Philly’s SEPTA requests KOP rail proposals
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the final design phase of the King of Prussia Rail (KOP Rail) project. The project will extend the existing Norristown High Speed Line (NHSL) four miles into King of Prussia and include five stations. “KOP Rail will connect the three largest employment hubs in the region—Center City, University City, and King of Prussia,” SEPTA General Manager and CEO Leslie S. Richards said. SEPTA included $390 million for KOP Rail in its recently released FY2023 budget. [railwayage.com]
Amtrak launching apprenticeship program
New Amtrak hires and existing employees will have the opportunity to develop skills through a new apprenticeship pilot program. Apprentice courses will examine safety, environmental, and other factor sbefore mentoring, instruction, and training begin. Amtrak has added more than 1,500 new employees this year, and is offering hiring bonuses and relocation packages “to fill critical positions.” Earlier this year, the company was named to Forbes magazine’s “America’s Best Employers 2022” list of large companies. [railwayage.com]
Tokyo Yamanote line to test driverless trains
East Japan Railway Co (JR East) has said it will carry out test runs of automated trains with passengers aboard on Tokyo’s Yamanote loop line for two months starting around October. JR East has been testing the automated system on out-of-service trains on the line — one of Tokyo’s most congested — since 2018, and the operator intends to implement the technology around 2028. The move is part of measures to stem a possible shortage of drivers amid the nation’s shrinking population. [mainichi.jp]
Jerusalem’s first new tram due to arrive early
The first of 114 Urbos 100 trams for the expansion of the Jerusalem light rail network has left the CAF factory in Zaragoza, Spain. Deliveries are running six months ahead of schedule, which is expected to enable entry into service earlier than planned. The Jerusalem tram network is operated by the Cfir consortium of CAF and local company Shapir Engineering under a 15-year concession which began in April 2021 and includes expansion of the Red Line. [railwaygazette.com]
