Rail supplier news from Greenbrier, Duos, NYAB, Thales, Stadler, Alstom and HDR (Dec. 17)

The Greenbrier Cos. Inc. has joined RailPulse^™, a coalition of rail-car owners, builders and operators seeking to accelerate the adoption of GPS and other telematics technology across the North American freight-rail network. Formed in 2020, RailPulse includes Norfolk Southern Railway, GATX Corp., Genesee & Wyoming Inc., Watco and TrinityRail. The group aims to aggregate North American rail car fleet data on a single platform to increase the safety and efficiency of freight-rail transportation and enhance the visibility of customer goods throughout the shipping process.

Duos Technologies Inc. has been awarded a contract for an additional turn-key Railcar Inspection Portal (rip®) with existing customer CSX. The award includes an annual service and preventive maintenance contract. In addition, Duos, using its proprietary truevue360 platform, will provide its expert artificial intelligence (EAI), which incorporates human-in-the-loop (HITL) as part of the development and training process. Installation and development are expected to be completed by the end of second-quarter 2022.

New York Air Brake LLC (NYAB) has been recognized by TTX as an "Excellent Supplier" for 2020. NYAB was recognized for helping TTX exceed customer expectations for quality, cost, on-time delivery, service excellence, plus finance and administration. NYAB was evaluated in three categories – OE brakes, rail services (repair centers), and friction (ABS). All categories had to achieve an “A” rating and a SECO cumulative rating no less than 92.0 to qualify for the “Excellent Supplier” designation, according to an NYAB press release.

Network Rail has signed a contract with Thales to repurpose its tried-and-tested train detection system to replace aging mechanical treadles at safety critical track locations in the United Kingdom. The eight-year agreement calls for Thales to develop and supply Az LX, a new electronic treadle, for applications across the network, including level crossings, which will improve reliability and reduce passenger delays.
Stadler and the Slovakian railway company ZSSK have signed a contract for the manufacture and delivery of four double-decker multiple-unit KISS trains. This is the first time that Stadler will supply its double-decker vehicle with electric drive to Slovakia. According to the contract, delivery of the vehicles should take place by the end of 2023.

Alstom's latest generation of Citadis X05 has entered passenger service in Athens. Prior to their entry into passenger service, the 25 trams successfully completed dynamic tests without passengers, totaling more than 9,300 miles on Athens’ urban network, to ensure safe and reliable operation once in service. The 25 trams ordered in 2018 by Attiko Metro, the urban transport authority of Athens, are the first Alstom trams to ever circulate in Greece.

HDR Inc. has hired Chad Hewitt as a senior rail project manager. Hewitt will be based in Oregon and provide freight-rail expertise on HDR’s work throughout the Pacific Northwest. Over the past two decades, Hewitt has managed the design and overseen construction of intermodal facilities and gate systems across North America and for nearly all major railroads and several ports. His background is in both engineering design and construction management.