Rail supplier news from Herzog, Keolis, Viking Navigation, Tiger Cool and Aspen Equipment (Sept. 14)

Tacoma Rail has selected Herzog Technologies Inc. to provide its positive train control (PTC) hosting services. Herzog's PTC hosting is aimed at simplifying and accelerating implementation of the train control technology, utilizing the company's PTC expertise and existing PTC data center infrastructure. Herzog will assist Tacoma Rail in meeting the mandated PTC deadline. The company also will help the short-line operator be interoperable with host railroads, Herzog officials said in a press release.

Keolis' Australian subsidiary Keolis Downer has obtained a contract to continue operating Yarra Trams in Melbourne, Australia. The new franchise will begin Nov. 30 and expire in 2024, according to a Keolis press release. Keolis Downer will focus on improving passenger satisfaction by delivering safer, more reliable and passenger-friendly services for locals, company officials said. Operated by Keolis Downer since 2009, Melbourne's tram network includes 24 routes, as well as the City Circle tram.

Adam Nordstrom, who was named a Progressive Railroading Rising Star in 2014, has established his own lobbying firm. Known as Viking Navigation LLC, the firm will focus on intergovernmental affairs and railroad issues. Nordstrom is now lobbying for Anacostia Rail Holdings Co. and OmniTRAX LLC, according to a Politico news brief. He also is continuing to advise Chambers, Conlon & Hartwell LLC on its lobbying efforts for the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association.

Tiger Cool Express has named Steve Van Kirk chief executive officer. He succeeds Tom Finkbiner. Before joining Tiger Cool, Van Kirk was president of Swift Intermodal for five years. He also spent 12 years leading several commercial, logistics and intermodal groups at Schneider National. In addition, Van Kirk served for 12 years as an infantry officer in the United States Army, where he attained the rank of major.

Aspen Equipment has promoted Todd Foster to president. He joined the firm more than 20 years ago and has helped improve the company's engineering, operations, manufacturing, information systems, and sales and marketing efforts, according to a press release. Foster has held a variety of positions during his tenure at Aspen and brings a "unique understanding of the broad scope of Aspen's business," said Steve Sill, the company's owner and chief executive officer.