NEWS FOR MARCH 2009
Siemens Avenio low floor launch
 Siemens has revealed details of its Avenio tram concept. The goal is to create a lightweight, stable machine, which will likely enter service as an eight-unit vehicle in Tel Aviv, Israel. Thanks to better integration of the bogie into the car body, more seats can be installed than with previous models like the Combino. The maximum length is 73 metres, with a steel body structure, new welding techniques and fewer installed parts than in the preceding models. Lateral stability elements reduce the track forces that act on the vehicle through curves optimising passenger comfort. Testing and validation is currently underway.
TV tender due soon
 The Heathrow Express is gearing up to launch a tender for its ‘Express TV’ service. Yan Huybrechts, head of commercial and business development for Airport Express (the sales and marketing wing of the service) says: “We will be looking for partners who can supply content and advertising that is constantly refreshed and invigorated to meet the demands of our unique traveller profile.”
The company says over five million airport passengers travel to central London on Heathrow Express each year, over two thirds of whom are business travellers. At key times of the day six out of 10 business travellers going to London use Heathrow Express. Significant sponsorship opportunities are also being sought as part of the package.
Start date for the tender process is scheduled to be 22 April 2009.
Expo update
 Railway Interiors Expo is returning to the Kölnmesse, Cologne, on 24, 25 and 26 November 2009.
Following on from the success of the show’s visit to Amsterdam in 2008, this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever with the winning combination of exhibitors showcasing their latest products and services and the Open Technology Conference Forum.
Already there are more exhibitors booked for the 2009 exhibition than the total in Amsterdam last year.
Companies such as Compin, EVAC, Lantal Textiles, Saira Alluminio, Mondo Flooring and 3M Europe have confirmed they will be in attendance. Also, exhibiting for the first time are 3i, Sabic Innovative Plastics, Iacobucci and KS Technologies.
Thinking about exhibiting? Then get in touch now!
Over the course of 2010 there is predicted to be a huge increase in rail infrastructure investment across the world. As operators and manufacturers attend the show in such large numbers, any suppliers wishing to expand their business and make new contacts are encouraged to book their stand early to avoid disappointment. Call Michael Blackhurst on +44 (0)1306 743744 to learn about the great opportunities that exhibiting brings. Space is filling up, so don’t delay!
Call for speakers issued
 The organisers of Railway Interiors Expo are now calling for all leading rolling stock manufacturers, operators, designers, suppliers, representatives of universities, research institutes and private-sector companies to propose suitable presentations working within one or more of the following session topics:
- Railcar interior design & innovation
- Environmental considerations for railcar interiors
- High-speed design & travel
- Seating technology, materials with design
- Connectivity & communication – Security, infotainment & information
- Fire safety, standards, implementation and crashworthiness
- Lighting design & technology
- Light weighting techniques – Composites and materials used
- Refurbishment – Reusable and sustainable resources and efficient maintenance
- Catering solutions
If you are interested in participating at this year’s Open Technology Forum, please click here to complete the presentation proposal form as soon as possible.
Each speaker will be allocated 25 minutes for their presentation, which must include 1-2 minutes at the end for any questions and answers. All presentations must be given in English.
Please note that we will not be including any corporate profile-type presentations. The proposed presentations most likely to be included will be those focusing on new product and service innovations, technological developments or those based on an application story or case study that works within the session topics proposed above.
The final deadline for speaker registration is 22 May 2009, but final power point presentations will not be required until 6 November 2009. Contact Nick Moller on nickmoller@ukipme.com for more information.
Onboard recycling initiative
East Midlands Trains is developing a new scheme which it hopes will see a cost saving of £150 million for the company, as well as recycling up to 90% of the of the rubbish which is left onboard its trains.
Matt Browne, head of environment for East Midlands Trains says “We are committed to building on initiatives like this one and to recycling whenever and wherever possible. Recycling waste from train services is a concept that brings some logistical challenges to us as a business, but it is a challenge that we are definitely rising to. The new scheme at our Leeds depot is a great example of how we can work to make a strong business case for more environmental improvements.”
Currently the waste ends up as landfill, creating around 480 tonnes per year, which includes materials like newspapers, glass and plastic bottles, packaging and paper. |
