Rail supplier news from Bombardier, Alstom, Thales and ACE Westchester (June 19)

Bombardier Transportation and Deutsche Bahn AG have signed a frame contract for the delivery of electric locomotives. The contract's total potential value could be $2 billion, according to a Bombardier press release. The agreement includes options for the call-off of up to 450 locomotives by 2020. The first call-off of 110 locomotives for DB Schenker Rail and 20 for DB Regio was exercised on June 17 at a value of $573 million.

Alstom obtained a $60.3 million contract from the Greater Avignon Metropolitan Area in France to supply 24 Citadis Compact trams. Scheduled for delivery in spring 2016, the trams will travel on both lines of a future nine-mile network in the France region.

Thales has signed with Trans Sistemas de Transportes member of the VLT RMBS consortium a new contract to provide signaling and communications systems for the new light-rail system in Santos, Brazil. The contract is Thales' third in Brazil in 18 months.

ACE Westchester, a U.S.-based insurance division of ACE Group, has formed a new railroad underwriting unit to provide railroad liability insurance products and services. The products and services will be offered through ACE Tracks™, which is designed to provide coverage resulting from covered perils to protect railroad operations and railroad contractor clients, according to a company press release. Catherine Whiddon will serve as vice president, railroad practice leader, with overall responsibility for delivering specialized railroad insurance solutions in North America.