Rail supplier news from Sharma and Associates, Ansaldo, Alstom and Optimas (March 15)

The Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) Office of Research and Development has funded the development of an analytical model for simulating train operations. Known as the Train Energy Dynamics Simulator (TEDS), the software was developed by Sharma and Associates Inc. under FRA guidance. TEDS simulates the operation of a defined train over defined track with defined train handling, and is capable of modeling train operations and equipment, according to a press release issued by Sharma and Associates. The software is intended to allow users to study train operations safety and performance as affected by equipment, train makeup, train handling, track conditions, operating practices and environmental conditions.

A consortium comprising Ansaldo STS and Stadler Bussnang AG has won contracts to modernize the subway of Glasgow, Scotland. The contracts include the supply of 17 new trains, communications-based train control driverless signaling technology, platform screen doors and depot equipment, and related maintenance support services to upgrade the 6.5-mile twin subway lines and 15 stations. Awarded by Glasgow subway operator Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, the project has a total value of $288 million. Ansaldo's share is valued at $148 million. The construction contract is expected to be delivered in 5 1/2 years.

MTR Corp. has awarded Alstom a $31 million contract to replace track circuits of five MTR lines and the Airport Express in Hong Kong's metro network. Part of the system's signaling system, the track circuits are used to ensure the integrity of the rails and detect the position of trainsets on the lines, Alstom officials said in a press release. The original circuits for the six lines were supplied and installed by Alstom between 1985 and 1998. These will be replaced with the Alstom's latest generation track circuits, which will last another 20 years. The company will replace the units by early 2019.

Optimas OE Solutions LLC appointed Anesa Chaibi chief executive officer and board member. She has 27 years of professional experience ranging across a variety of business functions, including manufacturing, operations, production, marketing, corporate initiatives, global sourcing and Six Sigma Quality. Chaibi previously worked ad HD Supply and General Electric.