite ends of the southwestern motorway, through Mt Roskill and Manukau.
Contracts for bridges for Auckland duplication let
* Contracts worth $3.2 million have been awarded to build or widen bridges for a duplicate rail track needed to boost the reliability of Auckland's western suburbs trains.
Work will begin this month on a second rail bridge over New North Rd at Morningside, as well as a replacement footbridge at Mt Eden Station.
The Mt Eden Rd bridge over the railway line will also be widened as part of the $23 million double-track project between Boston Rd and Morningside, which the Regional Council expects to have completed by January.
Tram drivers return to work
Tram drivers have returned to work in the city and Melbourne's east after calling a snap strike this morning.
Ararat to celebrate returned passenger rail services
Ararat council is planning a community party for a Sunday in July, on the day it expects passenger rail services to return to the city.
Spanish man arrested in connection with train bombings
A Spanish man suspected of helping to acquire the stolen dynamite used in the Madrid train bombings has been arrested in the Canary Islands.
The Party Car: visiting Jackie Gleason's private train
Legendary U.S. funnyman Jackie Gleason died on this day in 1987. 891 ABC Adelaide's Bald Brothers marked the anniversary of his death by calling the Tennessee Central Railway Museum, home to Gleason's personal train.
Ararat rail training set to start
The return of passenger railservices to Ararat has moved one step closer with Minister for Transport Peter Batchelor announcing V/Line drivers will start training on the new Ararat railway line next week.
Closure of NZ West Coast rail link 'unthinkable'
Closing the rail link between Christchurch and the West Coast is unthinkable, Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce says. It was commenting on a report commissioned for the Land Transport Safety Authority painted a bleak picture of the rail line - which carries a quarter of all freight in New Zealand.
$75m mine development threatened by rail closure
Oceana Gold's $75 million multiple mine development at Reefton could be threatened with the potential closure of the NZ South Island's West Coast to Canterbury rail link.
$2 for $90m lease
THE US owner of Victoria's rail freight operations is threatening to sue after the State Government offered it $2 for a track lease it paid $90 million for.
Private sector rides rail reform
More than 100 local and international companies are expected to bid for the NSW government's $1.5 billion public-private partnership that seeks to modernise Sydney's ailing rail network by replacing most of the state's antiquated rolling stock.
The NSW government has fast-tracked the PPP, one of the state's largest, by simultaneously calling for private-sector financial companies to advise it on the PPP as well as companies capable of designing, building and operating the rolling stock.
Camberwell rail station to be protected from development
The Victorian Government has welcomed the National Trust's decision to classify the Camberwell railway station as historically significant.
Queensland airport project grows wings
A DIRECT factory outlet selling 130 brands and an 18-hole three-par golf course for transit passengers and workers at Brisbane Airport could open within six months.
This follows City Hall's announcement yesterday to drop legal action against the Brisbane Airport Corporation project.
More rail delays expected
Passengers on the train services from Bairnsdale to Melbourne are likely to experience continuing delays for at least the next two months.
Spanish man arrested in connection with train bombings
A Spanish man suspected of helping to acquire the stolen dynamite used in the Madrid train bombings has been arrested in the Canary Islands.
Three blasts rock Burmese train station
Three bombs have exploded around the main railway station in Rangoon but no casualties have been reported.
There's trouble down the track
It has so far gone largely unnoticed but, for almost nine months, the Bracks Government has been locked in a bitter and potentially disastrous battle with one of the state's most important transport operators.
Pacific Blue to fly into Fiji
The Fiji government has given approval for Australian-based budget airline Pacific Blue to launch flights to the South Pacific tourist destination.
Gheringhap Sightings w/e 26/6/2004
We have had 144 sightings for this week making a total of 3142 sightings for the year to date.
Ghan breaks own length record
Australia's longest passenger train, the Ghan, just got longer - and it will take 1,000 bottles of wine and 80 kilograms of barramundi to keep its travellers happy.
New 'Prospector' heads for Goldfields
The new Perth to Kalgoorlie 'Prospector' train has begun its first trip to Western Australia's Goldfields.
Rail stations terror alert
SECURITY at Melbourne's train stations will be tightened to protect against terrorist attack.
Girl's arm severed by tram
A GIRL'S arm was severed when she was hit by a tram in Melbourne's south-east this morning.
Reflective strips would aid rail crossing safety: inquiry
An inquiry into reducing traffic accidents at level crossings has recommended that reflective strips be fitted to all locomotives and rolling stock in the Australian rail industry.
All aboard for rail trip with difference
AN almost-forgotten chapter of bush racing history was resurrected on Saturday when more than 300 racegoers journeyed from Moree to Talmoi picnic races at Garah in grand style.
Train crash releases gas cloud
TWO freight trains collided in Texas today, killing an engine driver, derailing 40 cars and releasing clouds of chlorine and ammonium nitrate that shut down two busy roads.
Train graffiti 'to go in 24 hours'
THE NSW Government will push to have all graffiti on trains removed within 24 hours, to deprive vandals of a "perverse pleasure" in exhibiting their work.
Work on rail complete, but no date for trains
MAJOR construction works on the $130 million upgrade of the Ballarat line for the Fast Rail project have been completed. Despite the milestone, it is unclear when passenger trains will roll out on the line.
Tram staff 'dodged work' to watch Shrek 2
Catching fare cheats is what they should be doing, but instead up to six tram attendants in Melbourne are being investigated after being dobbed in for skipping work to watch Shrek 2.
Nation's longest-ever passenger train runs through Port Augusta
The longest passenger train in Australia's history passed through Port Augusta just after 9pm on Sunday en route to Darwin.
Passenger rail announcement on track
The Victorian Minister for Transport, Peter Batchelor, is due to make an announcement today about the return of passenger rail to the Ballarat to Ararat line.
Barossa train service still on agenda
Investigation into extending passenger train services into the Barossa have been undertaken by TransAdelaide.