Siemens

Matt Elkott
Commentary

Cowen: Who Will Win the Locomotive Race?

Cowen and Company examines whether Caterpillar, Inc. could explore strategic alternatives for its transportation business, or at least the rail piece. An enterprise value-to-revenue multiple of 2.5x-2.75x may not be unreasonable, putting the transportation business value at approximately $12 billion.

Amtrak’s recent winter meltdown was not the first time the passenger railroad faced widespread delays during the holiday travel season. On Dec. 31, 2021, Train No. 8 was some nine hours late when it passed Hauser Jct., Idaho, where the temperature was only 10 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s mild compared with the sub-zero weather the Empire Builder routinely faces on the northern plains. (Photo and Caption by Bruce Kelly)
Commentary

What’s Triggering Empire Builder Service Setbacks?

Severe winter conditions were blamed for Amtrak suspending a number of its long-distance and regional trains across the nation’s Northern Tier and Midwest during the Christmas holiday week. Then came West Coast cancellations in the wake of heavy rains and flooding during the first week of January.

SMART lounge inside the new Aventura Station . Courtesy of Brightline, via Twitter.

Transit Briefs: Brightline, MDOT MTA, Houston Metro

Brightline opens two new stations in South Florida. Also, the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) celebrates completion of new MARC Riverside Heavy Maintenance Facility; and the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Metro) in Houston debuts new generation of more accessible railcars.

As part of its Climate Action Plan, San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission has moved to the sole use of renewable diesel (R100) for its ACE locomotive fleet.

Transit Briefs: ACE, NJT, STM

San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission has made the switch to 100% renewable diesel for locomotives operating in ACE (Altamont Corridor Express) commuter rail service in California. Also, New Jersey Transit (NJT) and Berkeley College have signed a three-year marketing agreement; and Société de transport de Montréal (STM) has released its 2023 budget and 2023-32 Capital Expenditures Program.

  • M/W

CHSRA: Track, Systems Contract Back Out to Bid

In lieu of extending a track and systems procurement again, the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has abandoned two existing bids and will restructure and re-bid the project.

Harsco Rail COO Claus Heuschmid (left) says the company's "continued relarionship with the Saudi Arabia and Middle Eastern markets is a significant milestone for [Harsco]." (Historic photo to the right courtesy of SAR)
  • News

Supply Side: Harsco Rail, Transdev, Alstom, Siemens

Harsco Rail signs contract with Saudi Railway Company. Also, Transdev pledges to hire refugees through partnership with Tent; Alstom celebrates 70 years in Mexico; and Siemens launches new digital service portfolio for fire safety.

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