May 14 saw the launch of the Class 800 Azuma train for LNER with a press run from London King’s Cross to Peterborough. From May 15, one diagram will transfer to Azuma operation and include Hull and Leeds. LNER will increase use of Azuma over the next few months.

UK: ‘The launch of the Hitachi Azuma fleet is another step in the history of a route which has long been associated with iconic trains’, LNER Manging Director David Horne told guests on a preview train on May 14, the day before the new fleet is set to enter passenger

USA: Vehicles being built for Caltrain and TEXRail were used to re-enact the completion of the transcontinental railway at Promontory Summit 150 years before as part of celebrations marking the official inauguration of Stadler US Inc’s factory in Salt Lake City on May 9, ‘It seems fitting that as we celebrate

ARGENTINA: President Mauricio Macri inaugurated a new viaduct on the Retiro – Tigre branch of the Mitre suburban railway serving Buenos Aires on May 10. The 3·9 km structure between Avenida Dorrego and Avenida Monroe eliminates eight level crossings. Two stations on the section have been rebuilt. Belgrano station reopened on

THE first LNER Azuma set to carry passengers on the East Coast Main Line has made a demonstration run from London King's Cross to Peterborough and back.Rail minister Andrew Jones was at King's Cross, where he welcomed the 'next step in a significant transformation', while LNER managing director David Horne

RUSSIA: Plans to increase the use of electric traction were announced by Russian Railways on May 14, with the national operator saying this would offer environment benefits compared to the use of diesel or road and air transport. RZD said the electrification of its most heavily used lines and the withdrawal

ITALY: State railway holding FS Group’s 2019-23 business plan envisages total investment worth €58bn across modes, with a core focus on enhancing the conventional rail network and improving suburban passenger services.According to FS, the ‘unprecedented’ spending programme, unveiled in Roma on May 10 by Chief Executive Gianfranco Battisti, reflects its

THE TaxPayers’ Alliance has published its latest arguments against HS2, saying that there are 28 local and regional transport infrastructure projects that could be funded if the High Speed project was scrapped.Former cabinet minister David Davis is launching the TPA report today, which says the latest evidence suggests the costs

ITALY: Ferrovie Del Sud Est and Newag signed a contract on May 10 for the supply of a further six Impuls 2 electric multiple-units. Deliveries are due to be completed in 19 months. The €24·2m order had been announced in December and is an option on a framework contract signed

The UK’s premier exhibition of railway equipment, systems and services takes place in Birmingham this week RAILTEX: More than 400 exhibitors from 22 countries will be converging on the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham for the 14th Railtex international trade fair, organised by Mack Brooks Exhibitions. Covering a full range