The test circuit at Velim in the Czech Republic has been a fixture of research, development and certification for rail vehicles and infrastructure components for more than half a century. Quintus Vosman looks at how this unique facility is adapting to meet the changing needs of the industry and the rigorous demands of modern authorisation processes.
The opening of the Czech long-distance market has resulted in a three-way battle for market share on the country's busiest inter-city line, with two new entrants vying for business with incumbent Czech Railways (CD). However with huge pressure to offer the lowest fares, ridership growth has not translated into profitability, as Keith Barrow and Quintus Vosman discover.
LATVIA Railways (LDZ) has awarded a contract to Rolls-Royce for 28 MTU engines to power 14 class 2M62U locomotives which are to be rebuilt by CZ Loco, Czech Republic.
THE Czech Republic's minister of transport Ing Antonín Prachař has resigned following intense criticism of his handling of a highway project and controversial management changes at national road and railway organisations.
THE Czech Republic's minister of transport, Ing Antonín Prachar, has dismissed the CEO of Czech Railways (CD), Mr Daniel Kurucz, after serving only nine months in office. CD's new CEO is Mr Pavel Krtek who was previously chief financial officer.
THE Czech Ministry of Transport and Czech rail infrastructure manager SŽDC have launched a feasibility study into the possible conversion of all lines currently electrified at 3kV dc to 25kV ac 50Hz.
GERMAN infrastructure manager DB Networks has issued a tender notice for a contract to reinstate the German section of the short cross-border link between Selb, Germany, and Aš in the Czech Republic.
OSTRAVA Public Transport (DPO), Czech Republic, which operates a 15-route 65km standard-gauge tram network, is inviting tenders for the supply of wheelchair-accessible trams.
THE first of 10 new coaches ordered by Czech open-access operator RegioJet from Astra Vagoane Calaroti, Romania, is currently undergoing testing between Prague and Žilina, Slovakia.
BOMBARDIER handed over the first of an order for 20 Traxx MS multi-system electric locomotives for Metrans, the open-access railfreight subsidiary of Hamburg Ports and Logistics (HHLA), on September 19.
