Tag: switzerland (Page 1 of 6)

Solaris wins new hydrogen bus contracts in Barcelona and Essen

February 2, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

The CAF Group company has consolidated its leading position in the thriving hydrogen city bus market with two new contracts for the supply of 57 vehicles for a combined value of over 40 million Euros for Barcelona, Spain and Essen, Germany. Solaris’ experience in rolling out hydrogen technology has seen 40 operators in 10 European countries already place their trust in the company, having won orders for in excess of 700 vehicles.

Supported by the ongoing development of the hydrogen vehicle market and the increasing orders for hydrogen fuel cell-powered buses, Solaris has intensified its business activity in this segment over the recent months. In fact, in connection with this technology, last year Solaris made a major investment constructing a new building exclusively to manufacture hydrogen-powered buses.

Solaris’ substantial backlog, which includes supplies to various operators in Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and Slovakia, illustrates the current relevance of this market. While 99 hydrogen buses were registered in Europe in 2022, pending official data for 2023, at the end of the third quarter of the year a total of 137 new bus registrations had already been made in Europe, representing a 38% increase compared to the 12 months in the previous year. If we add the data for the last 3 months of 2023, the figures would undoubtedly reveal how strongly this sector has grown and how much Solaris has contributed to this situation. Just a few years ago, specifically in 2018, not one single hydrogen bus was registered in Europe.

European Union implements new customs procedures

January 10, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Ocean Network Express (ONE) has notified customers that the European Union (E.U.) has implemented its new customs pre-arrival security and safety program, supported by an extensive advanced cargo information system known as “Import Control System 2 (ICS 2)”. This regulation will replace the current regulation ICS 1.

From June 2024, all goods moved by Maritime transportation which are destined for, or transiting the E.U., Switzerland, Norway, and Northern Ireland will be subject to new entry regulations – ICS2. Economic Operators (EOs) or Shippers will have to declare safety and 2 security data to ICS2, through the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS).

Paving the transition for ONE Customers At ONE, we are in the process of upgrading our systems to capture and process mandatory information, such as the 6-digit HS code, place of receipt and House Bill of Lading data ensuring we can support all our customers with their ENS submissions. Additionally, we are providing extensive training to our Magentians across all regions to equip them with the necessary information to support you, our customer during this transition. Watch out for further updates and announcements on our progress in 2024.

For more information on the upcoming ICS2, click on the link below.

https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs-4/customs-security/import-control-system-2-ics2-0_en

SBB announces its 2024 timetable so tourist can travel areas more directly

November 27, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

The new timetable brings additional connections where demand is growing the most. Popular tourist destinations such as Valais and Graubünden will be even better connected. There are also further targeted improvements. A lot will also be done in 2024 to maintain and expand the rail network; Accordingly, there are many construction sites across the entire network. SBB does everything it can to ensure that travelers can rely on reliable connections.

National and international passenger transport: More direct connections, additional stops in tourist regions and new seasonal offers

The most important innovations in national long-distance transport:

Since the last timetable change in December 2022, two trains have been running directly from Geneva via Zurich to Chur and vice versa on weekends. Due to high demand, two additional direct trains will be introduced on this line. There are now four attractive direct connections in each direction spread throughout the day on weekends.
From Christmas to Easter, Ascension Day, Pentecost and June to October, a direct train connects Zurich (from 7:38 a.m.) with Brig (at 9:38 a.m.) in just 2 hours on Saturdays and in the opposite direction on Sundays (Brig from 4:18 p.m. – Zurich HB 6:32 p.m.). ). The train also stops in Frutigen and takes skiers, hikers and bikers to the Bernese Oberland and the Upper Valais without having to change on Saturday morning and back again on Sunday evening. This will create a half-hourly service during peak times on the Thun-Brig or Brig-Spiez/Thun route.
From January 13th to March 3rd, 2024, there will be two fast and direct connections from Zurich HB (departures at 8:27 a.m. and 9:40 a.m.) to Einsiedeln (arrivals at 9:19 a.m. and 10:24 a.m.) on weekend mornings and back again in the afternoon (departures at 3:32 p.m. and 4:38 p.m.). Clock). This RegioExpress takes cross-country skiers and sun-seekers from Zwinglistadt to the home of the Black Madonna without having to change trains.
From Tuesday to Sunday, commuters and other travelers can get directly to Bern (at 6:24 a.m.) and Basel (at 7:32 a.m.) earlier than before thanks to the IC6 with departure from Brig at 5:16 a.m.; in the evening the last IC6 runs from Basel (from 10:28 p.m.) via Bern (from 11:37 p.m.) to Brig (at 12:41 a.m.) now an hour later than before. Due to maintenance in the Lötschberg Base Tunnel, the last train on Sunday evening or the first on Monday morning continues to run as IC61 from/to Basel via Bern to/from Interlaken (instead of Brig).
The IC3 between Zurich and Chur runs every half hour on weekends all year round.
For night owls, a new express connection runs on Friday and Saturday nights from Olten (from 12:40 a.m.) to Biel/Bienne (at 1:26 a.m.), with stops in Oensingen, Solothurn, and Grenchen Süd.
The original plan was to introduce full half-hourly service through the Gotthard Base Tunnel with this timetable change. Since operations are restricted following the derailment of a freight train on August 10, 2023, the introduction of the half-hourly service will be delayed until the base tunnel can be used normally again. As of the timetable change, 31 fast passenger trains will run through the Gotthard Base Tunnel between Friday and Sunday evenings.

The most important innovations in international passenger transport:

International trips are also popular, for example to the Bavarian capital. In the future, an additional train will run daily in each direction between Zurich and Munich, meaning travelers will have a continuous two-hour service.
Since November 24, 2023, 13 direct IC connections have been running between Zurich and Stuttgart, with no change in Singen.

The most important innovations in rolling stock:

On the RegioExpress between Olten and Lucerne, SBB is expanding the seating capacity by using double-decker trains.
Due to the implementation of the Disability Equality Act (BehiG), there will be a change in the use of rolling stock on some long-distance routes.

U.S. and Switzerland sign agreement for PAC-3 MSE missiles

November 2, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Bern, Switzerland, Oct. 31, 2023 – United States and Switzerland officials formalized an agreement for Switzerland to purchase Lockheed Martin’s (NYSE: LMT) Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missiles and related support equipment. With this agreement, Switzerland becomes PAC-3’s 15th partner nation.

PAC-3 MSE will bolster Switzerland’s Patriot ground-based air defense system as a part of the Switzerland Air Force’s Air2030 program.

Lockheed Martin and armasuisse also finalized the Offset Agreement supporting the PAC-3 MSE program. This agreement is the catalyst for multiple new projects that will support Switzerland’s security-relevant technology and industry base (STIB).

The PAC-3 MSE expands the battlespace with a dual-pulse solid rocket motor, providing increased performance in altitude and range. PAC-3 MSE is a high-velocity interceptor that defends against incoming threats, including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, advanced threats and aircraft. The PAC-3 MSE missile uses Hit-to-Kill technology, intercepting threats through kinetic energy via body-to-body contact.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including expected delivery dates. Such statements are based on current expectations and projections about our future results, prospects and opportunities and are not guarantees of future performance. Such statements will not be updated unless required by law. Actual results and performance may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SWISS to introduce new service to Rotterdam, Netherlands

October 29, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) plans to further expand its route network in the coming 2023-24 winter schedules. The airline will offer its first ever nonstop services between Zurich and Rotterdam in the Netherlands. The Dutch port city will be served six times weekly from January 22, 2024.

Rotterdam is the Netherlands’ second-largest city and a lively major port. The city itself is famed for its skyline and for such iconic structures as the Erasmus Bridge and the Cube Houses. Its impressive port is among the biggest in the world, and strongly colours the city’s character and feel. Rotterdam also boasts a varied arts scene, top-notch museums such as the Boijmans Van Beuningen and a wide range of shopping and nightlife options. The city is a cultural melting pot, too, and offers a unique blend of the past and the future that makes it a truly fascinating destination.

In adding Rotterdam to its network, SWISS is expanding its connections with the Randstad conurbation in the Western Netherlands. So in addition to its existing Amsterdam flights, SWISS will now offer a further attractive air travel option to and from the country’s economic and cultural center.

Short transits, good connections

The flight between Zurich and Rotterdam takes an hour and 30 minutes. The city’s modestly-sized airport is quick and easy to negotiate. The city centre is around ten minutes away by car traffic permitting, or 20 minutes by public transport. Rotterdam is about an hour’s drive from Amsterdam and half an hour from The Hague. Swift public transport services are also available to and from both cities.

SBB connects Geneva Airport to the Swiss Air Rail route network

October 24, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Swiss International Air Lines AG, the flag carrier of Switzerland and a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group (Xetra: LHAG), and SBB is expanding the Air Rail route network and adding Geneva Airport. Swiss passengers traveling via Lausanne, Freiburg or Bern train stations now have the choice between connecting to Zurich Airport or Geneva Airport. You can now book and use the new connection to or from Geneva Airport. For example, you can travel directly and comfortably from New York via Geneva to Lausanne, Freiburg or Bern. In addition, both companies are taking another important step in the technical integration of their system landscapes and will in the future provide Swiss Tickets with an SBB QR code. The aim is to improve boarding pass control and customer service. Since establishing their strategic partnership in October 2019, Swiss International Air Lines (Swiss) and the Swiss Federal Railways SBB have been continuously working to expand their joint service and product portfolio.

Travel comfortably with Swiss Air Rail

With this further step in the expansion of the intermodal offering, the Swiss Air Rail network now includes two airport stations and a total of 11 destinations. These include Geneva (main station), Freiburg, Bern, Interlaken, Lausanne, Lucerne, Lugano, Bellinzona and Basel in Switzerland as well as Munich in Germany and Bregenz in Austria. As with all Swiss Air Rail destinations, customers also benefit from the option of booking the entire trip in one step for connections to/from Geneva Airport. The train ticket is included in the Swiss flight price and can be booked online and at any travel agency. Passengers only need to check in once and receive all boarding passes directly from Swiss.

Click the link below to read the full story!

Swiss and SBB connect Geneva Airport

SBB says rail traffic in the Gotthard Base Tunnel interrupted

August 13, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

When a freight train derailed, the track system and a lane change gate in the Gotthard base tunnel were severely damaged. This safety-relevant device is required to separate the two tunnel tubes. Safety has top priority, which is why the second tube cannot be used for passenger or freight traffic. It cannot be used for freight traffic until at least midnight on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. This increases the travel time between German-speaking Switzerland and Ticino by around an hour. Since international travelers have to change trains in Chiasso, their travel time is about two hours longer. SBB apologizes for the inconvenience.

A precise statement on the cause and extent of damage cannot be made at this time. The Swiss Safety Investigation Board and the cantonal investigation authorities are investigating the accident. The accident site has not yet been released by the investigative authorities for clean-up and repair work.

Due to the increased volume of traffic and the limited alternative connections at the weekend and the limited number of seats, SBB urgently recommends postponing spontaneous train journeys via the Gotthard and asks for your understanding.

According to the Railway Ordinance, freight trains can travel on the panoramic route up to a certain corner height. Accordingly, a large proportion of inland transport is carried out via this route, while a small proportion is temporarily transported by road. Combined transport (containers, semi-trailers, trucks) exceeds this corner height and can therefore only drive on the Gotthard axis via the Gotthard base tunnel. For this reason, combined transport in the transit area is diverted via the Lötschberg-Simplon axis or retained in the exit terminals. There are only small restrictions on the transport of goods and the flow of goods is ensured. SBB will provide information again in due course.

Swiss Trains between La Chaux-de-Fonds and St-Imier are running again

August 8, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) reports after the severe storms that hit the La Chaux-de-Fonds region on Monday, July 24, 2023, the repair work is still ongoing. Since Saturday morning, July 29, 2023, the trains between La Chaux-de-Fonds and St-Imier have been running according to the timetable again.

The forecast for traffic to be restored between La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle is now set for Saturday morning 19 August.

Alstom and RAILPOOL sign a contract for 50 Traxx Universal locomotives

July 24, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

July 24, 2023 – Alstom (OTC: ALSMY), global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, and RAILPOOL, one of Europe’s leading rail vehicle leasing companies, have signed a contract for 50 Traxx Universal multi-purpose locomotives. The contract is valued at up to 260 million euro.

The Traxx Universal multi-purpose locomotives can be operated for freight and passenger corridor services. Characterised by both high reliability and flexibility in combination with an optimised power consumption, the locomotives are a proven solution for efficient cross-border operations. Extended maintenance intervals allow for less interventions to ease operational planning, reduce costs and increase availability. The locomotives will cover operations in eight countries, namely Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Belgium, Luxemburg and Poland.

The engineering of the locomotives will be done at the Alstom site in Mannheim, Germany, while final assembly is planned to take place in Kassel, Germany. Other sites involved are Wroclaw, Poland (carbody shell production), Siegen, Germany (bogies production), and Zurich, Switzerland (project management).

Akiem & Alstom sign new framework agreement for 100 Traxx locomotives

July 17, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

17 July 2023 – Alstom (OTC: ALSMY), global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, and Akiem European rolling stock leasing company have signed a framework contract for 100 Traxx Universal multi-system (MS3) locomotives. The firm part of the order includes 65 locomotives. The total amount of the framework agreement is up 500 million euros. Akiem confirms its leadership on the leasing European market and its ambition to contribute to the rail market’s accelerating activities, with major investment on corridors from France to 12 other European countries.

The Traxx Multi-system locomotives benefit from optimised energy consumption and can run both Freight and Passenger operations at a speed of up to 160 kilometres per hour. They will cover operations in 12 European countries: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemburg, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia. As a unique feature for multi-system locomotives, a part of them will be delivered with the last mile feature enabling to access ports, terminals or industrial sites without the need of a shunting locomotive.

All locomotives will be equipped with the leading signalling system ATLAS, Alstom’s onboard solution for the European Train Control System (ETCS). This system comes with the broadest coverage of countries and lines, both in ETCS as well as for legacy system operation, and superior two-out-of-three architecture.

Final assembly is planned to take place at the Alstom site in Kassel, Germany. Deliveries of the units are scheduled to take place between 2025 and 2028.

National and international passenger transport: More direct connections, additional stops in tourist regions and new seasonal offers

Travel comfortably with Swiss Air Rail

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