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• Alstom has obtained a $21 million signaling contract from WSW mobil GmbH to install the ERTMS1-based train command and control system ALTLAS™400 on the eight-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn line, 31 vehicles and the historic “Kaiserwagen” in Germany. The new signaling system is based on ETCS Level 2 technology including trackside and trainborne sub-systems.

• Parsons has obtained a contract from Canadian Pacific to provide structural monitoring and advanced condition assessment services for the La Crosse Rail Bridge, one of the first built across the Mississippi River. The bridge spans La Crescent, Minn., and La Crosse, Wis. Parsons will perform structural monitoring and advanced condition assessment work on the 100-year-old swing-span structure. Parsons was chosen in part because of its alliance with LifeSpan Technologies, a leader in structural monitoring technology, Parsons officials said in a prepared statement.

• Voith will install roof-mounted cooling systems on new multiple train units for RZD Russian Railways. The systems are designed to meet a new requirement for cooling systems to operate reliably at temperatures up to minus-50 degrees Celsius. The systems feature a Voith-developed “SilentVent” fan, which ensures required noise emission levels are met, according to a press release. Voith will install the systems for cooling the diesel engine, inverter and machine compartment.

• State-owned Dutch rail operator NS is completing a project to improve passenger information systems on its rail network by using wireless Internet connectivity for more timely reporting. As part of the project, the entire fleet of 365 intercity trains are being fitted with wireless Internet services and real-time information systems by Nomad Digital, according to a press release. NS operates 5,000 trains daily and serves about 1 billion passengers yearly.  

• This year, STV Inc. is marking its 100th anniversary. During its century in business, the firm has evolved into a full-service engineering and architectural firm providing an array of services for transportation, infrastructure building and energy projects, STV officials said in a prepared statement. The company began business as Elwyn E. Seelye & Co., a structural engineering firm in New York City. In 1972, the firm was acquired by STV Inc., a holding company created by architectural and engineering firm Sanders & Thomas and equipment manufacturer Voss Engineering.

• RailTerm has appointed Johanne Frappier vice president of risk management. Prior to joining the company, she was senior VP at Marsh. During her career, she has represented large international clients, such as pulp and paper companies, telecommunication firms, an entertainment group, an international engineering and construction firm operating in several countries, and a Quebec newspaper publisher.

• Eric Schook, a rail industry sales veteran, has formed Railliance Inc., a manufacturer’s rep agency focused on freight, transit and industrial rail. Schook has nearly 20 years of experience in the domestic and international railway supply industries with Cattron, Hirschmann and Ansaldo STS. “The Railliance Network will utilize the industry knowledge and contacts of a group of experienced suppliers to help the OEMs being represented to understand their customers’ desires and to meet their expectations,” said Schook in a prepared statement.