DUTCH infrastructure manager ProRail is to equip a further 2800 signals with the so called ATB-vv train protection system, which triggers an automatic brake application if a train passes a danger signal at less than 40km/h.

THALES has been chosen by JR East to design Japan's first communications-based train control system (CBTC), following a competition between Thales and Alstom.

LONDON Underground (LU) and Bombardier Transportation have announced that a contract for resignalling of the Sub-Surface Line (SSL) network comprising the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines with communications-based train control (CBTC) will be relet.

ANSALDO STS has been awarded a contract by Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), United States, to upgrade a 72.4km section between Speonk and Montauk from dark territory to signalled territory.

BELGIAN National Railways (SNCB) says it has completed a programme to equip all locomotives, multiple units, and driving trailers with the Transmission Balise Locomotive Driving aid system (TBL1+), which is being rolled out across the Belgian network following the collision at Buizingen in February 2010, which killed 18 people.

PUGET Sound regional transport authority, Sound Transit, has awarded Wabtec a $US 34m contract to design, supply and install Positive Train Control (PTC) on the 132km Sounder commuter rail network around Seattle.

THE European Commission (EC) has adopted the seven-year €1bn Shift2Rail public-private partnership (PPP) research project designed to increase passenger and freight traffic within the European Union.

ITALIAN Rail Network (RFI) has awarded a consortium consisting of Alstom, Gemmo., M Pavani Segnalamento Ferroviario, Ricci and Politecnica a €120m contract to upgrade signalling and telecommunications networks on 200km of mixed traffic lines in Rome.

THE mayor of Chicago Mr Rahm Emanuel and Illinois governor Mr Pat Quinn announced on December 5 that Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) will invest $US 492 in the modernisation of the Blue Line O'Hare Branch, which links the city's main international airport with the city centre.

MILAN metro operator ATM has commissioned a new €11.5m centralised traffic control centre, which supervises the operation of all lines except the driverless Line 5.