Rail supplier updates from Bombardier, Voith, GATX, SYSTRA, TranSystems, STV and NRC (July 1)

Bombardier Transportation has obtained a $427 million contract from the S-Bahn GmbH, a subsidiary of DB Regio AG, to deliver 60 new single and dual voltage commuter trains in Germany. The contract includes an option to provide up to 86 additional trains until the end of 2018. Beginning in December 2018, S-Bahn Hamburg GmbH will operate the S-Bahn network in Hamburg for another 15 years.

Voith has obtained a contract to provide 260 push-back couplers to Caltrans, the transit authority for the California Department of Transportation. The couplers are part of Voith's Crash Energy Management technology, which is designed to enhance rider safety and reduce damage to train cars when crashes occur. Since 2008, Voith has secured orders from nine transit agencies in the United States and Canada, according to a company press release.

GATX Corp. announced organization changes in its North American rail segment: Thomas Ellman has been named executive vice president, Rail North America. He will continue to oversee commercial activities for the North American rail business and will assume responsibility for its operational activities. Michael Brooks has been appointed senior vice president, operations and technology. He will be responsible for Rail North America's maintenance operations in addition to his current role leading the information technology department. Paul Titterton has been named vice president and chief commercial officer, responsible for GATX's North American rail-car sales, fleet, structured finance and customer experience activities. Titterton and Brooks will report to Ellman.

Wes Coates has joined SYSTRA as vice president, sector manager, planning and operations analysis. He has 35 years of experience managing transportation programs, including the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's East Side Access project and Amtrak's Empire Corridor. As a senior manager, he has been responsible for directing the operations and maintenance of passenger-rail systems. At SYSTRA, Coates will work with the planning and operations analysis teams to guide and direct current projects and identify opportunities for future growth. He also will be responsible for RAILSIM® and its continuing development.

TranSystems has appointed Sam Mansour senior vice president and client manager for the company's passenger and freight rail practice areas. He will be responsible for business development, client service and growth strategies across the West. Mansour has 29 years of experience providing design, construction and project management services involving commuter, transit, freight-rail, grade separations and other major infrastructure projects, as well as corridor assessment and feasibility studies.

STV has named Kevin Pierce senior vice president and New York operations manager for the firm's transportation and infrastructure division. Based in the New York City office, Pierce will oversee the T&I team in New York. Previously, Pierce worked for 25 years at one of the largest technical and management service firms focused on global transportation, building and infrastructure markets. While there, he held positions in operations, business development, strategic initiatives and client management programs. He also served as the client manager for that firm's work with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

The National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) announced two recent visits by U.S. congressmen to railroad supplier facilties. Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, visited the Rhinehart Railroad Construction offices in Fallston, Md., on May 31. Rhinehart recently completed track expansion and upgrade projects for a number of coal facilities, manufacturers and power plants. On June 10, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) toured the Tram Construction Inc. rail yard in Garrison, Ky. Massie is a member of the House Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials subcommittee.