Category: Light Rail News (Page 10 of 12)

Acquisition of Bombardier Transportation: Accelerating Alstom’s Strategic Roadmap

February 17, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

A step-change acquisition to address the ever-increasing demand for sustainable mobility
Excellent strategic rationale bringing to Alstom:
– Strong commercial and product complementarities
– Strengthened product lines and strategic industrial capacity
– Leading portfolio offering and R&D capabilities
Acquisition price from €5.8bn to €6.2bn
CDPQ to become the largest shareholder of Alstom with c.18% of the capital

Alstom announces today that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bombardier Inc. and Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (“CDPQ”) in view of the acquisition of Bombardier Transportation. Post-transaction, Alstom will have a backlog of around €75bn and revenues around €15.5bn. The price for the acquisition of 100% of Bombardier Transportation shares will be €5.8bn to €6.2bn which will be paid via a mix of cash and new Alstom shares. CDPQ will reinvest c.€2bn corresponding to 100% of cash proceeds to be received from the sale of its stake in Bombardier Transportation and further invest €0.7bn in Alstom, outlining its strong belief in the strategic rationale and value creation potential of the combination.

“I’m very proud to announce the acquisition of Bombardier Transportation, which is a unique opportunity to strengthen our global position on the booming mobility market. This acquisition will improve our global reach and our ability to respond to the ever-increasing need for sustainable mobility. Bombardier Transportation will bring to Alstom complementary geographical presence and industrial footprint in growing markets, as well as additional technological platforms. It will significantly increase our innovation capabilities to lead smart and green innovation. We will be thrilled to welcome all the talent and energy of Bombardier Transportation employees. We are deeply committed to step up the turnaround of Bombardier Transportation activities and deliver significant value to all stakeholders, particularly our customers. We will also further develop Bombardier Transportation’s historical presence in Québec, drawing on Québec’s well-established strengths in innovation and sustainable mobility. We are pleased to welcome CDPQ as a new long-term shareholder. CDPQ is fully supportive of the transaction and Alstom’s strategy.” said Henri Poupart-Lafarge, Chairman and CEO of Alstom.

A step-change acquisition

Alstom and Bombardier operate in a very positive market environment with passenger traffic expected to grow between 3% to 5% annually over the 2015-2025 period and global rail OEM market expected to achieve a +3.0% CAGR between 2021-2023. The dynamic is driven by urbanisation trend and a strong push for decarbonation of mobility. In Europe, the European Commission has set very ambitious targets in terms of CO2 reduction and several countries have announced large investments in rail.

Alstom is a preeminent rail equipment player with an industry-record backlog of €40bn and €8.1bn of annual sales as of 31-Mar-2019. Over the period 2016-2019, Alstom delivered strong sales development with an average annual growth of 5.5% outperforming the market, and significantly improved profitability (up to 7.5% adjusted EBIT margin).

Bombardier Transportation is a reference player in global rail transportation with a €32bn backlog and €7.4bn sales as of December 2019. With a track record of market leadership and a strong expertise, Bombardier Transportation offers a broad product portfolio across all market segments and has a well-balanced industrial footprint between best-cost and high-tech countries.

Click the link for the full press release! https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2020/2/acquisition-bombardier-transportation-accelerating-alstoms-strategic

Alstom Nears Deal to Buy Bombardier’s Train Unit

February 16, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

(Reuters) – France’s Alstom SA (ALO.PA) is close to clinching a deal to buy Bombardier Inc’s (BBD-B.TO) train business which will give the unit an enterprise value of $7 billion, according to a source familiar with the matter.

An announcement could come as soon as Monday, the source said, adding a deal has yet to be signed.

The Wall Street Journal, which first reported the news, said Alstom is expected to buy the business using mostly cash and some stock.

Quebec pension giant Caisse de dépôt et placement, which owns a 32.5% stake in Bombardier’s train unit, has agreed to sell its stake to Alstom and buy a minority stake in the combined train company, the WSJ report said.

Bombardier declined to comment on the report and Alstom did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Canadian plane-and-train-maker has been struggling to contain higher rail costs generated by a few problematic contracts in its nearly $36 billion order backlog.

The deal would help Alstom compete more effectively against Chinese rail giant CRRC Corp Ltd (1766.HK), after the French maker of TGV bullet trains was blocked last year by European regulators from merging with Germany’s Siemens (SIE.DE).

Reporting by Rama Venkat in Bengaluru and Allison Lampert in Montreal; Editing by Andrew Heavens

Bombardier Celebrates Introduction of the final New Generation Rollingstock in Queensland, Australia

January 29, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Fleet of 75 six-car commuter trains, designed and engineered locally in Australia, are already increasing transport capacity and ridership in Queensland
With 70 per cent of Queensland’s future population growth targeted in the South-East region, the NGR fleet will bring a significant capacity increase to meet the growing demand for rail services

The last of 75 trains enters service in Queensland, Australia

Mobility technology solution provider Bombardier Transportation recently celebrated the introduction into passenger service of the final New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) train for the Queensland Government. In addition to delivering the 75 commuter trains, Bombardier will also maintain the entire fleet at its Wulkuraka maintenance centre near Ipswich, Queensland for a period of 32 years.

“Our highly efficient commuter cars have been performing well, providing passengers in Queensland with a safe and comfortable ride. Bombardier is providing mobility solutions through its NGR and Gold Coast projects, helping the Queensland Government deliver its economic and public transportation development programs,” said Wendy McMillan, President, South East Asia and Australia, Bombardier Transportation.

She added, “This significant milestone of the last NGR train delivery in Queensland was achieved thanks to close collaboration between Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), Queensland Rail, Bombardier and our partners. Bombardier has created more than 2,000 local jobs across the industry and supply chain throughout this project.”

The trains have been rigorously tested and commissioned to the highest requirements of TMR and Queensland Rail at the Wulkuraka maintenance facility. In addition, they have travelled more than eight million in-service kilometres and conducted over 150,000 passenger journeys since the first trains started service in December 2017.

Last year, Bombardier Transportation signed a contract for $335.7 million AUD with the Queensland Government to deliver modifications to the NGR trains currently being introduced to the South-East Queensland rail network. Bombardier is leading the Qtectic consortium contracted to deliver the NGR project and will undertake the work to upgrade the trains in line with the government’s revised design specifications with an industry partner. The NGR core project team led by TMR, Queensland Rail and Bombardier Transportation worked closely together with the disability sector to ensure the upgraded trains meet the needs of all Queenslanders. Queensland’s train fleet will be one of the most accessible in the country once the upgrades are complete.

Bombardier has been investing in Australia for more than 70 years. As a trusted rail industry partner with over 1,000 local employees, Bombardier designs, engineers, manufactures and maintains rolling stock across Australia, along with providing signalling, rail equipment, asset management and through-life support to customers and operators.

Bombardier Renews Operations and Maintenance Contract for John F. Kennedy International Airport

January 3, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Renewed agreement continues long-term partnership with one of the ten busiest airports in the United States
Latest contract highlights Bombardier’s comprehensive mobility solutions for transit systems worldwide

Mobility solution provider Bombardier Transportation announced today that it renewed a contract with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to provide operations and maintenance services for the Authority’s automated transit system (AirTrain JFK) at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. The contract is valued at approximately $309 million US (277 million euro) and covers a period of five years.

“We greatly appreciate the confidence the Port Authority has placed in us and look forward to continuing our 16-year partnership in providing safe, reliable, customer-friendly, 24/7, 365-day service to AirTrain JFK’s growing ridership,” said Elliot G. (Lee) Sander, President, Americas Region, Bombardier Transportation. “We’re proud to offer a convenient and efficient mobility solution for JFK’s passengers and employees, not only within the airport, but between the airport and the city’s transit systems,” he continued.

Bombardier’s scope of work under the contract includes: 24-hour train operations and passenger assistance; maintenance of the vehicle fleet; maintenance of the tracks and power supply and signalling systems; and maintenance of all facilities on the system such as stations and platforms.

Bombardier was a member of the consortium responsible for designing and supplying the AirTrain JFK system, including the fleet of 32 metro vehicles, today branded as BOMBARDIER MOVIA, and has been operating and maintaining the system since its opening in December 2003. The system currently serves a total ridership of over 20 million passengers annually.

Bombardier has been designing, building, operating and maintaining automated transit systems for airports and cities around the world for nearly 50 years. In the United States, the ten busiest airports have chosen Bombardier for their transportation systems.

MOVIA metro vehicles on AirTrain at JFK International Airport

Alstom Begins Delivery of Prima M4 Locomotives to ONCF

December 31, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Alstom has delivered in Morocco the first Prima M4 locomotive in the frame of the contract signed in 2018 with ONCF to supply 30 electrical Prima locomotives. While the 30 locomotives will be manufactured in Alstom’s Belfort plant, the Alstom team in Morocco will ensure the testing, the warranty service and maintenance.

The 30 Prima M4 locomotives have a nominal power of 5.5 MW, a maximum operating speed of 160 km/h and operate under 3 KV DC voltage. They are equipped with ETCS level 1, require minimum maintenance and provide a high reliability level with low lifecycle cost thanks to the modular design.

“Over the past 10 years, 20 Alstom electrical locomotives have been put into commercial service by ONCF. We are proud, today, to contribute to grow up the fleet and to support ONCF in this major project to develop the railway infrastructure solutions throughout the country,” said Nourddine Rhalmi, Managing Director of Alstom Morocco.

Alstom has been manufacturing locomotives for more than 100 years with the first electric locomotive produced in 1926. To date, the company has sold more than 3,000 locomotives from its Prima range.

Six French sites are participating in the production of the locomotives: Belfort (assembling), Le Creusot (bogies), Ornans (motors), Petit-Quevilly (transformers), Tarbes (traction chain components) and Villeurbanne (on board electronics). The ETCS components are produced in Madrid.

Present in Morocco with 580 employees, Alstom has contributed to several major railway projects, such as the delivery of first Citadis trams to the cities of Rabat and Casablanca, and 12 Euroduplex VSHT for the High Speed Line which is linking Tangier to Casablanca. In its plant in Fez, Alstom produces cable bundles for rail applications and electrical switchboxes that are supplied to its European plants and mounted on trains exported around the world.

Sydney Light Rail Commences Revenue Service

December 15, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Light Rail returns to the heart of Sydney

Alstom congratulates Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW), on the opening of the CBD and South East Light Rail project and the start of revenue service, returning Light Rail back down Sydney’s George St for the first time in more than 60 years.

Alstom, as part of the ALTRAC Light Rail consortium[1], has been responsible for the integrated light rail system that included the design, delivery and commissioning of 60 Citadis X05 Light Rail Vehicles (LRV), power supply equipment including APS – the wire-free ground-based power supply (over two kilometres), the energy recovery substations – HESOP, signalling, communications, depot equipment and 19 years of maintenance.

The new 12km network has been delivered under a turnkey PPP model that will provide the commuters of Sydney with frequent, reliable, high capacity services running from Circular Quay in the city’s CBD to Central Station, then south east to Randwick. Each LRV has a capacity of 450 passengers – the equivalent of nine standard buses and will move up to 13,500 commuters per hour (6,750 in each direction) during peak times once fully operational. Normal tram services will operate seven days a week between 5am and 1am.

As part of the contract, the consortium has also taken over the operations and maintenance of the existing Inner West Light rail (IWLR) that connects Sydney’s inner west with the Pyrmont peninsula, Darling Harbour and the southern CBD. Alstom is also responsible for the maintenance of the existing system which includes 12 CAF Light Rail Vehicles.

“Alstom is extremely proud to be a part of this iconic project” said Mark Coxon, Managing Director for Alstom in Australia & New Zealand, “This new Light Rail system will transform Sydney and provide a step change in the city’s public transport capability and reliability while protecting the aesthetic appeal of the CBD and improving sustainability of the overall transport network”

[1] Made up of Alstom, Transdev, Acciona and Capella

Bombardier Wins New Heavy Maintenance and Refurbishment Contract for Sweden

December 15, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Bombardier will perform heavy maintenance and refurbish 59 Bombardier-built REGINA commuter trains, improving safety and comfort for every passenger’s journey in Sweden
Latest contract highlights Bombardier’s position as industry-leading mobility services provider in the Swedish market

Mobility technology solution provider Bombardier Transportation announced today that it has signed a new services contract with AB Transitio, Sweden’s rail vehicle leasing company, to perform heavy maintenance and refurbish 59 BOMBARDIER REGINA Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains. The contract is valued around SEK 280 million ($30 million US, €27 million euro) over a period of five years. Deliveries of the newly refurbished trains is planned to start in mid-2020 with pre-series deliveries and will continue until mid-2024.

“With this new contract, Bombardier is expanding its services footprint in Sweden by maintaining the REGINA EMU trains operated by regional and private rail authorities, as well as refurbishing these trains to bring safe and reliable service to over millions of passengers across Sweden every year,” said Marina Sundman, Chief Commercial Office, Nordics Region, Bombardier Transportation. “We are proud to deepen our long-term relationship with AB Transitio and we are more committed than ever to delivering our range of service solutions to help customers maximize value from their assets.”

Around 20 years ago, our local teams designed and built these vehicles which are appreciated by the local rail operators. Today, more than 100 REGINA EMU trains operate across Sweden’s rail network in various car configurations, each train having travelled an average of 200.000 km per year in regional and intercity traffic, supporting the public transport authorities from south to the upper north of Sweden.

In addition to undertaking heavy maintenance on 59 REGINA EMU trains (54 trains of 2 cars and 5 trains of 3 cars each), our teams will also be involved in technical and comfort upgrades such as changing interior carpets, exterior paint, passenger seats refurbishment, interior lighting, installing additional pantograph with control equipment and new headlights.

This project marks a milestone in the development of our refurbishment activities and contributes to placing Bombardier as the leader of this market segment in Sweden. Bombardier is an important player in Sweden’s rail industry as a leading supplier of metros, trams, high speed trains, signalling systems and services.

Bombardier built REGINA EMU train for Sweden

Alstom Commences Manufacturing of Rolling Stock for Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line)

December 10, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Total of 31 metro trainsets comprising of 248 cars will be manufactured at the company’s state-of-the-art plant at SriCity

Alstom, leader in sustainable and smart mobility, today commenced the manufacturing of metro trainsets for Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) at its factory in SriCity, Andhra Pradesh. The ceremony was preceded by Mr. Alain Spohr – MD, Alstom India & South Asia. The first metro train after testing will be delivered by November 2020.

Alstom’s overall contract with MMRC for Line 3 is worth €452 million. The order includes manufacturing of 31 lightweight, fully-furnished modern metro trains of 8 cars each. Along with rolling stock, Alstom will also execute the power supply contract and equip Line 3 with Urbalis 400, its latest generation of CBTC signalling technology. The scope of the signalling contract includes unattended train operation (UTO), computer-based interlocking and centralised train supervision; an integrated telecom solution comprising of CCTV, passenger information, passenger annoncement and Giga bit network; platform screen doors, as well as the electrical and mechanical supervisory control and data acquisition system (E&M SCADA).

Speaking on the occasion, Alain Spohr, Managing Director of Alstom India and South Asia said, “This will be the new face of transportation for the commercial capital of India. Mumbai is a global city and it is set to get a world-class metro experience. The trainsets are custom-designed for Mumbai. Themed on Dynamic Fluidism that takes inspiration from the city, the train prioritises high interior density layout to maximise space efficiency. The trainsets will be able to accomodate at least 3000 people on a single trip, easing daily commute for Mumbaikars.”

He further added, “As announced earlier, we are on track to double our manufacturing capacity at SriCity – from 240 to 480 trainsets per annum. The factory is currently executing orders for Chennai Metro, Montreal Metro (Réseau Express Métropolitain) and Mumbai Metro Line 3. Alstom recently won a contract with Sydney’s NRT to supply the rolling stock and signalling system for the next stage of Sydney Metro. 23 six-car fully-automated Metropolis trains for the project will be manufactured at our SriCity facility.”

The Aqua Line trainsets will feature a host of safety elements including CCTV cameras, smoke detectors, emergency intercoms, fire extinguishers with wider detrainment doors to quickly evacuate passengers in case of an emergency. The inclusive design of trainsets will serve to the differently-abled individuals with ease of travel and includes dedicated space for wheelchair in every car. The overall exterior and interiors of the trainset are inspired by the undying energy of Mumbai and its people who are always on the move and hustle all day long.

Alstom will also train maintenance and operations staff for the project. It is also the first time that any metro train in India will have 75% motorization, enabling quick acceleration and deceleration thereby bringing about greater efficiency in operations. The trains will also be equipped with regenerative braking system aiding significant reduction in carbon emissions. In addition to the above features, it is the first UTO (Unattended Train Operation) project in Mumbai.

Singapore’s First Driverless Urban Transit System Turns 20

December 8, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

In 1996, Bombardier Transportation pioneered a new mobility solution for Singapore’s first light rail transit system – the driverless BOMBARDIER INNOVIA APM 100 automated people mover. This fully automated transit system went into service in 1999 on the revolutionary Bukit Panjang LRT line to improve the quality of life for residents by connecting outlying residential areas with the high-capacity Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rail network as well to schools, retail, community and healthcare centers.

2019 marks the 20^th anniversary of the first APM’s entry into service, a historic milestone for Bombardier. The INNOVIA APM system embodies the evolution of automated transit operations over many years at numerous locations around the globe, from London and Guangzhou to Phoenix and San Francisco – the INNOVIA APM is in use in many of the world’s busiest international airports and city districts. Currently, Bombardier has 32 APM vehicles circulating Bukit Panjang with an annual ridership of 24 million passengers, bringing residents closer to their homes.

Singapore’s Bukit Panjang LRT line

Singapore’s Bukit Panjang LRT line, runs on a fully-automated people mover system based on the INNOVIA APM 100 automated people mover system. Already in service in many of the world’s busiest cities and biggest airports, this proven passenger mobility solution provides safe, swift and seamless connectivity between the outlying residential areas and the city.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slMxgFzVzjs&feature=emb_title

The suburban town

The iconic Bukit Panjang LRT line is an 8-km automated guideway transit solution intended to serve the residential town located in the West Region of Singapore, acting as a replacement to the many buses deployed through the town, especially during rush hour. With an estimated population of 140,000, half of Bukit Panjang’s residents rely on the LRT for their daily commute. A complete loop journey takes 28 minutes, serving 13 stations, providing a feeder service to connect residents to the two high-capacity North-South (red) and Downtown (blue) MRT lines, moving them to the city.

Operating on a dedicated elevated guideway at a speed between 20km/h to 65 km/h, this arrangement ensures consistent service that provides shorter waiting times for the passengers without interfering with surrounding road traffic. The current BOMBARDIER CITYFLO 550 rail control and signalling system and wireless communications supports the system’s operation while ensuring seamless integration into the city’s existing infrastructure.

Upgrading Bukit Panjang

In 2018, Bombardier signed an asset replacement contract to upgrade the Bukit Panjang LRT system by supplying a fleet of 19 BOMBARDIER INNOVIA APM 300 vehicles, retrofitting 13 existing INNOVIA APM 100 vehicles, as well as upgrading its current CITYFLO 550 technology to the advanced CITYFLO 650 CBTC solution for a smoother ride for commuters. Other works include power rail enhancement and condition monitoring through Train Control Management System.

Working hand-in-hand with the Singapore Land Transport Authority to design a next-generation train with modern aesthetics, the new features incorporated advanced technology for improved performance and functionality, as well as enabling interchangeability with existing APM 100 vehicles. From 2022, the asset replacement is set to improve rail reliability, safety and availability for optimal performance of the Bukit Panjang LRT line.

The ride ahead

After two decade of services, the system achieved an improved performance and for the period of October 2018 to September 2019, it reached a rail reliability performance of 64,000 train-km before a delay of more than five minutes occurs on the system. Along with the Bukit Panjang LRT system upgrade, Bombardier will support a ten-year maintenance and spare part supply agreement to provide reliable services, ensuring that the authority and operator gain the maximum value from their assets over the lifetime of their system with proven competence. The renewed APM system will continue to set the high urban mobility standards for the Bukit Panjang LRT line and globally in the frame of Bombardier’s urban transit innovation.

Singapore LTA’s target is to expand its urban rail network to 360km by 2030, which creates demand and opportunities for rail manufacturers while driving innovation towards Singapore’s Smart Nation vision. Bombardier’s full spectrum of rail solutions, combining technology and performance with empathy, from driverless metros to automated people mover, helps deliver sustainable mobility and reduces energy consumption to create substantial benefits for operators, commuters and the environment.

Investing in Singapore for the last twenty years, Bombardier has delivered 276 driverless BOMBARDIERMOVIA metro cars for Singapore’s Downtown Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) line and 32 INNOVIA APM 100 cars for the Bukit Panjang LRT system. In 2018, two asset replacement contracts were awarded to supply 19 new INNOVIAAPM 300 cars for the Bukit Panjang LRT line and 396 MOVIA metro cars for the two high-capacity North-South and East-West MRT lines. Bombardier is committed to designing better trains, customizing solutions and creating better ways to move residents across Singapore, making sure Bombardier’s mobility solution works for the community and providing for the future.

Bukit Panjang LRT line APM — The renewed INNOVIA APM system will continue to set the high urban mobility standard for the Bukit Panjang LRT line and globally in the frame of Bombardier’s urban transit innovation.

Alstom Avelia AGV Reaches 100 Million Kilometres Milestone in Italy

December 8, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Alstom’s fleet of 25 Avelia AGV very-high-speed trains operating in Italy has travelled a total of more than 100 million kilometres since entering service in April 2012, owned and operated under the service name Italo by Italo-Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori, the first private high-speed operator in Europe.

Italo, with its fleet composed of Avelia AGVs and Avelia Pendolinos, covers the entire national area served by high speed line, connecting a total of 25 Italian cities and 30 railway stations with 116 daily services.

“We are immensely proud that our trains have covered such a distance and transported so many passengers since beginning service. Add to that the Avelia Pendolino trains more recently delivered to NTV, and we have proof of the importance of high-speed rail services and Alstom’s unique ability to accompany its customers in the domain,” said Laurent Jarsalé, Vice-President of Alstom’s Mainlines Platform.

The Avelia AGV trains themselves run at speeds of 300km/h with the highest level of safety and comfort, thanks to an articulated architecture designed for very high speeds. The eleven-car configuration results in trains that are over 200 metres in length.

Passenger experience is at the centre of the Avelia AGV design. The train offers 100 mm of additional interior body width compared to conventional non-articulated very-high-speed trains and a bright interior thanks to the largest windows on the very high speed market. Passengers experience quiet and smooth travelling conditions – a result of bogies being placed between the cars.

The train also boasts long-term operational and financial benefits for the operator. This includes 15 to 30% less energy consumption compared to conventional non-articulated very-high-speed trains thanks to its lightweight, aerodynamic design and braking energy recovery. Maintenance costs are also up to 10% lower than non-articulated trains. The Avelia AGV is fully adaptable to operating needs: flexible configurations from 7 to 14 cars, and trainsets designed like a hollow tube that can be effortlessly fitted and refitted according to changing passenger requirements throughout the train’s 30-year lifespan.

Singapore’s Bukit Panjang LRT line

The suburban town

Upgrading Bukit Panjang

The ride ahead

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