World

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World

Axis Network Cameras on Norway’s Railways

February 27, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire
STOCKHOLM — Axis Communications’ network cameras will be installed on trains in Norway. Axis’ partner ESP Group, a systems integrator with focus on intelligent video surveillance, received the order for a security solution from NSB, the Norwegian State Railways. Initially, the order comprises about 3.200 AXIS 209FD-R and AXIS 221 cameras, with a potential for additional installations. Axis network cameras are part of a solution on the trains to improve security for passengers and personnel. Mounting of the cameras will begin in spring 2008 and is expected to be completed mid-2010. The AXIS 209FD-R will be used for surveillance in
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Kansas City Southern

Fitch Upgrades Kansas City Southern de Mexico to ‘BB-‘

February 26, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire
NEW YORK — Fitch Ratings has upgraded the foreign and local currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) of Kansas City Southern de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (KCSM) to ‘BB-‘from ‘B+’. The Rating Outlook is Stable. Fitch has also upgraded to ‘BB-‘ from ‘B+’ the following senior unsecured obligations of KCSM: –US$165 million 7.375% senior notes due 2014: –US$460 million 9.375% senior notes due 2012; –US$175 million 7.625% senior notes due 2013. These rating actions reflect KCSM’s improving operating profile, increased financial flexibility and stronger liquidity over the past two years. Operating EBITDAR, defined as operating EBITDA plus KCSM’s locomotive and railcar
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Miscellaneous

Ferromex Joins the TTX Railcar Pool

February 26, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire
CHICAGO — TTX, one of the nation’s leading railcar providers, today announced the expansion of its railcar pool with the addition of Mexican railway Ferrocarril Mexicano S.A. de C.V. (Ferromex). Ferromex becomes the first new owner of TTX in 43 years. Its addition to the TTX family is expected to enhance the utilization of energy efficient rail transportation for international movements. “This is an important step for our company,” said TTX President and Chief Executive Officer Andrew F. Reardon. “With Ferromex, we will extend the benefits of TTX’s time-tested business model to an important and growing participant in the North
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Commuter Rail

Japanese Bullet Train Returns to San Francisco

February 3, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire
SAN FRANCISCO — Californians are showing increasing interest and support for high-speed trains in advance of a November ballot measure, proponents of high-speed rail say. On Feb. 1, officials held a seminar in San Francisco to discuss “Shinkansen,” Japan’s High-Speed Train System. Retired San Mateo Superior Court Judge Quentin Kopp offered opening remarks to a crowd of public officials, policy makers and California resident about the economic and environmental benefits of high-speed trains. “The sincerity and commitment expressed here today, reflects the strong bonds between our countries,” Kopp said. “This is a critical year for high-speed rail in California, and
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Weather

More Than 150,000 Rail Passengers in Southern China Stranded

January 27, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire
BEIJING — Thousands of Chinese railway passengers were stranded following heavy snow in southern China. More than 150,000 passengers were stranded at the Guangzhou railway station. The station is on the southern end of a the rail line that connects Beijing. Many of the passengers were heading home for Lunar New Year holiday. An additional 450,000 passengers were expected to be stranded in the coming days. It isn’t clear when rail service might be restored. Several major highways and airports were also been closed because of the heavy snows and freezing rains. — Railfanning.org News Wire
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World

Nine Killed in Turkish Derailment

January 27, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire
KUTAHYA, Turkey — Nine people were killed and at least 14 injured when a passenger train derailed Jan. 27 in western Turkey. The train was carrying more than 400 people when two of its cars derailed near Kutahya. The train left Istanbul and was heading for Denizli at the time of the derailment. Investigators are probing whether speed or ice on the tracks played a role in the crash. — Railfanning.org News Wire
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Miscellaneous

‘World’s Top 25 Trains’ Announced by The Society of International Railway Travelers

January 12, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — What does Europe’s sophisticated “Venice Simplon-Orient-Express” have in common with India’s wheezing, narrow-gauge geezer, the 100-year-old steam “Toy Train”? They’re both members of a select group; namely, “The World’s Top 25 Trains,” as determined by The Society of International Railway Travelers. An organization of travelers who love the comfort and romance of great trains, the Society celebrates its 25th year in 2008. Some on the list are over-the-top luxury, such as the all-first-class “Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express,” Rovos Rail’s “Pride of Africa” and India’s “Deccan Odyssey.” Others offer the most stylish and comfortable way to see less-developed
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World

India Suspends Rail Service to Pakistan

December 28, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire
India suspended its rail service with Pakistan following the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Officials would not say when rail service would be restored. The rail service was suspended because officials feared Bhutto supporters upset about her death might cross the border into India. In February 2007, terrorists firebombed an Indian train heading for Pakistan, killing 68 people. — Railfanning.org News Wire
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World

Dozens Killed in Pakistan Derailment

December 19, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire
MEHRABPUR, Paistan — More than 50 people were killed in a train derailment Wednesday (Dec. 19) in southern Pakistan. The train was traveling from Karachi to Lahore when it derailed near Mehrabpur. Twelve of the train’s 16 cars derailed. In addition to the 50 deaths, more than 100 people were injured. Following the derailment, local villagers headed to the crash scene to help trapped passengers, officials said. After arriving, emergency crews rescued passengers from the mangled rail cars. Many of the train’s passengers were traveling for the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, also known as the festival of sacrifice. Officials