Rail supplier news from Wabtec, Icomera, Bombardier, Wood, Parsons and LINXS Constructors (Sept. 30)

Wabtec Corp. formed a partnership with Penn State University to conduct energy management, battery technology and machine learning research, as well as facilitate professional and talent development. The partnership gives Wabtec access to a research institution with the resources to bring new innovations to the market, Wabtec officials said in a press release. The arrangement is "a model for how universities and corporations can successfully work together to solve real-world challenges,” said Melissa Erekson, assistant vice president of corporate engagement at Penn State. The partnership builds upon years of collaboration between the university and the company.

Icomera UK completed the acquisition of London-based GoMedia Services Ltd. GoMedia is a provider of onboard infotainment for public transport, including passenger information and customer messaging. The acquisition enables Icomera parent company ENGIE Solutions to deliver an end-to-end passenger information and entertainment offering to transport operators, Icomera officials said in a press release. Meanwhile, Metrolinx  launched its first GO Transit trains equipped with Icomera’s centralized connectivity network platform. The solution will allow Metrolinx riders access to the internet and other passenger, operational and safety applications.

Bombardier Transportation unveiled a train design for India’s National Capital Region Transport Corp.’s first regional rapid transit system. The semi-high-speed aerodynamic trainsets will feature standing spaces, sliding doors, luggage space, air conditioning and closed-circuit television cameras. The trains can be expanded from three- to nine-car trainsets to accommodate 900 to more than 1,790 passengers. Meanwhile, Bombardier Transportation signed a contract with Singapore’s rail operator, SMRT Train Ltd., to provide 10 years of long-term service support for 636 Bombardier Movia metro cars currently being delivered to the North-South and East-West lines. The contract includes technical support and spare parts supply, and includes an option to extend the agreement for another 20 years. The contract is supported by the Land Transport Authority. 

Metrolinx awarded Wood Group PLC six contracts to provide solutions for several projects. Work includes leading design on the rehabilitation of the 120-year-old Rough River rail bridge and the replacement of the Birchmount Bridge to add track and support future electrification. Wood was also awarded contracts for work on the Barrie Railway Corridor and the agency’s subway expansion program in Ontario.

The Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) selected Parsons Corp. to support implementation of a communications-based train control (CBTC) system. Parsons has been providing engineering services to BART's CBTC program for the past five years. Under the new contract, Parsons will provide design services during construction for the implementation.

The LAX Integrated Express Solutions Constructors (LINXS Constructors) joint venture placed concrete for the first segment of the cast-in-place aerial guideway span for the automated people mover system under construction at Los Angeles International Airport. LINXS Constructors is the design-build joint venture comprised of Fluor Corp., Balfour Beatty, Dragados USA and Flatiron.