World – Page 19 – Railfanning.org

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 our efforts are enhanced by showcasing the benefits of a

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

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

‘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 regions, such the world’s newest private train, the “Danube Express,”

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

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 said the wreck was not the result of sabotage, instead

Regular North-South Korean Train Route Opens

December 11, 2007 Voice of America

Regular cargo train service has resumed between the divided Koreas for the first time in more than half a century. South Korea plans to send tons of supplies into North Korea by rail on a daily basis.

GE – Transportation Entering UK Market

November 29, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire

ERIE, Pa. — UK-based Freightliner Group Ltd. has placed the largest order in its history, according to GE – Transportation, which received an order for 30 freight locomotives. GE – Transportation, a unit of General Electric Co., is developing a new freight locomotive in partnership with Freightliner Group as part of a collaborative effort called “Project Genesis.” Starting in mid 2009, Freightliner will use the most advanced locomotive product in the industry while GE – Transportation will enter the UK rail freight market for the first time, officials said. GE – Transportation’s JS37ACi offers many new features, including AC traction technology and dynamic braking, officials said. Also, the locomotives allow

Two Koreas Say Train Service May Resume ‘By End Of Year’

November 15, 2007 Voice of America

North and South Korea have not had regular train service across their heavily armed border in more than half a century — but that may be about to change within weeks. Prime Ministers from the two Koreas say they are finalizing the details to reestablish at least one railway route before the end of the year.

France Braces for Another Major Transportation Strike

November 13, 2007 Voice of America

France is bracing for its second major transportation strike in a month, beginning Tuesday evening. From Paris, Lisa Bryant reports – although most French do not support the strike – it reflects wider discontent against reforms proposed by the country’s conservative government.