advertisement

---

• Thales has obtained a $155.5 million contract from Singapore’s largest rail operator, SMRT Corp. Ltd., to install the SelTrac communications-based train control signal system on the North-South and East-West lines, which combined serve 54 stations. The Land Transport Authority of Singapore also awarded a $31.6 million contract for signaling installation on the Tuas West Extension for the future East-West line extension. The entire new signaling system is expected to be operational by 2018.

• RailComm has expanded its existing yard system at BNSF Railway Co.’s mechanical facility in Memphis, Tenn. RailComm’s Domain Operations Controller (DOC®) System is used to remotely control derails. The system includes two workstations that enable the user to monitor device status and review operation logs of all system activity. The workstation displays a graphical representation of the yard area, enabling the user to view all the devices in the field.

• Axion International has signed a distribution agreement in Argentina with Inversora Intervías S.A., a company owned by the same shareholders of Grupo Comtrans S.A., to be Axion’s distribution partner in the region. The agreement expands the reach of Axion’s recycled plastic ties in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, Axion officials said in a prepared statement. Also, a collaboration agreement was signed that provides the foundation and process for evaluating the formation of an operating entity that will manufacture, sell and market Axion’s ECOTRAX® ties in the three nations, they said.

• Jones Lang LaSalle announced the formation of a business development partnership with China-based XY Group to explore rail investment opportunities in the United States. XY Group has “an aggressive strategy” to expand into international markets, according to a Jones Lang LaSalle press release. The group is targeting the construction and financing of private sector intermodal projects for its North American market entry, company officials said.

• Vossloh Fastening Systems and Vossloh Rail Services have named Ron Martin vice president and general manager of both business units. He has more than 28 years of experience in MOW, operations, signals and mechanical.

• The Florida Engineering Society Miami Chapter has recognized Bill Houppermans, project manager for URS Corp. Southern, for "outstanding technical achievement," according to a Miami-Dade Transit press release. URS serves as a consultant for the Miami-Dade Transit’s AirportLink project. The award recognizes Houppermans' leadership and the work by the AirportLink team, agency officials said in a prepared statement.