Rail supplier updates from Alcatel-Lucent, Duos Technologies, Vossloh, GATX and Parsons (May 28)

Alcatel-Lucent was selected by the Beijing and Nanning Railway Bureaus to upgrade the backbone communications networks of China's rail lines. The authorities will deploy the company's optical transport technology to enhance communications links and support mission critical rail operations — including operational communications, signaling and video surveillance — to ensure safe and on-time passenger journeys, according to an Alcatel-Lucent press release. China Railways will deploy the company's 1830 Photonic Service Switch on the Beijing Railway Bureau’s third ring, which connects Beijing to towns and cities. The company also will upgrade the Nanning Railway Bureau line between Guilin and Liuzhou to upgrade the embedded SDH solution with advanced multiservice switching.

Information Systems Associates Inc. subsidiary Duos Technologies was awarded a contract from the Monroe County, Fla., Sheriff's Office to upgrade legacy correctional facilities surveillance systems. The upgrade includes deployment of centraco 3.0, Duos Technologies' third-generation intelligent command and control software platform.

Vossloh and VR Track, a subsidiary of Finland's state-owned railway company VR Group, recently formed two joint ventures: one to operate a switch production business and another to operate a long-welded rail facility. Vossloh will have a 60 percent stake in each joint venture, according to a Vossloh press release. The switch business will be integrated into Vossloh's Customized Modules division; the welding facility will be part of the company's Lifecycle Solutions division.

GATX Corp. named Chris LaHurd director of investor relations. He succeeds Jennifer Van Aken, who recently was appointed director of investment risk management. LaHurd joined GATX in 2008 and has served in finance and business development roles. He most recently was manager of international business development in the rail international department.

Parsons appointed Jannet Walker vice president and deputy eastern sector manager for the company's rail and transit systems division. She'll be based in Jacksonville, Fla. Walker has more than 20 years of experience in transportation leadership positions, including program management and management consulting in the public and private sectors.