Rail supplier news from Amsted Rail, Alstom and Bob Andrews Group (Sept. 4)

United Wagon Co. (UWC) and Amsted Rail have formed a joint venture to provide the "next generation of freight rolling stock technology" to the Russian and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) freight-rail market, according to an Amsted Rail press release. Under the deal, UWC will receive full intellectual property rights to Amsted Rail's 18-9836 bogie design specifically designed for rail cars operating on 1520-millimeter gauge rail.

Alstom Transport obtained a $150 million contract from the Maryland Transit Administration to overhaul its fleet of 53 light-rail vehicles. They are scheduled to arrive at Alstom's facility in Hornell, N.Y., starting next month. The project will add about 15 years to the vehicles' life span, according to an Alstom press release.

French officials inaugurated the first line of the tramway network at a train station in Tours, France, late last week. Alstom supplied 21 Citadis trams to the greater Tours area for the tramway, which has a capacity of up to 280 passengers.

Bob Andrews Group L.L.C. announced the formation of BAG—Emergency Response Services L.L.C., a wholly owned subsidiary that will focus on providing emergency preparedness and response services for crude oil unit trains in North American and the communities in which they operate. The new company will provide industrial firefighting specialists and firefighting equipment designed for crude oil unit trains, as well as fixed loading and unloading facilities for crude, according to a Bob Andrews Group press release.