Rail supplier news from Skanska, WSP, Thales, Hitachi Rail and Rail Modal (Sept. 20)

Skanska is piloting a zero-emissions electric excavator on the Los Angeles Metro's Purple Extension transit project. The Volvo EC230 is designed to have the same capabilities as a diesel excavator, but because it’s powered by batteries and not an engine, emissions are significantly lower and construction noise is reduced, according to a Skanska press release. Los Angeles was selected as one of four pilot programs being kicked off throughout North America.

WSP has entered into a contract with the Regional Transportation District of Denver to evaluate the feasibility of transitioning the agency's facilities and fixed-route fleet to low/no-emission operations. Expected to be finalized in late 2024, the plan will outline recommendations for facilities, fixed-route services by fleet type, a replacement schedule and overall cost projections and proposed timelines, according to a WSP press release. WSP is partnering with the regional firm Felsburg, Holt and Ullevig to develop the plan.

Thales and Hitachi Rail have made significant progress toward the completion of the sale of Thales' Ground Transportation Systems business to Hitachi Rail. The two groups have obtained most of the regulatory approvals required to complete the transaction. Over the past months, the parties have had constructive informal discussions with the directorate-general for competition of the European Commission about the proposed transaction, according to a Thales press release. Following these discussions, Hitachi Rail has now refiled its notification of the transaction to the European Commission.

Rail Modal Group (RMG), a provider of intermodal rail solutions, announced the successful capital raise of $50 million from The Baupost Group. RMG has intermodal rail ramps and container depots in Amarillo, Texas; Fremont, Nebraska; Minot, North Dakota; and Kansas City, Kansas. The capital injection will support RMG's commitment to providing affordable, dependable, sustainable and faster trade solutions, company officials said in a press release.