Singapore: Lush Green for their buses

Back in Singapore, LTA (Land Transport Authority) have announced that 'Lush Green' has been voted for by the public as the new colour for their bus liveries. This is a quick news update from my previous article.

From LTA Press release

The votes are in! Singapore has chosen Lush Green for the new unified livery for the Singapore Bus. It was a close call with Lush Green edging out Bright Red by just 144 votes in the public voting exercise which ended on 5 February 2016. In total, 57,505 valid votes were cast in the one-month voting period.

USA: Chicago orders new trains for their system

Some news just in from America. In Chicago, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has awarded a contract for CSR Sifang America JV to build new trains for their system.

From CTA Press release

CTA Chooses Manufacturer for Newest-Generation Rail Cars

CSR Sifang America proposal will create 170 jobs; Company will build new, $40 million assembly facility in Chicago.

The Chicago Transit Board today awarded a contract for the newest generation of CTA rail cars—the 7000-series—continuing the unprecedented modernization of the CTA under Mayor Rahm Emanuel while fostering economic development and job creation in Chicago.

USA: NYC MTA buses to be upgraded with wi-fi and USB charging ports

Nova LFS Rigid

Over in the United States, the MTA, a New York City public transport service is to invest to upgrade their bus fleet with free Wi-Fi, information screens and USB charging ports. The investment will also include new buses for their fleet.

From MTA Press release

Governor Cuomo Announces Significant Upgrade of MTA Bus Fleet, With More Than 2,000 New State-of-the-Art Buses to be Added Over Next 5 Years

New Technology to Dramatically Enhance Customer Experience – Including Wi-Fi, USB Charging Ports, and Digital Information Screens

The New Tube for Glasgow

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport has announced upgrades to the Glasgow Subway system which includes new rolling stock of driverless trains. This news is worth mentioning, especially for my readers from London.

From SPT press release

New Subway trains unveiled

Contract awarded to Stadler Bussnang AG / Ansaldo STS Consortium.

Reports on electric buses around the world

BYD eBus in New York City

Around the world many transport services are purchasing the Zero emission battery electric buses, whilst TFL in London are purchasing another 200 three door two staircase hybrid buses called the New Routemaster. I gave some quick updates on the situation with the electric buses in London in my recent article.

Here are some news reports of the electric buses from around the world. I know some may be a week or two old, but still, news is news.

St. Albert, Canada

St. Albert Gazette

Electric buses hit road this fall

St. Albert has become one of the first places in Canada to add an electric bus to its transit fleet.

City council announced this week that it had purchased three long-range battery electric transit buses for its transit fleet. The actual decision was made during the in camera portion of the Feb. 22 council meeting.

What happened to the Virtual Electric buses for route 69?

I'd like to announce that the Alexander Dennis Enviro400H MMC Virtual Electric buses haven’t been in service for a month.

According to London Vehicle Finder, one of the Virtual Electric buses for route 69 was last seen on 4th February 2016. I don’t know what's happened to them and can only guess they have a mechanical problem due to the electric hybrid system. LOTS bus news have also reported that “The electric Enviro400s DH38501-03, always very intermittent in service, have not been used since 4th February.”

New tender awards with existing diesels

Route 313 is retained with single decks built in 2011.

This is a very quick news update; LOTS have updated their news page showing that TFL have announced the tender awards for their London Bus routes.

Good news for commuters in Swanley

TFL has just announced that Swanley railway station will have Pay As You Go Contactless and Oyster card systems in order to have cheap fares for commuters going to Central London.

From TFL Press release

Thousands of rail passengers in north Kent are set for cheaper fares and more convenient journeys from Wednesday 9 March as pay as you go with contactless and Oyster is extended to Southeastern and Thameslink services to and from Swanley.

Upgrades for Piccadilly and Metropolitan Lines

Recently, London Underground announced that engineering works are to take place on the Piccadilly Line on the 5th and 6th March and the Metropolitan Line on the 16th May 2016.

From TFL Press Release

TfL today advised customers planning to use the Piccadilly line this weekend to expect longer journeys, due to planned upgrade work.

To improve the reliability of the Piccadilly and District lines London Underground (LU) is carrying out essential planned work this weekend to replace 700m of track at Turnham Green and renew a set of signalling points at Acton Town.

London Underground Wins Train Operator of the Year!

TFL announced in their press release that they won major recognition at the Rail Business Awards on Thursday 25th February where they won Train Operator of the Year award.

From TFL Press release

LONDON UNDERGROUND NAMED TRAIN OPERATOR OF THE YEAR