News

17.06.2024

Argentina

Presidial Politics / Railway Emergency

After numerous incidents, especially on the Buenos Aires suburban railway network, around US$2.2 billion must be spent on maintenance and urgent repairs alone. An amount that the current government cannot afford. On June 13, 2024, decrees 525 and 526/2024 were issued, which refer to the emergency state of the railways. These decrees stipulate that around 35% of the necessary funds should be distributed within 24 months in order to remedy at least some of the deficiencies. During this time, President Milei also has the option of privatizing the railway completely, although this time the entire infrastructure and the land belonging to it will probably also be sold. This means that the catastrophic consequences of 1993 will be created again, from which the railway will probably not recover at all. A few days earlier, voices from the government had already been heard saying that the S-Bahn system only needs no more than 3,000 employees instead of the current 33,000! A completely illusory number, considering the number of trains that should be running in order to prevent traffic collapse in and around Buenos Aires.
(Source: FCNews 80)

Tren Patagonico 

Tren Patagonico has put the through train San Carlos de Bariloche – San Antonio Oeste back into operation. There have already been calls in the province of Rio Negro to repair the San Antonio Oeste – Viedma section as well and to allow the train to run to the provincial capital Viedma again.
(Source: FCNews 80)

Neuquén – Cipolletti

The provinces of Neuquén and Rio Negro were able to convince the freight railway company Ferrosur Roca SA to reopen the Neuquén – Cipolletti section for passenger traffic after the city of Cipolletti had taken numerous steps to prevent the traffic of overly high trucks through the underpass on the main road 151. This ensures safety on the railway bridge.
(Source: FCNews 80)

Cipolletti - Chichinales - Senillosa 

The regional initiatives to set up passenger traffic from Cipolletti further east to Chichinales and Senillosa are also being continued in a targeted manner and it looks as though Tren Patagonico can be persuaded to operate it. Now the initiative, led by local politicians Magdalena Odarda and Luciano Delgado Sempé, has decided to include the Cipolletti - Barda del Medio branch line in the same project under the name Tren del Dique. Efforts are now being made to obtain the necessary concessions, which the government in Buenos Aires has to issue. In principle, the central government should be happy if something is taken off its hands.
(Source: FCNews 80)

La Plata

The La Plata urban railway runs now more frequently on Saturdays, which is the only notable improvement in the Roca network of Buenos Aires' suburban railways. In addition, the universities in the provincial capital of La Plata, which are served by this railway line, suggested that this railway line may be further extended and electrified.
(Source: FCNews 80)

Tren de la Quebrada

According to the latest reports, the “Tren de la Quebrada” runs between Volcán and Maimará from June 17, 2024. 3 Train pairs will run daily to Maimará and another pair to/from Purmamarca. It is the first route in Latin America to be ope-rated with solar-powered railcars.
(Source: FCNews 80)

Brazil

Salvador (Calçada) - Paripe

After the Chinese project of an elevated railway between Salvador (Calçada) and Paripe failed, work will begin in the coming weeks on a three-line tram-like light rail system, which will also run from the old Calçada station to Paripe, as well as Calçada - São João and Paripe - Águas Claras - Piatã.
The state of Bahia is still hoping to be able to buy the trams from Cuiabá cheaply, as legal problems in Cuiabá (Mato Grosso) are again preventing the construction of the light rail there.

(Source: FCNews 80)

Porto Alegre

The Porto Alegre commuter train begins slowly to recover from the severe flooding. Since June 13, 2024, trains are running every 20 minutes between Canoas and Novo Hamburgo. The trains can be used free of charge, as the ticket machines are not yet working and the aim is to accommodate the population financially during this time. A lot of damage still needs to be repaired on the Canoas - Porto Alegre Mercado section.
(Source: FCNews 80)

Chile

Llanquihue - La Paloma (Puerto Montt)

Works to set up a local transport between Llanquihue and La Paloma (Puerto Montt) is already in full swing. In the Michelle Bachelet settlement in Puerto Varas, the track will be moved by 2 to 3 meters because several houses are too close to the current track. An additional stop will be built in Alerce, about 11 km south of Puerto Varas. The Llanquihue - Puerto Varas - Alerce - Puerto Montt service is due to start operating in December.
(Source: FCNews 80)

Merval

For the second time this year, heavy rains caused damage to the Valparaíso Puerto - Limache railway line. On June 14, 2024, one track on the El Salto - Valencia section was covered by a landslide and a tree fell on the overhead line of one track near Limache. The railway sent immediately personnel to the affected areas to start cleanup and repair work immediately.
(Source: FCNews 80)

Cuba

New Timetable Schema

Due to the shortage of available vehicles (locomotives and carriages), FdeC has introduced a new and more customer-friendly operating scheme. For now, the train from Guantánamo to Holguín will run twice a week, Wednesday and Saturday there and back. This composition will then also be available for two weekly pairs of trains, Monday and Friday, between Guantánamo and Santiago. There is time in between to carry out any repairs. This is an advantage for passengers, as it is no longer a case of the train running every three or four days. A similar system is also planned to be used on the Santiago – Manzanillo route again as soon as possible.
(Source: FCNews 80)

Jamaica

Interruption of Traffic

Severe unrest in Spanish Town resulted in rail traffic being interrupted on April 21 and 22, 2024. Fortunately, the railway suffered no damage and traffic was able to resume imme-diately after the unrest ended.
(Source: FCNews 80)

Uruguay

AFE

Although the completely reconstructed railway line from Montevideo to Paso de los Toros is now open for freight traffic, passenger traffic is not doing particularly well. According to reports from Uruguay, it will take at least until 2025 before local traffic between Montevideo and 25 de Agosto is resu-med. It is still unclear whether new vehicles will be purchased for this purpose or whether the railcars (ex-SJ Sweden) used in the north between Tacuarembó and Rivera will be moved back to the south. It is not yet known whether the route from Sayago to Victor Sudriers will also get passenger traffic again.
(Source: FCNews 80)

Venezuela

IFE

The state railway Instituto Ferroviario del Estado has been carrying out extensive renovation work on the Chivacoa – San Felipe section of the line for several months in order to finally be able to put this section of the line into operation. However, the section from San Felipe to Puerto Cabello is still missing.
(Source: FCNews 80)

19.05.2024

Argentina

Presidial Politics (Sabotage?)

Since April 2024, at least 1,000 Trenes Argentinos employees have been laid off every month by government decision. All departments are affected, from infrastructure to operations and maintenance. Depending on the length of employment, those laid off will receive a one-off severance payment in pesos, which will, however, depreciate very quickly given the still high inflation.
At the end of April 2024, 92% of the people employed by Trenes Argentinos Infrastructure had already been laid off. In the remaining departments (passenger transport, freight transport, rolling stock maintenance, etc.) 10 to 31% have already been laid off.
It is now clear that Trenes Argentinos no longer receives any money for rolling stock maintenance. They will have to work with any material which is still on stock. The bills for diesel, water and electricity have not been paid since January 2024. The suppliers for this are still state-owned companies, but they are scheduled to be sold (privatized) in 2024. Private companies will no longer supply the railway under such circumstances.
The railway itself is also foreseen to be privatized or even sold! The company DOTA S.A., operator of bus lines, whose owner is a very close person to President Milei, has already announced that it is interested in taking over the Roca, San Martín and Belgrano Sur suburban trains.
In May 2024 it has become public that all funds from international financial sources for the renovation of railways in the Buenos Aires area have been transferred to the general state treasury, which also largely explains the sudden surplus in the state budget. There are US$600million from the Inter-American Development Bank and US$75million from the French Development Agency for Belgrano Sur and US$400 million for the San Martín S-Bahn (just to give the known figures).
(Source: FCNews 79)

Out

Various investments that began in 2023 have now been canceled and any reserved funds have already been returned to the state treasury. The following railway projects are affected:
Renovation of the Cañuelas – Olavarría – Pigüé – Bahía Blanca line (therefore already without a passenger train for over a year).
Reconstruction of the Maipú – Tandil route. The eastern half between Maipú and Ayacucho has been completed, the western half has been cleared of vegetation to about 50%. Victoria – Capilla del Señor: Passenger trains run here on the Victoria – Los Cardales section if the diesel supply allows. The rehabilitation from Los Cardales to Capilla del Señor and the recommissioning of the already repaired line from Capilla del Señor to Arrecifes was canceled.
The following works also stopped: construction of the Santa Fé freight bypass; Rehabilitation of train stations between Santa Fé and Laguna Paíva for the resumption of passenger traffic; Renovation of the railway from Embarcación to Pocitos on the border with Bolivia; Rehabilitation of the Posadas – Garupá line for local transport; Further extension of the Tren de las Sierras beyond Capilla del Monte.
The services listed in FCNews78 could still be shut down at any time. For May 2024, the tariffs for long-distance trains have now been increased between 150 and 350%, depending on the route. The cheapest class – 1st class – costs in many cases around 80-90% of the bus fares! The advantage of the train over the bus is dwindling more and more and since the buses are a little faster on some routes, this harms the train even more.
(Source: FCNews 79)

Closure

On April 4th, 2024, the Buenos Aires – Palmira night trains, which run every two weeks, were shut down. The section Justo Daract – Palmira is affected. Trains still run weekly from Buenos Aires to Justo Daract.
(Source: FCNews 79)

End of Mercedes - Thomas Jofre

On May 8th, 2024, an unloaded truck drove out of Mercedes on the main road 41 at full speed. The driver apparently did not notice that the vehicle's tipping body was raised. At the underpass under the meter-gauge Belgrano railway, the tipping body attached to the railway bridge and took it with it. The steel bridge in the Mercedes - Altamira section was completely torn down at both abutments and was dragged by the truck for a few meters before it fell completely onto the truck. The driver did not suffer any significant injuries. But in the current railway crisis, reconstruction seems very unlikely. The weekend excursion trains to Tomás Jofré were very popular and, especially in these difficult times, an inexpensive way for city residents to spend a few hours in the two rural towns of Altamira and Tomás Jofré. Last notice: the road is again open for traffic, not the railway.
(Source: FCNews 79)

Concordia / Entre Rios

As in Brazil, there are also floods in the northeast of Argentina. Belgrano Cargas/Trenes Argentinos Carga has parked closed freight cars at Concordia train station, which can be used by evacuated people from the area of the port on the Rio Uruguay at Concordia until further notice. Freight traffic on the Posadas – Zarate route could be interrupted at any time, as in some places the water comes very close to the railway line.
(Source: FCNews 79)

Accident at Palmero

On May 10, 2024, a serious accident occurred on the San Martin suburban line not far from Palermo train station on the bridge over a main road. A passenger train rammed an empty material train consisting of a locomotive and a baggage car. 90 passengers were injured, 51 of whom had to be taken to hospitals. However, 50 of these injured people were released home within 2 to 3 days, one person is still in a hospital with a skull fracture and other injuries. In the meantime it was possible to determine the reason for this accident. Once again, cables from the signaling systems were stolen and since - compared to the times before December 10th, 2023 - there are no longer any regular checks (the staff responsible for this was fired), some signals no longer worked. Other possibilities for the cause of the accident are now being mentioned, including a cell phone that doesn't work.
This accident even led some politicians from the current ruling party, La Libertad Avanza, to say that only the privatization of the railway could prevent something like this!
(Source: FCNews 79)

Brazil

Rio Grande do sul

The devastating floods of May 2024 not only left many communities in the eastern and central parts of the state in an emergency situation, the transportation system was also hit hard. In Porto Alegre, the Trensurb S-Bahn first had to stop traffic between Porto Alegre Mercado and Farrapos and just two days later, most of the stations between Farrapos and the northern terminus Novo Hamburgo were also under water and traffic had to be stopped too. Train stations that were not initially under water were kept open for the population seeking shelter, but when the water started to rise there too, they had to be evacuated. The workshops are also under water. Even on May 12, 2024, the railway could not yet say exactly how high the total damage was.
The Aeromóvel line (monorail) between Aeroporto station and Salgado Filho airport also had to be shut down, as did the entire airport itself.
The meter-gauge railway network, which is operated by Rumo, also suffered significant damage. As far as the situation can be seen, around half of the 472 km long Cacequí – Rio Grande route is under water. The damage is particularly bad in the area of the city of Pelotas. The port of Rio Grande, the fourth most important in all of Brazil, can only be reached by road via long detours of 400 or more km. Other routes inundated, some of which were severely damaged, are: Santa Maria – Cacequí – Uruguaiana, Santa Maria – Cruz Alta, Pátio Industrial (Porto Alegre/Canoas) – General Luz – Roca Sales – Lages, Roca Sales – Passo Fundo and Santa Maria – Rio Pardo. This means that only a few independent sections of the routes are still passable, which has ended all rail freight traffic. It will be a huge task to be able to get so many hundreds of kilometers back into operation.
(Source: FCNews 79)

Chile

EFE

The rating agency FitchRatings from the USA has given the state railway EFE the AAA credit rating. This is significantly more than the entire Chilean state, which has an rating of A-. This puts EFE at the top of the world with only a few other railways. It was appreciated that one could rely very well on repayments, interest payments and financial prospects.
(Source: FCNews 79)

Quepe

Another station called Quepe was opened between Temuco and Pitrufquén on May 8, 2024. It will further promote public transport south of Temuco. Over a period of 11 months, around 70,000 passengers were transported between the stations of Temuco, Freire and Pitrufquén.
(Source: FCNews 79)

Santiago - Cillián

After all seven flood-damaged bridges were completely renovated around a month ahead of schedule, the state railway EFE was resuming continuous passenger traffic over the 406 km long route from Santiago to Chillán. At the moment, two express trains and one slower train run the entire route every day, and an additional express train runs between Santiago and Talca.
(Source: FCNews 79)

Santiago - Temuco

At Pentecost 2024, the direct train between Santiago and Temuco will run again after an interruption of 7 years. On May 17th, 2024 from Santiago at 21.30 and on May 21st, 2024 from Temuco at 08.50. The journey time for the 699 km long route is around 10 hours. The locomotive-hauled train has cars of the Salón Turista, Súper Salón and Preferente classes and offers a dining car. Since the section between Laja and Temuco (approx. 150 km) has no longer overhead electrification, the train is hauled throughout by a diesel locomotive. According to information from the local press, the train will run regularly again on longer holidays and in the summer season from January to March.
(Source: FCNews 79)

02.04.2024

Argentina

Presidial Politics (Sabotage?)

Anyone who closely followed the destruction of the Ferrocarriles Argentinos by President Menem in 1992/93 willsee many parallels in the current development. According to reports from various people (including the President of the FLB, P. Rudin), the Sube readers no longer work in many stations. Sube is the card with which you pay the social fares of all local trains, subways and bus lines. At the same time, rows of ticket offices are closed. This means that the population is no longer able to pay for the journeys, which means that people are forced to “fare evade”. Remedy will is longer provided! The railway's operating costs remain, but revenues are falling, despite monthly tariff increases. What is disastrous is that only paying passengers are counted. This leads to a forced decline in passenger-numbers, just like in 1992/93. The falsified numbers can be used to justify politically the discontinuation of rail connections. In 1992/93, however, even the passenger-numbers for long-distance trains were subsequently falsified. At that time, the reservation and sales books of the Córdoba train station showed almost complete occupancy of all trains to Buenos Aires, but only a few dozen tickets sold were mentioned before the committee that dealt with the later decreed abolition of long-distance trains. In April 2024, the state railway's workforce is to be reduced by 15% and in May by a further 15%. The options for booking places are becoming increasingly scarce. On March 30th it was not possible to make reservations for April 1st, 2024; these were only made available on April 1st, 2024. Previously it was possible to buy tickets up to 3 months in advance. However, insiders and workers unions expect some long-distance trains to be shut down, or at least services will be reduced. This unpleasant development will be pursued further.
(Source: FCNews 78)

Anyone who closely followed the destruction of the Ferrocarriles Argentinos by President Menem in 1992/93 will see many parallels in the current development. According to reports from various people (including the President of the FLB, P. Rudin), the Sube

It is now official that the renovation work between Los Cardales and Capilla del Señor has been stopped and the staff working on this construction site has been laid off. Only in Zelaya a few meters of track have been repaired after a slight damage by a derailed train bogie.
(Source: FCNews 78)

Closures

The latest reports confirm the fears. In the coming days and weeks there will be mass closures of rail connections. This affects:
Salta – Campo Quijano, Salta – Güemes
Resistencia – Los Amores
Presidencia Roque Sáenz Peña – Chorotis
Paraná – Jorge Méndez
Rosario – Cañada de Gómez
Buenos Aires – Junín
Buenos Aires – Justo Daract – Palmira
Buenos Aires – Bragado – Pehuajó
Offenbar auch/apparently also:
Alejandro Korn – Chascomús
Haedo – Temperley
Merlo – Lobos
Cañuelas – Monte
Cañuelas – Lobos
Mercedes – Tomás Jofré
Maipú – General Guido – Pinamar
The state oil company YPF has been given the right to stop deliveries of diesel fuel to the railway at any time, as these deliveries have no longer been paid since January 2024. According to current plans, the Buenos Aires – Mar del Plata and Buenos Aires - Tucumán connections are the only ones that could be retained.
(Source: FCNews 78)

Tren Patagonico

On April 4th, 2024, the completely renovated TER type railcaris scheduled to resume traffic between San Carlos de Bariloche and Ingeniero G. Jacobacci. A pair of trains will run every Thursday. The San Carlos de Bariloche – Viedma connection is still out of service.
(Source: FCNews 78)

Tren Solar de la Quebrada (JUJUY)

It was planned to start public transport of this railcar connection between Volcán and Maimará (35 km) on March 20, 2024. Although the additional 7 km to Tilcara was not yet planned due to objections from - mostly illegal users - of the railway land at Tilcara train station, a court in Buenos Aires apparently stopped the start of operations because it is state land and therefore the government has to decide the start of operations, which is anything but certain given the current policy. The province of Jujuy has invested millions of dollars in the renovation of the line and stations and the purchase of solar railcars from China, with government approval!
(Source: FCNews 78)

Brazil

Piaui, Projects

The government of Piauí has made public a rail project called “Piauí Express”. A “high-speed railway” (for approx. 120 km/h) is planned from Teresina to the coastal and port city of Parnaíba, 338 km away. The new railway will largely follow the route of the previous meter gauge railway and serve the communities of Altos, Campo Maior and Piripiri, among others. In addition to freight and local traffic, the aim is to particularly promote tourist traffic to the coast. It is hoped that parallel to the railway there will also be investments in the tourism sector. Not only the coast, but also the train journey itself should be part of the attraction. The state also wants to catch up technologically. They want to be just as good in terms of tourism as other regions of Brazil. However, the planning stage has only been announced at the moment, there is still no information about financing or further details.
(Source: FCNews 78)

Chile

Santiago – Curicó – Talca

On March 12, 2024, President Gabriel Boric inaugurated the express train service from Santiago to Talca. This became possible after the bridges damaged by the floods in the Curicó – Talca section were rebuilt. The new express trains purchased from China now run on this route three times a day. The two pairs of trains with older vehicles from Spain continue to run between Santiago and Curicó only. The reconstruction work between Talca and Parral is expected to continue until June 2024, as some sections will have to be nearly rebuilt to new.
(Source: FCNews 78)

Temuco

In the Araucanía region, rehabilitation work on the railway line from Temuco to the south began in March 2024. By 2026, US$230 million will be invested. The Gorbea train station, 13 km south of Pitrufquen, the current terminus of local trains from Temuco, is being renovated. The trains are scheduled to run from Victoria via Temuco to Gorbea by 2026 at the latest. However, as part of this work, the 44 km section from Victoria to Lautaro will also be renovated to reduce travel time by up to 30 minutes. These investments also include preparatory work for the recommissioning of the Loncoche – Villarrica – Pucón branch line and the reconstruction of the branch line from Temuco via Labranza to Nueva Imperial (formerly the branch line to Carahue). The inclusion of the Loncoche - Pucón route indicates that in a later stage the Gorbea - Loncoche service will also be resumed, which corresponds to a project from the time of President Lagos. The procurement of 4 additional train compositions is also foreseen for the Victoria – Gorbea corridor. South of Temuco, additional stops will be set up in Vista Volcán, Huérfanos and Freire over the next two years.
(Source: FCNews 78)

Cuba

Habana - Pinar del Rio

After an interruption of 4 years, passenger traffic between Habana and Pinar del Rio will resume in May 2024. The Ferromar company provides a renovated locomotive and passenger cars. A timetable was not yet published.
(Source: FCNews 78)

Mexico

Ferrocarril del Istmo de Tehuantepec (FIT)

At the end of March, another large delivery of used British HST vehicles arrived at the port of Coatzcoalco. It is unknown if they will only be used for the Coatzacoalcos – Salina Cruz services or for other services too.
(Source: FCNews 78)

Uruguay

Portren

The new company Portren started freight traffic between Paso de los Toros and Montevideo with its first trips at the end of March/early April 2024. Flooding between 25 de Agosto and Florida led to delays in the start of operations.
(Source: FCNews 78)

19.02.2024

Argentina

Presidial Politics

The lack of planning continues in Argentina. In the meantime, the Ministry of Infrastructure, which was also home of the Secretary for Transport, has been integrated into the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The responsible secretary for transport, Dr. Franco Moguetta seems extremely dissatisfied with this and he is also accused of disclosing internal matters, which is the reason to give up his job. Guillermo Dietrich is currently named as his successor. Dietrich was transport minister in Mauricio Macri's government from 2015 to 2019. However, there have been bad times for the railways, because back then Dietrich was more a minister for road and air transport than for the railways. As one of his major missteps can be cited his statement when he was asked about the establishment of local rail transport between the two neighboring train stations of Neuquén and Cipolletti (7 km apart!) and he said that the establishment of low-cost airlines lines will solve this problem. He also strongly promoted bus transport in the city of Neuquén because he was a mayor importer for such vehicles!
(Source: FCNews 77)

Victoria - Capilla del Señor

The renovation of the section from Los Cardales to Capilla del Señor was canceled and postponed indefinitely. This also applies to the planned electrification of the Victoria – El Talar section, for which detailed planning was also canceled.
(Source: FCNews 77)

Long-distance Trains

Against the normal practice, seats for long-distance trains cannot be booked beyond February 29, 2024 - not even for the very popular trains from Buenos Aires to Mar del Plata and Rosario. Normally, bookings should have been open from January on for the period March-May. This suggests that the government wants to shut down all long-distance traffic from March 1, 2024.
(Source: FCNews 77)

Bolivia

Passenger transport

A very recent report from February 2024 shows that passenger traffic is currently at its lowest level in Bolivian railway history.
Ferrocarril Oriental:
Santa Cruz de la Sierra – Puerto Quijarro: since Corona, passenger traffic to the Brazilian border has been stopped and only a few freight trains are running.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra – Yacuíba: a mixed passenger and freight train runs once a week. From Santa Cruz Thursday, from Yacuíba Friday. Train carries a passenger car, a freight car and a combined generator/freight car.
Ferrocarril Andino:
Atocha – Tupiza: Rail bus Monday and Thursday in both directions.
Oruro – Uyuni – Atocha – Villazón a rail bus once a week, from Oruro Tuesday, from Villazón Thursday.
Viacha – Charaña, rail bus from Viacha Monday and Thursday, from Charaña Tuesday and Friday.
(Source: FCNews 77)

Brazil

CBTU

CBTU Rio Grande do Norte (Natal) has started to renovate the train stations. The first stop is Bom Pastor on the line to Parnamirim, where the sanitary facilities in particular, but also the water and electricity supply, are being renewed. Most stations are expected to undergo such measures over the current year. In addition, 4 new stations will be opened this year, including the 3 on the new line in the west of the Natal agglomeration.
(Source: FCNews 77)

Cuiabá: And no End!

A new court decision by the Supreme Court of the State of Mato Grosso has stopped the sale of the train compositions of the unfinished light rail of Cuiabá to the city of Salvador. The court's letter emphasizes that the trains are the property of the state of Mato Grosso and the municipalities of Cuiabá and Várzea Grande and that, contrary to the state's previous plans, the light rail system must be completed and put into operation first. If there are some redundant trains after commissioning, it could be considered to sell them. The new governor of Mato Grosso is also a strong supporter of light rail. Will the railway be realized by 2017?
(Source: FCNews 77)

Chile

Merval

The devastating fires in the Viña del Mar, Quilpué and Limache regions also brought the Merval S-Bahn to a stand-still. Thanks to the help from the army and civil defense and financial help from the state, traffic was back into operation in sections after a few days. After 5 days the route could be operated in two sections, namely Valparaíso - El Salto and Quilpué - Limache. The fire caused some structural damage on the 4 km between El Salto and Quilpué, but this was repaired within two more days. After 7 days, non-stop traffic was resumed on February 9, 2024 at 12.00 noon.
(Source: FCNews 77)

Puerto Montt

Renovation work on the southernmost station of the EFE railway system begins March 14, 2024! This work, which includes all parts of the La Paloma train station building in Puerto Montt, will be completely renovated or replaced, but without changing the lines of the building. The station had been empty for 17 years. Now the local rail transport from Llanquihue will not only go as far as Puerto Varas - where public trips continue to take place approximately every month - but will continue via the station at Alerce to La Paloma in Puerto Montt.
(Source: FCNews 77)

Ferrocarril Tacna-Arica

After more than 2 months without rail service, traffic between Tacna and Arica will resume on February 19, 2024, as the press in Peru and Chile reported. According to the information available, both pairs of trains should run again. These would be the departures at 06.00 and 16.00 from Tacna with the corresponding return journeys. The tariff remains at 20 soles and sales take place in both stations from 7.30 to 13.00. For the time being, railcar No. 261 with 49 seats, which has been renovated again in the meantime, is in operation. As the provincial government further announced, railcar no. 257 with 70 seats is now being refurbished in the Tacna workshop. It should be back in use about at the middle of the year. In addition, the small railcar no. 396 (presumably a Wickham vehicle) was made operational again. The railway museum in Tacna has been open again since the beginning of February and entry costs 5 soles, he said. The closure period was also used for some repairs on the over 60 km long route.
(Source: FCNews 77)

Colombia

Tourist Train

The new governor of the Cauca region and the mayors of the municipalities of Calí, Yumbo, Plamira and Jamundi have joined forces to get the railway back into operation. They also receive support from the Minister of Transport. Two projects are foreseen. First, a suburban train network around Calí, with the first route to Jamundi to be put out to tender this year. But local trains are also planned to Palmira and Yumbo. The establishment of a tourist train from Palmira to Buga seems even more urgent. The route is quite easy to put back into operation as it has not been built over and does not have any large engineering structures. Old rolling stock could also be reactivated. However, the available amount of COP 1 billion (approx. US$ 250,000) is probably only enough for part of the project, but not for the entire project.
(Source: FCNews 77 / Peter Lais AIFFLA)

Mexico

Ferrocarril del Istmo de Tehuantepec (FIT)

A further number of HST trains were sold from England to Mexico. There are at least 6 motor vehicles and 18 passenger cars. They were loaded onto a ship in Great Yarmouth harbor. However, since this ship is still picking up goods for Venezuela and Mexico in other ports in Europe, the transport will probably take a few more weeks. However, with this rolling stock, another 3 compositions can be formed, which will enable a more dense service on the Coatzacoalcos – Salina Cruz route.
(Source: FCNews 77)

Peru

Metro Lima

Metro line 2 began operations on December 23, 2023 on the first section from Municipalidad Ate to Santa Anita in the east of Lima. It is the first about 5 km long section of the 27 km long Line 2, which is currently under construction and will run completely underground and will later run from Ate to Puerto de Callao.
(Source: FCNews 77)

Ferrocarril Tacna-Arica

After more than 2 months without rail service, traffic between Tacna and Arica will resume on February 19, 2024, as the press in Peru and Chile reported. According to the information available, both pairs of trains should run again. These would be the departures at 06.00 and 16.00 from Tacna with the corresponding return journeys. The tariff remains at 20 soles and sales take place in both stations from 7.30 to 13.00. For the time being, railcar No. 261 with 49 seats, which has been renovated again in the meantime, is in operation. As the provincial government further announced, railcar no. 257 with 70 seats is now being refurbished in the Tacna workshop. It should be back in use about at the middle of the year. In addition, the small railcar no. 396 (presumably a Wickham vehicle) was made operational again. The railway museum in Tacna has been open again since the beginning of February and entry costs 5 soles, he said. The closure period was also used for some repairs on the over 60 km long route.
(Source: FCNews 77)

28.01.2024

Argentina

Los Cardales – Capilla del Señor

The rehabilitation work on the 12 km long Los Cardales – Capilla del Señor section has been stopped. When and whether they will even resume is unknown.
(Source: FCNews 76)

Tren Patagonico

Report from December 22, 2023: The trains Viedma - San Carlos de Bariloche, San Carlos de Bariloche - Ing. G. Jaco-bacci and Ing. G. Jacobacci - Ojos de Agua (Trochita) of Tren Patagonico have been shut down for an indefinite period. The reason given are safety concerns about vehicles and infrastructure. In addition, Tren Patagonico has accumulated a huge amount of debts that cannot be reduced given the current situation in the country, let alone raise money for the renovations. The San Carlos de Bariloche – Perito Moreno tourist railcar and freight trains will continue to operate until further notice. According to the latest reports, traffic is not expected to resume before April 2024. But given the catastrophic financial situation in the country, this seems questionable.
(Source: FCNews 76)

Tren de las sierras

The 108 km long line from Córdoba to Capilla del Monte was put back into operation in several stages. As a result of the new government's not very rail-friendly policies, the province of Córdoba is now trying to privatize this route, as it plays a particularly important role in tourism. Demand on the three daily train pairs is extremely high. No wonder, because a bus trip that lasts a bit more than 2 hours currently costs ARP 2600 (as of January 15, 2024), while a train trip of just over 3 hours costs just ARP 66.00 (ARP 100.00 = € 0.11 ). In order to operate the route privately, the fare would have to be increased to at least around 60% of the bus fare.
(Source: FCNews 76)

Brazil

Regional Trains

The topic is not new and various bodies, including some universities, have carried out detailed studies on the use of rail infrastructure for regional passenger trains. Almost every one of these projects is profitable in itself, after more or less initial financing. But such plans were pushed far away, especially under the Bolsonaro government. The Lula da Silva government definitely wants to allow more passenger trains to run in order to relieve congestion on the roads and reduce the number of accidents. On one hand, the freight concessionaires should pay less to the state if they instead operate passenger trains or at least prepare the infrastructure accordingly. The federal government wants to guarantee the other financing through the revenue for the freight train concessions. The original investigations were positive for around 30 routes. But for now the government wants to proceed a little cautiously and has only chosen 7 routes. These are:
Fortaleza – Umarituba – Itapipóca – Sobral 235 km
Salvador – Conceição – Feira de Santana 143 km
Brasília – Luziânia unter 50 km
Duque de Caxias – Niterói 88 km
Londrina – Apucarana – Maringá 123 km
Pelotas – Rio Grande 52 km
São Luis – Rosário – Itapecurú 128 km
The projects in the state of Minas Gerais are not included as they are a matter of this state. But it looks like the federal government could also make funds available for this. It still needs to be said something about some of the projects mentioned above: Salvador – Feira de Santana: a completely new route from Mapele to Salvador must be found here. The old route in Paripe was decommissioned. Brasília – Luziânia is an extension of the CBTU project of suburban transport to Valparaíso do Goiás. Duque de Caxias – Niterói is partially in conflict with the Niterói – São Gonçalo subway line, which has been planned for 30 years. Londrina – Maringá is identical to the Pé-Vermelho (Red-foot) project from 2009 and could now finally start as a private-public-project PPP.
(Source: FCNews 76)

Cuiabá: And no End!

The light rail project from Várzea Grande to Cuiabá in Mato Grosso state actually seemed buried. The state of Bahía even hoped to purchase the parked trains cheaply in order to improve traffic from Salvador. But new governments, both in Brasília and Cuiabá, changed things completely. So far, the authorities in Mato Grosso have been completely against the construction of the railway and even contrary to a court decision by the Federal Court, a court in Cuiabá decided against the construction after several back and forths. In Cuiabá, this was even used as an opportunity to dismantle tracks that had already been laid and to push ahead with the construction of an express bus corridor. However, Lula da Silva's federal government wants to promote rail for passenger transport, particularly in local and regional transport. This is also the wish of the new local government of Emanuel Padilha. Now the government in Brasília has released larger funds for the construction of this light rail system. It is the second time that a lot of money is flowing from Brasília to Cuiabá for exactly this railway. This track was actually supposed to start operating for the 2014 Football World Cup. But in 2014 the depot in Várzea Grande was built only and the trains were delivered. A huge planning chaos prevented construction in Cuiabá, but the available funds trickled away and since then Mato Grosso has been spending a lot of money every month on guarding the trains.
(Source: FCNews 76)

Chile

Santiago – Chillán

The devastating damages caused by the floods of September 2023 between Santiago and Chillán are being repaired step by step. Trains are running again from Santiago to Curicó, where the first of the new express trains from China are in use since January 19, 2024. At the southern end, local trains run between Chillán – San Carlos and Parral. Even though the rest of the railway line has largely been renovated, works on four large bridges have not yet been completely completed. These are the Achibueno, Lircay, Longaví and Diguillín bridges. The damage to the first two bridges was particularly severe and the work is almost equivalent to building new ones. But new abutments and some pillars have also to be built on the other two bridges. Originally it was not planned to resume through traffic before July 2024, but the works have now progressed to such an extent that the Santiago – Chillán traffic can probably resume in March.
(Source: FCNews 76)

Temuco Trenes urbanos de la Araucania

The government keeps its promises. After the suburban trains Temuco - Pitrufquén and Temuco - Padre Las Casas were put into operation in two steps in 2023, local trains run now also between Temuco and Cajón, heading north. In addition, the service between Temuco and Loncoche was improved by one more train in the middle of the day in addition to the three pairs of trains Temuco - Victoria.
(Source: FCNews 76)

Tren urbano de Arica

The Regional Council for Arica and Parinacota authorized CLP 417 million. (approx. € 413,000.00) with which a detailed project for a suburban railway in Arica is being developed. The railway may be installed on the existing Ferrocarril Arica – La Paz route in meter gauge. On the lowest section over 6.8 km with stations at Arica Estación (Km 0.0); Diego Portales (km 1.4); Los Artesanos (km 3.9); Yerbas Buenas (km 4.94); Capitán Ávalos (km 6.8) in the urban area. The city of Arica wants to take advantage of the country's central government's favorable policies for the establishment of suburban railways. The detailed project should be available at the end of 2024 and operations should begin at the end of 2028. According to calculations by the state railway EFE, at least 2 million. Passengers may travel in 2030. The name of the train will be Tren Centro-Norte de Arica.
(Source: FCNews 76)

Trenes urbanos Puerto Varas

On January 16, 2024, the Puerto Varas train station was reopened with a great participation from the population. The next day, trips between Puerto Varas and Llanquihue were offered with a diesel railcar type TRD ex-Renfe/Spain. To prepare the line for this event, EFE had already replaced over 2,500 sleepers and removed 5,000 cubic meters of vegetation on this approximately 30 km long stretch. Further work will take place over the coming months in order to resume regular local transport this year.
(Source: FCNews 76 / Guido Klamt (AIFFLA))

Tourist Trains

On January 14, 2024, the first tourist train ran between Concepción and Colcura near Lota. Diesel vehicles were used. 2 weeks later it was operating again. This is now the fifth destination, alongside Penco, Laraquete, Playa Blanca and Laja, which is served by tourist trains from Concepción.
(Source: FCNews 76)

Tacna - Arica

The province of Tacna has made 1.8 million Soles (approx. € 440,000) available at the end of 2023 to put the 60 km long railway to Arica back into operation. Flooding near Tacna had damaged the track in places. The work was completed in December, but some damage was found on the railcar, which is why it is now being repaired. Work is underway on this, but the railway cannot yet set a new date for the start of operations.
(Source: FCNews 76 / Guido Klamt (AIFFLA))

El Salvador

Tren del pacífico

The project for a standard gauge railway line from San Salvador via Armenia to Acajutla is slowly progressing. It is now clear that the route should follow the old FENADESAL line wherever possible. That means from San Salvador via Ciudad Delgado, Apopa, Nejapa, Quetzaltepeque, Sitio del Niño, Ateos, Armenia, Los Lagartos, Sonsonate and Santa Clara to Acajutla. This is also the reason why FENADESAL did not transfer any properties located along this route to private individuals. This is in contrast to the allocations on other routes. The start of construction is still unknown, although this is due to financing. Since this route is also related to the project of the route from Mexico to Panama (Feristsa), it is very likely that the country will receive some aid in this way.
(Source: FCNews 76)

Mexico

Ferrocarril del istmo de tehuantepec (FIT)

Now the timetable for the passenger trains on the railway line from Coatzacoalcos to Salina Cruz is finally known. Since December 23, 2023, the trains are running three times a week, alternating from Coatzacoalcos or Salina Cruz, starting at 07.00. The journey takes 7 ½ hours in both directions and the trains stop along the way are at Jáltipan de Morelos, Medias Aguas, Jesús Carranza, Donají, Mogoñé, Matías Romero, Chivela and Ixtepec. Trains are offering three classes: VIP, First and Second.
(Source: FCNews 76)

Peru

Tren Macho

After a long interruption, the Ministry of Transport and Communications MTC resumed rail traffic on part of the Huancayo – Huancavelica route. On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, a railcar runs on the 57 km long Huancayo Chilca – Cuenca section. From Huancayo 06.30, to Cuenca 08.30/from Cuenca 13.00, arr. Huancayo 14.45. The trips are offered free of charge. The ticket offices are closed.
(Source: FCNews 76)

Tacna - Arica

The province of Tacna has made 1.8 million Soles (approx. € 440,000) available at the end of 2023 to put the 60 km long railway to Arica back into operation. Flooding near Tacna had damaged the track in places. The work was completed in December, but some damage was found on the railcar, which is why it is now being repaired. Work is underway on this, but the railway cannot yet set a new date for the start of operations.
(Source: FCNews 76 / Guido Klamt (AIFFLA))

17.12.2023

Argentina

New President

On November 19, 2023, the politically right-wing Javier Milei was elected President of Argentina. Normally, this is not worth reporting when it comes to the railways. But this time the situation is repeating itself as it was in 1993 when then President Menem was elected. Milei has already taken the first measures in his interests. The number of ministries was drastically reduced. The Ministry of Transport, together with other former ministries, was integrated into the new Ministry of Infrastructure, in which only one secretary is responsible for transport. Milei's plans for transportation are clear and probably even more devastating for the country than Menem. Aerolíneas Argentinas and other state-owned transport companies are to be privatized, including the railways – for the second time. After billions of dollars have been invested in the rail network in recent years - debts that still have to be paid back to creditors - are to be handed over to private companies again. It looks like all long-distance trains could be shut down in March 2024 and since the subsidies to the railways are to be completely canceled anyway, the regional lines will hardly survive either. The suburban lines of Buenos Aires should survive, but the fares should be increased so much that subsidies are no longer necessary. This will mean that the average worker will no longer be able to pay for train tickets. Will this then set off a downward spiral? The first negative signs can already be seen. Payments to the companies rebuilding the Belgrano freight line C18 (east of Tucumán) were stopped, meaning they stopped the work in the middle of the line. It is unclear whether the ordered rolling stock (railcars for regional services and vehicles for the Buenos Aires S-Bahn) will ever be delivered and paid for. It is also completely unclear whether there will be new companies interested in taking over freight transport if they might have to expect new changes in 4 years. You can see that there is a lot of uncertainty at the moment. Thousands of Trenes Argentinos employees will be laid off and becoming impoverished, as is already the case with almost 50% of the population. Those who live with state support will lose it at the beginning of 2024 anyway. The province of Santa Fé expects that the regional train Laguna Paíva – Santa Fé will not start operation, although everything except a few intermediate stations is operational. We will continue to keep you up to date here. By the way, Milei comes from a family that owned a large bus company.
(Source: FCNews 75)

Tren solar de la Quebrada (JUJUY)

The two railcars with solar energy supplies built in China were unloaded from the ship in the port of Zaraté in November 2023 and were then brought to Volcán as quickly as possible. A first test journey over parts of the route took place on December 1st, 2023, with former railway workers from the region and their families as the first passengers. These test runs were completed very satisfactory. The official opening took place on December 7th, 2023, but since there are still some minor problems in Tilcara, public transport is scheduled to begin in February 2024. The line measures 41.7 km and connects the stations of Volcán, Tumbaya, Purmamarca, Maimará and Tilcara. During full operation, there will be several return trips from 08.00 to 20.00. The fare for tourists will be US$100.00.
(Source: FCNews 75)

Tren Patagonico

From November 13th, 2023 to December 7th, 2023, due to infrastructure problems, all traffic over the Tren Patagonico main line was temporarily cancelled, the entire route from San Carlos de Bariloche to Viedma was rigorously checked and all damage was repaired. All trains are now running again as planned. Freight traffic from Viedma to Bahía Blanca is developing well. Two pairs of trains run now weekly, mostly to transport raw materials from the province of Rio Negro towards Buenos Aires and even as far as Tucumán.
(Source: FCNews 75)

Victoria – Capilla del Señor

From December 11, 2023, traffic on the diesel-powered suburban route Victoria - Capilla del Señor to Los Cardales was resumed and significantly improved. Eight pairs of trains now run every day over the entire 45 km to Los Cardales, two other pairs of trains run to and from Matheu only, 29 km from Victoria. The 12 km long section from Los Cardales to Capilla del Señor is still under reconstruction. It is still unclear whether and when this work can be completed under the new government. The preservation of the route was initiated several years ago by a signature collection, also supported by FLB/AIFFLA.
(Source: FCNews 75)

Trenes de las sierras

November 14, 2023, Trenes Argentinos began traffic on the 36 km long section Valle Hermoso – La Cumbre – Capilla del Monte. Direct trips from one of the three stations at Córdoba to Capilla del Monte are possible twice a day, but unfortunately the timetables are not very attractive.
(Source: FCNews 75)

Brazil

CBTU Natal

The completely new railway line from Bela Vista, a new station between Nordelândia and Extremoz on the line to Ceará Mirim and Jardim Petrópolis in the municipality of São Gonçalo do Amarante, is nearly finished. The route follows the main road BR101 along its entire length and the only intermediate station is called BR101. Although the Jardim Petrópolis station will initially be the terminus, the track extends a few meters beyond the platform, because in the long term the line should continue through the municipality of São Gonçalo do Amarante and further south through Macaíba to the existing southern line to a new station between Pitimbú and Parnamirim. Operations on the now complete route will begin after a few minor corrections and as soon as all Bom Sinal railcars have been renovated. People are talking of 2024, which is realistic.
(Source: FCNews 75)

CBTU Maceió

The mining company Braskem mines salts in the area of the municipality of Mutange, even beneath the inhabited area of the municipality. This led to problems on the surface several months ago. For this reason CBTU Maceió had to stop public train traffic on the 2 km from Bom Parto to Bebedouro; only empty train vehicles from the outer section Bebedouro - Lourenço de Albuquerque to the workshops in Maceió are authorized to operate. The passengers have to transfer over the gap with a bus, whereby the bus service is very well coordinated with the trains on both sections of the route. In the meantime, further destabilization of the underground took place, which is why a large part of the population of Mutange had to be evacuated. It is still unclear how long bus services can be maintained. To date, Braskem has done nothing to solve this problem and continues to mine salts. The company is also uncooperative when it comes to environmental damage.
On the positive side, it should be mentioned that the reconstruction of the Rio Largo – Lourenço de Albuquerque section (1 km) was completed and rail traffic resumed on November 29, 2023. There are now 9 pairs of trains running Monday to Friday and 5 pairs of trains on Saturdays to and from Lourenço de Albuquerque, all with bus transfers on the problematic section.
(Source: FCNews 75)

Chile

Talca - Constitución

After just 55 days, rail traffic on the Talca – Constitución meter gauge railway resumed on November 7th, 2023. The devastating rains caused damage to a total of 40 km of the route, which meant complete destruction of the railway over a total of 8 km. In total, around 100 points on the route were damaged to varying degrees. 15,632 new sleepers had to be installed and around 25,000 cubic meters of filling material were necessary in order to be able to use the line again. An abutment of the bridge near Colín (10 km from Talca) also had to be renovated.
The rail buses are now running again at their usual times. However, as some minor repairs still need to be carried out, this has been taken into account and travel times have been extended by around 15 minutes.
During the route closure, a replacement service with minibuses could only be run on four sections on a few days a week, which shows that only the railway can offer satisfactory service here.
(Source: FCNews 75)

Temuco

On November 20, 2023, the city of Temuco got a second suburban line. This time to the Padre las Casas station, a distance of about 2.5 km. From Monday to Friday, 7 pairs of trains travel the route in 6 minutes per direction. Since buses are regularly stuck in traffic during the rush hours, this service is a relief for the residents of Padre las Casas. The electric multiple units delivered from China in 2021 are used between their journeys on the Temuco – Victoria line. EFE announced, that the refurbishment of the Cajón station, about 9.3 km north of Temuco, is well advanced and the start of a similar local transport service there is planned for 2024.
(Source: FCNews 75)

Mexico

Passengers

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador wants to reactivate various railway lines for passenger rail traffic by decree.
In addition to the existing routes with passenger or tourist traffic (México - Toluca; Chihuahua - Los Mochis, México - Lechería; Tijuana - Tecate and Tequila Express), a further seven lines are to be served again. These are:
Mexico – Veracruz – Coatzacoalcos
Pachuca – AIFA (Aeropuerto Internacional)
México – Querétaro – León – Aguascalientes
Manzanillo – Colima – Guadalajara – Irapuato
México – San Luis Potosí – Monterrey – Nuevo Laredo
México – Querétaro – Guadalajara – Mazatlán – Nogales
Aguascalientes – Chihuahua – Ciudad Juárez
In addition, there are the Coatzacoalcos – Medias Aguas – Salina Cruz and the Tren Maya routes on the Yucatán Peninsula, which are currently being prepared.
On the seven routes listed above, the existing freight concessionaires should have priority and only if they refuse to put the passenger trains into operation the state may step in. With this plan, Mexico would again be served by long-distance trains from Nogales/Ciudad Juárez/Nuevo Laredo in the north on the border with the USA to Coatzacoalcos on the Atlantic and Salina Cruz on the Pacific, which could play an important role, especially for tourism. In the USA, interest groups are already forming to establish a connection to the Amtrak routes at least from Nuevo Laredo across the border to Laredo and on to San Antonio. The government also makes clear that it want to help with the procurement of rolling-stock, for example by waiving import taxes. The railway companies have until December 31, 2024 to submit concrete plans and cost estimates.
(Source: FCNews 75)

Tren Maya

Since Saturday, December 16, 2023, one day after the opening ceremony, the Tren Maya is running as scheduled on the 466 km long, first route between San Francisco de Campeche - Teya Mérida - Cancún Aeropuerto, initially twice a day in each direction. 11 intermediate stations are served, including those previously served by the railway such as Hecelchakán, Izamal, Chichén Izá and Valladolid. However, for the city of Cancún and the state of Quintana Roo, this is the first ever standard gauge railway. The trains travel at an average speed of around 130 km/h. They leave Campeche and Cancún simultaneously at 07:00 and 11:00 and cross in Mérida at 09:36 and 13:36. The fares are slightly less than those of the buses, but the journey times are shorter than with the bus.
(Source: FCNews 75)

07.11.2023

Argentina

Tren Patagonico

On October 9th, 2023 at 14.07, after almost 30 years, the first freight train from Rio Negro arrived at the Ingeniero White freight station in Bahía Blanca. With the help of Trenes Argentinos Carga, Tren Patagonico renovated the 275 km long route between Carmen de Patagones and Bahía Blanca Aguara to such an extent that a freight train could easily cover this route. In order to explain the condition of the route, here are the travel times that were required for this first journey:
San Antonio Oeste dep. October 8th, 2023 at 14.00
Viedma after 189 km and brake revision from dep. 20.00
Carmen de Patagones km 196 dep. 22.00
Bahía Blanca Aguara arr. 12.30 on 09.10.2023 at km 471
Ingeniero White arr. at 14.07 in km 488.
At Ingeniero White, Ferro Expreso Pampeano took over the train, which consisted of wagons loaded with gravel, empty container wagons and a passengercar that served for the staff. The 282 km long route between Bahía Blanca and Viedma has now been officially reopened for freight traffic. However, Tren Patagonico wants to do everything it can to start a direct passenger train from Buenos Aires to San Carlos de Bariloche as soon as possible, together with Trenes Argentinos Operaciones.
(Source: FCNews 74)

Materfer in Paraná

Of the 5 standard gauge Materfer railcars used for local transport in Paraná on the 27 km long Paraná – Jorge Méndez line, only CM004 and CM005 are in use. Additional railcars have been parked in the workshop for a long time. CM001 and CM002 have now been sent to Ferreyra in the province of Córdoba, where they will be completely refurbished at the Materfer factory and converted to diesel-electric transmission. The railcar CM006, on the other hand, is currently being renovated in Paraná, with the mechanical parts being repaired or replaced and a new paint being applied.
(Source: FCNews 74)

Tucumán

On October 29, 2023, traffic between Cevil Pozo and Tucumán resumed. The Cevil Pozo – Tucumán traffic was interrupted for three years because a new bridge over the Rio Salí had to be built. The stop in Cevil Pozo remains and a new stop for the Buenos Aires – Tucumán train has been opened in Alderetes, 8 km from Tucumán.
(Source: FCNews 74)

Victoria – Capilla del Señor

On November 6th, 2023, Trenes Argentinos Operaciones reintroduced passenger services between Victoria and Matheu (a distance of 29 km). This after a long interruption for the complete reconstraction of this route. The missing 28 km to Capilla del Señor are in various stages of progress, as it is the extension to San Antonio de Areco, which will be served again as soon as Capilla del Señor can be reached again. Three pairs of trains now run to Matheu every day, including Sundays. The journey time has now been reduced from 95 to 56 minutes.
(Source: FCNews 74)

Trenes de las sierras

The first journey of a railcar from the current terminus of regular traffic, Valle Hermoso, to Capilla del Monte, 36 km further north, will take place next November 13th, 2023. Trenes Argentinos hopes to be able to start regular traffic to Capilla del Monte by the high season from mid-December.
(Source: FCNews 74)

Belgrado sur

For the first time in 30 years, a train ran from Tapiales via Mercedes Belgrano to Tres Sargentos. The journey of a local railcar went smoothly. 156 km were covered in around 7 hours. By this way Trenes Argentinos demonstrates that the route can be put back into operation using relatively few ressources. There are still 38 km missing to Salto, which still need to be repaired. From Salto there is still the possibility of reaching Rosario on meter gauge.
(Source: FCNews 74)

Brazil

New Touristtrain

On October 25th, 2023, a new tourist train with steam traction started running between Miguel Pereira and Governador Portela. The 9 km long meter-gauge line was renovated some time ago; at that time it was planned to use a refurbished and regauged Budd railcar. But after a few trips, the railcar operation was ending. At the moment there is only one steam train with three passenger coaches, but the Economic Association of the State of Rio de Janeiro will soon send another steam locomotive (whose origin was also not mentioned) and three more passenger cars to Miguel Pereira to enable a two-train operation . Funds are also available to extend the route by another 9 km to Vera Cruz, which requires crossing the curved Paulo de Frontim viaduct. In total, around BRR100 million will be spent. With the railway being part of an extensive package for tourism with over 1,500 new direct jobs. The region is receiving numerous new attractions, including a chocolate factory. Governador Portela is the third best place in the world in terms of climate, which is what they want to use.
(Source: FCNews 74)

Chile

Los Lagos

Directors of state railway EFE met the mayors of the municipalities of Pueto Montt, Puerto Varas and Llanquihue in the Los Lagos region on October 26, 2023. It was about the detailed planning of local rail services at the southern end of the EFE network as part of the state program “Trenes de Cercanía 30/30”, which provides for the development of local trains in all regions where railway lines still exist to make better use of these infrastructures and reduce road traffic. After Santiago, Chillán and Temuco, this will be the 4th route on the Santiago – Puerto Montt axis. Further regional services are planned around Curicó and Talca.
(Source: FCNews 74)

Mexico

Passengers

The IC125 train, purchased used in Great Britain, is being intensively tested on its future operational route. The composition was repainted and the interior was also renovated. According to reports from the British BBC, another composition is on its way from the port of Great Yarmouth to Mexico. At the same time, it was also reported that not all trains go to Mexico, some are also destined for Nigeria.
(Source: FCNews 74)

08.10.2023

Argentina

Trenes Argentinos

The Tren Universitario route was extended by another 4 stations (Avenida 7, Circunvalación, Meridiano V and Hospital San Juan de Dios) on September 18, 2023. The now 11-station route through the capital of the province of Buenos Aires is served by 9 trains per day Monday to Friday and 4 services on Saturday.
(Source: FCNews 73)

Elections

If the far-right candidate Javier Milei wins the presidential election on October 22, 2023, things won't look good for the railways. Milei has announced several times that he will eliminate the ministries of transport, health and education. Regarding the railway, he said that it should be completely reprivatized and he wants to abolish all subsidies. For the residents of Buenos Aires, for example, this means a price increase of an average of ARP 50.00 to over ARP 700.00 for the buses and to over ARP 1000.00 for the S-Bahn. In the worst case, the scenario could be more devastating than in 1993 under President Menem.
(Source: FCNews 73)

Tren Patagonico

Heavy rains in the Ñirihuau area softened the subsoil of the railway line, which led to two derailments of the Viedma - San Carlos de Bariloche train. This forced the railway company to temporarily shut down the long-distance train. After extensive construction work (stabilization of the ground, installation of new sleepers and rails where necessary), through traffic will resume from September 29, 2023. The remaining trains continue to run. La Trochita in Rio Negro has resumed services with its steam trains between Ingeniero G. Jacobacci and Ojos de Agua in time for the start of spring.
(Source: FCNews 73)

Tucumán

The 560 meter long bridge over the Rio Salí river, which has been closed to traffic since 2019, will be reopened to rail traffic in the coming weeks, no later than November. Due to flooding, several bridge pillars became unstable and for this reason all rail traffic, including passenger trains from Buenos Aires, had to end in Cevil Pozo, 14 km outside of Tucumán. A completely new bridge was built within 3 years. Trenes Argentinos has now repaired the tracks in the Tucumán train station and also the train station itself. Traffic will resume immediately after the stress tests on the bridge have been completed.
(Source: FCNews 73)

Brazil

CBTU Natal

CBTU at Natal has started the complete renovation of all 12 VLT railcar trains from Bom Sinal. All compositions should be ready for use by the opening of the Bela Vista – Jardim Petrópolis line in 2024, which is currently under construction. In addition, people have started to think about vehicles with alternative energy supplies (electric, gas, battery, etc.) and corresponding tests could take place in 2024 or 2025. Natal was the first Brazilian city to begin using gas to run public buses on a large scale.
(Source: FCNews 73)

Chile

Ramal Talca - Constitución

The heavy rains several weeks ago also damaged the metergauge route in various places. Operations had to be stopped. The state railway EFE therefore started rebuilding longer sections and they are now working at full speed. Traffic is expected to resume around the end of November. Until then, replacement traffic was partly set up with minibuses. This shows the urgency of the railway, because the replacement service can only be offered on 4 independent sections. The journey times are also significantly longer and the buses only run three days a week, the train usually runs twice a day.
(Source: FCNews 73)

Santiago – Chillán

The closures of long sections of the Santiago – Chillán route are still ongoing, as several bridges in particular need to be completely refurbished.
(Source: FCNews 73)

Chillán – San Carlos

On September 5th, EFE extended the Chillán – San Carlos local service a further 34 km north to Parral. Four pairs of trains run Monday to Friday.
(Source: FCNews 73)

Mexico

Ciudad de Mexico - Toluca

On September 15, 2023, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador put the first section of what would later be the 58 km long electrified double-track line into operation. From 06.00 to 23.00 trains run every 15 minutes between the Zinacantepec, Toluca Centro, Metepec and Lerma stations. The journey time is around 20 minutes. Rides will be free until October 2023, after which a flat rate of MX$15.00 will apply. The stations at Santa Fe, Vasco de Quiroga and Observatorio (here with a connection to the metro) are scheduled to go into operation in March 2024. The president gave this railway the name “El Insurgente” (the insurgent).
(Source: FCNews 73)

Ferrocarril Istmo de Tehuantepec, FIT

Since the report in FCNews72, 11 HST coaches and three associated power cars have been unloaded at the port of Coatzacoalcos. Various sources say that even more HST rolling stock will arrive in the near future. From the USA, FIT received 2 diesel locomotives from Union Pacific, which will be used exclusively for passenger transport, together with a total of 12 cars, including 3 ex-Amtrak coaches of the Amfleet type. The Citylink type local railcar built by Stadler and previously used in Puebla also came to FIT.
On September 17, 2023, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador traveled the Salina Cruz – Coatzacoalcos route with a train of ex-UP locomotives and ex-Amtrak cars and declared it reopened. The railway crossings on the route were secured by the army with heavy weapons that day. The railcar, now known as FIT-1001, also travelled the 309 km long route. No exact date has been given for the start of regular passenger services, but according to various sources this should be before the end of 2023. Renovation work has not yet been completed at some of the 9 stations.
(Source: FCNews 73)

28.08.2023

Argentina

Trenes Argentinos

With a contribution from the FOCEM development fund, various sections of the Urquiza standard gauge network are finally being renovated, as freight traffic is increasing very rapidly. The most precarious sections between Concordia and Basavilbaso, around Virasoro, from Apóstoles to Posadas, as well as the connecting section from Paso de los Libres to the Brazilian border, totaling 210 km will be upgraded for higher speeds and higher tonnages, for over US$44 million.
(Source: FCNews 72)

La Trochita

An old passenger car is currently being rebuilt in the El Maitén workshops and it will be completely wheelchair accessible. The car may be used on trains in 2024.
(Source: FCNews 72)

Construction Works

Apparently Trenes Argentinos seems to get lost in too many construction sites. Because various track renovations hardly seem to be finished, as the finances are very tight. Here are some examples:
Maipú - Ayacucho - Tandil, 50% of the route would be operational, but between Ayacucho and Tandil the works are stuck.
Victoria - Capilla del Señor - San Antonio de Areco: BetweenVictoria and Capilla del Señor, some sections are complete, others have been under reconstruction for 10 months, and still others have not yet started. Although the route is passable between Capilla del Señor and San Antonio de Areco, further renovations, including the stations, have not yet begun.
Cevil Pozo – Tucumán: Reconstruction of the 560 meter long bridge over the Rio Salí is proceeding according to plan and traffic is expected to resume as far as Tucumán in 2024.
Buenos Aires - Mendoza: Although a passenger train Buenos Aires - Palmira (Mendoza province) now runs every 2 weeks, the planned repairs on this line have still not been tackled. Instead, travel time for the 1028 km route was increased from 28 to 31 hours.
Pehuajó - Catriló - General Pico: After the province of La Pampa worked tireless for the resumption of passenger traffic from Buenos Aires to General Pico and traffic was resumed as far as Pehuajó (still in Buenos Aires province), the existing funds have been diverted to others routes, which meant that repairs between Pehuajó and Catriló were forgotten for now. Rosario - Cañada de Gómez: One track of this 70 km long double-track line was completely renovated in time for the start of operations of the regional train, but the second track is still waiting for completion today, which is why the journey to Rosario is around 20 minutes faster than vice versa. These conditions continue to slow down the train to Córdoba.
(Source: FCNews 72)

Bolivia

Tren Metropolitano de Cochabamba

On August 17, 2023, the "Línea Verde" (green line) of the Tren Metropolitano de Cochabamba was put into operation in Cochabamba. This new route segment is 5.13 km long and goes from Quillacollo to Vinto. The Línea Verde will thus grow from 12 to over 17 km. The last 10.2 km from Vinto to Sipe Sipe are under construction.
(Source: FCNews 72)

Brazil

Trem do Pampa

The announced opening of the tourist line from Santana do Livramento to Palomas has to be postponed by a few months. The reason lies in the lack of approval from the land transport authority ANTT, which requires that the Palomas station has be renovated first. However, Giordani Turismo still expects to go into operation in 2023. The railcar is already in Santana do Livramento. Since the mixed track for meter and standard gauge still runs across the station square there, it was relatively easy to place it on the rails from the truck using a crane.
(Source: FCNews 72)

CBTU

The CBTU in Paraíba (João Pessoa) is completely rebuilding the Várzea Grande station. The new building will be insulated in such a way that no air-conditioning is required. The walls of the entire building are tiled with blue tiles inside and outside to prevent overheating. If this proves successful, all stations will gradually be isolated in a similar way.
(Source: FCNews 72)

Chile

Heavy Floods

After August 20, 2023, heavy rains caused severe floodings south of Santiago de Chile. For this reason, state railways EFE had to stop all rail traffic between Nós and Chillán. Immediate investigations revealed that traffic between Santiago and San Fernando and between Chillán and San Carlos could resume very soon. Repair works on the San Fernando - Talca - San Carlos, Talca - Constitución and Concepción - Juan Pablo II lines, which are still closed, are ongoing and may take some weeks.
(Source: FCNews 72)

New Trains

EFE has ordered 32 new three-car electric multiple units from CRRC in China. They will be very similar to the trains that already run to Rancagua. 22 trains are intended for the Santiago – Melipilla (61 km) suburban railway which is currently under construction. The remaining 10 trains will be used on the soon to be built S-Bahn Santiago – Batuco. Each of these trains can carry 800 passengers (including standing passengers) and run at a maximum speed of 140 km/h.
(Source: FCNews 72)

Guatemala

Reconstruction

The Mexican company Remed is working hard to rebuild the about 230 km railway line from Tecún Umán to Puerto Quetzal (near Puerto San José). US$150 million will be investedduring 2023. Of this, US$6 to 7 million are accounted for improvements for the international section from CiudadHidalgo (Mexico) to Tecún Umán (Guatemala), which, however, is used regularly. Remed will definitely raise around US$700m. in the reconstruction of the Pacific network (Tecún Umán - Ciudad de Guatemala and Santa Maria - Puerto Quetzal). Subsequently, this company wants to raise around US$600m. in the rehabilitation of the Atlantic route Ciudad de Guatemala – Puerto Barrios. After intensive investigations, it was determined that the existing route of the former narrow gauge (914 mm) can be reused for the standard gauge (1435 mm) at least in the Pacific network. The concession for the railway was granted for 34 years. Customs offices on both sides of the border are also under construction and new contracts between the two countries will mean that the clearance of goods can be significantly accelerated. Of the currently around 18 million tonnes of goods on the Guatemalan roads, around 8 million. tonnes are expected to be transported by rail.
(Source: FCNews 72)

Tourist Train

On August 27, 2023, as well as on other dates, a train made up of several cars and a diesel locomotive ran through the city of Ciudad de Guatemala several times. The beginning and end of these journeys is the Railway Museum at the capital's train station.
(Source: FCNews 72)

Mexico

Ciudad de México – Cuautitlán

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), a new rail company, has entered into a feasibility study contract with the Mexican government for the construction of a 150-mile passenger rail line from Ciudad de México to Querétaro. Several such plans existed in the past. This time, however, it's different as the railway company CPKC is already a concessionaire on the line. The operation is to be carried out similarly to the existing Ciudad de México - Cuautitlán suburban railway with electric railcars. The trains on this connection should help to reduce the many accidents and traffic jams on the main road between the two cities.
(Source: FCNews 72)

Ciudad de México – Toluca

In autumn 2023, the 58 km long new electrified high-speed railway from Ciudad de México - Toluca will be put into operation. However, this will only be a provisional start-up and only some of the stations will then already be available. However, the government states March 2024 as the definitive start-up date.
(Source: FCNews 72)

Ciudad de México – Lechería – Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Angeles

With financial assistance from the National Bank for Works and Services (Banobras), construction works are continuing on the 23 km new railway line from Lechería to Felipe Angeles International Airport. Construction began some time ago with a first federal loan. The new route is an extension of the existing Ciudad de México – Lechería suburban railway. The funds available are 5 billion. Pesos.
(Source: FCNews 72)

Tren Maya

The standard gauge railway network currently under construction on the Yucatán Peninsula, which will serve freight and passenger traffic, has received the first 4 passenger vehicles. Alstom in Sahagún builds 31 trains of the type X'trapolis, which are called Xiinbal in Yucatán. These trains will handle regional traffic. For long-distance and express traffic, 3 trains of the P'atal type will be built, which will also have sleeping compartments and will thus form night trains. 8 other compositions are built as "Restaurant Special" trains, used exclusively in tourist traffic.
(Source: FCNews 72)

Ferrocarril Istmo de Tehuantepec, FIT

The state-owned FIT, which operates the rail routes from Coatzacoalcos to Merida and across the Isthmus and to Ciudad Hidalgo on the border with Guatemala, has bought used HST trains in the UK. The trains are on a ship that is currently on its way to Mexico. As the FIT announces, in addition to freight trains, it also wants to operate passenger trains.
(Source: FCNews 72)

Paraguay

Tourist Train

The communities of Ypacaraí, Pirayú and Paraguarí are joining forces to reactivate the approximately 20 km long section of the abandoned railway for touristic services. Since nothing was done by the state railway FEPASA. Historic rolling-stock is operational and the municipalities now want to take care of it. They want around 500 million. Guaraníes (approx. € 630,000) from various sources such as the state, power plants and municipalities. Nine bridges need to be repaired and the track also needs to be renewed. However, no date was given for a traffic start. However, the operator may be the state railway.
(Source: FCNews 72)

12.07.2023

Argentina

Rolling-Stock-Carousel

Trenes Argentinos Operaciones tries to offer a maximum of passenger train connections. Unfortunately, the matter reveals another side. More and more trains are all well and good, but the rolling stock situation is too tense to set up unlimited new connections. This became apparent after the Materfer railcar on the La Banda – Fernández connection had to be transferred to the builder Materfer in the province of Córdoba due to a major technical problem. Since the railcar was not ready after a few weeks, the locomotive of the Rosario – Cañada de Gómez regional train was quickly transferred to La Banda in order to resume local traffic to Fernández. The result: countless passengers from Cañada de Gómez and theother places have indefinitely no train service. Similar situations can be found again and again, such as the connections Paraná - Jorge Méndez, Posadas - Encarnación (Paraguay), Maipú - General Guido - Pinamar and others.
(Source: FCNews 71)

Bolivia

Public Transport again

After a long interruption caused by the pandemic, some scheduled passenger trains are running again on the Bolivian Andean network by the company Ferroviaria Andina. They are:

Expreso del sur
Oruro ab Montag/Monday 21:30
Uyuni ab Dienstag/Tuesday 06:00
Atocha ab Dienstag/Tuesday 08:28
Tupiza ab Dienstag/Tuesday 13:23
Villazón an Dienstag/Tuesday 16:30
Villazón ab Donnerstag/Thursday 14:30
Tupiza ab Donnerstag/Thursday 18:10
Atocha ab Donnerstag/Thursday 21:55
Uyuni ab Freitag/Friday 01:00
Oruro an Freitag/Friday 07:55

Buscarril
Monday & Thursday
Atocha ab 06:00 > Tupiza an 09:20
Tupiza ab 19:00 > Atocha an 22:20

Buscarril
Monday & Thursday
Viacha ab 08:30 > Charaña an 14:10
Tuesday & Friday
Charaña ab 09:00 > Viacha an 14:40

According to various but unverifiable sources, the Atocha-Tupiza railcar (buscarril) is said to be a refurbished Ferrostaal railbus.
(Source: FCNews 71)

Brazil

VLT Terensina

The Teresina Urban Railway was incorporated into the newly formed CFP Companhia Ferroviária do Piauí by the Piauí State Government. The long-term goal of the CFP is to reactivate rail traffic in Piauí.
In June 2023, the construction of a new, 2.5 km long line of the urban railway began. For this purpose, the existing freight line from the Boa Esperança station eastwards to the Bairro Colorado district will be upgraded to passenger transport standards and the Colorado station will receive connections to bus lines. This increases the total length of the Teresina urban rail system from 13.5 to 16 km. The state provided BRR 9.5 million for this.
Furthermore, CFP is in negotiations with the freight company Transnordestina Logística to expand the city crossing from Boa Esperança to the west to Matinha station to double track. In addition, the stock of Bom Sinal railcars is to be increased from the current 3 to 8. The aim is to serve the entire route every 15 to 30 minutes with double track and additional vehicles. Still in the planning stage is the renovation of the 3 old Ganz-Mávag trains for the planned regional service between Teresina and Altos.
(Source: FCNews 71)

Trem do Pampa

On Saturday, July 8th, 2023, the first scheduled Trem do Pampa ran on the 21 km long route Santana do Livramento - Palomas. The operator is Giordani Turismo, known for theTrem do Vinho at Bento Gonçalvez. This time, however, it is not a steam train, but rather the only “Prosper” railcar from Marcopolo Rail that has been in operation to date. This railcar has already been extensively tested by Giordani on the Bento Gonçalvez – Carlos Barbosa route, also in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (and the Talca-Constitución route in Chile will get 3 almost identical railcars). A few years ago, Giordani had a tourist train run from Santana do Livtamento as a test, because the 167 km long route Santana do Livramento - Cacequí belongs to the freight railway Rumo, but is not used because freight traffic with Uruguay also came to a standstill. Giordani therefore repaired the line that is now in operation itself and replaced sleepers and rails, planted trees and bushes in town along the line and instructed the population to stop throwing rubbish on the tracks. The municipality of Santana do Livramento has agreed to cooperate.
At a fare of BRR 135.00 per person, the tourist gets one way by train and back by bus (or vice versa), a ride with a view of Cerro de Palomas and a wine tasting of the local Cabernet Franc and Gewürztraminer wines and the travelers learn about the life in the Gaúcho region. In addition, the first duty free shop for Brazilian wines was opened, because Santana do Livramento is in a special zone together with the city of Rivera in Uruguay. So the operator hopes for shopping tourists who stay in Santana do Livramento to shop cheaply in Rivera, on the other side of the so-called peace border (which can hardly be seen between the two cities). The trips are offered every Saturday afternoon from the refurbished Santana do Livramento train station and the round trip takes around 2h30. The tickets are traditionally sold at the Santana do Livramento train station ticket counter, which was reopened. Palomas train station will also be renovated in the coming months. The new train will create around 70 direct and indirect jobs locally.
Although there are actually continuous tracks from Bento Gonçalvez to Santana do Livramento, the railcar had to be transported the 730 km on a low loader truck, since not all sections of the railway are used by freight trains and some of them are in poor condition. The transport took 4 days and went via Porto Alegre and Pelotas.
(Source: FCNews 71)

Chile

New Services

The suburban trains around Temuco are now operated as Metro de la Araucania, as a subsidiary of state railways EFE. This includes the 65 km Temco – Victoria regional line, which has been in operation for some time. On June 16, 2023, a 30 km long route was added. It is the Temuco – Freire –Pitrufquén local transport and it is an extension to the south. For this purpose, the standstill times of the railcars used to Victoria are operating this new service, which runs three pairs of weekday trains.
This corresponds to the long-term policy of the Chilean government, which has even survived various changes of government. At the inauguration, President Boric was present along with many invited guests from the communities along the line and the state railway. It was emphasized that this was just the beginning of putting more local trains into operation. After appropriate renovations, the extension from Pitrufquén to Gorbea, a further 13 km, is to be put into operation in 2027. The government is provinding US$134 million for this, including the acquisition of three more diesel railcars and route and station rehabilitation.
During the festivities in Pitrufquén, it was also announced that two more regional lines were in the line.
This concerns the 67 km between Talca and Curicó, a section of the main axis Santiago - Chillán.
Furthermore, local transport from Puerto Montt to Llanquihue is to be set up over 28 km under the name Metro Los Lagos.
Nothing has yet been announced about the investment costs for these two short-distance routes.
(Source: FCNews 71)

Bridges

Heavy rains and the recurring light (or sometimes strong) earthquakes have led to stability problems at 4 bridges between Santiago and Chillán. EFE immediately took action and carefully checked all the bridges of the route. The one over the Rio Maipo was put back into operation after a few days. On the other hand, on the Lircay, Archibueno and Longaví bridges, major works have to be carried out, which are interrupting traffic for some time. However, traffic has resumed between Curicó and Santiago after a few days.
(Source: FCNews 71)

Ecuador

New Out for Rail?

On March 26, after heavy rains, a large landslide buried part of the city of Alausí. At least 33 people were killed and 55 others are missing. The damage in the city is so great that no tourists can be received and the railway infrastructure also suffered considerable damage. Immediately the government made US$1.8m available for emergency aid, but it emphasized also that the survival of the population comes first and the railway reactivation will have to wait for some time later. The President of the Chamber of Tourism, Poloño Andrade, criticized the government's attitude, because the province of Chimborazo, in which Alausí is located, is dependent on well-functioning tourism. This sector was badly damaged.
(Source: FCNews 71)

Metro Quito

The official opening of the 22 km long metro line through Quito, from El Labrador in the north to Quitumbe in the South, took place on December 21, 2022. But public transport started on 05/02/2023. But already on May 11th, 2023 the operation had to be stopped again due to a number of technical issues. Now it is hoped that traffic will finally start regularly by the end of 2023. Construction started in 2012.
(Source: FCNews 71)

12.06.2023

Argentina

Tomás Jofré – Mercedes GB

On 05/28/2023, Trenes Argentinos Operaciones resumed passenger services on the 12 km section Tomás Jofré – Mercedes GB. After more than 30 years without traffic, this section of the meter-gauge General Belgrano railway, which once ran from Buenos Aires via Villars to Mercedes and on to Pergamino, was repaired and at the urging of the city of Mercedes, an Alerce railcar was renovated to start this local tourist traffic on Sundays. The journey time is just over 40 minutes in each direction. In Mercedes, the route is also called "La Trocha" (the gauge) by the population, since it differs from the other broad-gauge routes in its meter gauge. All three stations (Mercedes GB, Altamira and Tomás Jofré) have also been beautifully refurbished.
(Source: FCNews 70)

Justo Daract – Palmira

After several test journeys, Trenes Argentinos Operaciones was able to start the long-announced connection Buenos Aires Retiro – Palmira on June 2nd, 2023. The 23 km long section from Palmira to General Guiterrez is still missing in order to get the train to the outskirts of Mendoza, where a connection to the tram from Mendoza can be made - construction work for this has already started. Since the railway company has too few passenger cars, the composition of the night train Buenos Aires – Justo Daract has to be used for the new connection. The result is that the Buenos Aires – Justo Daract (654 km) train only runs every 2nd week and in the weeks in between it serves the 1028 km route Buenos Aires – Justo Daract – Beazley – La Paz – Palmira in different timetable. The travel time to Palmira is just under 29 hours.
(Source: FCNews 70)

Justo Daract – Villa Mercedes

On June 3, 2023, after the Buenos Aires – Palmira service started operation, a test journey from Justo Daract to the town of Villa Mercedes, 36 km away, was running with two Clase Unica coaches (local service class). There are several reasons for this successful journey. First, the city of Villa Mercedes is to be connected to Buenos Aires. However, it is not on the route via Beazley to Palmira, but on the line to San Luis, which no longer reaches the capital of the province of San Luis. On the other hand, it is intended to test whether the regional train “Expreso Puntano” between the towns of Justo Daract and Villa Mercedes, which has been planned for around 15 years, can be realized with it. The original project called for the purchase of a railcar, but the province of San Luis was not willing to release the funds for this. In the past (1980s and earlier) many shuttle trains operated between the two towns.
(Source: FCNews 70)

Brazil

VLT Brasília

High-ranking representatives from the city of Brasília, the Distrito Federal, the state of Goiás and CBTU met at the CBTU headquarters to advance the project for a regional train out from Brasília. The project was already presented in 2019, but the Brazilian government of that time did not want to provide any funds, this has now changed. The difference from the first project, however, is not to open to Luziânia, since the railway tracks are quite remote from the settlement area. The line to Valparaíso de Goiás will cover a distance of approx. 46 km. Probably only in Bernardo Saião (in the south of Guará II, still in Brasília) an intermediate station will be built, whose platform and building already exist. A station needs to be built in Valparaíso as the town has not been served by the railway in the past. As early as 2019, the route was tested with a Bom Sinal railcar borrowed from Recife, and it was found that the renovation of the existing route, which is used daily by a few VLI freight trains, does not pose a major problem. Now it is up to the governments of the Distrito Federal and Goiás to find the money to buy railcars (Marcopolo or Bom Sinal) and pay for track renewal. The municipality of Valparaíso de Goiás has agreed to donate a substantial amount to the train station.
(Source: FCNews 70)

Rio de Janeiro without suburban Trains soon

Vandalism, crime and a large number of thefts from the infrastructure, are resulting low passenger-numbers which have persuaded the Japanese main shareholder Mitsui to give up the Supervia Suburban railway as quickly as possible. This causes great problems for the state of Rio de Janeiro, because no new operator can be found quickly. Today, Supervia transports less than 1/3 of the passengers that were transported in the days of the state railway RFFSA and its subsidiary CBTU. Mitsui and the entire Gumi consortium are looking for a successor to the current concession, but no one seems interested so far. The plan is actually to end operations in mid-2023. Everything is still open.
(Source: FCNews 70)

Ecuador

Rail Transport again?

The government has granted US$4million to the railway to resume traffic. The plan was first to reactivate the Alausí - Sibambe line from April 2023 on, followed by Quito - Boliche, Riobamba - Urbina and Durán – Bucay and finally Ibarra - Salinas. But things weren't that simple. Landslides after heavy rains damaged the Alausí – Sibambe route in several places, which requires extensive work. It is not yet known when the route will again be open to traffic.
Furthermore, at least 2 companies are still ready to take over the operation, including PeruRail. But they require the infrastructure to be in good condition. The Tren Crucero Durán – Quito would run again under private management only at the earliest. The government completely rejects the introduction of freight transport and social passenger trains. Likewise, the rehabilitation of the Ibarra – Otavalo route no longer seems to be an issue.
(Source: FCNews 70)

Uruguay

Tram Montevideo

In June 2023, the project of a tram line from El Pinar to Plaza Indepencia in the center of Montevideo was presented in the media. It will be a route of around 35 km with 33 stops and cost around US$500million. Among others, Stadler Rail Valencia should also be represented in the consortium. This is not the first project of such a line.
(Source: FCNews 70)

04.05.2023

Argentina

By train to Brazil soon?

Argentina is negotiating with Brazil to reopen the Paso de los Libres (AR) – Uruguaiana (BR) standard gauge railway. Argentina wants to open access to the port of Rio Grande, which can also be used for transit goods from Paraguay. The Brazilian side, where goods traffic is carried out by the company Rumo Logística, is also very interested in the resumption of this traffic. In addition, the combined rail/road bridge over the Rio Uruguay was recently renovated. On both sides, however, the railway tracks have to be repaired. The route through Paso de los Libres requires a lot of work. In Uruguaiana the track is in the street and can be used without much work.
Trenes Argentinos also plans to introduce a passenger train between the two countries. In Paso de los Libres the train station is in usable condition. Not so in Uruguaiana, where the train station was disconnected from the network around 20 years ago and a new location would have to be found.
(Source: FCNews 69)

Brazil

By train to Brazil soon?

Argentina is negotiating with Brazil to reopen the Paso de los Libres (AR) – Uruguaiana (BR) standard gauge railway. Argentina wants to open access to the port of Rio Grande, which can also be used for transit goods from Paraguay. The Brazilian side, where goods traffic is carried out by the company Rumo Logística, is also very interested in the resumption of this traffic. In addition, the combined rail/road bridge over the Rio Uruguay was recently renovated. On both sides, however, the railway tracks have to be repaired. The route through Paso de los Libres requires a lot of work. In Uruguaiana the track is in the street and can be used without much work.
Trenes Argentinos also plans to introduce a passenger train between the two countries. In Paso de los Libres the train station is in usable condition. Not so in Uruguaiana, where the train station was disconnected from the network around 20 years ago and a new location would have to be found.
(Source: FCNews 69)

Increase

The tourist trains operated by CPTM (the São Paulo Suburan Railway Company) are very popular. Therefore, the two-car trains are now increased to 4 cars. 2 passenger cars, built in the 1960s at Mafersa and stored in Baurú since 1996, could be purchased from the Railway Association ABPF. After a thorough refurbishment, they will reinforce the monthly trains to Paranapiacaba, Jundiaí and Mogi das Cruzes. The B-B Alco RS-3 locomotive, built in 1952 under license in Brazil, is still in use for these trains.
In addition, CPTM will also acquire a dining car parked at Rumo Logística in Paulínia, refurbish it and put it back into operation. Monthly trips to Santos, Aparecida do Norte and Campos do Jordão (here in cooperation with the Pindamonhangaba – Campos do Jordão metre-gauge railway) are also planned. Irrespective of this, a pilgrimage to Aparecida do Norte will be offered on October 22nd, 2023.
(Source: FCNews 69)

Estrada de Ferro Bahía-Minas

Hardly known is this isolated railway, which was built in 1881 from the small port of Ponta da Areia in many stages over 577 km until 1942, when the track reached Araçuaí. It was shut down and dismantled as early as 1966. Traction was only by steam locomotives. It is immortalized in the song "Ponta de areia, ponto final da Bahía-Minas, estrada natural, que ligava Minas, ao porto, ao mar, caminho de ferro, mandaram arrancar" by Milton Nacimento and Fernando Brant (Ponta da Areia, Terminal of the Bahía-Minas, connecting Minas with the port and the sea, Railroad, whose demolition was ordered). The starting point in Ponta de Areia is outside the town of Caravelas in the extreme south of Bahía State. Between Helvécia (Km 74) and Aimorés (Km 142) it reaches the state of Minas Gerais. The line ends in Araçuaí in the Vale de Jequitinhonha at km 577 without ever connecting to another railway. Lithium is now being mined in the Araçuaí area, a raw material that is used more and more often and is therefore also exported. In order to reduce transport costs, the railway and the port are now to be rebuilt. In large parts, the railway can still use the existing track-free route, but there may be some shorter sections and in some cases the line can no longer be laid through towns. However, various interested companies want to spend around BRR 12 billion to reconstruct the railway, presumably again to meter gauge. As it replaces a former line, bureaucratic hurdles are quite low and a simplified environmental assessment is required. Construction is expected to start before the end of 2023. The route should also be used for general goods traffic and also for passenger traffic. Of the original 38 stations, 11 are still there, in the remaining cases (also in Helvécia) the towns have disappeared in the past 57 years.
(Source: FCNews 69)

09.03.2023

Argentina

Renovation and Expansion Work

Observing the progress made in the renovation and expansion work on various routes, it can be expected that various new passenger train connections will be added during 2023.
Maipú – Ayacucho – Tandil: The work between Maipú and Ayacucho has been completed and is in full swing between Ayacucho and Tandil.
Caseros - Haedo: The line rehabilitation is almost complete and a Materfer railcar has already been delivered.
Tren de las Sierras: The 6 km long section from Valle Hermoso via La Falda to Huerta Grande is operational again and test runs with a railcar are currently taking place.
Justo Daract – Mendoza: Later than planned, this long-distance route will again have a passenger train, the plan was April 2023, but commissioning is now expected in the second half of the year, which will enable a journey of over 1000 km from Buenos Aires to Mendoza.
Laguna Paíva – Santa Fe: The route is rehabilitated and one train composition is operational and over the next 6 months the rail stations are to be refurbished to start operations before the end of 2023.
Pehuajó – Trenque Lauquén – General Picó: Various repairs on the track are coming over the next few months and the start of operations will be possible at the end of 2023.
Bahía Blanca - Carmen de Patagones - Viedma: Since there are problems with the use of the stations along the line - many are privately used or in ruins - only freight traffic will be included in 2023.
Victoria - Capilla del Señor: The complete rehabilitation of this route will be completed in 2023, which will allow traffic to resume in full. It is still unclear whether the extension to San Antonio de Areco will also be included in 2023.
(Source: FCNews 68)

Chile

Extensions

The local traffic between Chillán and San Carlos, which started a few months ago, was well received by the population, although in the beginning only 4 pairs of trains ran from Tues-day to Thursday. With the timetable change on March 1st, 2023, the offer was expanded to 8 pairs of trains Monday to Friday.
The stations at Molina and San Javier on the Santiago – Chillán route got again train stops since March 1st, 2023. In San Javier all long-distance trains stop daily, in Molina trains only stop on Fridays and Sundays until the platforms are completely renewed.
The renovation of the stations on the Talca – Constitución route has begun. The buildings will be renovated and given various facilities to make them more attractive to use, such as toilets, new lighting and waiting areas.
(Source: FCNews 68)

Tacna - Arica

March 9th, 2023, the traffic of the railcar between Tacna and Arica may be resumed. According to press reports from Chile, the outward journey from Tacna should take place at 06:00 and the return trip at 18.00, but the exact times were not communicated.
(Source: FCNews 68)

Peru

Tacna - Arica

March 9th, 2023, the traffic of the railcar between Tacna and Arica may be resumed. According to press reports from Chile, the outward journey from Tacna should take place at 06:00 and the return trip at 18.00, but the exact times were not communicated.
(Source: FCNews 68)

28.01.2023

Argentina

Presidial Politics

The public transport situation is starting to get worse day by day. However, all lines are still in operation. In the Buenos Aires area, bus traffic has been reduced by up to 50% because there are no subsidies and operators have to get the rapidly increasing operating costs under control. The timetables on the suburban railway lines are changed almost weekly and the service is reduced a bit with every change. Here too, the railway is trying to manage the costs of rolling stock and staff. The tariffs are increased every month, but wages have largely been frozen. With the consent of a railway workers' union, the Unión Ferroviaria, most ticket offices on the Tren de la Costa and the Mitre suburban lines were closed in order to save costs. In some cases, the trains are running on wear and tear because no real management has been set up to date. This means that the procurement of spare parts and operating materials is becoming increasingly difficult. With a few exceptions, all construction sites on railway lines have now been stopped. In Buenos Aires, however, work on the viaducts to introduce the Belgrano-South S-Bahn into Plaza Constitución station is apparently still underway. However, work on renovating the Belgrano-South route to Navarro and beyond was stopped. Thefts of railway property are increasing again in the interior of the country. Near Aguaray in the north, on the line from Embarcación to Bolivia, police picked up a truck full of stolen rails and other steel parts from a branch line. The metal should have been sold illegally to Bolivia.
(Source: FCNews 76)

27.12.2022

Argentina

New Train Stops

Trenes Argentinos is opening more and more stations for passenger transport. At the end of November and beginning of December 2022, the completely new stops ETON (long-distance bus terminal), Aeropuerto and Barrio Unión were opened on the suburban route Neuquén – Plottier.
In November 2022, the long-distance train Buenos Aires – Cevil Pozo (Tucumán) got an additional stop in Herrera (876 km from Buenos Aires), after previously resuming service at San Lorenzo station (km 338).
There were also new stops in the vicinity of Buenos Aires. This is the case in Maquinista Ricardo Cal on the Merlo – Lobos route. The new Quilmes Sur station is under construction on the Buenos Aires – La Plata route. With the Tren Universitario (at La Plata) extension currently under construction, 3 more stops will open in 2023.
(Source: FCNews 67)

Line Closure again

On October 13, 2022, the Buenos Aires – Olavarría railway had to be closed to all traffic by the concessionaire Ferrosur Roca SA. The bridge over the Rio Salado between Videla Dorna and Gorchs stations was closed after an inspection - the first inspection since 1990! – when it was seen no longer as sure. Once again, the problem of licensing operations and infrastructure has shown itself from the worst side. As a result, the Buenos Aires – Bahía Blanca train is not allowed to operate during the important summer season. Incidentally, this bridge was already damaged in 2003 by a Ferrosur freight train that derailed and was then partially repaired. At that time, Ferrobaires was the operator of the passenger train and was able to divert it via General Alvear and Ranchos, but in the meantime Ferrosur has gambled away this possibility due to the neglect of the corresponding infrastructure. After about a month, under pressure from the state, Ferrosur finally started the bridge renovation. However, the route will remain closed until around the end of February 2023. Unfortunately, Trenes Argentinos did not respond to the demands of the communities between Olavarría and Bahía Blanca to run a local train in the meantime.
(Source: FCNews 67)

Brazil

Dismanteling

In 2014, the light rail system Várzea Grande – Cuiabá shouldhave started operations. While almost everything was completed in Várzea Grande, from the track to stations and a generous maintenance facility, only 10% of the work was carried out in the Cuiabá urban area. First it was due to a lack of plans for underground lines and pipes, then increasing corruption slowed down construction. Nevertheless, all 40 trains of the type Urbos were delivered by CAF and are still regularly moved, guarded and maintained at the maintenance facility. The annual cost is nearly BRR10million. After several attempts to continue building, all work ended around 2018. This was followed by a legal dispute between all parties from the federal government to the state of Mato Grosso and the city of Cuiabá. Because the funds – now over BRR2 billion, planned was a maximum of BRR1.4 billion. – came from federal funds and disappeared somewhere between state, city and construction companies. Only about 6 km of the planned 22.2 km have been completed! The government of the city of Cuiabá has prevailed, against all other voices, to convert the planned route to an express bus line BRT. Although no legal solution has been found to date. Now the facts are evident, because in October construction workers in Várzea Grande began to dismantle parts of the track. Nobody knows, however, what will happen with the 40 trains and all the material. The state of Mato Grosso would first have to buy everything in order to sell it then again, but so far nobody wants to do anything about it.
(Source: FCNews 67)

Chile

Talca - Constitución

After the journey time with the old rail buses from Ferrostaal was reduced by 30 minutes as a result of the route rehabilitation, President Gabriel Boric also announced the purchase of the new railcars. Once again the state digs deep into its pockets. For US$15M three diesel railcars of 2 coaches each were ordered from Marcopolo, Brazil. These were presented in Fahrplancenter News 64. The decision was made in favor of the Brazilian producer because this way spare parts or any help can be obtained "nearby". The new railcars, which will be put into operation in stages from 2024, of each will have 80 seats, unisex toilets and air conditioning. With a driver's cab on each side, turning on the turntables is no longer necessary. However, the turntables will be preserved, because at least one of the old railbuses will be preserved as a historic vehicle and used for special trips. In the coming weeks, construction will begin on a modern maintenance facility for the new vehicles in Talca, south of the train station. This construction will cost another US21Mio.
(Source: FCNews 67)

New meter gauge Train

The municipality of La Calera, in cooperation with the railway company Ferronor, started a new connection in passenger transport on December 6th, 2022. For this purpose an old Billard railcar (number t-309 originally from a series of 16 units delivered in 1961/62) was reactivated. Until further notice, it runs back and forth several times Monday-Friday 07.30-09.30 and 17.30-19.30. Rides are free on this 1.4 km route between La Calera and J.J. Godoy Street in the El Artificio district. 10 seats can be offered per trip, but Ferronor plans to put a trailer with an additional 10 seats in operation. The route starts in the center of La Calera and leads to El Artificio on a bridge over the Rio Aconcagua. However, there are plans to set up stops in Villa Las Américas and El Litre, and a later extension of the route to El Melón is not ruled out. Ferronor ensures that the infrastructure remains in relatively good condition, while La Calera pays for operations. Since there is only one road bridge over the river mentioned between La Calera and El Artificio and traffic is therefore often congested, the train connection is seen as a cheaper and faster solution.
(Source: FCNews 67)

New Trains

The first tests with the new train-compositions built in China for the Santiago and Chillán long-distance traffic have begun there. The new trains can operate with a maximum speed of 160 km/h, previously only 140 km/h was possible. It will therefore be the fastest, but also the most modern long-distance trains in all of Latin America. They are primarily built for electrical operation (3Kv) DC but can switch immediately to diesel operation in the event of a power supply problem. Each four-car train accommodates 236 passengers, offers wheelchair space, standard toilets, air conditioning, WiFi, space for catering and luggage storage. The first two trains will bedelivered in the first half of 2023, with the remaining four to follow. It is planned to operate these trains according for the first time during the 2023/24 summer season. Until then, the stations will receive some improvements. In regular service with all stops, the journey will take 4 hours, with the accelerated trains, with stops at Rancagua and Talca only, 3 hours and 40 minutes are foreseen.
(Source: FCNews 67)

Tacna-Arica

On December 22, 2022, traffic resumed on the 62 km long international railway Tacna – Arica FCTA. This occasion was celebrated with a big ceremony at Tacna train station, of course with the presence of the press, television, ministers and diplomats. The railcar then drove to Arica with the first passengers and various official guests. The province has only approved one pair of trains for the time being, Tacna dep. 06.00 and Arica dep. 08.00 (both Peruvian time). The fare in each direction is still 15 nuevos soles.
(Source: FCNews 67)

Mexico

Really in 2023?

The 58 km long new railway Ciudad de México – Toluca is still under construction. In 2013 around MX$39Bi. were calculated for this, in the meantime around MX105Bi. are spent and around 60% of the line are operational, with the remaining 40% a little over 60% complete. The tunnels and bridges areall complete. The opening was planned for 2017! Much moreadvanced is the work on the around 1500 km long network of the so-called Tren Maya in Yucatán, whose lines will connect the regional capital Mérida with various cities and tourist centers on the east coast of the peninsula. Only recently the last plots of land in Quintana Roo were expropriated and handed over to construction. Here, too, the costs were already drastically exceeded, despite the rapidly progressing work. But unlike the express train to Toluca, the Tren Maya does not see this as dramatic, since this network will be used for passenger and freight traffic as well and will therefore be able to amortize its costs better. President André Manuel López Obrador has now announced that he will release the funds for both railway constructions in order to put the Ciudad de México - Toluca connection into operation in December 2023 and immediately afterwards also the Tren Maya.
(Source: FCNews 67)

Peru

Tacna-Arica

On December 22, 2022, traffic resumed on the 62 km long international railway Tacna – Arica FCTA. This occasion was celebrated with a big ceremony at Tacna train station, of course with the presence of the press, television, ministers and diplomats. The railcar then drove to Arica with the first passengers and various official guests. The province has only approved one pair of trains for the time being, Tacna dep. 06.00 and Arica dep. 08.00 (both Peruvian time). The fare in each direction is still 15 nuevos soles.
(Source: FCNews 67)

30.11.2022

Argentina

Tren del Valle Neuquén – Plottier

On November 12, 2022, the new stops ETON (Terminal de Omnibuses) and Aeropuerto de Neuquén were put into operation on the Tren del Valle Neuquén – Plottier line.
(Source: FCNews 66)

Buenos Aires Retiro - Rosario Norte

On December 1st, 2022, an express train between Buenos Aires Retiro and Rosario Norte will start to operate. It will take 5h46 for the 315 km, about 45 min less than the daily train with many intermediate stops. It will leave Retiro on Saturday at 06.12, and from Rosario Sunday at 16.20. However, it is unclear whether it will be a refurbished Talgo composition or a conventional train.
(Source: FCNews 66)

Bolivia

Oruro-Villazón

With the start of the pandemic in Bolivia in 2020, Ferroviaria Andina applied to the Authority for the Regulation and Supervision of Telecommunications and Traffic (ATT) for permission to replace the trains on the Oruro-Villazón route with railbuses due to low demand. This deadline ends in November. The trains are not currently running, the situation is to be analyzed in detail. Communities such as Atocha and Villazón, along the route, are knowing the demand for the trains. According to media from Tupiza, the manager of Ferroviaria Andina, Cinthya Aramayo, confirmed during her visit to Chicheña that the locomotives and wagons of the previous Wara Wara del Sur and Expreso del Sur trains, which were temporarily replaced in sections by a double unit railbus, could possibly be part of a new concept. The railway finally caused confusion after even the Atocha – Tupiza rail bus services were stopped in August 2022. At that time, Ms. Aramayo said in Tupiza that there were hardly any passengers. There is even more uncertainty after Ms. Aramayo said in an interview that it was not at all certain that the trains would ever run again. At the main train station in the city of Oruro there is a notice stating that passenger services to Villazón will be suspended until November of this year. The ad is from last year. In the meantime, the railways have even deleted all references to passenger trains (regardless of which ones) on their homepage.
(Source: FCNews 66)

Brazil

Rios – Cataguases

Rehabilitation works on the 168 km long Três Rios – Cataguases line are underway since July 2022, with the first 37 km from Três Rios to Chiador being ready by December 2022. According to some reports, the track within the municipal area of Sapucaia was already operational in November after the use of heavy machinery and work in Três Rios started a little later, as some contracts with the city and the concessionaire FCA had not yet been completely settled . February 2023 is mentioned as a realistic date for the commissioning of the Trem Turístico Rio-Minas on the first section. The project is supported by the two federal states and the municipalities of Além Paraíba, Volta Grande, Recreio, Leopoldina and Cataguases. 6 diesel locomotives and 15 well-preserved passenger carriages from the Estrada de Ferro Vitória a Minas EFVM are available for this purpose. BRR 846,000 will be invested in the first 37 km of track and the first full year of operation of the Três Rios – Chiador section will help to earn around BRR 1.2 million. The project, launched by Paulo Henrique do Nascimento in 2016, suffered a severe setback in 2018 when he passed away, but his daughter Cyntia has since taken it on and wants to see it through to completion. The entire route is being renovated in stages and a section is to be added about every year. The state of Rio de Janeiro has declared this tourist train the most important tourism project for 2023.
(Source: FCNews 66)

Chile

Santiago – Chillán – Concepción

The night train Santiago – Chillán – Concepción will run again from December 7th, 2022 to March 2023.
(Source: FCNews 66)

Tacna-Arica

Both the Peruvian and the Chilean side report that the Ferrocarril Tacna-Arica FCTA can resume traffic between the two cities around the turn of the year 2022/2023. The approximately 40 km of track in Peru have been repaired and the 20 km in Chile are also being checked with selective repairs. Within Peru, 50 members of the army participated in the work. There is a push to reopen for the busy summer season.
(Source: FCNews 66)

Talca - Constitución

Mid-November 2022, the journey time of the rail buses (buscarriles) was reduced from around 3 hours 15 min. to 2 hours 45 min. after a complete refurbishment of the infrastructure. All train crossings continue to take place in González Bastías.
(Source: FCNews 66)

Peru

Tacna-Arica

Both the Peruvian and the Chilean side report that the Ferrocarril Tacna-Arica FCTA can resume traffic between the two cities around the turn of the year 2022/2023. The approximately 40 km of track in Peru have been repaired and the 20 km in Chile are also being checked with selective repairs. Within Peru, 50 members of the army participated in the work. There is a push to reopen for the busy summer season.
(Source: FCNews 66)

Tren Macho

After long and unsuccessful attempts to concession the 126 km line of the Tren Macho Huancayo-Huancavelica for its modernization, the state has taken matters into its own hands. Traffic was stopped in mid-November 2022 and construction work began immediately. First, the Huancayo – Izcuchaca section will be completely modernized in order to resume traffic there by mid-June 2023. This is followed by the Izcuchaca – Huancavelica section and it is hoped that traffic will be offered here again at the end of 2024. However, this work only includes the entire track systems, engineering structures and securing the route against flooding and landslides. The stations will then be repaired and the purchase of new vehicles initiated.
(Source: FCNews 66)

20.10.2022

Argentina

Rosario - Cañada de Gómez

The regional train Rosario Norte – Cañada de Gómez has startet running August 5th, 2022. There are trains from Cañada de Gómez Monday to Friday at 05:15 and 22:15 and from Rosario at 19:10. On Saturday at 05.15 another train leaves Cañada de Gómez to stop the composition in Rosario for the weekend.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-3)

La Banda - Fernánez

On August 8th, 2022, the local traffic La Banda - Fernandez in the province of Santiago del Estero began. For the time being, only 1 pair of trains will run in the morning.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-3)

Cacuí - Puerto Tirol

The rehabilitation of the 10 km long section Cacuí - Puerto Tirol in the Chaco has started. Trenes Argentinos hopes to resume local traffic between Resistencia and Puerto Tirol by 2023 at the latest.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-3)

Paraná

The infrastructure of the suburban route Paraná - Colonia Avellaneda is finally being renovated. Several stops will be given real concrete platforms, and the track will be renewed in places. Work on extending the line via Colonia Avellaneda to Montrull, which had come to a standstill, was resumed. On September 16, 2022, the Col. Avellaneda – Enrique Berduc section was put into operation. Another Materfer railcar is currently being renovated for this route. Rider numbers increased by 100% in 4 weeks
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-3)

Border crossing Test Train

In July 2022, for the first time in 7 years, a freight train ran from Posadas (Argentina) to Encarnación (Paraguay) for test purposes. Due to the low water levels of the rivers that connect Par-aguay with the Argentine deep-sea ports and the rising fuel prices for truck transport, Paraguay has long been looking for opportunities to export by rail. From October 2022 there will be a weekly train between Encarnación (PY) and Zárate (AR).
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-3)

Chile

Tacna – Arica

The regional government of Tacna, together with 50 members of the army, has started to rehabilitate the railway line Tacna - Arica. The work should take about 3 months. During a test drive with the only railcar on the railway, a car driver rammed the rail vehicle due to carelessness in Tacna. The property damage can be repaired by the railway itself.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-3)

Paraguay

Border crossing Test Train

In July 2022, for the first time in 7 years, a freight train ran from Posadas (Argentina) to Encarnación (Paraguay) for test purposes. Due to the low water levels of the rivers that connect Par-aguay with the Argentine deep-sea ports and the rising fuel prices for truck transport, Paraguay has long been looking for opportunities to export by rail. From October 2022 there will be a weekly train between Encarnación (PY) and Zárate (AR).
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-3)

Peru

Tacna – Arica

The regional government of Tacna, together with 50 members of the army, has started to rehabilitate the railway line Tacna - Arica. The work should take about 3 months. During a test drive with the only railcar on the railway, a car driver rammed the rail vehicle due to carelessness in Tacna. The property damage can be repaired by the railway itself.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-3)

Tren Macho

The Ferrocarril Huancayo – Huancavelica (Tren Macho) is not licensed after all. The government has decided to rehabilitate the 128.2 km long line as a separate project under a priority measure. The railway will continue to be used for passenger and freight traffic after the renovation.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-3)

13.09.2022

Bolivia

Light Rail Cochabamba

On September 13, 2022, the Red Line to Estación Agronomía and the Green Line to Suticollo of the Cochabamba light rail system were put into operation. On the Yellow Line any further work is suspended.
(Source: Mi Tren)

23.07.2022

Argentina

Capilla del señor - San Antonio de Areco

On July 20 a train reached San Antonio de Areco for the first time in 30 years. This after months of work on the overgrown track. However, traffic will not start until 2023, when the route from Victoria is continuously open again. At the moment tracks from Matheu to Los Cardales are being completely renovated.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-2)

Tucumán

In 2019, a flood damaged the bridge over the Salí River. Since then, long-distance trains from Buenos Aires have ended in Cevil Pozo, 14 km from Tucumán. The contract for rebuilding of the bridge has now been awarded. 5 pillars of the 560 meter long bridge must be replaced. The work will last until 2023.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-2)

Rufino - Justo Daract

On July 22nd, 2022, the 233 km long section Rufino - Justo Daract was reactivated for passenger traffic, for which the weekly night train Buenos Aires - Rufino was extended to Justo Daract in San Luis province. There is already talk to extend this service to Mendoza in 2023.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-2)

Brazil

CBTU-Natal

Regular traffic between Parnamirim and Cajupiranga started on May 9th, 2022. All 9 trains Monday-Friday (5 on Saturday) now operate between Natal and Cajupiranga.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-2)

Chile

Merval

The government of Valparaíso region and state railway EFE are working on the project to reactivate passenger traffic from La Calera via Llay Llay and San Felipe to Los Andes. After the reopening of the Limache – La Calera section (approx. 2026), it is intended to resume passenger traffic up to Los Andes.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-2)

Cuba

Habana Central

Although rebuilding of the main station is only partially complete, long-distance passenger trains are now running again for the following reasons to the main station: The “Elevados” elevated railway line has been rehabilitated; the Coubre relief station can only accommodate one long-distance train at a time; due to great delays, arriving trains often had to wait a long time until the track became free, further increasing delays.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-2)

Mexico

Puebla - Cholula

The light rail system from Puebla to Cholula, which was mainly used for tourism, was first shut down due to the pandemic and then due to lack of funds. Now they are looking for a new operator, and there are some business people showing interest.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-2)

26.04.2022

Argentina

Rosario - Cañada de Gómes

On May 4th, 2022, a public regional train will be put into operation for the first time (in over 40 years) on this line. It will run Monday to Friday morning from Cañada de Gómes and back in the evening.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-1)

Maipú - Tandil

Rehabilitation of this line is progressing rapidly and Trenes Argentinos hopes to run the first train for the July winter holidays.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-1)

La Trochita - Chubut

There are now regular trains running from El Maitén in Chubut Province to Ñorquincó in Rio Negro, apart of the excursions from El Maitén to Desvío Ing. Thomaé. The last trip for the Summer season was April 16. Next departures are planned for December 2022 and some special journeys may be possible.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-1)

Tren Patagonico

The new TP administration wants to expand rail traffic again. An application was made to the Ministry of Transport to operate occasional freight trains run again from Viedma to Bahía Blanca. It is also planned to run 2 passenger trains per week between San Carlos de Bariloche and Viedma during high season, as demand cannot be met with just 1 pair of trains. From May 2022 there will also be 1 excursion train (railcar) per week from San Carlos de Bariloche to Perito Moreno and La Trochita may operate if possible between Ing. G. Jacobacci and Empalme. In addition, the regular local railcar San Carlos de Bariloche - Ing. G. Jacobacci will again run twice a week.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-1)

Brazil

CBTU-Natal

At the end of March, the reconstructed line from Boa Esperança to Cajupiranga was inaugurated. Trains are not yet running beyond Boa Esperança, but work onwards to Nísia Floresta is proceeding according to plan.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-1)

CBTU - João pessoa

Jacaré, Várzea Nova and Bayeux stations have been completely renovated and additional crossing tracks will be installed to double the number of trains.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-1)

Chile

Victoria – Temuco

With the beginning of the new school year after Easter, regional train-traffic was significantly strengthened with the new diesel railcars from China. There are now 4 pairs of trains running Monday-Friday and 2 pairs on Saturday and Sunday. For some time, there was no service at all on weekends.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-1)

Cuba

Big Problems

The extreme economic crisis in the country also affects the railways. The province of Ciego de Avila had to stop all local trains that had just been put back into operation due to a lack of fuel. In long-distance traffic, the most important trains from Habana to Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Holguín and Manzanillo continue to run every 4th day, but often with huge delays due to problems with the locomotives. The other long-distance trains, such as Santa Clara - Santiago, etc. do not operate.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-1)

Guatemala

Ciudad Hidalgo - Tecún Umán

Early April construction of the freight railway started over the border from Ciudad Hidalgo (MX) to Tecún Umán (GU). It is the Mexican firm Remed which will invest at all US$700mio. The sum includes also the section further to Puerto Quetzal, at all 235 km.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-1)

Honduras

The End?

After a corona-related interruption of the train journeys in San Pedro Sula, it was apparently planned to run a train for Christmas 2021. But the project failed because the locomotive was not operational. It was also brought to light that the entire state railway FNH had only 19 employees at the end of 2021, 11 of them in administration.
The tourist line La Unión – Cuero y Salado in the North of the country also no longer seems to carry passengers, but the track is still used to transport coconuts. However, the small carts are pushed by hand.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-1)

Mexico

Ciudad Hidalgo - Tecún Umán

Early April construction of the freight railway started over the border from Ciudad Hidalgo (MX) to Tecún Umán (GU). It is the Mexican firm Remed which will invest at all US$700mio. The sum includes also the section further to Puerto Quetzal, at all 235 km.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-1)

Buena Vista - Airport Felipe Ángeles

The new suburban train line to Felipe Ángeles International Airport is under construction. The terminal station at the airport was 90% complete in March 2022, but of the 24 km long route, first work has only started on 16 km and 2.7 km of rails will soon be laid. Like the existing S-Bahn, the line will run to Buenavista station.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-1)

Ciudad de México - Toluca

Of the 57,8 km long interurban railway, 42,1 km have finally been completed. Work has again started on the last 15,6 km into Ciudad de México including the 4,7 km long double tube tunnel under Sierra de la Cruces and according to the federal government the line should be put in operation at the end of 2023. Initially opening of the line was planned for early 2017.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-1)

20.02.2022

Brazil

CBTU-Natal

Since February 8, 2022, the trains on the southern line Natal – Parnamirim are running more frequently and to/from Boa Esperança, the first station on the line currently being rebuilt towards Nísia Floresta. At this point, the reconstruction work to Cajupiranga was at a stage of 75% and at 50% as far as Nísia Floresta. The construction of the brand new line to Gurarapes and Vicunha has also started and on the northern line (Natal – Ceará Mirim) an additional station is being built in Potengi near Igapó.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-0)

ABPF

2021 was an exceptional year for the ABPF (Brazilian Railway Preservation Association). Not because of corona reductions, which of course existed in the occupancy of the trains, but because of the large number of completely new train runs. These journeys were made possible because the cooperation with the concessionaires Rumo-Logística, MRS and the CPTM (São-Paulo suburban railway) could be greatly improved.
So what happened in 2021:
During the Christmas holidays, a non-public train consisting of 2 diesel locomotives and 2 passenger cars ran from Santa Fe do Sul via Catanduva, Araraquara, Itirapina, Campinas and São Paulo to Guararema. A journey of 808 km across the state of São Paulo and the Christmas-lit train called Expresso Paulista was greeted with joy everywhere.
The south saw a particularly large number of trains in the period from October 2021 to January 2022. The Trem da Serra do Mar, usually running the 42 km from Rio Negrinho to Rio Natal, also ran the 17 km from Rio Natal to Corupá, with the municipality of Corupá being heavily involved in these trains and even broadcasting radio programs from the station.
The Trem Caiçara on the Morretes - Antonina branch line, with a connection with the Serra Verde Express at Morretes with Curitiba, has become an integral part and runs regularly whenever possible.
The Trem dos Vales project on the 46 km long route Guaporé - Muçum in the north of Rio Grande do Sul ran from November 1st, 2021 to January 9th, 2022 on 26 days and transported more than 30,000 passengers, some of them in trains up to 14 cars. Guaporé station has been completely renovated.
Before and after its use in Guaporé, the train consist was used for various regional special trips in Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, since the vehicles came from Rio Negrinho, where only 5 cars could be used at that time.
On the journey of the composition of the Trem dos Vales to Guaporé, the Trem da Coxilha Rica operated between Lages and Escurinho with 12 fully occupied wagons.
The Trem Comemorativo Vacariano on the 20 km long section Vacaria – Fazenda do Socorro was on the agenda a little more south.
The composition then drove hundreds of kilometers further via Restinga Seca, Santa Maria and Cruz Alta to Santo Ângelo in the north-west of Rio Grande do Sul. There the 54 km long section Santo Ângelo - Catuipe - Ijuí was served several times under the name Trem das Missões.
This was followed by a return journey of around 1000 km, which brought the composition to Canoas on the outskirts of Porto Alegre, in order to pick up other ex-RFFSA cars and spare parts from there, which will serve very well in Rio Negrinho. The ABPF has promised to carry out such trips again through the regions in the south of the country in the future.
In the state of São Paulo, the Expresso Vale das Frutas ran very successfully on the weekends from September 25th, 2021 to October 12th, 2021 over the 15 km long section Louveira - Valinhos of the route São Paulo - Campinas, there were even special free trains only for children and all trains carried the CPTM bicycle coach, which was very well used by groups of cyclists.
Even if most of these trains ran with diesel traction, they were always sold out very well and showed the hunger for train journeys of a very large part of the Brazilian population. In Rio Negrinho, Campinas (Carlos Gomes) and Cruzeiro, large numbers of vehicles continue to be repaired or completely rebuilt in an exemplary manner. But the infrastructure is not neglected either. The track between Marcelino Ramos and Piratuba was renovated during the lockdown caused by the pandemic. In Cruzeiro, the installation of railway sleepers began with sleepers donated by the city of Cruzeiro for the ongoing reconstruction of the 35 km long Cruzeiro - Passa Quatro line. In Carlos Gomes (Campinas), repairing the fire damaged train station and workshop has progressed quite far.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-0)

Chile

Santiago – Concepción

EFE has put the night train Santiago – Concepción back into operation for the summer season until March. It leaves San-tiago every Friday night and Concepción every Sunday night.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-0)

Tacna-Arica

An initiative by the Tacna Free Trade Zone and the Chilean Chamber of Commerce sees great potential for freight and passenger traffic in the reactivation of this international railway. Up to 7 million annually passengers were calculated for 2059 and several million tons of goods, which would make the railway very profitable.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-0)

El Salvador

Salvador – Paripe

The suburban train traffic from Salvador to Paripe was suspended some months ago to make space for the new monorail line, which may be built with Chinese help. But the inhabitants of the suburbs along the line are angry since they are missing every construction activity, because they lack of a payable transport mode.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-0)

Jamaica

Passenger service again!

On January 10, 2022, the Jamaica Railway Corporation JRC resumed passenger services from Old Harbor and from Linstead to Spanish Town. There is a morning train from both origins to Spanish Town and one back in the evening, with students transferring to/from buses in Spanish Town for travel to and from Kingston.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-0)

Peru

Tacna-Arica

An initiative by the Tacna Free Trade Zone and the Chilean Chamber of Commerce sees great potential for freight and passenger traffic in the reactivation of this international railway. Up to 7 million annually passengers were calculated for 2059 and several million tons of goods, which would make the railway very profitable.
(Source: Volta o Trem 26-0)

28.12.2021

Argentina

La Trochita Chubut

During October and November 2021 La Trochita was breaking record numbers of passenger. Never the railway was operating even more than 3 round-trips a week during these months. During October alone over 3700 tourists have been carried by 29 departures.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-3)

December 13, 2021 the first train in 15 years from El Maitén was reaching Ñorquincó 36 km away. The station at Ñorquincó was refurbished and a wye built to turn the steam locomotives. Regular traffic will start in January 2022.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-3)

La Trochita Rio Negro

The Rio Negro portion of La Trochita opened new amenities at Empalme station and Ojos de Agua station got a completely new long platform. Trains for the 2021/2022 are fully booked until February 2022, all trains run with an additional coach.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-3)

Buenos Aires – Rufino

On November 3, 2021 a weekly passenger train was reintro-duced between Buenos Aires and Rufino after a 5 year break during which the dam over the La Picasa Lake was rebuilt.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-3)

Tren de las Sierras - Tren Metropolitano de Córdoba

20 December 2021 the Tren Metropolitano de Córdoba service was introduced. It runs over the first 22 km of the Tren de las Sierras line. Monday to Friday 5 pairs of railcars run from Córdoba Mitre or Alta Córdoba station to La Calera and back, supplemented by 2 services Córdoba – Valle Hermoso of Tren de las Sierras. On weekends there are now 3 train pairs Alta Córdoba – Valle Hermoso.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-3)

Bolivia

Cochabamba - Aiquile

Cochabamba main station has got 1435 mm gauge tracks for the new Urban Railway. For this reason the metre-gauge line to Aiquile will get a station further south, which should be built in 2022. A new turntable for the railbus was already built. But it is very questionable if traffic will be reintroduced all the line down to Aquile.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-3)

Passenger service in Santa Cruz de la Sierra

The Eastern Railway out of Santa Cruz de la Sierra has not reintroduced passenger services until December 2021, they have been withdrawn because of the Corona-pandemic.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-3)

Brazil

CBTU

CBTU Natal was inaugurating the first 3,4 km of line from Parnamirim to Cajupiranga with an intermediate station at Boa Esperança, regular passenger traffic will start in the first few month of 2022. The following line to Nisia Floresta is currently at 21% complete. Planning of the completely new 4,1 km long line to Vicunha is completed. CBTU Natal got from Fortaleza 30 Pidner passenger coaches and 3 older locomotives.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-3)

second bridge over the Pirapama River

CBTU Recife inaugurated the second bridge (90 metres long) over the Pirapama River. Construction was already initiated 40 years ago. With this bridge it will now be possible to double track the entire Cajueiro Seco – Cabo line, southwest of Recife.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-3)

Chile

San Fernando - Santiago

Oct. 12, 2021 EFE reintroduced local trains between San Fernando and Santiago after several years. In a first time there are 2 train pairs Monday to Friday only. Dec. 12, 2021 the first 2 of 6 Chinese-built new trains for the Santiago – Rancagua local traffic have been presented to the public.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-3)

Uruguay

Ferrocarril Central

Track laying for the new Ferrocarril Central started from Florida to the South and the North.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-3)

16.08.2021

Argentina

Maipú – Tandil

Trenes Argentinos Operaciones began inspecting the 127 km Maipú - Tandil route in mid-May. It branches off from the Mar del Plata line at Maipú and leads via Labarden, Fair, Ayacucho, Cangallo and Iraola to Tandil and was served by Ferrobaires until 2007, but has been closed since. Once the repairs terminate, passenger traffic will start in 2022.
Another project is the return of passenger trains over the Las Flores – Rauch – Tandil line.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-2)

Santa Fé – Laguna Paíva

While infrastructure works are going ahead between Santa Fé and Laguna Paíva, the train consist of locomotive and coaches was already completely refurbished and is ready for use.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-2)

Santa Fé – Rosario

Negotiations between Trenes Argentinos Operaciones and the province of Santa Fé are ongoing to run local passenger trains over the 166 km long metre-gauge line via Capitán Bermudez and Coronda to connect the two biggest cities of the province and intermediate municipalities.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-2)

Salta – Campo Quijano

Passenger traffic between Salta and Campo Quijano started finally July 09, 2021 with 2 train pairs daily Monday to Friday. Works to improve level-crossings are still going ahead.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-2)

La Trochita Chubut

July 10, 2021 La Trochita was starting operation between Esquel and Nahuel Pán. Trains operate until 31 July Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, from August on it runs Saturday only.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-2)

Buenos Aires – Junín

Since rehabilitation of the crossing over La Picasa lake will terminate in a couple of days, Trenes Argentinos Operaciones will reestablish passenger transport from Junín to Rufino (166 km) once a week. It may be extended very soon from Rufino to Laboulaye, another 64 km. The railway hopes to reach Justo Daract until December 2021, 169 km West of Laboulaye. Talks started for a further extension to Villa Mercedes, 36 km West of Justo Daract (or 690 km from Buenos Aires).
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-2)

Tren de las Sierras

August 09, 2021 the 17 km section from Cosquín to Valle Hermoso was reopened for passenger traffic. There are 2 train pairs Córdoba – Valle Hermoso and 2 pairs Cosquín – Valle Hermoso, all Monday to Friday only.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-2)

Local Trains Buenos Aires

29 July the 9 km long section of the Belgranos Sur suburban line of Buenos Aires between 20 de Junio and Marcos Paz was re-inaugurated after 28 years without traffic.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-2)

La Banda – Fernandez

Until the end of 2021 the 40 km section La Banda – Fernandez of the Rosario – Tucumán main line will get a local passenger service. A trial operation was running August 13, 2021. During the next 3 months the stations of La Banda, Vilmer, Beltrán, Forres and Fernandez will be rehabilitated.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-2)

Chile

Talca – Constitución

Due to infrastructure works railcar services run mostly once a day in each direction only.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-2)

Ecuador

Rescue of the Railways?

The Government of Ecuador and the Ministry of Tourism want to reestablish passenger transport over part or all of the railway network. There are an American and a Peruvian railway company (the names of the companies have not been released) interested to run the railway. More details have not yet been given.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-2)

11.05.2021

Argentina

Transport Minister Meoni died

On April 23, 2021, Transport Minister Mario Meoni had a fatal accident in his car on the way from Rosario to Junín. He was on his way from a work meeting in Rosario to the weekend to see his family in Junín. The accident occurred near San Andrés de Giles. It is assumed that the nocturnal conditions, the accident occurred around 10 p.m. and the wet road surface are to blame for the accident. Meoni was a strong promoter of the rail system.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-1)

New Transport Minister Alexis Guerrera

On May 3rd, 2021 Alexis Guerrera was appointed as the new Minister of Transport by President Alberto Fernández. Guerrero promised to continue the rail-friendly policy of Meoni unchanged.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-1)

Santa Fé – Laguna Paíva

Transportminster Meoni signed the contract for the repair of the 38 km long railway line Santa Fé - Laguna Paíva on April 23, 2021 in order to put a regional passenger service into operation. Only a few days later, the first works began on the route, which is also used by freight trains.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-1)

Salta - Cerrillos - Rosario de Lerma - Campo Quijano

On April 16, 2021, local transport from Salta via Cerrillos and Rosario de Lerma to Campo Quijano was officially opened. For the time being, 2 pairs of trains are planned Monday-Friday over the 45 km long route of the Ramal C-14 (Socompa line). Due to Corona, however, traffic was withdrawn again April 17. If all goes well, the trains will run again from the end of May.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-1)

Neuquén - Plottier

On March 29, 2021, railcars began operating between Neuquén and Plottier, 15 km to the west. The 4 trains running Monday to Friday run partly via Neuquén to / from Cipolletti. Construction work began at 5 of the planned 6 intermediate stops and they should be in operation by the end of the year. After the end of the pandemic, the number of train journeys may be increased.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-1)

Serodino

On May 5th, 2021, Trenes Argentinos began to serve Serodino station 48 km north of Rosario again with the stop of the twice weekly Buenos Aires - Tucumán (Cevil Pozo) train. This be-came possible after residents of the village refurbished the train station. In Herrera, 561 km from Rosario, the community began to renovate the station in the hope that the train will soon stop here too. The 7 municipalities from San Lorenzo to Gálvez have submitted an official application at the railway for the introduction of a local train Rosario–Gálvez 118 km.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-1)

Tren de las Sierras

From May 25, 2021, Tren de las Sierras will be extended beyond Cosquín by 17 km via Molinari and Casa Grande to Valle Hermoso. Only pandemy-related restrictions could change the date. The whole route has been freed from vegetation and repaired where necessary. At Valle Hermoso, 2 level crossings are about to be provided with electric level-crossing barriers. The single fare from Córdoba to Valle Hermoso will be ARP 20, compared to bus fares with ARP 700. The trains will serve both local transport to / from Córdoba and local tourism.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-1)

La Trochita Chubut

End April, the province of Chubut was finally able to solve its financial problems and to pay the workers of the La Trochita narrow-gauge railway the outstanding wages. Repair work on the Esquel - Nahuel Pán line and on the rolling started again. It is planned to offer trips from Esquel and El Maitén again at the beginning of the winter season in June or from September at the latest.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-1)

Bolivia

Arica - Visviri - Viacha - Oruro

For the first time after 16 years, May 07, 2021, a loaded freight train arrived from Arica at the border station Visviri after a journey of 2 days. At Visviri a Bolivian Locomotive was waiting to forward the train, charged with 466 tonnes of steel-coils on 8 wagons, to Oruro. The initiative for reopening of the line came from a Bolivian soya exporter, which want to convey soy-beans for export to Peru and Ecuador by train. May 08 saw truck drivers dumping tonnes of earth on the rails at the entry of Viacha to avoid the train to pass. They fear to loose tonnage to the railway.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-1)

Brazil

Cajueiro Seco – Cabo

On April 30th, 2021, the new bridge over Rio Pirapama was inaugurated by CBTU and the Ministry of Regional Dev-lop-ment. The second bridge at another point, also over the Rio Pirapama, is under construction. This means that the complete double-track expansion of the 21 km long suburban line, which is served by diesel multiple units, is within reach.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-1)

Maceió

On April 18th, 2021, CBTU Maceió presented the completely refurbished steam locomotive number 5 to the public after numerous test runs. The 92-year-old locomotive of German origin used to belong to the Utinga Leão sugar factory in the municipality of Rio Largo, outside Maceió. For many years it stood as a monument in Piranhas in the interior of Alagoas state. Together with a historic passenger car with 52 seats, trips will be offered on weekends between Bebedouro and Rio Largo after the end of the pandemic. As soon as the line is again open to traffic to Maceió, trains will also run to the city.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-1)

Chile

Limache – La Calera

The planning work for the extension of the Merval Suburban line from Limache over 25 km to La Calera has been completed. The tender for the reconstruction of the line will be issued at the end of 2021. The line is to be set up to one track for freight traffic and 2 tracks for passenger traffic and reelectrified.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-1)

Arica - Visviri - Viacha - Oruro

For the first time after 16 years, May 07, 2021, a loaded freight train arrived from Arica at the border station Visviri after a journey of 2 days. At Visviri a Bolivian Locomotive was waiting to forward the train, charged with 466 tonnes of steel-coils on 8 wagons, to Oruro. The initiative for reopening of the line came from a Bolivian soya exporter, which want to convey soy-beans for export to Peru and Ecuador by train. May 08 saw truck drivers dumping tonnes of earth on the rails at the entry of Viacha to avoid the train to pass. They fear to loose tonnage to the railway.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-1)

Tacna - Arica

Tacna province called the national transport ministry to examine the situation of the railway to Arica and re-nationalize it. The results of this study are not yet known.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-1)

Ecuador

Last trip?

November 2020 there was a transfer from Riobamba to Quito. 4 freight cars were transferred. In the meantime, the entire inventory of the railway has been handed over from the tourism ministry to the transport ministry. There is still no solution as to whether the railway will ever come back.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-1)

Guatemala

Tecún Umán - Santa Maria

With financing from the Central American Development Bank, the Korean authority Koica was commissioned to examine and plan the rehabilitation of the railway line from Tecún Umán (at the border with Mexico) to Santa Maria and further construc-tion towards El Salvador by January 2022. The new route is to reuse the old narrow-gauge route as often as possible, but to be built in a 1435 mm gauge.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-1)

Study about Local Trains in Cuidad de Guatemala

In mid-2020 repairs took place on parts of the railway line through Ciudad de Guatemala and there were some test trains running and in September 2020 an orchestra performed on freight cars, which played music through the city.
Koica was also commissioned to test the city passage through Ciudad de Guatemala in order to set up plans for city traffic on this railway line. Currently some repairs are carried out on this line, because there is a project for a tourist train.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-1)

Peru

Tacna - Arica

Tacna province called the national transport ministry to examine the situation of the railway to Arica and re-nationalize it. The results of this study are not yet known.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-1)

11.02.2021

Argentina

Corona Update

Trenes Argentinos is expanding more and more connections under strict security requirements. Domestic tourists have been able to use the trains again since January 2021. The traffic from Buenos Aires to Mar del Plata has now been expanded to 3 daily trains and from February 12th, 2021 another pair of trains will be added on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Ferrobaires operated over 6 years back such a great number of trains over this line.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-0)

General Guido - Pinamar

Traffic between General Guido and Pinamar started definitely January 25, 2021. The railcar takes 2 hours 25 to cover the 101 km route.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-0)

Neuquén - Plottier

Local traffic between Neuquén and Plottier is expected to begin in March or April 2021 instead of September 2021, but for the time being without serving the intermediate stops, which be built froml March 2021 on.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-0)

Salta - Campo Quijano

On Monday, February 8th, 2021, a railcar will travel from Salta to Campo Quijano and back for the first time. This trip, organized by the municipalities, is intended to pave the way for regular traffic to start operating in around 2 to 3 months.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-0)

Brazil

Bom Parto – Bebedouro

We finally learned why the CBTU route Bom Parto – Bebe-douro, part of the Maceió - Lourenço de Albuquerque route, has been interrupted for a long time. The mining company Braskem carried out test bores too close to the railway line, which led to instability of the railway structure. CBTU, the city of Maceió and the state of Alagoas have now taken legal action against Braskem, demanding the construction of a new section of line and financial compensation for the railway, which are earmarked for the construction of the new branch to Maceió Shopping.
(Source: Volta o Trem 25-0)

28.12.2020

Argentina

Corona Update

Trenes Argentinos reintroduced several train services at a reduced number trips and with severe security measures, tourists may only be accepted from early January 2021 on. Since early/mid-December the following services have been added:
Buenos Aires – Mar del Plata 2x daily
Buenos Aires – Tucumán 2x weekly
Buenos Aires – Bragado 2x weekly
Alta Córdoba – Cosquín 2x weekdays
Alejandro Korn – Chascomús 2x weekdays
Tren a las Nubes from 09 Jan. 2021
San Carlos de Bariloche – Viedma from 08 Jan 2021 weekly
Ing. Jacobacci – Ojos de Agua from 02 Jan. wöchentlich to 27 März/March 2021
Tren Patagonico La Trochita of Rio Negro put its third Steam locomotive, no. 19, back in Service.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-9)

General Guido - Pinamar

Trenes Argentinos begins operation of the train from General Guido (on the Mar del Plata line) no later than mid-January. A refurbished ex-Renfe DMU has already been transferred to General Guido station. The 101 km long branch line had no services at all for over 5 years.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-9)

Brazil

Belo Horizonte - Vitória

The Vitória-Minas Railway EFVM started preparatory works to introduce a second train its line Belo Horizonte - Vitória from 2023 on. This additional train may offer more places during the main season on this very popular long-distance line.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-9)

Chile

New Trains ordered

State Railways EFE ordered now the 6 new trainsets for US$70mio. for the long-distance Santiago – Chillán service. The broad-gauge trains, built by CRRC-Sifang (China) have a maximum speed of 160 km/h and may be capable to run elec-trically under catenary, but also with diesel on non-electrified sections. With these trains fast services between Santiago and Chillán (398 km) may take no longer than 3 hours 40 including some intermediate stops from 2023 on. Next orders may include new trains for the Santiago – Rancagua suburban services and for the Talca – Constitución metre-gauge line.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-9)

Uruguay

Locomotives refurbished

AFE refurbished the first of 4 diesel-locomotives of the 1500 class. These General Electreric/ALCO locomotives have been delivered between 1952 and 1954. They will be used for freight services operated by SELF between Minas and Montevideo.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-9)

28.11.2020

Argentina

Corona Update

Trenes Argentinos reintroduced several train services at a reduced number trips and with severe security measures, tourists may only be accepted from mid-December or early January 2021 on. To date the following operate:
Buenos Aires – Mar del Plata 1x daily
Buenos Aires – Bahía Blanca 1x weekly
Buenos Aires – Bragado 1x weekly
Buenos Aires – Junín 2x weekly
Buenos Aires – San Nicolás 1x daily, to Rosario from 1 Dec. 2020
Alta Córdoba – Cosquín 2x weekdays
Güemes – Salta 2x weekdays
Neuquén – Cipolletti from 01/12/2020 6x weekdays
Alejandro Korn – Coronel Brandsen 2x daily
Cañuelas – Monte 2x daily
Cañuelas – Lobos 2x daily
Tren a las Nubes from 09 Jan. 2021
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-8)

Brazil

New Tourist Trains

Serra Verde Express together with ABPF starts with two new tourist trains:
From December 2020: Trem Republicano Itú – Salto, São Paulo state, distance 7,6 km, composition of Budd type passenger coaches and diésel locomotive, fares between BRR 70,00 and 101,00, inhabitants of the two cities pay half-fare. Daily 2 to 4 trains.
Since 21st of November 2020: Morretes – Antonina 16 km each saturaday and sunday, from BRR 75. Historic train with steam locomotive of type Mogul built in 1884. In Morretes there are connections from and to Curitiba by train, inhabitants of the two cities pay half-fare.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-8)

Chile

Tacna – Arica

After 7 months closure of the Tacna – Arica line due to the covid pandemy the line suffered so many damages, that services can’t restart again. There was some vandalism and the only railcar (nr. 261) suffered also from many damages. Unfortunately neither local or nationale authorities show any interrest to sepnd a cent for rehabilitation to repair all and reopen the line. Furthermore some illegal settlements have been errected extremly close to the track and electric poles have been put between the rails.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-8)

Colombia

Corona Update

Turistren runs the Tourist-train Tren de la Sabana again Saturday and Sunday between Bogotá and Zipaquirá. The weekday train between Bogotá and Cajicá seems to operate again, but early morning only.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-8)

Peru

Tacna – Arica

After 7 months closure of the Tacna – Arica line due to the covid pandemy the line suffered so many damages, that services can’t restart again. There was some vandalism and the only railcar (nr. 261) suffered also from many damages. Unfortunately neither local or nationale authorities show any interrest to sepnd a cent for rehabilitation to repair all and reopen the line. Furthermore some illegal settlements have been errected extremly close to the track and electric poles have been put between the rails.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-8)

Huancayo – Huancavelica

Ferrocarril Huancayo – Huancavelica will run again from 5 December 2020 on with one train daily in each direction, except Wednesday, with departure from Huancayo at 06.30 and from Huancavelica at 14.00.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-8)

18.10.2020

Argentina

Corona Update

Argentina extended the shutdown caused by Corona until the end of October 2020. From end-october 2020 services in the interior of the country may start one after the other. One of thew first will be Buenos Aires – Mar del Plata. This line may get 5 daily train pairs during summer per (December-March). Passenger service from General Guido to Pinamar as a feeder to the Mar del Plata service, may start Friday 31 Dec 2020. It will operate Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The 3 Camello railcars (exRenfe) are under refurbishment for this service.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-7)

Double Decker Coaches

All 24 TBA double decker coaches will be renovated and rebuilt for a use in long distance services. For example they could be used between Buenos Aires and Rosario starting in 2021.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-7)

Bolivia

Corona Update

Due to Covid-19 train services remain suspended on the An-dean network. No information from the Eastern network.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-7)

Chile

Corona Update

Under strict hygienical measures train services are increasing also out-side the regional services : Santiago – Chillán operates now with 2 train pairs daily (1 on weekends).
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-7)

Delivery of Trains

End 2020 starts the delivery of the China-Built new electric and diesel trains fpr the Bio-Bio Suburban service (Concepción), Corto de Laja Regional-service and Victoria-Temuco line.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-7)

Uruguay

Renovations

The AFE president and further technisians underwent a trip over the Tres Arboles – Paysandú – Queguay section by railcar to inspect the progress of line rehabilitation. The section from Queguay to Salto Grande is currently also under rehabilitation. It wasn’t excluded that a passenger service in the Paysandú region may be implemented, planning for that is underway.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-7)

14.09.2020

Argentina

Cacuí – Resistencia

Argentina extended the shutdown caused by Corona until 20 September 2020. Despite that passenger traffic between Cacuí and Resistencia was reinstated after a gap of 4 years. There are 3 trains per day Monday to Friday.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-6)

Encarnación - Posadas - Garupá

After many years without freight transport to/from Paraguay on rails, Trenes Argentinos Operaciones will reintroduce a freight service to/from Encarnación in Paraguay from an unknown date in September 2020. Since freight traffic to Garupá is well developping Paraguay asked for this possibility to ease export of different comodities which faces problems on the transport over the waterways which have a very low level of water,
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-6)

Montevideo - 25 de Agosto - San José

AFE did not exclude rehabilitation of passenger services between 25 de Agosto and San José, after reintroducing this service between Montevideo and 25 de Agosto in 2022. There also plans to this on the line to Victor Sudriers after 2022.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-6)

Chile

Corona Update

Under strict hygienical measures train services are back out-side the regional services : Santiago – Chillán 1 pair/daily ; Talca – Constitución again normal with 2 trains daily ; Temuco – Victoria 1 daily; Talcahuano – Laja daily reduced offer.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-6)

Paraguay

Encarnación - Posadas - Garupá

After many years without freight transport to/from Paraguay on rails, Trenes Argentinos Operaciones will reintroduce a freight service to/from Encarnación in Paraguay from an unknown date in September 2020. Since freight traffic to Garupá is well developping Paraguay asked for this possibility to ease export of different comodities which faces problems on the transport over the waterways which have a very low level of water,
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-6)

Concepción – Horquetá – Juan Pedro Caballero – Ponta Porã

A private initiative elaborated a project to build a freight railway from Concepción (North of Asunción) to Juan Pedro Caballero and further to Ponta Porã in Brazil. The line may use the former Concepción – Horquetá line in part.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-6)

12.07.2020

Argentina

Passenger traffic

Despite the pandemic, freight trains and, with some restrictions, Buenos Aires suburban services are performing fairly well. Passenger trains to other provinces are, however, still disrupted.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-5)

Paraná – Colonia Avellaneda

Train services between Paraná and Colonia Avellaneda have been reinstated on 1 June 2020 as the first ones outside the Buenos Aires area. Two round-trips operate Monday to Friday.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-5)

Garupá - Zárate

One 07 June 2020, Garupá station in Misiones province saw its first freight train arriving since 2017. Starting from 16 June, a weekly freight train will link Garupá and Zárate.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-5)

Chile

Passenger traffic

Under strict hygienic measures, train services beyond the suburban operations are back: Santiago – Chillán 2 daily round-trips; Talca – Constitución with the habitual 2 daily trains; Temuco – Victoria 2 daily round-trips; Talcahuano – Laja daily, but with a reduced timetable.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-5)

Colombia

Turistren, Bogotá - Cajicá

Turistren is operating again. A local service runs Monday to Friday between Bogotá and Cajicá. One way fares are ca. € 3,20; trains leave from Bogotá at 05.25 and 17.15 while they return from Cajicá at 07.00 and 18.50. All rules and measures to prevent the spread of the Corona virus are being followed strictly.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-5)

Cuba

Passenger traffic

Since early July, more and more local railway services are being reactivated as the pandemic-related travel restrictions are now lifted region by region. Only Habana and Matanzas remain in Phase 1 until mid-July which means journeys outside the place of residence remain prohibited. Nationwide train service can, therefore, only resume once those two provinces also reopen.
In the already open provinces, the lockdown period was generally used to repair vehicles for the regional services as well as for repair work on the infrastructure.
(Source: Fahrplancenter/Volta o Trem)

Ecuador

General

The country was hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, and president Lenin Moreno saw himself forced to dramatically cut state expenses. As a consequence of this, seven entities have to be wound up in order to save expenses of about US$ 900m. Affected are some of the country's embassies, the post office and also the state railway company Ferrocarriles del Ecuador Empresa Pública (FEEP).
FEEP replaced the former state railway company Empresa Nacional de Ferrocarriles del Estado (ENFE) in 2010 in an attempt to reorganise the railway network, this having been declared a national monument in 2008.
FEEP took over railway lines with a length of 966,1 km, of which 506,7 km were rehabilitated between 2010 and 2015, coupled with the promise to rebuild the remaining lines with the exception of Sibambe to Cuenca. Later, the project of a new railway linking Guayaquil and Salinas along the Pacific coast was added, however, no work on the ground has been carried out as yet. After spending US$ 386,8m, tourist trains were introduced on some sections of the line: Otavalo – Ibarra – Salinas, Quito – El Boliche – Latacunga, Riobamba – Urbina – Ambato, Riobamba – Alausí – Sibambe (the famous Devil's Nose), Durán – Bucay – Riobamba. A short stretch on the former route to Cuenca, between Tambo and Baños del Inca, was also operated for a few years by a railbus. The luxury train „Tren Crucero“, which became world-famous in a very short time, was meant to be the jewel in the crown.
As the railway exclusively served tourist purposes, it was inaccessible for the majority of the Ecuadorian population; there were only some sporadic social excursions operated. Regular trains, operating three to six times per week, cost from US$ 25.00 upwards, which was simply too expensive for most people. Although repeatedly announced, a local train linking Ibarra and Salinas, mainly for school travel, never came about. The only truly local traffic was at the coastal end of the northern line between San Lorenzo and Cachavi/El Progreso, a journey of 45 km. It was operated by a vehicle called Ferrocamión, a converted lorry carrying passengers and freight. That stretch of line never suffered severe damage by floods or earthquakes, and the villages of Cachavi, San Javier, La Boca and Najurungo have only precarious access by road. The fare charged for the route was US$ 2.90 for a single journey, which was just about affordable for local residents.
The presidential decree made all 327 employees of the railway redundant. An average cost of US$ 921.00 per employee and month has been quoted, and the state will now save US$ 3'613'636.20 anually on salaries.
Passenger numbers have been decreasing during the last 2 years, and the interest of the state in its railway waned. An annual deficit of about US$ 2,1m dampened the spirits, which became evident when after heavy rainfall a section of embankment near San Roque collapsed, thereby cutting traffic between Ibarra and Otavalo - so far, no repair work has been carrried out there!
In 2018, FEEP operated 10 diesel-electric locomotives, 7 steam engines, 7 railbuses (the famous converted road buses), 36 passenger carriages (some newer ones with air-condition and some older ones with wooden bodies) and 3 generator vans. These were looked after in 4 workshops.
Back in December 2019, when the railway was still operating, the commercial manager of FEEP, Mr Patricio Jaramillo, advised that closure of the railway would generate a cost of around US$ 8m per year for the preservation and safeguarding of the assets. This seems to be a hint that the closure didn't come as a full-blown surprise.
In recent news, FEEP sought expressions of interest for taking over railway operations. PeruRail, operator of the trains to Machu Picchu and others, appears to be interested. Other voices suggest that a reactivation of the railways in Ecuador only has a chance if the network is made available for freight traffic.
(Source: Fahrplancenter/Volta o Trem)

Mexico

Chihuahua - Los Mochis

The tourist train Chepe resumed on 17 July, daily between Chihuahua and Los Mochis and under strict hygienic rules. Due to Covid-19, operation of the local train, serving rural communities, was back since 21 March 2020, but only on some sections of the line.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-5)

Panama

Ciudad de Panamá – Gamboa – Colón

On 23 June 2020 a ship collided with the Gamboa Bridge and brought all train traffic to a halt. The Railway took the reconstruction time of 2 weeks as an opportunity to undertake maintenance works on the entire line between Ciudad de Panamá and Colón.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-5)

Paraguay

General

Since the outbreak of the Corona crisis which led to the closure of borders with all neighbouring countries, no movments at all have taken place on the rails of FEPASA (Ferrocarril del Paraguay S.A.). The last train operating was the Wadloper railcar from the Argentinian city of Posadas, crossing the border bridge to reach Encarnación. This meant that FEPASA, which is in a precarious financial state anyway, was about to literally hit the buffers, however, an official decision in this regard has not been taken so far. Railway employees in the town of Ypacaraí (38 km to the east of the capital Asunción) decided to take matters into their own hands. After many years, the whistle of a steam locomotive sounded in Ypacaraí station on 07 June 2020, with locomotive Nr 60 „El Inglés“ (The Englishman) doing the honours. The wood burner has been overhauled and externally renovated to the tune of 244m Guaranies (some 32'000 Euros); many hours have been spent on this. „El Inglés“ was built in 1910 by North British Locomotive Company and is currently the only operational wood burner in South America. Although this first „journey“ covered a distance of just 100 metres, it is a sign of more things to come. FEPASA, in co-operation with the municipalities of Luque, Areguá and Ypacaraí, the National Agency for Tourism and the Ministry of Public Works, are developing the „Tren del Lago“ tourist project in order to have some kind of regular operation. The train will not be able to return to the city of Asunción as the tracks are not accessible (they are „reserved“ for a LRT project that has been postponed on countless occasions). The Tren del Lago will use the section from Luque (8 km from Asunción) via Yuquyry, Areguá and Patiño to Ypacaraí, 30 km in total. Work had started before the Covid-19 crisis took hold, and it is not known at present how far they have progressed. They will continue in July as the restrictions are being lifted and the country reopens. Recent news suggest that the Tren del Lago will initially run on a short stretch within the town of Ypacaraí, beginning on 13 September 2020, circumstances in terms of the pandemic permitting. The following stages will be to Patiño first and then to Areguá.
As a separate project, repair work is carried out on the former main railway station at Asunción. In particular, the wooden parts of the station canopy need replaced as they suffer a lot in the tropical climate. This will also enable re-opening of and access to the railway museum.
(Source: Fahrplancenter/Volta o Trem)

Uruguay

Tourist Trains

The state railway company AFE is looking into the introduction of tourist trains, particularly on lines which are currently without traffic but where the infrastructure still exists.
Located on the former railway line to Rocha, the communities of José Ignacio (168 km east of the capital Montevideo) and Garzón plan to operate a railcar, allegedly of German origin and built in 1945, on the 19 km of route between the two villages. Both railway stations also form part of the concept.
(Source: Fahrplancenter/Volta o Trem)

Passenger traffic

Due to the severe spread of Corona virus in Brazil and the fear that it may jump from the Brazilian city of Santana do Livramento across the open border to Rivera in Uruguay, AFE limited the journey of the railcar to the Tacuarembó – Paso Tranqueras section and reduced the frequency from 5 to 2 weekly round-trips from 28 May 2020.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-5)

23.05.2020

Argentina

Ferrosur Roca

Freight train operator Ferrosur Roca continues with great problems and it is not sure if the company will continue for the near future. This would put the „Tren del Valle“ local train Cipolletti – Neuquén into danger of discontinuance, because the staff of this train is employed by Ferrosur Roca.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-4)

Corona Update

Even during the pandemy some activities, others than freight and Buenos Aires suburban traffic, can be observed. Passenger Rail transport to other provinces is still interrupted. In the Northeast test runs have been untertaken with a Wadloper (ex-NS DH-2) railcar over the 12 km long line from Posadas to Garupá. The plan is to introduce a local passenger service over this line, once public transport may be again possible. More Wadlopers are under repair and Garupá municipality is repairing the local station. Two more stations may follow later at Ñu Porã and Miguel Lanús. Tracks are in good shape with the exception of weeds and waste which must be eliminated. A journey time of this service of about 20 min. will be realsitic.
Preparing works are currently under way to reopen the line from Paraná to Colonia Avellaneda after the 2 months shut-down as soon as possibly.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-4)

Colombia

Ferrocarril del Pacífico

As Ferrocarril del Pacífico (Pacific Railway) did not meet the contract requirements and did not operate any commercial traffic for 3 years, the contract was terminated. It is not the state's first attempt to use a concession to re-activate this rail network in the west of the country. Freight traffic on the other routes, from Bogotá to the north and in the Magdalena Valley, had increased noticeably, even though the quantities were still low due to a lack of rolling stock.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-4)

Ecuador

FEEP dissolved

The Republic of Ecuador is on the brink of bankrupcy due to the corona pandemic and other facts, which is why 7 state-owned companies are being dissolved by the government. Among them is Ferrocarriles del Ecuador Empresa del Estado FEEP (State Railways)! The railway, which was rebuilt for a lot of money, was only used for tourism and was permanently in deficit (deficit of around US $ 2 million a year). Since tourism came to a complete standstill, the 327 employees had to be fired. What is going to happen to infrastructure and rolling-stock, as well as the 4 workshops, is not yet known. Preserving the entire Railway would cost around US $ 8m. a year.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-4)

20.04.2020

Argentina

Ferrosur Roca

Freight train operator Ferrosur Roca wants to reduce the number of employees and reduce the wages for all others due to a drop of about 14,7% in freight tonnage. The company has not yet paid the supplements of January 2020 of 3000 Pesos and 1000 Pesos for each month afterwards, which already mobilizes the workers unions.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-3)

Bolivia

Tupiza – Villazón

Floods interrupted again the railway between Tupiza and Villazón. A limited service with a railbus was then offered twice weekly by FCA between Tupiza and Uyuni. Later the nationwide halt of all travel, due to the coronavirus, brought this service also to a halt.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-3)

Brazil

Desinfection of Railway Stations

Due to the corona pandemy the CBTU trains of the services at João Pessoa and Natal, as well as the stations are disinfected daily by the Brazilian Army. At Recife and Maceió these measures are made by private firms.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-3)

Costa Rica

San José suburban services

Due to the corona pandemy, delivery of the first 2 new trains for the San José suburban services under construction at CRRC Sifang Qingdao together with MAN and Voith, will be delayed by 3 months to September 2020. The other 6 trains will follow December 2020 as planned.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-3)

28.03.2020

Argentina

Corona Update

To reduce the expansion of the Coronavirus the Government prohibited all long-distance Travel by bus, train or plane until at least March 31. All local trains in the interior are also concerned, including the international railcar Posadas – Encarnación (Paraguay). Buenos Aires suburban trains and the metro are operating to Sunday schedules and some intermediate aren’t served.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-2)

Brazil

Corona Update

Trains Belo Horizonte – Vitória cancelled since March 24 until further notice, as also all passenger trains between São Luis and Parauapebas.
Suburban services operated by CBTU (Natal, João Pessoa, Recife, Maceió and Belo Horizonte) are mostly operating, but with altered schedules and trains are disinfected between trips. In Ceará state all trains (Fortaleza area, Sobral and Cariri) are cancelled between March 21 and 29, 2020.
The Campos Jordão electric Interurban has cancelled all trains, with the exception of the Pindamonhangaba – Piracuama local traffic.
Rio de Janeiro, all lines remain in operation, but mostly with a reduced offer. Cleaning was intensified.
São Paulo: CPTM Tourist trains and fast trains to Guarulhos Airport cancelled, all other trains operate at lower frequencies.
Metro Teresina cancelled does not operate March 23-31,2020
ABPF Tourist trains: In Santa Catarina state all trains are running ; Campinas all trains cancelled March 20 to April 30. Others also mostly cancelled with the exception of the operations on the South of Minas Gerais state.
Serra Verde Express cancelled all trains between Curitiba and Morretes from March 20 of for unknown time.
Tourist trains operated by Vale (Ouro Preto and São João del Rei) are cancelled until further notice.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-2)

Operator of Suburban Trains CBTU

The national operator of suburban trains CBTU gets more and more projects for expanding its services also to other states and cities. After Brasília, Macaé and Curitiba which already contracted CBTU for implementing such services, Paraíba state instructed CBTU to lengthen the existing Cabedelo – Santa Rita to Cobé, 21 km towards the interior. Cobé has a station on the closed line towards Natal.
Furthermore the municipalities of Japerí and Itaguaí in Rio de Janeiro state and Capitão Enéas asked CBTU to develop studies for local services on their area. Furthermore Rio de Janeiro state through its Regulating Agency for public services AGETRANSP asked CBTU to study all existing lines without traffic in the state to evaluate the possibility for some local passenger services.
Recently CBTU signed also contracts about studies for local train services between Maringá and Londrina in Paraná state and a local service to Mangaratiba in the Rio de Janeiro region.
Minas Gerais state, which put all existing and former railway lines under its protection (the only state which did it up to now) completed a very detailed study about reactivation of the different lines for passenger and freight traffic. The highest ranking was reached by the Divinópolis – Lavras – Varginha line in the South of the state. The highest ranking for reinstating a tourist traffic is the São Sebastião do Rio Verde – Passa Quatro line on which ABPF already started some reconstruction.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-2)

Chile

Corona Update

Suburban railways (Nós, Rancagua, Valparaíso, Concepción) are operating but with reduced frequencies. The Talca – Constitución railbus operates normally for being an essential service, thus tourists are currently not allowed to use it. Temuco – Victoria is cancelled as all tourist trains.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-2)

Colombia

Corona Update

Between Bogotá and Zipaquirá there are no trains running until 4th of April 2020. In tickets are sold from 2nd of April on, in Bogotá from the 4th of April.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-2)

Costa Rica

Corona Update

Incofer operates as usually, all stations are open for traffic.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-2)

Cuba

Corona Update

The railways commenced to recover from the big fuel crisis and in this moment they had to suspend all national and regional train services from midnight 25 March 2020, even with less than 50 affected people in the country. Local services be-tween rural communities, mostly the Carahatas, have the auth-orization to run, unless local health services decide otherwise.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-2)

Ecuador

Corona Update

All trains have been cancelled from March 17, 2020 on until further notice.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-2)

Mexico

Corona Update

The Suburban train out of Mexico City operates normally. All tourist trains are cancelled. El Chepe between Chihuahua and Los Mochis runs twice weekly only offering second class and for local residents only.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-2)

Paraguay

FEPASA is bankrupt

Due to the lack of any activity, including the loss of freight traffic from Encarnación to Argentina, state railways FEPASA have been declared bankrupt. This brought all preparing work to reactivate the tourist train „Tren del Lago“ Luque – Ypacaraí to an abrupt halt.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-2)

Peru

Corona Update

Perurail cancelled all tourist trains from 17 March for at least 2 weeks. The local train Cuzco – Hidreléctrica runs unchanged because it is a basic service for the local residents. That seems also to be the case for Tren Macho Huancayo – Huancavelica. Because of border closure to Chile, services between Tacna and Arica are also suspended. These measures are valid until at least 31 March 2020.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-2)

Uruguay

Corona Update

The train between Tacuarembó and Rivera operates normally.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-2)

20.03.2020

Argentina

Is there a silver lining on the cloud?

First, a word about COVID-19 and the impact it has on the railways in Argentina
Argentina introduced a comprehensive lockdown in the early stages (i.e. containment phase) of the disease. Long-distance trains as well as regional trains in the interior of the country have been withdrawn until further notice, while suburban trains and the metro system of Buenos Aires operate a Sunday timetable, omitting many of the intermediate stations. Hopefully this helps to curb the spread of the virus as the health system would be extremely challenged by having to cope with a large outbreak of the disease.

A new Transport Minister takes over
After the incumbent president Mauricio Macri failed to secure a second term in office, his opponent Alberto Fernández took over on 10 December 2019. Mr Fernández appointed Mario Meoni as Minister for Transport, who became the successor of Guillermo Dietrich. Mr Meoni was Mayor of the city of Junín during 12 years. Junín is one of the many emblematic railway cities in Argentina with its workshops, suffering heavily from the decline of the railways in the country since the early 1990ies. Although he is not a railway professional, Mr Meoni seems to embrace the railways as a key mode of transport and uses common sense and comprehensive thinking in order to define the future of freight and passenger transport in Argentina. However, in light of the severely depleted financial reserves (some may call it an empty till...), this is a mammoth task and only a sequence of small steps will be possible.

The legacy of the Macri government (2015 – 2019)
The decline of the Argentine railway system began long before the Macri years. In 1992, the then president Menem ordered massive closures of railway lines which emptied vast parts of the country – 400 municipalities were wiped from the map - and caused a steady migration to the big metropolitan areas. These are now bursting at the seams with infrastructure unable to cope, poverty, lack of jobs and an increase of crime. All this adversely affects the railway by illegal dwellings in close proximity to the tracks, theft of rails, sleepers and goods from passing trains. During the Kirchner governments (2003 to 2015), the state gradually assumed a more proactive role in the railway sector which led to a re-nationalisation of most of the suburban lines of Buenos Aires. Also, freight operations on the Belgrano, Urquiza and San Martín routes were brought back under state control. After the debacle of purchasing second-hand rolling stock from Spain and Portugal, the government changed their strategy and modernised the fleet by acquiring scores of newly-built vehicles from China.
Once Mr Dietrich - he is well connected to the road transport sector - took over as Transport Minister in 2015, he declared that the railways would have two fields of action: Freight transport on key routes and passenger transport in Metropolitan Buenos Aires. What is the situation at the end of his tenure in terms of infrastructure, projects and traffic?

Passenger traffic: Three projects to put sections of suburban railways on viaducts in order to free space for road traffic (motorised traffic, not bicycles or pedestrians, as it turned out) were started, one on the line to Tigre (Mitre railway, mostly complete), one on the San Martín railway (Palermo – Villa del Parque, operational, but two stations and signalling still incomplete) and one on the Belgrano Sur railway. On the latter one, just the elevated station of Dr. A. Sáenz is operational while the continuation, a new line to extend the Belgrano Sur line to Plaza Constitución station, is far from being finished. So far, no service improvements or increased frequencies have been introduced on any of these routes. Over on the Sarmiento route, where a double-track tunnel is supposed to replace a quadruple-track line at level, work has stopped altogether, due to a lack of funds. The Puente Alsina to Aldo Bonzi line has been closed. Outer suburban/tangential routes which connected western suburbs of the capital like Temperley – Morón or Merlo – Lobos didn't see any investment at all which even led to the closure of the formerly mentioned line. After a collision in June 2016, for which by no means the passenger train was to blame, the governor of Buenos Aires province shut down Ferrobaires and devoid the province of all medium and long-distance trains. Eventually, a few routes came back into operation, using the new Chinese carriage fleet. However, frequencies were substantially reduced, for example once (Junín) or twice a week (Bragado) where Ferrobaires operated daily. Trains to Rosario, Córdoba and Tucumán have been retained as well as regional services in Salta and Chaco provinces. However, the urban railway at Resistencia, capital of Chaco province has been closed. All in all, quite a half-hearted approach to passenger trains. In the run-up to the elections, the government tried to woo the electorate with some “cosmetic” measures, but this didn't wash; it was too little too late. Not just the railways but the entire country experienced a severe decline during the Macri years. Although the country produces plenty of food, millions of Argentinians are suffering from hunger.

Freight: The only scheme promoted by Mr Dietrich was the Vaca Muerta project to connect the oil fields in northern Neuquén province. However, the Public-private partnership didn't attract any investors and it is currently still open whether and how the scheme can progress. Neglecting the infrastructure in vast parts of the country led to spectacular results. Uncountable derailments resulted in huge damage and loss in terms of locomotives, wagons and freight. Some of the “hotspots” are the passage through the city of Santa Fe, on the Belgrano metre gauge network the Buenos Aires – Rosario and Córdoba – Tucumán lines. The standard-gauge Urquiza network, connecting the northeast of the country, almost collapsed and was nearing abandonment. Its link with the capital was severed when the diamond crossing at Pilar (intersection with the San Martín line) was lifted. The re-connection of the Belgrano network with Bolivia has been postponed twice by Mr Dietrich and is still pending. The former trunk line Buenos Aires – Mendoza (San Martín railway) has also seen its share of derailments. As the dam across the Picasa lake is flooded, trains have to diverge over some poorly-maintained secondary lines, increasing journey times by several hours. The Macri government eventually began rehabilitation work on the Picasa dam, reluctantly, as it appears. The concessionaires Ferroexpreso Pampeano, NCA and Ferrosur Roca continued to operate, while the now state-owned Belgrano Cargas received delivery of new locomotives and wagons, built in China, although these had been ordered by the previous government of Cristina Kirchner. At present, rail has a share of just 7% of the modal split in terms of freight transport, while this is 20% in neighbouring Brazil! Road haulage is detrimental to exports as the direct costs are substantially higher than rail mode, let alone indirect costs like wear and tear of roads and bridges, accidents, environmental impact like carbon footprint etc.

The new government and its Transport Minister recognise that a comprehensive approach is required with railways as the backbone of transport, complemented by rivers and roads. Well, it doesn't just happen with snipping the fingers... Ferrolatino News will have a look at the various smaller and bigger steps that are planned, some of which are already being put into practice.

So, here we are – the new government is now facing the mammoth task to address all the issues. It is certainly quite similar to climbing the Andes mountains! It has been recognised that the railways have a pivotal role to bring Argentina back on its feet. Mobility is a key requirement in today's society and life. But where to start? Infrastructure – certainly! Rolling stock – of course, but where is it? It is unclear, how many carriages and railcars were sold for scrap or have been donated to schools and parks by the previous government. As long as there is existing stock in a condition which allows for adequate refurbishment, projects can go ahead swiftly and at low cost, but should there be a requirement to purchase new rolling stock, the matter will be more complex as the Treasury will have its say... The experience with vehicles manufactured in China has been somewhat mixed; supply of spare parts being one of the core issues.

Freight
The various parts of the country are connected with the capital and the seaports by railway systems of different track gauges, and the attention has turned towards the trunk routes of each network.
The standard-gauge Urquiza line has been virtually saved in the last minute, and its main route is to be rehabilitated from Paso de los Libres to Garupá with a subsequent extension to Encarnación in Paraguay. Traffic has already resumed as far as Santo Tomé, while repair work further north is currently under way.
Repair and track relay work is key to bring the vast metre-gauge Belgrano network back into action. The most precarious sections on the Rosario – Córdoba – Tucumán and further towards the north trunk route are currently being attended to. Some spots even saw multiple derailments during the last year! Repair work on the section from Pichanal to the Bolivian border at Pocitos, twice called of by Mr Dietrich, should now go ahead, so that there is at least a connection to the eastern network of Bolivia. In Chaco province, the previous government had somewhat reluctantly started track refurbishment on the C13 route between Presidencia Roque Sáenz Peña and Resistencia, although for some unknown reason, use of Puerto Barranqueras port on the Paraná river was not promoted by the Macri government. This decision seems to have been reversed, and the relay work is going ahead.
Work on the dam across the Picasa lake is ongoing, so that freight trains on the San Martín trunk route to and from Mendoza can use the original route.
Some consideration is given to reconnect the Tren Patagónico route at Viedma. The track south of Bahía Blanca is currently passable at walking pace over several hundreds of kilometres. A commercial operation is, therefore, not viable. Substantial remedy work will have its price tag attached to it!

Passenger trains
The following is an overview from north to south, system by system, over the various projects promoted by the state and regional/local authorities. Both social and tourist schemes are covered.

Belgrano network (metre-gauge)
Salta province is giving priority to suburban trains Salta to Cerrillos. This seems to be justified by the huge success of the Salta to Güemes trains.
A bit further north, Jujuy province is working steadily, but slowly – due to the limited funding available – on the reconstruction of the Jujuy to La Quiaca line. Progress is visible on the centre section between Volcán and Maimara. A solar-powered railcar, similar to the one at Byron Bay in Australia, will carry tourists on this scenic route in the same fashion as in Ecuador. The long-term vision is a tourist corridor by train from Jujuy to Machu Picchu.
Over in Chaco province, the Macri government started relaying sections of the C13 branch line between Presidencia Roque Sáenz Peña and Resistencia as a series of derailments made this a necessity. However, the passage through the city of Resistencia was left out as the urban passenger service was not meant to resume and Puerto Barranqueras was not considered a priority. The new transport minister, Mr Meoni, visited Resistencia on 12 March 2020 in response to requests from the province government. It was agreed that repair and rehabilitation work on the urban section will start immediately. As a first step, this should allow for the train from Los Amores to continue its journey from Cacuí station to Resistencia within a month's time. At present, the bus fare for this 9 km stretch is a multiple of the rail fare for the 147 km from Los Amores to Cacuí! Local trains on the Puerto Tirol – Resistencia – Puerto Barranqueras should follow as soon as possible. The railcars for this service are actually there! Freight trains to Puerto Barranqueras on the Paraná river will also benefit from the track upgrade.
Now let's go to Córdoba province. The government has provided funding in their budget for the Tren Ferrourbano in the province capital. The link line between the metre-gauge network and the main station of Córdaba is finally usable – a few test runs took place – and railcars are available on site. From the part of the national government, there is a plan to extend the Tren de las Sierras for a further 20 kilometres from its current terminus Cosquín to La Falda, and in the long term, a further extension to Huerta Grande and Capilla del Monte is envisaged. However, long-term projects are always subject to continuity in politics...

Urquiza network (standard-gauge)
A project that has been mooted for some time now is a suburban train from Posadas over a distance of 16 km to Garupá in the north eastern extreme of the country. Mr Meoni has visited Posadas and gave the project a boost. In terms of infrastructure, the track improvement work will also benefit that passenger train, and further halts will be built. Some of the Dutch Wadloper railcars are one site to operate on the route, however, they are in need of some repair work. It is still open whether the current operator of the international train to Encarnación, Casimiro Zbikoski, will also operate the suburban train. The high fares charged for that international connection to Paraguay are raising some eyebrows.
Further south, repair work is currently under way on the suburban route Paraná – Colonia Avellaneda, although this is purely manual work with a small squad of workers. However, once this is complete, another 10 km of track will be rehabilitated so that the trains can continue to La Picada and Sauce Montrull. There is some talk at Paraná to reopen the route to Oro Verde, but this will be a challenge for Entre Rios province as the track alignment has been occupied at some spots by illegal dwellings.

Mitre network (broad gauge)
Rosario is the third biggest city of Argentina, and there have been demands for suburban rail transport which date back decades. In fact, Santa Fe province enacted a law a few years ago which would set the base for this, but nothing has come from that law so far (no surprise, though...). A new effort is now being made, endorsed by the FLB/AIFFLA partner organisation Asociación Rosarina Amigos del Riel, and it was in fact storming through open doors in Buenos Aires! The first stage will be a suburban service over 70 km from Rosario Norte to Cañada de Gómez, thereby re-opening all intermediate station. This would be complemented with further stops, one of them at the airport. The second route would connect Rosario with Casilda. Both lines require substantial infrastructure improvements, and the co-operation with the freight concessionaire Nuevo Central Argentino is essential. Another option is a link towards the south, from Rosario Norte to Villa Constitución, but this would involve substantial work to upgrade the long passage through Rosario.
At the northern end of the Mitre network, an elevated urban train is proposed in Tucumán, but it is questionable whether such a prestige project can be funded at all.
Back in the years of the Menem presidency, most of the Buenos Aires – Pergamino – Venado Tuerto route was closed, and only the 80 km long section to Capilla del Señor was retained as a suburban route. Its infrastructure is in poor condition, and it required a public petition (supported by FLB/AIFFLA) to keep the route open after a brief closure during 2019. The plan is to improve this line and extend suburban services as far as San Antonio de Areco, followed by regional trains onwards to Pergamino. Due to the severe depopulation beyond Pergamino towards Venado Tuerto, that section of the route is not considered for re-opening.

San Martín network (broad gauge)
Currently under review is the extension of the Buenos Aires – Junín route to Vedia and additional weekly trains to Junín. Mr Meoni has initiated the re-opening of the railway workshops at Junín.

Sarmiento network (broad gauge)
A track survey took place, starting at Bragado over a distance of 101 km to Carlos Casares with the result that the infrastructure was found to be in good condition; just a few level crossing require attention. That trains would run there in March sounded quite optimistic, but traffic should resume in a few months time. It is far more pressing to carry out track remedy work on the Luján to Mercedes section, where even passenger trains derailed during recent months.
It didn't take long until demands came up for a further reopening of the line from Carlos Casares via Pehuajó, Trenque Lauquén and Catriló to General Pico, in order to re-connect La Pampa province by train. There are, however, some sections of track between Carlos Casares and Catriló that require comprehensive refurbishment. Freight trains of Ferroexpreso Pampeano have to obey a 10 km per hour speed restriction there. The branch line from Catriló to Santa Rosa also needs quite some work on tracks and level crossings in order to be suitable for passenger trains.

Belgrano Sur network (metre-gauge)
Towards the end of 2019, the section González Catán to 20 de Junio reopened after many years, and there is significant progress on the following section to Marcos Paz. A rugby pitch is still obstructing part of the yard at Marcos Paz station, but people at this sizeable town are looking forward to use this route to Buenos Aires.

Roca network (broad gauge)
There are repeated calls from the communities along the 304 km long line from Lobos to Bolívar and Daireaux asking for the re-introduction of passenger trains. This had been reduced and finally withdrawn due to the poor condition of the infrastructure. Bus connections to this area are sparse, and the former transport minister, Mr Dietrich, had signalling equipment removed at 25 de Mayo station, and level crossings had been paved over in order to make resumption of services impossible. The current transport minister has committed himself to look into the matter. It would also be interesting to reopen the route for freight trains – at present, this terminates at Daireaux coming from the western direction! - as many intermediate stations have grain storage silos.
There is an excellent chance that the passenger train from Lobos to Saladillo and General Alvear will run again as the president of Trenes Argentinos Infraestructuras hails from Saladillo. A survey of the track and the level crossings ins currently under way.
The struggle of the Tandilenses (people living in the city of Tandil, some 120,000 inhabitants) to have the passenger train to Buenos Aires back seems to be heading in a good direction. The transport minister is very welcoming towards this project. At this time, it is still open whether there will be a through train or whether the connection will involve a change of trains at Las Flores.
Then, there is yet another chance for a railway project that involves Tandil. A steam locomotive has been refurbished at Ayacucho, and the venture now receives support from the state in the form of 4 passenger carriages which once were in use in long-distance trains of Ferrocarriles Argentinos. Delivery of the coaches – they are being refurbished at Rosario – is expected later this year. With several lines radiating from Ayacucho, the one to Tandil was chosen because it can be repaired at low cost.
The ministry of transport and local pressure groups coincide that re-opening of the General Guido to Pinamar branch for passenger trains is important. This will require some track repair work, but the key issue is the terminus at Pinamar. The previous transport minister ceded the facility to the municipal government who use it as their weekly market. This needs reversed.
Significant progress is made in the Neuquén area with the expansion of their urban train service. Extension of the route in western direction to the town of Plottier has commenced with 3 new stopping places now under construction. Funding for this had been secured a while ago, but the monies were re-directed by the previous transport minister to the urban bus system. Mr Meoni is now looking into a further extension of the route at its eastern end from Cipolletti to General Roca. Three railcars are available to supplement the two existing ones; two of them at their manufacturer Materfer and a further one at Remedios de Escalada workshops.
Many people in Argentina would love to see the Bahía Blanca to Viedma route reopened in order to have a direct link to Río Negro province and the south of the country. Rehabilitation work will be extensive and only makes sense when both passenger and freight traffic use the line.

There is a lot to do – lets hope some or all of this becomes reality! Ferrolatino News will report in future editions.
(Source: Fahrplancenter/Volta o Trem)

04.01.2020

Argentina

Victoria – Capilla del Señor

The petition for rehabilitation of the line from Victoria to Caspilla del Señor, also underwritten by FLB members, was positive. Since 22 December 2019 passenger trains are again running, but at slow speed, since works have been minmal.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-1)

Neuquén - Plottier

Neuquén province is working hard to introduce passenger services from Neuquén to Plottier. 3 neu stations will be built. For the moment the national controlling authority CNRT has not yet issued a license. But the new government is not again this project, as long as the province is financially engaged.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-1)

González Catán – 20 de Junio

December 2, 2019 the repaired section from González Catán to 20 de Junio has been put into operation after a gap of 26 years without passenger trains. Trains need 22 min for the 9 km long Belgrano Sur metre-gauge suburban line.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-1)

Brazil

Trem Turístico Rio-Minas

Preparative works for the Rio-Minas tourist train are going ahead, but very slowly. There are a few train trips from time to time, but apparently not for the public. Tres Rios municipality is bilding a completely new railway station, but in traditional style. In the meantime a section in Ceará state was founded, which wants to introduce a tourist train south of Fortaleza.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-1)

Chile

Metro Santiago

Santiago Metro suffered of damages on rolling-stock and installations of about US$ 300million during the recent unrest in the country. No other railway was touched so hardly.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-1)

Constitución - Talca

For the first time after many years the timings of one buscarril (Railbus) service between Constitución and Talca changed. The evening departure from Constitución was postponed by 90 min to 17.15. This eliminates the traditional crossing with the evening service from Talca at Gonázlez Bastías, the two railbusses are now crossing at Forel station, 62 km from Talca. The morning services continue to cross at González Bastías.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-1)

Cuba

Habana - Cuenfuegos

Rehabilitation works have recently been terminated and through passenger services Habana – Cienfuegos over the Southern line many resume soon.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-1)

Mexico

Ciudad de México – Toluca

After nearly one year of inactivity Construction works resumed on the 56 km long interurban passenger line Mexico City - Toluca. With the help of the private sector the line should now open end 2020 or early in 2021.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-1)

Peru

Huancayo – Huancavelica

News from Peru indicate that the Transport-Ministry wants now to invest US$284mio. in the rehabilitation and modernisation of the Huancayo – Huancavelica railway. This happens because no private enterprise was willing to take this over. The works may start early in 2021.
(Source: Volta o Trem 24-1)

31.12.2019

Argentina

Victoria -  Capilla del Señor

The petition for the repair of the Victoria - Capilla del Señor route, which had been signed by FLB members, has had an impact. Despite the rehabilitation work being of minor size, it allowed for the passenger trains to run again as from 22 December 2019.
(Source: Fahrplancenter/Volta o Trem)

Neuquén - Plottier

Neuquén province are frantically working to reopen the route from Neuquén (city) to Plottier. Three new halts are in the process of being built. The operating licence from the state transport regulator CNRT is still pending, but it appears that the new federal government supports the project as long as the province puts some money into the scheme.
(Source: Fahrplancenter/Volta o Trem)

González Catán – 20 de Junio

On 02 December 2019, the 9 km long section González Catán to 20 de Junio, part of the metre-gauge Belgrano Sur suburban railway system, reopenend after 26 years. Passenger trains take 22 minutes to run through the section.
(Source: Fahrplancenter/Volta o Trem)

Brazil

Rio - Minas

The preparation works for the Rio – Minas tourist train continue, albeit slowly. There are reports of occasional runs, but they don't seem to be open to the public. The Tres Rios municipality is building an entirely new railway station in traditional architecture. In the meantime, a section has been established in Ceará state with the aim of introducing a tourist train south of Fortaleza.
(Source: Fahrplancenter/Volta o Trem)

Chile

Metro Santiago

The Metro Santiago system suffered heavily during the riots in late 2019. Damage to vehicles and infrastructure is estimated at US$ 300m; no other railway line/system in the country was hit that hard.
(Source: Fahrplancenter/Volta o Trem)

Limache on the Santiago – Valparaiso route

The Tren del Recuerdo has a new destination: Limache on the Santiago – Valparaiso route. After two successful test runs in December 2019, the first public train operated on 11 January 2020 to Limache. Regular passenger service on this line ceased back in 1986; and only the Limache – Valparaiso Puerto section sees frequent movements by the Metro Valparaiso suburban system. During the summer (holiday) months January and February the Tren del Recuerdo runs every Saturday, now alternating between San Antonio and Limache.
(Source: EFE/Tren Chile/MetrotrenHD)

Constitución - Talca

For the first time in many years, the timing of a Buscarril from Constitución to Talca has been substantially changed. The evening run from Constitución was retimed by 90 minutes, departing now at 17:15. This means that the crossing of the two afternoon trains was moved from its traditional spot at González Bastías to Forel, 62 km west of Talca. The morning trains keep crossing each other at González Bastías.
(Source: Fahrplancenter/Volta o Trem)

Overnight Train Santiago - Concepción

EFE has expanded their range of tourist trains by adding an overnight train Santiago to Concepción. During the summer months there is a train every fortnight, departing from Santiago on Friday evening and returning from Concepción on Sunday evening. In recent years those trains operated to Temuco and featured car conveying wagons, but this is not now offered. Coaching stock is formed by ex-spanish carriages, purchased from Renfe in 2003, while traction is provided by two veterans. On the electrified section from Santiago to Chillán the italian-built E-3020 from 1961 is at the helm of the train. At Chillán, the GE D-16005, built in 1954, takes over to bring the train to its final destination.
(Source: EFE/Tren Chile)

Colombia

Bogotá - Facatativá

On 07 January 2020, the contract for the construction of the „Regio Tram de Occidente“ was signed in Bogotá. This suburban line will link Bogotá and Facatativá. The route is 39,6 km long, electrified and will be laid in standard gauge of 1435 mm. It will mainly run along the existing but apart of runs to the El Corzo workshops unused railway corridor of the former state railway FCN. Opening of the new system is expected to take place in 2024. The only tender to build the Regio Tram was received from the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), which will now be in charge to carry out the work.
(Source: El Tiempo)

Cali: to Yumbo, Jamundí and Palmira

After Medellín and in the near future Bogotá, the city of Cali aspires to belong to the cities with an urban/suburban railway system. The authorities of the Valle del Cauca province an the city of Cali commissioned a feasibility study from the french consultant Systra (owned by SNCF and RATP) to explore introduction of passenger rail traffic on existing, but underused railway corridors. This would involve the following routes: north to Yumbo and east to Palmira, both currently part of the Ferrocarril del Pacífico concession (see article below), and south to Jamundí – a line which hasn't seen any trains for decades.
(Source: Gobernación del Valle del Cauca)

Yumbo - La Cumbre - Buenaventura

Rather as a surprise came the news about the impending re-introduction of freight trains between Yumbo (industrial suburb to the north of Cali) and the Port of Buenaventura on the Pacific coast. Traffic had ceased on 07 April 2017 when the main shareholder of Ferrocarril del Pacífico (FDP) withdrew from the company. It appears that new investors eventually have taken over and legal hurdles been cleared. Freight trains are announced to return in February 2020 and to cover the challenging mountain route. A revival of the Tren Turístico del Café y del Azúcar (TTCA) is also envisaged. A train ran on 27 December 2019 from Yumbo to La Cumbre, consisting of locomotive 1204 and one passenger carriage. At La Cumbre, the train was greeted by a good crowd and the local brass band bid a musical welcome. The village is longing for the return of the TTCA as tourism is the main source of income there.
(Source: Trenes de Colombia/Tren del Recuerdo Colombiano/local correspondents)

Cuba

Habana - Cienfuegos

After completion of track works, through traffic on the south line between La Habana and Cienfuegos is expected to resume shortly.
(Source: Fahrplancenter/Volta o Trem)

Mexico

Ciudad de México – Toluca

After a year without any registered activities, work has resumed on the 56 km long new passenger line linking Ciudad de México and Toluca. The privat sector is now involved, too, and it is hoped this will allow the line to open at the end of 2020 or early 2021.
(Source: Fahrplancenter/Volta o Trem)

Peru

Huancayo - Huancavelica

According to recently sourced information, the Ministry for Transport will now invest US$ 284m into the rehabilitation and modernisation of the Huancayo to Huancavelica railway line as no tenders from private companies had been received. Works are expected to start in early 2021.
(Source: Fahrplancenter/Volta o Trem)

16.10.2019

Argentina

Petition continues

The petition continues!
In the election battle Trenes Argentinos Operaciones reopened many stations to passenger services, these are:
Between Buenos Aires & Tucumán: Baradero, Sunchales
Between Buenos Aires & Junin: José C. Paz, Pilar, Mercedes, Rivas, O’Higgins
Between Buenos Aires & Chascomús: Domselaar
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-6)

Luján - Mercedes

After the derailment of a passenger train on the way to Mercedes, Trenes Argentinos Operaciones started finally with track repairs on this 32 km long section from Luján to Mercedes. As a consequence journey times to Mercedes increased by over 20 min. and the number of trains has been reduced by 50%.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-6)

El Maitén - Ñorquincó

La Trochita started rehabilitation of the 37 km section from El Maitén to Ñorquincó and regular tourist trains may start early in 2020.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-6)

Bolivia

Light Rail Train at cochabamba

The first Light Rail Train built by Stadler at Minsk arrived at Cochabamba and test runs have started over the already completed sections of this new railway.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-6)

Railway related Park in La Paz

In the yard of the former La Paz Central station state president Morales inaugurated a Railway related park.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-6)

Chile

Copiapó – Paipote

In September 2019 Ferronor started a new tourist train over a distance of 12 km between Copiapó and Paipote, using refurbished rolling-stock. The train will run once a month on a Saturday. For this purpose the line has been rebuilt, because it was completely destroyed by floods in 2015.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-6)

Peru

Huancayo – Huancavelica

In August 2019 landslides near Izcuchaca (Km 67) interrupted Tren Macho Huancayo – Huancavelica. For this reason a railcar runs until further notice Monday, Wednesday and Friday between Huancayo and Cuenca (Km 57).
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-6)

Uruguay

Trains in the Central Station of Montevideo

In a surprising step state railways AFE repaired some tracks between the Nueva Terminal de Pasajeros (Terminal station) and the old Estación Central (Central station). After the arrival of a small shunting locomotive the station was opened to the public September 21 with an exhibition of Rolling-stock, comprising diesel-locomotives and a railcar (ex-Sweden) and for the first time in nearly 17 years a passenger train arrived! It was the AUAR (Railway friends organisation) Steam train with Steam loco 120. Many people attended the event.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-6)

02.10.2019

Bolivia

Three new Diesel-Locomotives SALI

Ferroviaria Andina has put three Diesel locomotives into operation. The locomotives are of type SALI from the swiss manufacturer Stadler. The locomotives can develop their full power even at an altitude of 5,000 meters above sea level.
(Source: Ferroviaria Andina)

01.09.2019

Argentina

Petition helps

It seems that the aforementioned petition is helping to make enough pressure on Trenes Argentinos Operaciones. Traffic between Garín and Matheu resumed recently. But it must be said, that track repairs have been at minimal levels. It remains still open, if the section to Capilla del Señor will also be repaired and reopened to traffic.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-5)

Buenos Aires - González Catán

During October 2019 the Belgrano Sur suburban railway will be extended from González Catán to 20 de Junio. At 20 de Junio station the last works are currently under way. There is apparently even a project to reopen the metre-gauge line even further to Marcos Paz.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-5)

Güemes - Salta

Beginning September 2, 2019 Monday to Friday a third pair of trains will run between Güemes and Salta to reduce over-crowding of the existing two trains.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-5)

La Trochita

La Trochita operates always more charter trains over sections normally without traffic. From Esquel trips have been made to La Cancha and Lepá (92 km from Esquel) and from El Maitén about 35 km to the North to close to Ñorquincó. La Trochita of Rio Negro was operating for the first time a charter from Ing. G. Jacobacci to Cerro Mesa a distance of 127 km.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-5)

Bolivia

Oruro - San Pedro

A new service is commencing 31 August 2019. It is a suburban service over 6 km from Oruro to San Pedro to the North. Daily between 07.00 and 22.00 10 trains will operate. Rolling-stock is a refurbished railbus (ex roadbus). This service originates from a private initiative and funding was by private donors, the FCA Railway, neighborhood initiatives and the city of Oruro. In a public contest the name of „Qamaqi“ (Andean Fox) was selected. In a second phase a second railbus should be made available and the line extended.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-5)

Oruro - Machacamarca

From 1 September 2019 a new Tourist Train will run every first Sunday of the month between Oruro and Machacamarca. There are round-trip tickets or complete tourist packages including meals and sightseeing available.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-5)

Oruro - Villazón

Trains to Villazón are running again since 26 July 2019. Rebuilding the line took longer than anticipated.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-5)

Corumbá - Baurú

Mato Grosso do Sul state forced freight operator Rumo to reopen the Corumbá – Baurú Railway from 1 September 2019 on. The reason is the transport of 1,5million tonnes of nitrogen products from Bolivia to São Paulo. Authorities of the state and Rumo inspected the railway and repaired it where necesary at the expense of the state, so freight trains can run at low speed. Rumo will now transport on behalf of the state at least 300‘000 tonnes, the remaining goods will probably continue by road trucks.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-5)

Brazil

Corumbá - Baurú

Mato Grosso do Sul state forced freight operator Rumo to reopen the Corumbá – Baurú Railway from 1 September 2019 on. The reason is the transport of 1,5million tonnes of nitrogen products from Bolivia to São Paulo. Authorities of the state and Rumo inspected the railway and repaired it where necesary at the expense of the state, so freight trains can run at low speed. Rumo will now transport on behalf of the state at least 300‘000 tonnes, the remaining goods will probably continue by road trucks.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-5)

25.08.2019

Argentina

Victoria – Capilla

After closure of the line from Victoria to Capilla del Señor the aforementioned petition was created, which you can also subscribe. A week after the start of the petition a small victory was registered when SOFSE began operating passenger trains over the short section between Victoria and Garín. But pressure must be maintained that the entire line will be repaired and put back into operation.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-4)

Cachari Station

Since 26 July the Buenos Aires – Bahía Blanca train serves now also Cachari station between Buenos Aires and Olavarría.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-4)

Resistencia out of Service

SOFSE started to release all staff at Resistencia or to send them to other places which means the definitive end of the Resistencia suburban traffic.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-4)

Viedma - Carmen

Tren Patagonico reopened the 7 km section from Viedma to Carmen de Patagones on August 9, 2019. But damages on the road-rail-bridge between the 2 stations forced to close the line again a week later. Repairs on the bridge commenced immediately.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-4)

Buenos Aires – Chivilcoy – Mechita – Bragado

The Buenos Aires – Chivilcoy service was extended to Bragado July 15, 2019 with an intermediate stop at Mechita. From 23 August the trains serve als Andrés Vaccarezza station.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-4)

Santa Fe

The Urban Train of Santa Fe was shut down definitively in July 2019.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-4)

Brazil

Parnaíba – Teresina

The government of Piauí state asked the federal government for financial help to rebuild the former Parnaíba – Teresina railway of 338 km in broad gauge (1600 mm). The plan ist o lengthen this line later to Eliseu Martins on the Transnordestina Railway which is under const-ruction. Furthermore the Port of Luis Correa should be expanded.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-4)

Cuba

Improvement of the Railway Situation

The new long-distance passenger trains commenced running July 13, 2019. Since this date UFC offers a train every 2 days Habana – Santiago de Cuba. Habana – Guantánamo, Habana – Holguín and Habana – Bayamo – Manzanillo are operating every third day. Of the old long-distance trains the Habana – Sancti Spiritus every 2 days and Santa Clara – Santiago de Cuba every third day are still running. All other Rolling-stock has been immediatley retired and the best coaches are passing repairs to reintroduce several other relations. The Habana – Pinar del Rio will run again from September 2019 every second day.The new trains are generally operating with two locomotives to avoid cancellations due to loco faillures. Some trackwork is still causing delays, but it is far better than before. The food service is criticized because the meal must be reserved and paid in advance and there is little choice offered.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-4)

Uruguay

Project Ferrocarril Central

The Ferrocarril Central project is going ahead. Dismantling the old railway line near Florida started recently.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-4)

Public special Train

August 8, 2019 a public special train was running over the 62 km from Paso de los Toros to Achar operated by a Swedish railcar.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-4)

Tacuarembó – Rivera

From August 26, 2019 train services between Tacuarembó and Rivera will run five times a week instead of 3 times, due to high demand.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-4)

10.07.2019

Argentina

Mitre suburban railway line to Tigre

After test runs which lasted for more than a week, the 3,9 km long viaduct of the Mitre suburban railway line to Tigre was opened to traffic on 10 May 2019. While the Belgrano C station was also ready for receiving passengers, the Lisandro de la Torre station remains incomplete to date; none of the available sources give any indication about when this could happen. The new timetable doesn't meet the expectations of the public as less trains are now running on the Tigre line – particularly during peak periods – than before construction of the viaduct.
(Source: Trenes Argentinos Operaciones, Misdiasenlavía, Crónica Ferroviária)

Victoria – Capilla del Señor

The repeated derailments of local trains on the Victoria – Capilla del Señor line forced Trenes Argentinos Operaciones to close the route until further notice. It is intended to rehabilitate all track on the entire length of the line, but no timetable for the execution of this work has been revealed.
(Source: Trenes Argentinos Operaciones, Misdiasenlavía, Crónica Ferroviária)

Belgrano Sur

Construction of a 5,6 km long viaduct, linking the metre-gauge Belgrano Sur network from its temporary terminus Sáenz with Plaza Constitución, keeps progressing, albeit at a much slower pace. During the second half of June, the bridge section that will carry the future Sáenz station has been erected.
(Source: Misdiasenlavía)

Palermo – La Paternal

On 12 June 2019 the first test runs operated on the 5 km long viaduct of the San Martin suburban railway line between Palermo and La Paternal stations. Two diesel locomotives, normally used for freight traffic, were drafted for the weight test of the viaduct. Normal passenger train operation began on 10 July 2019, although without calling at Villa Crespo and La Paternal stations as work on these still has to be finished. Whether and when the long-distance train Buenos Aires and Junín will start using the high-level track is still unknown.
(Source: Misdiasenlavía, Trenes Argentinos Operaciones)

Belgrano Sur suburban railway

After more than one year of reconstruction work, a permanent way train finally operated on the 9 km long line connecting Gonzalez Catán (terminus of the Belgrano Sur suburban railway) with 20 de Junio station. There is a big amount of hope that the transport minister will allow an extension of passenger trains to 20 de Junio. No hints exist of such a decision being taken.
(Source: Crónica Ferroviária)

Embarcación – Pocitos

It appears that the ministry for transport will again advertise for the rehabilitation of the Embarcación – Pocitos (border to Bolivia) railway line. The start of those works was imminent not too long ago, but the project was abandoned at the last minute as savings of US$ 60m had to be achieved. Current figures regarding the costs are, however, considerably higher. It is quite doubtful whether anything will happen before the October national elections.
(Source: Crónica Ferroviária)

Buones Aires subway line E

After a construction period of 15 years, the extension of the subway (Subte) line E from Bolívar via Correo Central to the Retiro stations was finally opened for traffic.
(Source: Enelsubte)

Buenos Aires – Córdoba – Tucumán

Further stops were added to the timetables of the twice-weekly operating trains Buenos Aires – Córdoba and Buenos Aires – Tucumán, effective 17 June 2019. The additional stops at Campana, Zárate and San Pedro are intended to improve the low loadings of those very slow trains.
(Source: Trenes Argentinos Operaciones)

Buenos Aires – Bahía Blanca

The director of Trenes Argentinos, Mr Marcelo Orfila, announced during a visit at Olavarría that after negotiations with the freight train concessionaire Ferrosur Roca, the main line track on those 270 km under the control of Ferrosur is to be rehabilitated in order to reduce travel time of the Buenos Aires – Bahía Blanca trains. It is also planned to introduce an additional stop at Cachari, located between Las Flores and Olavarría.
(Source: Misdiasenlavía)

Buenos Aires – Chivilcoy – Bragado

Various media report that Trenes Argentinos Operaciones will extend its Buenos Aires – Chivilcoy train to Bragado during July 2019. Whether the trains will also call at Andrés Vaccarezza and Mechita stations is still unclear. Both towns have been campaigning for this since at least one year.
(Source: Misdiasenlavía, Crónica Ferroviaria)

Bahnhof Domselaar

Domselaar station, located on the route to Mar del Plata at a distance of 52 km from Plaza Constitución, is currently being refurbished and will reopen for service in the coming months. The regional trains of the Alejandro Korn to Chascomús service will then call at that station.
(Source: Crónica Ferroviária, Misdiasenlavía)

Ezeiza – Cañuelas – Lobos

Since 8 June 2019, the regional trains on the Ezeiza – Cañuelas – Lobos route are now also operating on Saturdays and Sundays. At the same time, travel times between Cañuelas and Empalme Lobos have been extended as the track condition allows for speeds considerably under 50 kph only.
(Source: Trenes Argentinos Operaciones)

Tren del Valle

Refurbishment of a Materfer railcar was finished at the end of June 2019, the work having been carried out in the Remedios de Escalada (Buenos Aires) workshops. It will be transferred to Neuquén at the start of July and will serve as a spare/backup vehicle for the Tren del Valle in order to avoid service cancellations when the so far only available railcar suffers from mechanical problems.
(Source: Crónica Ferroviária, Misdiasenlavía)

Salta – Güemes

The offer of the Salta – Güemes regional train has been boosted with a third round-trip on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. This applies during the month of July 2019 only.
(Source: Trenes Argentinos Operaciones)

Brazil

Transnordestina

The governments of Piauí and Ceará federal states intend to relaunch construction of the Transnordestina and have established contact with the group of contractors in charge of the work in order to complete the work with their support. Detailed design work has been carried out a long time ago, the required property acquired and much preliminary work been done, but construction stopped a while ago due to lack of funds. Another aspect is the creation of jobs in the interior of the two states.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária)

Urban Traffic Macaé

CBTU, the state company for urban traffic, offered the city of Macaé in Rio de Janeiro state to complete the long-awaited project of a 11,8 km-long urban railway which would use the existing but unused railway line through the urban perimeter. Two tram-trains built by Bom Sinal have been delivered to Macaé a few years ago. CBTU are proposing a timetable of up to 20 round-trips at peak periods on weekdays. Work is estimated to take 8 months in order to build the halts and carry out track repair work.
(Source: CBTU)

Natal – Ceará Mirim

CBTU have intensified the timetable on their Natal to Ceará Mirim suburban lines. More trains have been added during peak periods and on Saturdays.
(Source: CBTU)

Increases of Fares

A fare increase in five stages will take place at Belo Horizonte on the CBTU-operated urban railway with fares rising gradually from BRR 2,40 to 4,25 in order to catch up with increased operational costs.
There will also be fare increases on the other suburban networks operated by CBTU (João Pessoa, Recife, Natal and Maceió) with staged increases of up to 100%, taking place between July 2019 and March 2020.
(Source: CBTU)

Stady about Curitiba

The city of Curitiba has commissioned a study to CBTU to assess the introduction of suburban trains along existing railway lines.
(Source: CBTU)

Brasília – Valparaíso

CBTU have agreed to operate test runs on a proposed suburban route between Brasília and Valparaíso de Goiás. Railcars from one of their operations in the northeast will be employed and temporarily relocated for this. The freight train operator VLI made a track car available for reconnaissance runs.
(Source: Correio Braziliense)

São Paulo – Paranapiacaba – Santos

The operator of São Paulo suburban railways (CPTM) operated a second test train at the end of June 2019 between São Paulo and Santos with the purpose of exploring the option of regular tourist trains to the port city of Santos. It would be operated as an extension of the existing São Paulo Luz – Paranapiacaba train. Travel time for the 77 km long route was around two hours, but it is hoped that a reduction to about 90 minutes can be achieved. On the rack railway section, the train will be propelled by an electric locomotive provided by the freight train operator MRS. A connection with the Santos tramway will be established at Valongo station. The train will also call at a few intermediate stations, and fares should not exceed BRR 20.00. This project is based on studies carried out in 2017.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária)

Cruzeiro – Passa Quatro

Work to rebuild the former railway line from Cruzeiro to Passa Quatro (about 24 km) started at the beginning of June 2019. The line crosses the Serra de Mantiqueira in a tunnel. The first batch of new sleepers allows to bring the 6 km of line between Cruzeiro and Rufino de Almeida back to operational condition. Rehabilitation of this line will simplify things for ABPF as it will facilitate an easy transfer of vehicles to and from their Cruzeiro workshop; and it will also enable through workings from the Paraíba valley to the south of Minas Gerais state.
(Source: ABPF Sul de Minas)

Cuba

Coaches ready for operation

The first batch of 80 new passenger carriages from China are now entering service. Successful test runs took place from Habana to Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, Bayamo and Guantánamo. New fares were released at the end of June 2019. There is a fare for air conditioned stock and one for non-airconditioned stock. The new services will be introduced on a staged basis with old trains to be withdrawn immediately from operations. Only the Santa Clara to Santiago de Cuba local train and Habana to Sancti Spiritus will continue to be operated by old carriages, probably those from Mexico.
(Source: Cubanrailways, Transportministerium der Republik Kuba)

Timetable and prices

According to news circulating in cuban media, the trains formed of chinese carriages will be introduced from mid-July as follows:
From 13 July 2019 Habana – Santiago de Cuba every second day
From 14 July 2019 Habana – Holguín every third day
From 15 July 2019 Habana – Guantánamo every third day
From 16 July 2019 Habana – Bayamo every third day
New terms and conditions will apply for the new trains: ticket purchase and reservations are available up to 30 days before travel, return tickets are now also on sale. Children between 5 and 12 years of age pay half fare. Cancellation of trains by the railway company for which tickets have already been issued entitle to a full refund. A smoking ban applies in the new trains. Baggage allowance is 2 pieces per passenger (children up to 12 years one piece). Each train consists of 7 non-air conditioned coaches and 4 air conditioned coaches, with a seating capacity of 72 per coach, a cafeteria carriage with 56 seats and a luggage/generator van. The cafeteria sells beverages and sandwiches at a unitary price of CUP 20.00 with coupons available for purchase along with the ticket/reservation. New fares are 100% above those for the old trains, but are still considerably cheaper than the national long-distance buses. Tickets can be purchased at all Viajeros travel agencies, and the number of those sales outlets is to be increased substantially across the country.
(Source: Granma and Cuban television)

Ecuador

Ibarra – Oatavalo

The Tren de la Libertad II between Ibarra and Otavalo has been removed from the excursion programme which confirms that the railway line to Otavalo is still not transitable. There is flood damage near San Roque, but no repair work has been carried out so far.
(Source: Tren Ecuador)

Jamaica

Montego Bay – Appleton

The government of Jamaica has decided to resume their momentarily halted project of railway rehabilitation. Funds to refurbish track and resume operations on the westernmost section between Montego Bay and Appleton (56 km) have been included in the 2019/2020 budget. Nine additional jobs were created at the railway on 09 April 2019 in conjunction with this first area of operation. Despite the previous bad experience, it has not been ruled out to involve private companies in railway matters.
(Source: Jamaica Star)

Mexico

Ciudad de México – Toluca

Construction of the new suburban railway linking Ciudad de México and Toluca will definitely cost 100% more than originally budgeted, but the government has now released the required funds. Completion of work is now expected for the end of 2020. Only section number 3 between Santa Fe and the Observatorio terminus (where a connection with the subway of Ciudad de México will be established) is the missing piece of the project.
(Source: t21.com.mx)

Freight traffic

The uncertainty in terms of the relationship with the northern neighbour USA is increasing with exports slowing down. This led to a slump of international freight traffic. Mexican freight railways try to compensate this with increased domestic transports. So far, the only minor success has been achieved on the Ciudad de México to Coatzacoalcos route.
(Source: t21.com.mx)

Uruguay

Freight traffic

Freight traffic from Sayago towards the north ceased on 12 July 2019 in order to hand the route over to the contractors of the Ferrocarril Central project. There will also be a line closure on the Rio Branco route, although this will only last for one month during which the level crossing at the Avenida José Belloni in Manga will be refurbished.
(Source: Trenes del Uruguay)

Railcars

For the duration of the line closure in the Montevideo area, all operational railcars have been transferred to Paso de los Toros. It is foreseen to use them for passenger trains between Paso de los Toros and Tacuarembó as well as between Guichón and Paysandú once track rehabilitation work on those routes has been carried out.
(Source: Radio Uruguay)

23.06.2019

Argentina

La Trochita

Due to increasing demand La Trochita increased considerably the number of trips from Esquel to Nahuel Pan and between El Maitén and Desvío B. Thomae during July 2019.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-3)

Additional Stops

From June 17, 2019 on the trains from Buenos Aires to Córdoba and Tucumán stop also at Campana, Zárate and San Pedro.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-3)

Victoria – Capilla

After more derailments Trenes Argentinos withdrew all passenger trains between Victoria and Capilla del Señor until further notice.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-3)

Cañuelas - Lobos

Trenes Argentinos introduced weekend services between Cañuelas and Lobos and lengthened journey times of all trains due to the bad conditions of the track.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-3)

Brazil

Ouro Preto – Mariana

Vale put the tourist train Ouro Preto – Mariana back into operation 15 June 2019 after terminating preventive repairs on infrastructure and rolling-stock.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-3)

High Speed Railway

Brazilian president Bolsonaro announced to revitalize the project of the high speed railway (Trem Bala) between Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Campinas. This is surprising because he was always mentioning to never took over projects of former presidents.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-3)

Chile

Limache - Quillota - La Calera

Now it is for sure that the MERVAL Regional Railway will be extended from Limache to Quillota and La Calera. The project includes reconstruction of the two existing tracks for passenger transport and laying of a third track for freight traffic. Construction may start in 2021 and opening to service is planned for 2024 or 2025.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-3)

Cuba

Testrun with Chinese Coaches

June 6, 2019 was the first departure of a new Chinese-built 12 coach train from Habana. Its first journey went to Holguín. The next day the train was running to Guantánamo and Santiago de Cuba and on the third day it continued to Bayamo and Manzanillo, followed by its journey back to Habana the fourth day. While on the out trip from Habana it was accompanied by technicians and official guests, the trip Bayamo – Habana was opened to regular passengers. The train was well received at every place it passed by. Regular services with the new trains may start at the end of July 2019.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-3)

Uruguay

Project Ferrocarril Central

One month later than previously announced passenger traffic from Montevideo to 25 de Agosto and Victor Sudriers was withdrawn to free the lines for the Ferrocarril Central project. From June 15 on all use-able railcars have been transferred from the workshops at Peñarol to Paso de los Toros. There are rumors that AFE wants to use the rolling-stock to introduce passenger traffic on the already refurbished lines from Paso de los Toros to Tacuarembó and between Guichón and Paysandú.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-3)

Venezuela

Guacara – San Diego – San Joaquín

Test runs are taking place since March 2019 on the 11 km long section Guacara – San Diego of the future rail corridor „Ezequiel Zamora II“ (Puerto Cabello – Cagua). There are two diesel multiple units which have been brought to Guacara from Barquisimeto by road and the journey takes 25 km over the 11 km long line which may be opened to the public during 2019. Shortly afterwards the section from San Diego to San Joaquín may also open to traffic.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-3)

Chivacoa – San Felipe

It is planned to reopen the section Chivacoa – San Felipe of the line towards Puerto Cabello for passenger traffic during 2019. This line is under refurbishment for several years now.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-3)

02.04.2019

Argentina

Fequent Derailments

Incidents involving passenger and freight trains keep being a common feature, particularly the highly frequent derailments affecting freight trains which happen daily. Critical spots in this regard are the passage through the city of Santa Fe and the lines in the Salta, Jujuy and Tucumán provinces. Early in April, one and the same freight train managed to derail twice. At first, three laden wagons jumped off the rails. The train crew then succeeded to uncouple the damged section of the train, but after restarting the train, the locomotive also derailed a few hundred metres further ahead. A couple of weeks earlier, passenger traffic had resumed on the branch line between Matheu and Capilla del Señor after an extended period of closure following a derailment. Allegedly, the track had been rehabilitated during that closure, but the passengers of the first journey had the „luck“ to sample the quality of that work – one coach came of the rails at Zelaya. Thankfully, no casualties were reported. Only a few hours later, another local train derailed at a spot very close to the previous one!
(Source: Local newspapers, Misdiasenlavía, Crónica Ferroviária)

Freight traffic

The train drivers' trade union „La Fraternidad“ doesn't concede defeat in their fight for the Urquiza (standard gauge) lines. By own initiative, they have secured contracts with freight customers in the Corrientes and Entre Rios provinces and began hauling logs from Tapebicuá to Holt (near Ibicuy port on the Paraná river). Some grain trains also operated from Villaguay to Holt.
(Source: Misdiasenlavía, Crónica Ferroviária, La Fraternidad)

Belgrano Sur suburban railway

Track work is currently being carried out between Aldo Bonzi and Kilómetro 12 on the Belgrano Sur suburban railway. It is expected that in the coming months passenger traffic will resume on this 2 km long section. Whether the following 12 km until Puente Alsina will also be refurbished and reopenend is currently unclear, although residents along the route demand retaining the route and, on own initiative, keep removing rubbish from the trackbed.
(Source: Crónica Ferroviária)

Buenos Aires – Córdoba

As from 16 April 2019, the twice-weekly train Buenos Aires to Córdoba will additionally call at Marcos Juárez (between Cañada de Gómez and Bell Ville).
(Source: Misdiasenlavía, Crónica Ferroviária, Trenes Argentinos)

Tren Patagonico

To save costs and effective14 April 2019, Tren Patagónico operates the new diesel railcar on its Viedma to San Carlos de Bariloche route instead of the locomotive-hauled train. This means that during the winter no sleeping cars and car conveyors will be available.
(Source: Tren Patagónico)

Posadas – Garupá

The ex-dutch DH1 Wadloper railcars, which had been acquired by Casimiro Zbikosky and put into storage at Encarnación (Paraguay), were transferred by road to Garupá where they will be rehabilitated. Local traffic between Posadas and Garupá should then start. There is some talk about extending the service from Posadas to Paso de los Libres.
(Source: Crónica Ferroviária, Misdiasenlavía)

Paraná – Colonia Avellaneda

The local train service from Paraná to Colonia Avellaneda in Entre Rios province is becoming more and more popular. When local bus routes were stopped due to industrial action, the trains were virtually brimmed, and the operator (Trenes Argentinos Operaciones) had to increase the number of journeys for the first time. Another incentive for the passengers was that the train fare is 2 Pesos while the buses charge some 22 Pesos for the same route.
(Source: Crónica Ferroviária, Misdiasenlavía)

Córdoba

A further Alerce railcar has been transferred from the Belgrano Norte suburban railway to Córdoba in order to operate on the Tren de las Sierras route. It is intended to reopen a stretch of 600 metres of line to connect it with the Mitre Station of Córdoba. This would allow to bring the very popular trains closer to the city centre and use the Mitre main railway terminus as departure point instead of Alta Córdoba.
(Source: Crónica Ferroviária, Misdiasenlavía)

Tren del Valle resumed operations

The Tren del Valle has resumed operations after repair work on a bridge damaged by a lorry was completed. Also, it has come to light that the transport ministry diverted funds which originally were earmarked for the extension of the train route to Plottier to an upgrade of the 5 km-long city bus route of Neuquén instead. Overhaul work on the two additional railcars which had started at Remedios de Escalada (Buenos Aires) was halted as a consequence of the subsidy cuts to the railway sector; and the two vehicles may never get to Neuquén.
(Source: Crónica Ferroviária)

La Plata Station – Policlínico – Circunvalación

Local train service at La Plata, currently operating from the railway station to Policlínico halt, is to be extended to the Circunvalación area of the city. A one-day test operation has been successfully carried out and proved that there is sufficient demand. However, the respective authorisation from the transport minstry is still pending.
(Source: Crónica Ferroviária)

Tren Patagonico

The northern section of the „Trochita“ (in Río Negro province), on which Tren Patagónico operates steam trains between Ingeniero Guido Jacobacci and Ojos de Agua stations, is seeing a very positive development. Therefore, two additional public runs were scheduled in March 2019, followed by a further one in April 2019.
(Source: Crónica Ferroviária, Misdiasenlavía, Tren Patagonico)

Bolivia

Transcontinental Railway

It has now been established that the planned transcontinental railway from Santos in Brasil via Puerto Quijarro, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Cochabamba and Viacha to the peruvian port of Ilo will be built in metre gauge and that existing railways will be integrated in the route. The climb on the eastern slopes of the Andes will require some longer sections with racks. Whether the western section down to Ilo will also require a rack railway still has to be determined. Chinese and Brasilian contractors are being considered to carry out the work.
(Source: Local media and Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul)

Brazil

Transcontinental Railway

It has now been established that the planned transcontinental railway from Santos in Brasil via Puerto Quijarro, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Cochabamba and Viacha to the peruvian port of Ilo will be built in metre gauge and that existing railways will be integrated in the route. The climb on the eastern slopes of the Andes will require some longer sections with racks. Whether the western section down to Ilo will also require a rack railway still has to be determined. Chinese and Brasilian contractors are being considered to carry out the work.
(Source: Local media and Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul)

Várzea Grande – Cuiabá

Mato Grosso state spent another BRL 60m during 2018 for the still incomplete urban railway from Várzea Grande to Cuiabá. The bulk of it were interest payments, but money has also to be spent for maintenance and guarding of the trains that are stabled in the depot at Várzea Grande. It is currently still unclear when completion ot this railway can proceed as a court ruling is required to finally unlock funds which have been reserved in Brasilia.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária, Midia News)

Santos – São Vicente – Samaritá

In order to extend the Santos to São Vicente urban railway for another 7,5 km to Samaritá, an issue with a bridge linking the island and the continent needs resolved. The old bridge, property of São Paulo state, is in a bad condition. The first step is the integral refurbishment of that bridge so that it becomes suitable for rail traffic again; and it is up to the state to carry this out. Once this happens, the EMTU transport authority will advertise for the construcion of the 3rd stage of the urban railway to Samaritá. A decision to rehabilitate the bridge was taken in São Paulo in 2018, but nothing has been done and it doesn't figure anywhere in the 2019 budget.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária, A Tribuna)

Salvador – Paripe

It has been determined that the Chinese firm „Build Your Dreams“ BYD will now replace the old suburban railway from Salvador to Paripe with a monorail. In addition, the alignment will also be altered, moving away from the coastline to closer to the housing estates. No timescales have been revealed so far, however, China has granted financing of the project.
(Source: )

Freight traffic

Concessioning of the Ferrovía Norte-Sul on the Porto Nacional (Tocantins) – Anápolis (Goiás) and Ouro Verde (Goiás) – Estrela d’Oeste (São Paulo) sections is dragging on. The two freight operators Vale and Rumo each wish to secure a monopoly over the line. North of Porto Nacional to Açailândia, where the Ferrovía Norte-Sul connects with its own Estrada de Ferro de Carajás, Vale is already the sole operator of the route. More, and even foreign operators like the russian RZD, are also interested but keep being turned away. Capital spending to the tune of BRL 2.7bn is still required in order to introduce safe railway working over the two aforementioned sections. It seems that VLI has lost its interest in the matter, but on the other hand, state president Bolsonaro appears to favour Vale for this role.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária, Jornal Opção)

Chile

New Bridge over Rio Bio Bio

The state railway company EFE is currently revising the project to build a new, efficient railway bridge across the Bio Bio river near Concepción. This bridge will carry an electrified double-track line across the river so that suburban railway traffic on the Concepción to Coronel (to Lota in the future) can be increased. A substantial increase of freight traffic is also expected as industrial estates south of the Bio Bio river are expanding. The revised project will then be submitted to the environmental authorities for approval.
(Source: Mundomaritimo)

Santiago – Rancagua – Chillán

After completion of engineering work at Paine, travel times of all trains on the Santiago – Rancagua – Chillán route could be reduced by around 10 minutes.
(Source: EFE/Tren Central)

Limache – La Calera

The project to extend the Merval suburban railway (Valparaiso to Limache) from Limache to La Calera has been restarted. Studies are being conducted to ascertain the financial requirements.
(Source: El Mercurio)

Suburban railway Conceptión

Planning work is currently ongoing for the reopening of the Concepción to Lirquén line for suburban passenger traffic. This section, which sees freight trains running to Lirquén port, crosses sufficiently populated areas and justifies reactivation for passenger traffic. Construction work is envisaged to start only after 2020. A rebuild of the line further north to Tomé is not possible anymore, because the properties along the coast were sold some years ago and are now built over.
(Source: El Mercurio, Fesur)

Cuba

Infrastructure

In a whirlwind move, the state railway UFC is currently rehabilitating some sections of the Habana to Santiago de Cuba main line in order to have the track in condition for the operation of the new chinese coaches due to start in mid-2019. The deviation of freight trains over branch lines in Matanzas province proved to be difficult as these alternative routes are not prepared for this. Two derailments occurred at a short sequence on those routes at the end of March, thankfully causing only material damage.
At Luyano near Habana, refurbishment of the workshops is nearing completion. The new fleet of chinese coaches will be serviced and maintained there.
Many stations between Habana and Santiago are being refurbished (new roofs, platforms and public amenities).
(Source: Cubanrailways)

Ecuador

Nearly no fund

The current government is providing hardly any funding for the maintenance of the railway infrastructure. As a consequence, the state railway FEEP has so far been unable to repair a section of line between San Roque and Otavalo in the north of the country following flood damage/washout. The question has been asked whether it is worth the while to operate the railway altogether as it serves exclusively tourist purposes.
(Source: FEEP; FLB correspondent B. Sensenschmidt)

Tramway of Cuenca

The new tramway line in the city of Cuenca opened for traffic on 16 April 2019.
(Source: FLB correspondent B. Sensenschmidt)

El Salvador

Puerto Cortés – San Pedro Sula – La Unión

The Honduran government, in close cooperation with the Central American Bank for Development, is currently studying the construction of a railway line linking the port of Puerto Cortés via San Pedro Sula with the port of La Unión in El Salvador. Overall cost is expected to be around US$ 1bn; and the line will be reserved to freight trains only. The line will at a later stage connect with the planned Feristsa railway from Tapachula (Mexico) to Ciudad de Panamá (Panamá). It has been recognised that road transport is ruining the country due to the high costs and the lack of safety. The Honduran confederation of private companies welcomes the project, and the reactions from El Salvador have been positive as well. Financing is expected to be secured at the end of 2019 with planning and design work starting thereafter. According to government sources, construction work is due to start before 2023.
(Source: La Prensa)

Honduras

Puerto Cortés – San Pedro Sula – La Unión

The Honduran government, in close cooperation with the Central American Bank for Development, is currently studying the construction of a railway line linking the port of Puerto Cortés via San Pedro Sula with the port of La Unión in El Salvador. Overall cost is expected to be around US$ 1bn; and the line will be reserved to freight trains only. The line will at a later stage connect with the planned Feristsa railway from Tapachula (Mexico) to Ciudad de Panamá (Panamá). It has been recognised that road transport is ruining the country due to the high costs and the lack of safety. The Honduran confederation of private companies welcomes the project, and the reactions from El Salvador have been positive as well. Financing is expected to be secured at the end of 2019 with planning and design work starting thereafter. According to government sources, construction work is due to start before 2023.
(Source: La Prensa)

Peru

Transcontinental Railway

It has now been established that the planned transcontinental railway from Santos in Brasil via Puerto Quijarro, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Cochabamba and Viacha to the peruvian port of Ilo will be built in metre gauge and that existing railways will be integrated in the route. The climb on the eastern slopes of the Andes will require some longer sections with racks. Whether the western section down to Ilo will also require a rack railway still has to be determined. Chinese and Brasilian contractors are being considered to carry out the work.
(Source: Local media and Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul)

Lima – Huancayo

FLB correspondent Koki Zelaya from Lima has launched a petition for the re-introduction of scheduled passenger train service on the peruvian central railway from Lima to Huancayo and Cerro de Pasco. Our readers are encouraged to take part and sign the petition.
(Source: Koki Zelaya)

Uruguay

Montevideo – Paso de los Toros

Passenger traffic on the routes from Montevideo to 25 de Agosto and Victor Sudriers will cease on 18 May 2019 for about 3 years. A few weeks later, state railway AFE will close the line entirely, and no freight trains will run thereafter. This is a requirement to facilitate construction work associated with the Ferrocarril Central project. The project involves an integral overhaul and upgrade of the 273 km long route from Montevideo to Paso de los Toros and will provide for higher axle loads and speeds. Work is to begin in May 2019 and will take up to 3 years. Contrary to initial fears, company staff will not be made redundant, but will be redeployed to other routes still in operation.
(Source: AFE, Trenes del Uruguay)

31.03.2019

Argentina

La Trochita

La Trochita between Ing. G. Jacobacci and Ojos de Agua was such a success during January and February that additional trips on March 16 and 30, and April 19 2019 have been programmed.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-2)

Viedma - San Carlos de Bariloche

Since end-March the passenger train Viedma – San Carlos de Bari-loche was replaced by the new railcar to reduce operating expenses.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-2)

Buenos Aires – Marcos Juárez – Córdoba

rom April 4, 2019 on the Buenos Aires-Córdoba passenger train will also stop at Marcos Juárez between Cañada de Gómez and Bell Ville.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-2)

Aldo Bonzi – Kilómetro 12

There are rumors that the 2 km section from Aldo Bonzi to Kilómetro 12 of the closed suburban line (Belgrano Sur) to Puente Alsina may be reopened for passenger traffic. Works are currently going on.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-2)

Brazil

Ouro Preto – Mariana

Vale ceased the operation of the tourist train Ouro Preto – Mariana from 1 March 2019 on for preventive repairs of infrastructure and rolling-stock. Traffic may resume at least for the Summer season 2019/2020.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-2)

Chile

Santiago – Rancagua / Santiago – Chillán

Trains from Santiago to Rancagua and Chillán have now shorter journey times by 10 min. because a level-crossing at Paine was replaced by a road tunnel and other infrastructure repairs have been carried out.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-2)

Cuba

Passenger Coaches from China

The first 80 new passenger coaches are currently under way from China to Cuba and may arrive in May.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-2)

Línea Central

Línea Central is under repair on some sections tob e fit for the new Chinese coches.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-2)

Diesel Locomotives from Russia

The first 43 new diesel-locomotives of the TGM8KM type from Russia have now entered into operation in Cuba. There is also one new light-weight diesel-railcar built in Russia currently under trials on Cuban tracks.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-2)

Hershey Railway

The Hershey electric Railway will no longer operate all the length of the line and on the Habana Casa Blanca end, as on the Eastern section Margot-Matanzas poles and catenary have been dismantled. The number of employees on this line was sharply reduced.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-2)

Peru

Petition for Passenger Trains

FLB correspondent Koki Zelaya of Lima started a petition for reimplantation of scheduled passenger trains between Lima and Huancayo and Cerro de Pasco, because there is sufficient demand for such trains. Please participate by signing the petition
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-2)

Uruguay

Rebuilding of Lines

After May 17, 2019 all passenger trains from Montevideo to 25 de Agosto and Victor Sudriers will be withdrawn for an undetermined period because of complete rebuilding of the line to the North within the Ferrocarril Central project. The trains between Tacuarembó and Rivera will continue to run.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-2)

16.02.2019

Argentina

Villa Maria – Manfredi – Tío Pujio – Córdoba

Since December 2018 the regional train Villa Maria – Córdoba got new stops at Manfredi and Tío Pujio and the journey time was reduced by 10 min. From 4 February 2019 on all long-distance trains to Rosario, Córdoba and Tucumán are only serving Buenos Aires Retiro San Martin station, because Retiro Mitre station undergoes refurbishments and the connection to the new viaduct will be completed.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-1)

Brazil

São Paulo – Mogi das Cruzes - Estudantes

February 4, 2019 CPTM (Suburban Trains of São Paulo) introduced the « East Express » (Expresso do Leste) on Line 11 São Paulo – Mogi das Cruzes – Estudantes. With this new services passengers have no longer to change trains at Guaianazes.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-1)

Tourist Train in Sorocaba

At Sorocaba test runs for a new tourist train have been iniciated.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-1)

Station of Simplício renovated

More and more stations are being renovated for the coming tourist train Minas-Rio (Cataguazes – Tres Rios), which is in preparation. The newest example is the station of Simplício.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-1)

Senador Canedo – Catalão

In Goiás state preparation started to introduce a tourist train over the 350 km long line from Senador Canedo (near Goiânia) to Catalão (East of Goiandira), which may be operated by Ferrovia Centro-Atlântica FCA together with the municipalities and Gioás state.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-1)

Chile

Train to the Stars

The „Train to the Stars“ (Tren de las Estrellas) Arica – Central will run on 22 February 2019, leaving from Arica at 20.00 and returning after midnight. At Central it will be possible to observe the stars on the night sky.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-1)

Santiago - Casablanca - Valparaíso

It is very probable that the government will announce construction of the new railway for goods and passengers from Santiago to Val-paraíso in 2019. The new line will be built for 200 km/h for passenger trains and 85 km/h for freight trains.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-1)

Cuba

Regional trains in good conditions

While long-distance trains are suffering of shortages of coaches and locomotives, some regions can maintain regular service, see list below:
Morón – Ciego de Avila 4x/tägl., Ciego de Avila – Jucaro 3x/tägl., Morón – Camagüey 1x/day, Morón – Perea 1x/day, Morón – Esmeralda 1x/day, Morón – Punta Alta 2x/day; Ciego – Baragua 2x/day, Ciego – Limones Palmero 1x/day, Ciego – Venezuela 2x/day.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-1)

Long distance trains

Of the long-distance services those which are running every second day are the most reliable, so Santa Clara – Nuevitas along the North coast and Santa Clara – Santiago (this one with refurbished former German coaches).
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-1)

Peru

Ferrocarril Central published the running days for the Lima – Huancayo tourist train for 2019:


From Lima 7:00
18. April
1. May
1. June
28. July
30. August
20. September
5. October
31. October
22. November

From Huancayo 7:00
21. April
4. May
4. July
29. July
1. September
22. September
8. October
3. November
25. November
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-1)

Venezuela

Chivacoa - Puerto Cabello

Passenger trains between Chivacoa and Puerto Cabello may start during 2019, despite political unrest rehabilitation works are going on.
(Source: Volta o Trem 23-1)

21.01.2019

Argentina

Increases of Fares

Driven by the devaluation of the Peso there will be monthly increases of fares until at least March 2019. In addition, starting 01 January 2019, the federal government ceased to transfer funds to subsidise public transport to the provinces which means that price increases will be substantially higher outside Buenos Aires. Long-distance passenger trains saw less frequent and rather limited fare increases, however, in December of 2018 low-cost bus services were introduced which benefit from state subisidies. All of these bus routes run parallel to the long-distance trains and offer fares which are only slightly higher than train fares, but they are considerably faster and operate more frequently than the trains.
(Source: Newspapers, Misdiasenlavía, Crónica Ferroviária)

Avia Teraí – Tostado

Heavy floodings in the pampa, in particular in the Santa Fe, Santiago del Estero, Córdoba and Chaco provinces, led to a widespread inundation of agricultural surfaces. Along the railway line Avia Teraí – Tostado it has come to light that during the refurbishment only rails and sleepers had been changed, but no work had been done to the substructure. There was a complete failure to rehabilitate culverts or build new ones. Now, after the heavy downpours, the railway alignment is holding back the water like a dam and aggravates the problems caused by the flooding. Private parties in the first place, but then also the proper railway company started to lift some sections of track in order to establish escape routes for the water. Needless to say that this line will be unavailable for traffic for a long time to come!
(Source: Crónica Ferroviária, Misdiasenlavía, local media)

Cuts to the state budget

The cuts to the state budget for 2019 led to the suspension of the project to build a suburban railway tunnel between Retiro and Plaza Constitución for an undetermined period of time or even for good.
(Source: Misdiasenlavía)

Closing of Routes

Trenes Argentinos has, apparently with the agreement of the transport minister, completely closed the standard gauge line from Monte Caseros north to Posadas as well as the cross-border lines from Paso de los Libres to Uruguayana in Brasil and from Concordia to Salto Grande in Uruguay. The staff depots at Garupá, Paso de los Libres and Santo Tomás have been abandoned.
(Source: Crónica Ferroviária, Unión Ferroviária)

Construction of viaducts

Construction of the two viaducts – one on the San Martín line and one on the Mitre line – in the urban area of Buenos Aires is continuing apace, and their opening is expected to take place later in 2019. A myriad of level crossings along the two busy suburban routes will be eliminated; and more streets which were cut by the railway lines can be opened to traffic.
On the other hand, progress on the Belgrano Sur viaduct is slow. The purpose of this structure is connecting Dr. A. Sáenz and Plaza Constitución stations to integrate the Belgrano Sur routes with the rest of the network. At this time, nobody can tell whether this viaduct will ever be completed in light of the current economic situation of the country.
(Source: Trenes Argentinos Operaciones, Crónica Ferroviária, Misdiasenlavía)

Additional stops

Trenes Argentinos introduced a number of improvements in its summer timetable, effective December 2018. Trains on the Buenos Aires – Córdoba corridor now have a passenger stop at Bell Ville (trains had been calling there anyway for crew change purposes). Both the Buenos Aires – Córdoba and the Buenos Aires – Tucumán trains now serve Rosario Sur station, and the Buenos Aires – Rosario Norte service calls at Empalme Villa Constitución, thereby satisfying a demand on which the city of Villa Constitución had been insisting for a long time. All these new stops are well frequented.
(Source: Misdiasenlavía, Crónica Ferroviária)

Buenos Aires Once – Chivilcoy

Trenes Argentinos stubbornly refuses to increase frequency of the twice-weekly Buenos Aires Once – Chivilcoy train to a daily round-trip and to extend the journey to Bragado. Allegedly, and according to transport minister G. Dietrich, this train is generating a deficit of about €50Mio, as only some 25'000 passengers would be carried on this route. As this is rather a regional service given the circumstances in Argentina, usage will only increase when day trips to the capital city are possible.
(Source: Crónica Ferroviária, Misdiasenlavía)

Ring Line resumed Operation

On 13th October 2018, after electrification works had been completed, operations resumed on the so-called Ring Line from Berazateguí (on the Plaza Constitución – La Plata suburban corridor) via Villa España, Ranelagh and Sourigues to Bosques (on the Gutiérrez – Plaza Constitución corridor). However, track condition is anything than good, as no work was done to improve it and trains keep running on worn-out lines.
(Source: Trenes Argentinos Operaciones, Crónica Ferroviária, Misdiasenlavía)

Tren del Valle currently closed

The promise to refurbish two railcars during 2018 for the Tren del Valle in Neuquén has not been fulfilled. To make matters worse, the line is currently closed after a lorry hit a bridge. It is still unknown when this bridge will be repaired and traffic can resume – also freight trains to Neuquén and Zapala are affected.
(Source: Crónica Ferroviária)

Tren Patagonico reopened

Tren Patagónico officially reopened the 46km long route from Ingeniero Guido Jaccobacci to Ojos de Agua on 19th December 2018. The steam train now operates every Wednesday over this section of line during January and February.
At the same date, Tren Patagónico introduced a new railcar, built by Materfer, which operates every Thursday from San Carlos de Bariloche to San Antonio Oeste, returning on Sunday.
Also in December, an integrally refurbished set composed of coaches acquired from the former FerroCentral took over from its predecessor on the Viedma – San Carlos de Bariloche service.
(Source: Crónica Ferroviária, Misdiasenlavía, Tren Patagonico)

Bolivia

Infrastructure FCA

Because the damage caused by severe flooding was quite extensive, track reconstruction work took longer than expected. By November 2018, trains were able to reach Tupiza, but the section Tupiza – Villazón will only be reopened in January 2019.
The damaged bridge between Yotala and El Tejar, which caused a line closure between Potosí and El Tejar (Sucre), will be rebuilt, however, works are progressing slowly and rail operations are expected to resume in April or May 2019 only.
The Cochabamba – Aiquile service was withdrawn back in September 2018; the reason for this is not entirely clear. The single operational railbus had been comprehensively overhauled during August and carried out a test run between Cochabamba and Vila Vila. Communities along the route demand an explanation from Ferrocarril Andino SA why the withdrawal happened.
(Source: lokale Medien, FCA, Crónica Ferroviária)

Brazil

Parnamirim – Cajupiranga – Boa Esperança

CBTU Natal began refurbishing its southern line beyond Parnamirim via Cajupiranga to Boa Esperança in order to reopen this section at the end of 2019 or early 2020. This was made possible by the release of funds from PAC (Program for the acceleration of growth). The 3,4 km long line uses the alignment of the former Natal – Nova Cruz – Itabaiana – Recife railway. The original plans even proposed an extension to São José do Mipibu.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária, CBTU)

Cajueiro Seco – Cabo

CBTU Recife was finally able to secure funding for the upgrade of the diesel route Cajueiro Seco – Cabo. First, the two bridges across the Rio Pirapama will be widened to accommodate two tracks. Then, the unfinished second track will be completed (about half of it is already in place for many years) in order to make it a double-track line. These works are crucial in order to intensify traffic to Cabo and to build, at a second stage, a branch line to Suape port. Some earthworks on that branch which once existed as a freight route have already been carried out.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária, CBTU)

Additional Stop at the university of Cabedelo

Thanks to funds obtained from the urban development fund and the program for the acceleration of growth (PAC), CBTU João Pessoa is now able to build more stations. The first additional stop will be at the university of Cabedelo, due to open in 2019.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária, CBTU João Pessoa)

Brasília Bernardo Saião – Valparaíso de Goiás

The federal district is desperately looking to get hold of some railcars in order to start test runs on the existing railway line from Brasília Bernardo Saião to Valparaíso de Goiás. All CBTU operations in the northeast of the country were asked to cede Bom Sinal railcars to Brasília. However, none of the networks were able to lend vehicles. The planned test runs would be the starting point for a suburban railway from Brasília to Luziânia, a project which is being developed for some years already. The plan to build an entirely new line for this has been abandoned in the meantime, and it is now intended to use the existing line which only sees a few freight trains.
(Source: Globo TV; CBTU João Pessoa)

Chile

Santiago Alameda – Rancagua

Regional traffic between Santiago Alameda and Rancagua has resumed with an all-day timetable under the „Metrotren Rancagua“ brand. Trains run about every two hours per direction. For quite some time and due to construction works, services were limited and ran all day on weekends only.
(Source: EFE/Tren Central)

Valparaíso – Limache

Much to the annoyance of the communities along the route, the project to extend the „Metro Valparaiso“ suburban railway (Valparaiso – Limache) to La Calera has been postponed again.
(Source: El Mercurio)

Santiago – Chillán

The state railway EFE is currently preparing the tender documents for the purchase of six or seven trains for the long-distance route Santiago – Chillán.
(Source: EFE, El Mercurio)

Santiago – Melipilla

A flurry of appeals and a second environmental impact study are again delaying the refurbishment and upgrade to a proper suburban railway of the Santiago to Melipilla line. EFE presses to speed up this process as they wish to commence work no later than 2020 in order to open the route around 2023/2024, some 10 years later than originally planned.
It is currently under evaluation whether the upgrade of the northbound railway line from Santiago to Batuco should be extended to Til Til, as a strong popluation growth is expected for this region north of the capital.
(Source: El Mercurio)

Costa Rica

San José – Limón

The government intends to rebuild the entire, 166 km long railway line from San José to Limón in the coming years in order to establish a freight corridor from the Atlantic coast to the capital. Some of the branch lines which are important for the export of banana will also be rehabilitated, among others the line from Siquirres to Guápiles.
Once the planned development and electrification of the suburban network of San José is completed, the existing diesel railcars will be transferred to Limón to introduce regional passenger traffic in that area.
(Source: La Nación)

Cuba

Coaches will be delivered

During May and June 2019 the first batch of 80 new passenger coaches manufactured in China will be delivered to the cuban state railway UFC. Further batches of 80 long-distance coaches each will be added in 2020 and 2021. These vehicles will modernise the existing routes Habana – Santiago de Cuba, Habana – Guantánamo and Habana – Bayamo, but the timetable will remain unchanged for the time being (one train every three days) until further coaches are delivered. With this batch, traffic on the Habana – Holguín line will resume, also with one train every third day. Once the second batch of coaches arrives in 2020, the timetable will be increased to one train every second day.
(Source: Radio Angulo)

Infrastructure

The railway lines which repeatedly suffered severe damage from thunderstorms – on the south coast between Habana and Cienfuegos and on the north coast from Santa Clara to Nuevitas – reopened integrally in December 2018. A passenger train is operating on the north coast every second day. On the route to Cienfuegos, however, regular traffic is limited to either end of the line as no vehicles are available for a through train.
(Source: Cubanrailways)

Delivery of russian TGM-8Km diesel locomotives

At the start of January 2019, the sixth batch of russian TGM-8Km diesel locomotives arrived at Habana, which brings this fleet to 42 new locomotives available for traffic. A further 18 engines will follow until the end of 2019.
(Source: Cubanrailways)

Mexico

Ciudad de México – Toluca

The construction of the high-speed line Ciudad de México – Toluca will suffer a further delay of at least one year. The section comprising the urban area of Ciudad de Méxcico is only about 60 per cent complete. There is a variety of reasons for this: alteration of plans, appeals and problems with the construcion of the tunnel through the Sierra de las Cruces. In addition, the construction sites in the areas of the Lerma and Santa Fe stations have been devastated by vandals several times.
(Source: Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes; various local newspapers)

Peru

Lima – Huancayo

The tourist train Lima – Huancayo will run again in 2019. Between April and November, 9 round-trips have been scheduled.
(Source: Ferrocarril Central Andino SA)

Uruguay

Passenger traffic

The state railway AFE reopened the 118 km long line from Tacuarembó to Rivera after completion of track rehabilitation work. At the same time, passenger trains were introduced. The train is formed of two swedish-built and acquired second-hand Y1 railcars and operates one round-trip on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. All 6 intermediate stations and 14 request stops (aka „milepost stops“) are served with a total travel time of 2 hours.
AFE have announced that they intend to resume passenger traffic on the 172 km long section of line Tacuarembó – Paso de los Toros once the already well-advanced track repair work is complete.
According to various reports, the new link to Rivera is very well used.
(Source: AFE, Trenes del Uruguay)

Montevideo – Paso de los Toros

Work on the „Ferrocarril Central“ project, affecting the 273 km long line Montevideo – Paso de los Toros are expected to start in February 2019. The price tag is over US$ 800m and is, therefore, the most expensive railway project ever in Uruguay. The scope of the project is an upgrade of the line for a freight train speed of 80 kph and an axle load of 22 tons. 26 km of line will be upgraded to double track, and the railway alignment will be put in a cutting through a number of town to eliminate the level crossings. All remaining level crossings will be fitted with lights and bells or automatic barriers. Many curves will be straightened, and 12 passing loops will be built. More than 40 bridges will either be refurbished or rebuilt.
The project is met with fierce resistance at some places. There is a fear about the intensity of traffic as an annual flow of up to 2,5m tonnes is expected, most of it originating from the new cellulose plant of UPM near Paso de los Toros. Others fear that exclusively UPM freight will be hauled, discriminating against other freight flows. According to the trade union, it also appears that there is no clear plan about what railway staff are supposed to do while the line is closed for refurbishment; and there is a fear of redundancies.
(Source: Ferrocarril Central; Trenes del Uruguay, La Nación, Unión Ferroviária)

26.12.2018

Argentina

La Trochita

December 19, 2018 Tren Patagonico introduced regular traffic on „La Trochita“, the narrow-gauge stream train in Rio Negro province. During the Summer, January and February the train operates each Wednesday at 11.00 from Ing. G. Jacobacci to Ojos de Agua and after a one hour break and another 2 hours journey passengers are back at Jacobacci at 16.00. For passengers from San Carlos de Bariloche the railway operates a feeder bus.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-A)

Tucumán - Rosario Sur - Córdoba - Bell Ville

SOFSE introduced new stops at Rosario Sur for the long-distance trains to Tucumán and Córdoba and the train to Córdoba stops now also at Bell Ville (between Rosario and Villa Maria).
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-A)

Brazil

Exctensions

With money from the speed-up programme of development (PAC) CBTU can finally be more active in the Northeast, since the money is now available. The following will be done during 2019:
Natal: extending the Southern line from Parnamirim over 3,4 km to Cajupiranga to Boa Esperança, using remains of the former line to Recife.
João Pessoa: construction of an additional station at IFPB (the local university) at Cabedelo.
Recife : Construction of the new bridges over Pirapama River to enable construction of double track on the line from Cajueiro Seco to Cabo (in part the second track is already there but not connected). This will later ease construction of a branch-line to the port of Suape.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-A)

Brasília - Valparaíso de Goiás

The project for a local train service Brasília - Luziânia is still alive. Oct-ober 2018 the authorities of the Federal District asked CBTU for the lease of 2 Bom Sinal railcars. But the operators at Maceió, Natal, Recife and João Pessoa couldn’t fulfill the request, because they need them due to increasing demand. The project sees a one year test operation between Brasília and Valparaíso de Goiás, which may become permanent if successfull and extended later to Luziânia.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-A)

Costa Rica

Level crossings

Many level-crossing at San José got now automatic barriers and/or flash lights, something very rare until now in this country.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-A)

San José – Puerto Limón

The Government want to rebuild the Atlantic line from San José to Puerto Limón, principally for freight traffic, but some passenger traffic, especially in the Limón area should also be introduced. This only after 2023 when the diesel trains at San José will be substituted by the then new electric operation.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-A)

Peru

Lima – Huancayo

Ferrocarril Central confirmed that the Lima – Huancayo tourist train will operate again in 2019, the extact dates will be released in January.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-A)

Uruguay

Tacuarembó – Rivera

December 19, 2018 saw the reintroduction of a regular passenger train in the North of the country. Two coupled ex-Swedish Y1 railcars run every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Tacuarembó to Rivera back. State Railways AFE announced also the possibility to run a similar service from Tacuarembó to Paso de los Toros once the rehabilitation works on the line are finished.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-A)

05.10.2018

Argentina

Prices

Fares on all railways were increased on 01 September and again on 01 October 2018 by around 30 to 35 per cent on each occasion. Another fare revision is expected for 01 November 2018. This means that fares will have doubled at the end of the current year, compared to their level in August. However, as the bus companies have increased their fares as well, the railways still have an unbeatable advantage pricewise. In just a few relations, flight tickets of low-cost carriers are similar to train fares.
(Source: )

Derailments

The metre-gauge track across the city of Santa Fe, used by Trenes Argentinos/Línea Belgrano freight trains, is in a very bad condition which leads to very frequent derailments – on some spots almost daily. Most derailments are due to the lack of track maintenance, but some of them were caused intentionally in order to steal commodities (soja, grain or sugar in most cases) from the wagons.
(Source: Crónica Ferroviária, Misdiasenlavía, local media )

Bridges between Andrés Vaccarezza and Bragado

Trenes Argentinos Operaciones have finally completed repair work on the two bridges between Andrés Vaccarezza and Bragado. Stress tests were successfully carried out in August 2018. Since then, freight trains have returned to the line carrying maize from Bragado to Buenos Aires. On the other hand, re-introduction of passenger trains to Bragado or even further to General Pico doesn't seem to be on the cards.
(Source: Misdiasenlavía)

Cuts to the state budget

The cuts to the state budget for 2019 will put the planned refurbishments on the railway network beyond reach. Both the tunnel construction on the Sarmiento suburban line as well as the project to interlink Plaza Constitución and Retiro stations via a tunnel underneath the city centre of Buenos Aires are therefore put in jeopardy.
(Source: Misdiasenlavía)

Dr. Sáenz – Buenos Aires

The section between Dr. A Sáenz and Buenos Aires stations of the metre-gauge Belgrano Sur suburban line has been closed in order to make room for construction of a viaduct. Once completed, this viaduct will extend the Belgrano Sur line to Plaza Constitución station and further integrate the suburban railway network. However, in light of the current economic climate, doubts have been voiced whether this work will ever be built.
(Source: Trenes Argentinos Operaciones)

Paso de los Libres – Posadas

It appears that Trenes Argentinos want to fully close the standard-gauge line from Paso de los Libres to Posadas. Staff have been made redundant, and for a few months now no freight trains have been allowed to stations north of Paso de los Libres. Although demand is high, all potential customers are being turned away. The future of this line and the rail link to Paraguay may be adversely affected should this closure be formally imposed.
(Source: Crónica Ferroviária)

Buenos Aires – Córdoba

Information from various sources suggests that Trenes Argentinos Operaciones intend to reduce the frequency of its Buenos Aires – Córdoba service from twice weekly to only one round-trip per week because due to the extremely long journey time the trains are far from working at capacity. To date, there is, however, no official comment on the matter. On a different note, there is much criticism about the fact that the scheduled stop at Bell Ville, a town of 35'000 inhabitants, is not used for commercial purposes. There is sufficient demand to justify the stop, as train fares even in the more expensive Pullman class are still far below fares of long-distance buses. The stop at Bell Ville takes 10 minutes and is an operational stop for exchanging train crews.
(Source: Misdiasenlavía, Crónica Ferroviária)

Buenos Aires – Junín

As the San Martín line is currently being rebuilt and put on an elevated alignment, the section between Retiro and Caseros is currently closed to all traffic. This also affects the service Buenos Aires to Junín. While passengers of the suburban trains can avail of free bus shuttle services, long-distance passengers are not offered such an option. One possible solution is re-routing this train at Mercedes to the Sarmiento line and terminate at Buenos Aires Once station. This idea fell on deaf ears at Trenes Argentinos Operaciones. Unsurprisingly, passenger numbers plummeted and the timetable has been reduced from three round-trips per week to just one.
(Source: Crónica Ferroviária)

Electrification Ring Line

The so-called ring line from Berazateguí (on the Plaza Constitución – La Plata suburban route) via Villa España. Ranelagh and Sourigues to Bosques (on the Gutiérrez – Plaza Constitución suburban route) has finally been fully electrified. All platforms at the three intermediate stations have been refurbished, and the first test runs using the new chinese electric trainsets took place. According to Trenes Argentinos, the line may reopen to traffic at the end of 2018.
(Source: Trenes Argentinos Operaciones)

Pilgrimage Days

At very short notice, Trenes Argentinos Operaciones announced 9 additional round-trips from Moreno (connection from the electric suburban railway from Buenos Aires Once) to Luján on the weekend of 6 and 7 October 2018. Those are the two annual pilgrimage days to the Basilica of Luján.
(Source: Trenes Argentinos Operaciones)

Urban traffic Resistencia

The urban traffic, connecting Puerto Tirol with Puerto Vilelas and thereby crossing the city of Resistencia, remains closed, although the track is in operational condition. There are even Belgrano Carga freight trains running to Puerto Barranqueras on the Paraná river. The ministry of transport refuses to comment on the matter and not even the government of Chaco province is getting an answer. Staff employed to operate the urban section – quite numerous – are now worried about being made redundant. Communities along the still operational regional route Cacuí – Los Amores have lodged complaints as bus fares for the short haul from Cacuí to Resistencia city centre now exceed the ones for the 147km long railway journey from Los Amores to Cacuí by a multiple. This makes vital journeys to the province capital unaffordable for the rural population.
(Source: Crónica Ferroviária and Misdiasenlavía)

Vehicles for Tren del Valle

The Tren del Valle at Neuquén expects delivery of an additional two railcars within the last months of the current year. The two vehicles, built by Materfer in Córdoba, were originally intended to operate on the Victoria - Capilla del Señor branch line. However, they didn't work there for a long time as they had mechanical issues; and several windows were smashed by stone-throwing. A while ago they were transferred to Remedio de Escalada workshops for overhaul and repair. One of the two railcars will be fitted with a Scania engine from Brasil. Whether the local traffic will be extended from Neuquén to Plottier, 15 km to the west, once the two railcars arrive is still open.
(Source: Crónica Ferroviária und Misdiasenlavía)

Steam Train Ingeniero Guido Jacobacci – Ojos de Agua

Tren Patagónico operated a steam train on the 46 km long section from Ingeniero Guido Jacobacci to Ojos de Agua in September 2018. This was a presentation run for the media, tourist trade and politicians as Tren Patagónico intend to operate a regular service on that route. Envisaged are packages including a bus journey from San Carlos de Bariloche to Ing. G. Jacobacci, then the ride on the narrow-gauge steam train to Ojos de Agua and finally the return trip by bus to San Carlos de Bariloche.
Another offer, mainly thought for tourists, will be the newly built railcar (by Materfer, Córdoba) which is scheduled to run weekly from San Carlos de Bariloche to San Antonio Oeste and back, starting from November 2018. This railcar will depart from Bariloche on Fridays and return on Sundays in order to complement the traditional train but running in the reverse direction.
(Source: Crónica Ferroviária, Misdiasenlavía, Tren Patagonico)

Concordia – Ayuí

The city of Concordia in Entre Ríos province endavours to introduce a tourist train linking Concordia railway station and Ayuí on the Salto Grande dam. Cooperation is being sought with Entre Ríos province, Trenes Argentinos and the bus entrepreneur Casimiro Zbikoski who operates the Posadas – Encarnación international train and owns all the Wadloper railcars. The idea is to transfer one of those railcars to Concordia and to rehabilitate the track to the dam. In a further step it is intended to either lay track to the nearby regional airport or to resume traffic across the dam and the border to Salto in Uruguay.
(Source: Crónica Ferroviária and local media)

Buenos Aires - Bragado

October 3, 2018 a chinese-built passenger train locomotive reached Bragado, 209 km from Buenos Aires. This wakes hopes that passenger trains may again run, perhaps to the National Horses Festival later this month. Freight trains al-ready operated over the rebuilt line which was closed in 2015 after floodings damaged 2 bridges.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-9)

La Trochita

From November 2018 on, the narrow gauge steam train „La Trochita“ runs again regularly in Rio Negro province between Ing. G. Jacobacci and Ojos de Agua. Timings have not yet been published.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-9)

Bosques – Berazateguí

Probably mid-October 2018 suburban trains will again start to run between Bosques and Berazateguí south of Buenos Aires, test trains will start to run from 6 October on.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-9)

Bolivia

Infrastructure FCA

The infrastructure of the FCA Andean network is slowly recovering from heavy floodings that occurred in January and February 2018. The main route Oruro – Villazón has been comprehensively refurbished in the affected regions (Atocha, Tupiza), and flood protection measures have been introduced at various locations. Traffic to Villazón is expected to resume at the end of December 2018.
(Source: Fahrplancenter News, local media, FCA)

Brazil

Early renewel of concessions

Brasilians are wondering why the current government of Michel Temer is in a hurry to renew all freight train concessions before the presidential elections, although those concessions expire in a few years time only. There are rumours that the new concessions will be considerably more advantagous for the concessionaires than the current ones. The rate of investments in relation to the concession value seems to be lowered to 25 to 30 per cent and will allow the concessionaires to operate without any bother until the end of the 2050 decade. It also appears that the concessionaires' obligation to allocate two daily paths per direction on each route for passenger trains will be lifted, although very little use is being made of this.
(Source: Globo TV)

Closing Rio de Janeiro – Vitória

The cat is out of the bag: FCA/VLI, concessionaire of a huge metre-gauge network, have finally closed the 638 km long railway line from Rio de Janeiro to Vitória after a period of over a year during which no freight train operated over the route. Local communities in Espírito Santo are complaining heavily because the substantial freight flows of timber, stones and cement from Cachoeira do Itapemirim and Araguaia to the metropolitan area of Vitória are now using the roads of the region, and it is expected that this will lead to over 10'000 additional lorry journeys per year. The former coast railway line of the ex-Estrada de Ferro Leopoldina has been virtually destroyed section by section since privatisation. The first freight flows to disappear before 2010 were from Petrobras (Diesel, Petrol etc.) between Rio de Janeiro, Campos and Vitoria, followed by cement from Cachoeira do Itapemirim to the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area and to Recreio. Only a sparse regional passenger service from Saracuruna to Mage and Guapimirim remained. This closure means that reactivation of the tourist train „Trem das Montanhas Capixabas“ from Viana (south of Vitória) to Araguaia is now impossible.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária, Globo G1)

Service entering of Railcars

At Teresina, the first two railcars built by Bom Sinal have now entered service. For the time being they operate according to the old timetable as the track rehabilitation work has not yet been completed.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária und Metrô Teresina)

Parangaba – Mucuripe

The urban railway from Parangaba to Mucuripe (Fortaleza) is nearing completion. A further section to the third-last station Papicu opened in mid-2018. Trains now operate Mondays to Saturday during peak times 0600 to 1300 and 1640 to 2000 hours, but are still free of charge. It is expected that the last section including the two stations of Mucuripe and Iate will open in the first months of 2019.
(Source: Metrofor, G1 Ceará)

Salvador Calçada – Paripe

A lawsuit broke out about the reconstruction of the Salvador Calçada – Paripe urban/suburban railway, as the tenders received do not consider a conventional railway on steel rails, but propose a rapid bus transit system in a concrete channel. Therefore, the reconstruction and conversion will be re-advertised with updated specifications.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária)

Brás - Airport Guarulhos

Direct train services between São Paulo Brás and the airport Guarulhos commenced October 3, 2018 with 6 trains in each direction Monday to Friday and 3 on Saturdays. During other times connecting services with a change of trains at Engenheiro Goulart are offered every 20 min during peak times and at 30 min intervals on other times.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-9)

Chile

Santiago Alameda – Rancagua

Regional traffic between Santiago Alameda and Rancagua is now running again to its full weekday timetable with a train about every two hours per direction. For quite some time, all-day traffic was limited to weekends due to major trackworks.
(Source: EFE/Tren Central)

Extension Valparaíso – Limache

The project to extend the Metro Valparaiso suburban railway (Valparaiso – San Francisco de Limache) to La Calera has been postponed, much to the annoyance of the affected municipalities. The tendering process has been declared void as no offers were received, but it has been announced that another tender will be out in the near future.
(Source: El Mercurio)

Santiago – Chillán

State Railways EFE and the Chiloean Government decided to study to improve train services between Santiago and Chillán (406 km), reduce journey times from 4h45 to 4 hours for slow services and 3h40 for fast services and more daily services at all. Most improvements will be reached with the installation of automatic level-crossing devices, reducing the number of crossings and fencing the line. New trains will also help to reach this goal, which has a deadline in 2023.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-9)

Peru

Capacity extension Metro Lima

All Lima metro trains have been lengthened to 6 cars from early October in order to carry a maximum of 1200 passengers per train. It is hoped that this will relieve capacity restraints which cause long waiting times, particularly during peak periods. As station platforms are built to accommodate 6 cars per train, no infrastructure work had to be carried out.
(Source: La Razón)

Extension of Trains

Metro Lima increased all trains to 6 coaches from early October 2018 on to increase the number of passengerst o 1200 per train.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-9)

Uruguay

Montevideo – Victor Sudriers

The repeatedly postponed re-introduction of the Montevideo – Victor Sudriers service was again scheduled, this time for 28 September 2018. However, another strike prevented this from happening, and passenger trains eventually returned to the line on Monday 1st October 2018. At present there is just one round-trip operating, leaving early in the morning from Victor Sudriers and returning from Montevideo in the evening. An ex-swedish Y1 railcar covers the service. According to AFE, more services will be added to the timetable at a later date.
(Source: AFE)

Montevideo Estación Central General Artigas

After a lawsuit was finally settled – it dragged on for many years -, the former central railway station of Montevideo „Estación Central General Artigas“ returned to state ownership. After a visit and viewing by government officials in August 2018 it was decided to open the building to the public during the heritage weekend of 06 and 07 October 2018. Some cleaning and repair work were carried out for this. At present, it is still unclear how the old station will be used in the future. Public opinion hugely favours returning it to its original purpose as a railway terminus, complemented with commercial and cultural venues.
(Source: Presidencia de la República)

2000 class Locomotives

The freight train operator SELF (Servicios Logísticos Ferroviarios, with AFE holding a 51% stake) has integrally overhauled four of its 2000 class locomotives and returned them to revenue service. These locomotives were built by General Electric Canada in 1993 and supplied to the state railway AFE.
(Source: SELF/AFE)

Montevideo – Victor Sudriers

The start of the railcar service Montevideo – Victor Sudriers September 28, 2018 was again delayed by a strike and it could commence October 1 with one pair per day except Sundays.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-9)

10.09.2018

Argentina

Córdoba – Villa Maria

The announced increase of services between Córdoba and Villa Maria by Trenes Argentinos Operaciones didn’t happen.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-8)

Rising of Fares

Fares of all passenger trains are increasing considerably in 2 to 3 steps during September, October and November.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-8)

Transfer of Railcar

The new Materfer-built railcar was delivered to Tren Patagonico and was running by its own means to Viedma.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-8)

Bolivia

Uyuni – Villazón

Ferrocarril Andino and the Department of Potosí are rebuilding commonly the line from Uyuni to Villazón which suffered major damages by floods. Major protection measures are taken against future floodings and passenger and freight services to Villazón may restart in december 2018.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-8)

Level crossing in El Alto rebuilt

The City of El Alto together with Ferrocarril Andino is rebuilding the biggest level-crossing of the city near the departure point of the monthly running tourist train to Guaquí.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-8)

Brazil

Metrô Teresina

During September 2018 Bom Sinal is delivering the third new light-rail train to Metrô de Teresina. The first one is already operating and reduced journey times over the line by 4 min. without rehabilitation of the infrastructure.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-8)

Chile

Coronel - Lota

Extending the Bio-Tren southern line from Coronel to Lota and construction of a new bridge over Bio Bio river to replace the current 2157 metres long has been decided.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-8)

Tourist Trains

Ferronor refurbished Copiapó station and is repairing tracks to Paipote (ca. 9 km) to run later a tourist train. A long time pro-ject to reopen the 80 km long line to Caldera, the first railway of Chile, for tourist operation is under preparation.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-8)

Mexico

México – Toluca

Delays on the construction of the new suburban Railway Ciudad de México – Toluca prevent its inauguration end 2018. Public services may now start mid or end 2019.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-8)

Uruguay

Montevideo – Victor Sudriers

The railcar service Montevideo – Victor Sudriers will now start definitively September 15, 2018 only.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-8)

07.08.2018

Argentina

Córdoba – Villa Maria

Trenes Argentinos Operaciones announced the introduction of daily services of the Córdoba – Villa Maria local train (until now 3 times per week) and using chinese built rolling-stock from mid-August 2018 on.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-7)

Santiago del Estero – La Banda

Since 6 August 2018 the Tren al Desarrollo (Train to the Development) runs daily over the 8 km long line between Santiago del Estero and La Banda.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-7)

Brazil

Várzea Grande – Cuiabá

The new light rail line between Várzea Grande and Cuiabá may now finally been finished.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-7)

Railcars for Teresina

The first light railcar for Teresina went into operation recently. The next railcars, all built by Bom Sinal at Barbalha, will be introduced in August and September 2018.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-7)

Mafra – Lages

The Association ABPF was running special trains May 12 and 15, Aug. 2018 on the 30 km stretch Monte Castelo – Minhocão Viaduct with rolling-stock from Rio Negrinho to commemorate 50 years of the opening of the Mafra – Lages line in Santa Catarina state.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-7)

Piratuba

At Piratuba construction of more tracks started to place the coaches of the former Farroupilha Express train (sleeper, restaurants and first class coaches), which may be transferred from Rio Negrinho after refurbishment.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-7)

Chile

Santiago - Rancagua

Tren Central increased the number of local trains between Santiago and Rancagua. There are again daily services during the whole day.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-7)

Santiago - Chillán

According to state railways EFE long-term planning sees long-distance services between Santiago and Chillán increased with additional services.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-7)

Uruguay

Montevideo – Victor Sudriers

AFE announced the reopening of the Montevideo – Victor Sudriers line in August 2018. Two train pairs are planned, run with railcars acquired second-hand from Sweden, two in the morning to Montevideo and two back in the evening.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-7)

Venezuela

Barquisimeto – Chivacoa

State Railway IFE has brought the whole 62 km line between Barquisimeto and Chivacoa in service. Two daily round-trips are offered Barquisimeto – Chivacoa, with additional services on weekdays between Barquisimeto and Yaritagua (34 km).
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-7)

05.06.2018

Argentina

San Carlos de Bariloche – Ing. G. Jacobacci

The local train San Carlos de Bariloche – Ing. G. Jacobacci of Tren Patagonico runs again since May 23, 2018 once weekly. This after several months of repairs on the railcar.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-6)

Güemes – Palpalá

Despite a successful test the government rejects the project of implementing a passenger service between Güemes and Palpalá. The excuse is the « bad » conditon of the tracks – the test run was a lot faster than any trains in the past.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-6)

Rodriguez del Busto – Alta Córdoba

Since May 15, 2018 Tren de las Sierras operates again between Rodriguez del Busto and Alta Córdoba.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-6)

Mechita - André Vaccarezza

Rebuilding of the bridge over the Rio Salado River between Mechita and Andrés Vaccarezza is nearing completion, but it remains uncertain if trains will again reach Bragado.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-6)

Caseros – Buenos Aires Retiro

The San Martin Line in Buenos Aires remain closed to all traffic until mid-2019 due to the construction of the viaducts, which limits the Junin – Buenos Aires train to Junin – Caseros and the suburban services are ending at Villa del Parque.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-6)

Increase of Journey Times

After refurbishment of the tracks between Presidencia Roque Sáenz Peña and Chorotis, journey times of the railcars have been extended by about 30 min.!
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-6)

Brazil

Trem Turístico Rio-Minas

Trem Turístico Rio-Minas Tourist train made its first successful test runs. The 180 km long line starts at Cataguases in Minas Gerais and passes at Leopoldina, Recreio, Volta Grande, Chiador and Além Paraíba to Tres Rios in Rio de Janeiro state. Several stations have already been refurbished, as also 2 diesel-locomotives and several passenger coaches. Services may start towards the end of 2018.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-6)

Chile

Santiago – Chillán

Due to increasing demand Tren Central reintroduced additonal trains on weekends between Santiago and Chillán, one on Fridays from Santiago and one on Sundays from Chillán.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-6)

Cuba

Heavy rainfall

Heavy rainfall interrupted several railways in Central Cuba, in-cluding the Habana – Santiago main line for some days. Near Zaza del Medio a bridge collapsed which interrupts all traffic to Sancti Spiritus for a longer time. For this reason the Habana – Sancti Spiritus trains will end at Guayos until further notice.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-6)

Uruguay

Special Train

On June 2, 2018 to the San Cono festivities AFE operated a special train Montevideo – Florida – Montevideo.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-6)

Refurbishing on Lcomotives

AFE is finally refurbishing completely 4 diesel-locomotives of the type 2000 (built 1992 by GE Canada).
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-6)

10.05.2018

Argentina

Buenos Aires Once - Chivilcoy Sud

Trenes Argentinos introduced a second weekly round-trip over the 158 km long line from Buenos Aires Once to Chivilcoy Sud and added a regular stop at Luján. Repairs on the section from Chivilcoy Sud to Andrés Vaccarezza (187 km from Once) commenced too and there is some hope that the train journeys will be extended to Andrés Vaccarezza at a later time.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-5)

Railway Stations Buenos Aires will be demolished

May 5, 2018 after 11.00 (local time) all traffic was ending bet-ween Sáenz and Buenos Aires station of the Belgrano Sur suburban network. Buenos Aires station, serviced since 1911, was the only station with the name of the Argentine capital. It will be demolished and the ground sold for construction purposes. Trains serve now a new provisorial Dr.A. Sáenz station.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-5)

Güemes - Pericó - Palpalá

Early May 2018 a test run was made with an Alerce railcar from Güemes to Pericó and Palpalá over a distance of 52 km in only 1 hour. Palpalá (exactly General M.N. Savio station) is located 13 km south of Jujuy, but the provincial capital can’t be reached since tracks are no longer existing over the entire section there. The authorities of Salta and Jujuy provinces hopes to put a regular railcar service into operation between Güemes and Palpalá together with the planned improvements of the services between Salta and Güemes.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-5)

Bahía Blanca – Viedma

When this Volta o Trem is edited a train of 11 coaches is under way from Bahía Blanca to Viedma. The coaches arrived at Bahía Blanca from Rosario a few days earlier. They came from former Ferrocentral and are in good state of repair. The 282 km long Bahía Blanca – Viedma line, which is closed since 2011, sees “heavy traffic“, because a few days earlier a freight train brought 4500 sleepers to Viedma for track rehabilitation and a further train with 3500 sleepres will follow soon and a few weeks back a refurbished locomotive was also delivered to Tren Patagonico using this line.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-5)

TransAmericana

The Brazilian Government realized the value of the 1356 km long railway line from Baurú to Corumbá, together with the line from Santos via Botucatú to Baurú, which has also metre-gauge. The entire corridor has been renamed TransAmericana and the freight concessionaire Rumo Logística has been forced to invest in this line to get an extensión of its conces-sion. The government plans first to rehabilitate the existing metre-gauge corridor Brazil-Bolivia-Argentina-Chile, instead to build a completely new Transcontinental Railway. Many com-panies have shown interest to participate in the reconstruction of the existing line, including some from China. On the other side the Argentine government stopped all works on the rehabilitation of the Pericó – Embarcación – Pocitos line, which caused protests in Salta province, to divert the funds to pro-jects at Rosario and Buenos Aires. Interests to rehabilitate the Salta – Socompa line faded also away. Under these circumstances Brazil hopes that Bolivia will finally build its internal connecting Railway between the Eastern and Andean networks.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-5)

Bolivia

Oruro - Villazón

Train services between Oruro and Villazón are interrupted at least until October 2018 because of flood damage over some sections of the line.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-5)

TransAmericana

The Brazilian Government realized the value of the 1356 km long railway line from Baurú to Corumbá, together with the line from Santos via Botucatú to Baurú, which has also metre-gauge. The entire corridor has been renamed TransAmericana and the freight concessionaire Rumo Logística has been forced to invest in this line to get an extensión of its conces-sion. The government plans first to rehabilitate the existing metre-gauge corridor Brazil-Bolivia-Argentina-Chile, instead to build a completely new Transcontinental Railway. Many com-panies have shown interest to participate in the reconstruction of the existing line, including some from China. On the other side the Argentine government stopped all works on the rehabilitation of the Pericó – Embarcación – Pocitos line, which caused protests in Salta province, to divert the funds to pro-jects at Rosario and Buenos Aires. Interests to rehabilitate the Salta – Socompa line faded also away. Under these circumstances Brazil hopes that Bolivia will finally build its internal connecting Railway between the Eastern and Andean networks.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-5)

Brazil

Rising of Fares

May 11, 2018 fares of the CBTU suburban services will be adjusted for the first time after many years. At Natal, João Pessoa and Maceió the first increase after 15 years will reach now BRR 1.00, at Belo Horizonte the first increase in 12 years will reach BRR 3.40 and at Recife, where fares increased 6 years ago for the last time, they will rise now to BRR 3.00. CBTU wants to reduce the deficit by this measure.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-5)

Teresina – Altos

The Government of Piaui state confirmed that the first new train built by Bom Sinal will arrive during the third week of May 2018, the other two trains will follow during July and August. Rehabiliation works on the line through Teresina are going on. The complete refurbishment of the old Ganz-Mávag trains will start end-2018 and towards the end of 2019 the regional train service between Teresina and Altos may start.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-5)

Fernão Velho and Goiabeira

CBTU Maceió did some preventive works along the line at Fernão Velho and Goiabeira. This is new, because normally repairs are only done, when damages already occurred.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-5)

Parangaba – Borges de Melo – Mucuripé

To continue with the construction works on the new urban railway Parangaba – Mucuripé, which is still incomplete between Borges de Melo and Mucuripé the government of Ceará state released BRR 19,4m.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-5)

TransAmericana

The Brazilian Government realized the value of the 1356 km long railway line from Baurú to Corumbá, together with the line from Santos via Botucatú to Baurú, which has also metre-gauge. The entire corridor has been renamed TransAmericana and the freight concessionaire Rumo Logística has been forced to invest in this line to get an extensión of its conces-sion. The government plans first to rehabilitate the existing metre-gauge corridor Brazil-Bolivia-Argentina-Chile, instead to build a completely new Transcontinental Railway. Many com-panies have shown interest to participate in the reconstruction of the existing line, including some from China. On the other side the Argentine government stopped all works on the rehabilitation of the Pericó – Embarcación – Pocitos line, which caused protests in Salta province, to divert the funds to pro-jects at Rosario and Buenos Aires. Interests to rehabilitate the Salta – Socompa line faded also away. Under these circumstances Brazil hopes that Bolivia will finally build its internal connecting Railway between the Eastern and Andean networks.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-5)

Cuba

Habana Casablanca – Matanzas

April 20, 2018 reconstruction works of the bridge in Km 77.244 of the electric Railway Habana Casablanca – Matanzas (the Hershey Railway) commenced. The 1917 built bridge collap-sed in 2017 when a train derailed because of a broken beam of the bridge. All steel parts of the bridge are now replaced and a new roadway for the placement of the rails will be put on top. The works may allow the reopening of the line towards the end of the year.
Currently the entire Hershey Railway network is out of service with the exception of the Jaruco branch which has services as usual.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-5)

El Salvador

San Salvador – Apopa – Nejapa – Quezaltepeque – Sitio del Niño

The 40 km long railway line San Salvador – Apopa – Nejapa – Quezaltepeque – Sitio del Niño will finally be reactivated as a tourist Railway under the name TURITREN 503. The project is financed by the national Port Authority CEPA and the El Salvador-California Chamber of Commerce. Eyewitnesses are atlking of first works on stations and tracks at Nejapa. The municipalities of Sonsonate, Zacatecoluca und Armenia are also helping to establish railway museums on their premises.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-5)

Mexico

No Passenger Trains yet

The National Agency for Rail Transport Regulation don’t sees the priority to operate passenger trains over the lines of the state owned Ferrocarril del Istmo de Tehuantepec. The lines must first be improved to increase monthly tonnage over the existing 50‘000 tonnes and after that it would be possible to talk about passenger trains. The concession of the railway inc-ludes passenger and freight transport. Passenger trains ar-ound the big cities of the country are a priority, so the agency.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-5)

05.04.2018

Argentina

Buenos Aires Once - Chivilcoy Sud

Trenes Argentinos Operaciones announced that the weekly passenger train between Buenos Aires Once and Chivilcoy Sud may get a second train pair per week from a not yet known date in April 2018. At a later date it will also be extended by a further 29 km to Andres Vaccarezza. If the train will also run again to Bragado, when the bridge over the Rio Salado river will be rebuilt is still unknown.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-4)

Aldo Bonzi - Puente Alsina

Trenes Argentinos Operaciones suspended train traffic between Aldo Bonzi and Puente Alsina «until further notice».
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-4)

Brazil

Engenheiro Goulart - Airport Guarulhos

March 31 2018 suburban trains operator CPTM of São Paulo inau-gurated line 13 between Engenheiro Goulart and Guarulhos Airport, a distance of 12,2 km. In a first phase trains are operating for free on weekends between 10.00 and 15.00. Full services, including direct trains to São Paulo Luz (main station) will operate from July 2018 on.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-4)

Metro São Paulo

Governor Geraldo Alckmin of São Paulo state inaugurated early April 2018 six new stations on metro and monorail lines in the city. Construction of some of the stations was delayed by up to 6 years.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-4)

El Salvador

San Miguel and Usulután

225 Families living on railway premises at San Miguel and Usulután got official land titles, making the rebuilding of railways in the East of El Salvador increasingly impossibly.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-4)

Quezaltepeque – Nejapa

CEPA has initiated the reactivation of the Quezaltepeque – Nejapa line with various partners. It is planned to offer a regular tourist train at weekends over this stretch of about 5 km of the San Salvador – Sitio del Niño route with an existing steam locomotive.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-4)

Guatemala

Tecún Umán

Railway operator Ferrovias has still not rehabilitated the tracks at Tecún Umán station which avoids that freight trains from Mexico can arrive there. No date for completion of the works has been fixed due to lack of interest in Guatemala.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-4)

Uruguay

Montevideo – Victor Sudriers

The projected reintrodution of regular passenger services between Montevideo and Victor Sudriers end March 2018 was not realized. Instead passenger trains operated during two days in the Easter week. A new opening date has not yet been given.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-4)

Venezuela

Puerto Cabello - Yaritagua

Since the end of March 2018 there have been regular test runs with freight trains between Puerto Cabello and Yaritagua, since the track has now been largely rehabilitated over this section.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-4)

04.03.2018

Argentina

Puerto Tirol – Cacuí – Resistencia – Puerto Barranqueras

Thanks pressure by the provincial government of Chaco, Belgrano Cargas and Trenes Argentinos started repairs on the Puerto Tirol – Cacuí – Resistencia – Puerto Barranqueras line to reinstate the sub-urban services with the existing railcars.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-3)

More Trains

Trenes Argentinos increased the number of trains on the 3 electrified Mitre suburban lines and put into traffic new trains on the metre-gauge Belgrano Sur line between Kilómetro 12 and Libertad.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-3)

Reduce Journey Times

Trenes Argentinos promised to further reduce journey times between Buenos Aires and Rosario within the next 2 years, after having reduced them by about an hour recently.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-3)

Trains to Retiro

Trains on the San Martin line are again reaching Retiro station after several construction work for the future viaducts reached the foreseen level.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-3)

Buenos Aires - Tandil

The city of Tandil and its inhabitants are still fighting for the reinstate-ment of the passenger train between Buenos Aires and Tandil. There have been several meetings with the responsible people at Trenes Argentinos and the Transport ministry. Now Tandil hopes to get help from the freight train operator Ferrosur Roca to increase pressure against the authorities.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-3)

Brazil

Maceió – Maceió Shopping (Mangabeiras)

CBTU could secure BRR20m to build the nearly 2 km long new branch line from maceió to Maceió Shopping in Mangabeiras. Work will start during 2018.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-3)

Subidies

The federal government has promised to pass the missing subsidies to urban train operator CBTU to avoid closure of the networks at Belo Horizonte, Maceió, Recife, João Pessoa and Natal in mid 2018.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-3)

Chile

Tacna - Arica

The Tacna-Arica Railway completed repairs on the line which led to a reduction of the journey time by about 15 min. Furthermore the depart-ure of the evening train from Arica was advanced by about 15 min. and for the first time since reopening of the line fares increased by about 20%.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-3)

Colombia

Bogotá – Chicamocha

Within 2 weeks 2 freight trains operated over the rehabilitated line from Bogotá to Chicamocha. January 20 204 tonnes of cement from Sogamoso arrived at Bogotá and March 2 140 tonnes of beer have been transported from Tocancipá north to Tibasoa. As long as no concessionaire is available these trains are operated be the national infrastrucure authority ANI.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-3)

Ecuador

Tramway at Cuenca

Works on the new Tramway at Cuenca started again, with the help of the French consortium ACTN and they are now at full swing. Hopes are increasing to open the tramway before the end of 2018, with a delay of 3 years.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-3)

Peru

Tacna - Arica

The Tacna-Arica Railway completed repairs on the line which led to a reduction of the journey time by about 15 min. Furthermore the depart-ure of the evening train from Arica was advanced by about 15 min. and for the first time since reopening of the line fares increased by about 20%.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-3)

Uruguay

End of Strikes

The strike which halted most freight and all passenger trains in most parts of the country could finally come to an end.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-3)

11.02.2018

Argentina

Passenger Trains

February 7, 2018 Trenes Argentinos Operaciones was running a test passenger train of the San Martin Suburban Railway to Mercedes P. There are rumors to extend 2 daily round-trips of the Pilar – Dr. Domingo Cabred service by another 39 km to Mercedes P calling also at Cortines and Goldney. Introducing stops at Mercedes for the three-weekly Buenos Aires – Junín Service is still not on the agenda. On the other side there are fears that the government will cease the hourly service Moreno – Mercedes on the Sarmiento Line.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-2)

Firing of Emplyees

The complete elimination of Ferrobaires (ex-Railway of Buenos Aires province) over 1000 workers will be laid off in the coming weeks. The state is not willing to reinstate all the train services once operated by Ferrobaires.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-2)

Posadas (AR) - Encarnación (PY)

Because of the very high number of passengers on the railcar service between Posadas (AR) and Encarnación (PY) the operator was trying to get authorization to extend services beyond the current timetable until 18.30. Both countries confirmed the high demand, but at last minute deferred the possibilities to do it so. The operator has now to enlarge the platforms of the two stations to operate double or triple Wadloper railcar compositions and operate them during the normal timetable.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-2)

Brazil

Metrô Teresina

Metro Teresina will receive the first railcar from Bom Sinal in May and the other 2 during July and August 2018. The railway could secure more funds from the Ministry of Cities not only to rehabilitate the line, but also to buy another 3 railcars in 2019.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-2)

Lowering the Subsidies

If the federal government wouldn’t reinstate the subsidies to the urban rail company CBTU to the level of 2017, all train services at Belo Horizonte, Recife, Macveió, João Pessoa and Natal will be withdrawn end June 2018. In the 2018 budget the subsidies have been reduced by about 50%.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-2)

Costa Rica

Record Numbers in spite of Collisions

State Railway Incofer was transporting in 3,984m passengers during 2017 on the San José suburban network, over 50‘000 moren than in 2016. This despite the highest number of train cancellations due to collisions with road vehicles or technical issues of the rolling-stock.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-2)

Line extension at Alajuela

At Alajuela an extension of the railway over 4 km is under construction.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-2)

Mexico

Blocked Railway Lines

Dairy farmers blocked Railway lines in Northern Mexico and protesting teachers blocked several lines in Central Mexico. Both caused serious damage to the national economy.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-2)

Paraguay

Posadas (AR) - Encarnación (PY)

Because of the very high number of passengers on the railcar service between Posadas (AR) and Encarnación (PY) the operator was trying to get authorization to extend services beyond the current timetable until 18.30. Both countries confirmed the high demand, but at last minute deferred the possibilities to do it so. The operator has now to enlarge the platforms of the two stations to operate double or triple Wadloper railcar compositions and operate them during the normal timetable.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-2)

Peru

PeruRail Titicaca

PeruRail renamed its „Andean Explorer“ Train between Puno and Cuzco to „PeruRail Titicaca“ and reduced the fares slightly.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-2)

Uruguay

Strikes at AFE

Many strikes initated by the railway workers union led state railway AFE to extend the validity of monthly tickets for passengers.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-2)

Venezuela

Yaritagua – San Jacinto / Yaritagua – Chivacoa

The two daily passenger trains between Yaritagua and San Jacinto transported over 125'000 passengers during the first 6 months of operation. State Railways IFE will start passenger operations between Chivacoa and Yaritagua (29 km) until April or May 2018.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-2)

08.01.2018

Argentina

Reallocated funds

The government has diverted funds destined to the upgrade of railway lines at short notice. The planned rehabilitation of some 500 km of freight lines in the provinces of Salta, Tucumán and Jujuy has been put on hold while the funds will now be used to improve track conditions in the Santa Fe region, to build the railway bypass of Santa Fe and to connect the port of Timbués in the Rosario area to the rail network.
Plans to upgrade tracks in the metropolitan area of Bahía Blanca have also been postponed as the monies earmarked for this have been reallocated to projects in the Buenos Aires area.
(Source: Misdiasenlavía and Argentinian Media)

Too narrow bridge

Upon building a bridge across the main road No. 5 near Luján on the Buenos Aires Once to Mercedes line, too narrow bridge bodies were used. Allegedly, during the survey a mistake had been made, resulting in bridges of only 3,4 metres wide being supplied and installed, instead of structures 4,2 metres wide. In the event of initial test runs, the chinese-built broad gauge trains were unable to cross the bridge. Remedial work consisted of cutting off protruding parts of the lateral beams which allowed for trains to pass the bridge. However, the scratches and even cracks on locomotives and carriages increase after each passage. The only possible solution is a complete replacement of the bridge, but this doesn't seem to be part of the Transport Ministry's considerations.
(Source: Clarín)

Overtake of the Railway Workshops

The Mechita railway workshops near Bragado, 200 km west of Buenos Aires, were closed after the demise of Ferrobaires. The site has now been taken over in December 2017 by the Russian company Transmashholding. This Russian firm intends to refurbish, rehabilitate and even newly build rolling stock there.
(Source: Misdiasenlavía)

Retiro – Pilar – Dr. Domingo Cabred

As the diesel-powered San Martin suburban railway line will be relocated to a new, elevated alignment in the urban area of Buenos Aires, it has to be expected that suburban trains on the entire line Retiro – Pilar – Dr. Domingo Cabred may be cancelled for an extended period of time. The long-distance train Retiro – Junin also appears to be in danger. During the period 10th January to 13th February 2018 its itinerary has been shortened to Caseros (eighth station from Retiro on the suburban stretch) – Junin, while passengers have the option to travel by bus between Retiro and Caseros.
(Source: SOFSE)

Buenos Aires – Mar del Plata

As announced, the non-stop express train Buenos Aires – Mar del Plata commenced on 07th December 2017. Despite protests, the early departure time of 04:15 has been maintained because, allegedly, no crossings of trains are possible on the line to Mar del Plata! According to eyewitnesses, there are indeed passengers using this train, although no public transport operates at that hour to the Plaza Constitución departure station. As this is a seasonal offer, the train is expected to run until about 07th March 2018.
(Source: Misdiasenlavía, regional newspapers)

Temperley – Cañuelas – Lobos – Saladillo – General Alvear / Cañuelas – Monte

Without previous notice, SOFSE cancelled all regional trains of the Temperley – Cañuelas – Lobos – Saladillo – General Alvear and Cañuelas – Monte routes. Bad track condition was given as a reason for the General Alvear route, but SOFSE didn't pronounce themselves about the Monte route.
(Source: SOFSE)

Salta – Güemes

On a trial basis, SOFSE operated an additional round-trip by railcar between Salta and Güemes on 29th December and 05th January. Without the journeys being announced previously, the loading factor reached 75% on both occasions! According to SOFSE, the purpose of this trial was to assess whether additional journeys are required on this route. This should be fairly easy to find out as tickets for the 2 round-trips Monday to Friday and the one round-trip on Saturdays are only available via advance purchase, and all journeys are fully booked year in, year out.
(Source: SOFSE)

Alejandro Korn – Chascomús / Buenos Aires – Lezama

At the beginning of December 2017, SOFSE reinstated regional train traffic between Alejandro Korn and Chascomús, although limited to three daily round-trips with two additional round-trips on weekends. Before these services were withdrawn – this step led to permanent pressure from passengers for their re-introduction – up to 9 daily round-trips operated on the route. On the down side, the by now very popular regional train Buenos Aires – Lezama has been withdrawn, without any reasons given.
(Source: SOFSE)

Brazil

Infrastructure

For once, the stumbling block in the way of building the planned intercity railway network in the São Paulo area is not planning or funding issues but the federal government in Brasilia. In order to streamline construction costs, existing railway corridors are to be upgraded accordingly. For this, ownership of the tracks affected needs to be transferred to São Paulo state to empower them to commence construction work. State president Michel Temer promised in mid-2017 to sign the respective decree, but this has been postponed repeatedly. Municipalities in the Vale do Paraíba are now pressurising the federal governement, as construction work is to be advertised during 2018. The planned intercity network will start at São Paulo and reach as far as Campinas, Sorocaba, Santos and Taubaté in the Paraíba valley. Only some 20 years ago, ownership of the railway line from São Paulo to Sorocaba and part of the line to Campinas was transferred from São Paulo state to the federal government to be operated by the then state railway RFFSA. This was to include those lines in the privatisation process of the federal railway. What was helpful at that time to freight railway concessionaires is now an obstacle for the development of passenger traffic!
(Source: Gazeta de Taubaté)

Tramway of Santos

The modern tramway of Santos is progressing further. On the 4th January 2018, the now with platform doors equipped stations Emmerick, Nossa Senhora das Graças and José Monteiro in São Vicente opened. A further two stations in São Vicente and another three in Santos are also currently being equipped with platform doors in order to enhance safety. Two more trains were delivered at the start of January 2018 which brings the fleet to a total of 22 trains. Four of the seven new permanent way vehicles were also delivered at the same time while the remaing three will follow in February. Construction of the third section from Samaritá to Barreiros has been put out for tender on 4th January 2018.
(Source: Portal do Governo do Estrado de São Paulo)

São Paulo suburban railway

The São Paulo suburban railway operator, CPTM, purchased a total of 30 new EMUs during 2017, as planned. The last unit was handed over to the railway on 29th December 2017. The fleet is built by Hyundai; and the next batch of 35 trains will be delivered during 2018. The aim of this purchase is to increase the number of trains and to replace the oldest units of the fleet. The entire renewal program has been funded by the São Paulo state.
(Source: Diário do Transporte)

Pindamonhangaba – Campos do Jordão

Estrada de Ferro Campos do Jordão is currently rehabilitating the centre section of the 47 km-long line. Therefore, no through trains can operate between Pindamonhangaba and Campos do Jordão until further notice. Local train services within Campos do Jordão and between Pindamonhangaba and Piracuama are running normally.
(Source: EFCJ)

Mexico

Reopening of unused railway lines

The Mexican government envisages reopening of as many lines as possible among the currently unused or closed railway lines in the country, totalling a length of 3525 km. The preference lies with those sections that can be refurbished without major difficulties. One of the lines in question is the Mérida – Progreso section which was closed when the rail link to the port was severed. Some 90 per cent of the track will be rehabilitated and reopened to traffic as it runs past the special economic area in the outskirts of Progreso.
The Naucalpan – Azcapotzalco line in the metropolitan area of Ciudad de México, however, has been pressed hard by new housing developments which impede passage of heavy freight trains. A study has shown that this line would be suitable for a LRT or tramway style operation.
The government has now asked all concessionaires to report all unused railway lines until mid-2018 and to return them to the government. The lines will then be passed on to the ARTF (Agencia Reguladora del Transporte Ferroviario/Regulating body for railways) for administration. Following this, the ARTF will work out a concept of use for each line, and the lines will then be concessioned accordingly.
(Source: t21.mx)

Construction of a Railway line to Port of Acapulco

The port of Acapulco shows a growing economic importance, but it is, however, one of the few ports in the country without a rail link. The government is now assessing a variety of projects for the construction of a railway line to Acapulco, some of them almost 100 years old, for their feasability. The port of Acapulco generates about 27 per cent of the economic output of Guerrero state.
(Source: t21.mx)

Infrastructure

According to news from the Secretary for Transport and Communication SCT, the new railway line México – Toluca is now 70 per cent complete, and test runs will be extended in the coming months over further sections of the 58 km long line towards the capital of the country. It is expected that test runs can be carried out over the entire length from mid-2018 and that the line can open to traffic around the end of 2018 once all snagging work is complete.
The new line 3 of the Tren Ligero de Guadalajara is now 92 per cent complete. Test runs will be carried out in the first three months of 2018 over the 21 km long line, serving 18 stations. Revenue service is expected to start mid-2018 at the latest.
Line 3 of the Monterrey metro has been reported as 85 per cent complete at the end of 2017. Operations on the 7,5 km long line are expected to start at the end of 2018 at the latest.
At the end of 2017, the federal government has allocated funds to the Ciudad de México local governement which are to be used for the detail planning of the metro line Pantitlán – La Paz to Chalco. This planning work will happen in 2018.
(Source: t21.mx)

Panama

Ciudad de Panamá – Santiago – Ciudad David

Since 2015, the government of Panamá is developing plans to build a railway line between the country's capital, Ciudad de Panamá and the city of David, located in the west of the country. This has now evolved into a project to build a 450 km long high-speed line to link the two cities via Santiago, with a cost to the tune of US$ 5bn. The line will be double-track and allow for speeds of up to 160 kph. Travel time between the two terminus will not exceed 3 hours. Nothing is known so far about the exact number of intermediate stations, but there will definitely be more than just the one at Santiago. The connection of this line with the existing Ciudad de Panamá – Colón line at a later stage is also considered as an option.
The project has been designed by chinese firms who are expected to get the go-ahead for building work to start during 2018. A second stage has also been proposed; this envisages an extension of the line to Costa Rica.
Although this new railway line appears to be a passenger railway in the first place, it will be the contribution of Panamá towards the planned Feristsa network for a transcontinental line from Mexico to Panamá. Thus, Panamá is creating a fait accompli which means that the future Mexico – Panamá railway may be based mostly on Chinese technology and carry passenger traffic as well.
(Source: Ensegundos; TVN-2; La Estrella)

Uruguay

Montevideo – Sayago – Manga – Toledo – Pando – Victor Sudriers

The state railway AFE has made a firm commitment for reopening the Montevideo – Sayago – Manga – Toledo – Pando -Victor Sudriers line to passenger traffic; this should happen in the week before Easter 2018. The service will be covered by one of the Swedish Y1 railcars, imported second-hand in 2017. A variety of reasons have led to the delay of this reintroduction. Refurbishment of the railcars to operational condition progresses slowly as there is a lack of engineering staff. Some level crossings along the line which still sees daily freight trains need upgraded while station platforms, particularly the one at Pando, require repair work. There is also a lack of train guards, but a recruitment and training exercise is currently under way. An agreement with the city of Montevideo is in preparation to enable through ticketing between trains and city bus lines.
The plans propose one round-trip in the morning and another one in the evening on weekdays. A test run with a Y1 railcar already took place.
(Source: AFE)

Montevideo – 25 de Agosto

According to AFE Director Alfonso Lereté, the railway is assessing the possibility to increase the number of daily round-trips from 2 to 4 on the Montevideo – 25 de Agosto line during the course of 2018. This would also be covered by the Y1 railcars. The railway is, however, adamant to operate Monday to Saturday only.
(Source: Radio Uruguay)

06.01.2018

Argentina

La Trochita

La Trochita (The old Patagonia Express) operates as follows: Esquel – Nahuel Pan daily except Sundays until 28 Februray 2018; during March Tuesday and Saturday and thereafter every Saturday. El Maitén – Desvío Bruno Thomaé until 8 February 2018 daily except Sunday and Monday; then until 28 February Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and during March every Saturday only. The line from El Maitén to Ñorquincó is currently under rehabilitation together with the help of Rio Negro province and trains may start to operate no later than in March 2018.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-1)

Güemes - Salta

As a trial SOFSE was operating a third pair of railcars between Salta and Güemes, without any announcement on 29 December 2017 and 5 January 2018 and both trains were over 75% occupied, Local authorities hope that this will encourage SOFSE to operate more trains regularily.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-1)

Fares

Fares for the long-distance services from Buenos Aires to Rosario, Córdoba and Tucumán have increased by about 35% on 4 January 2018.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-1)

Closing of Railway Lines

The Regional trains Temperley – General Alvear, Cañuelas – Monte and Cañuelas – Lobos have been suspended from 5 January 2018 on until further notice without mentioning the reason for this measure.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-1)

Construction Works

From 10 January to 13 February 2018 due to construction works on the San Martin line, all suburban trains will operate between Villa del Parque and Pilar and Dr. D. Cabred and the long-distance service will operate between Caseros and Junin only.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-1)

Brazil

Metrô Brasilia

The Metro of Brasília was interrupted during the longest strike of its history between 9 November and 20 december 2017.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-1)

Pindamonhangaba - Campos do Jordão

The eletric Interurban of Campos do Jordão refurbishes the centre section of the 47 km long line, so there are no through trains until fur-ther notice. The urban services at Campos de Jordão and Pindamon-hangaba are operating normally.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-1)

Chile

Normal Operation

A strike of the main parts of the staff brought all trains of the Santiago suburban lines, the Santiago – Chillán long-distance trains and the Talca – Constitución railbus to a complete halt from 1 to 22 December 2017. In the meantime services went back to normal.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-1)

Panama

Ciudad de Panamá - Ciudad David

China will build a high-speed railway between Panama City and Ciudad David over a distance of 450 km.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-1)

Paraguay

Asunción main station

Asunción main station will be rehabilitated during 2018, but there are no plans to connect it again to the railway network.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-1)

Uruguay

Montevideo - Victor Sudriers

State Railways AFE announced to reintroduce passenger traffic between Montevideo and Victor Sudriers about Easter 2018. A railcar of the Y1 type may operate at least twice daily on weekdays in each direction. There is also a plan to expand the offer of services between Montevideo and 25 de Agosto from 2 to 4 pairs a day.
(Source: Volta o Trem 22-1)

08.12.2017

Argentina

Alejandro Korn – Chascomús / Lezama – Buenos Aires

Trenes Argentinos Operaciones introduced on December 2, 2017 the promised local trains Alejandro Korn – Chascomús, but only with 3 daily round-trips and two additional trains Friday to Sunday. The same day the very popular regional train Lezama – Buenos Aires has been suspended. December 7, 2017 will see the start of the fast train Buenos Aires – Mar del Plata. But the railway don’t want to change the early departure time at 04.15, a time on which Plaza Constitución station in the capital can’t be reached by public transport.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-9)

Bolivia

Ferrocarril Arica – La Paz

The Arica – La Paz Railway operates 2018 the Arica-Poconchile Tourist Train 4 times in January, 3 times each in February and March, 2 times each in April and May and once in June 2018. New are now also trips from Arica to Central. Central at Km 69,8 is at the foot of the former rack section of this railway and the tourist train will reach this destination 16 Dec. 2017; 27 Jan., 24 Feb.; 24 March and 23 June 2018. Further informations
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-9)

Brazil

Maceió - Jaraguá

Since 8 November 2017 regular railcar traffic is operating between Maceió and Jaraguá. Monday to Friday 19 round-trips between 05.20 and 18.00, Saturdays 10 round-trips between 06.30 and 15.30.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-9)

Chile

Ferrocarril Arica – La Paz

The Arica – La Paz Railway operates 2018 the Arica-Poconchile Tourist Train 4 times in January, 3 times each in February and March, 2 times each in April and May and once in June 2018. New are now also trips from Arica to Central. Central at Km 69,8 is at the foot of the former rack section of this railway and the tourist train will reach this destination 16 Dec. 2017; 27 Jan., 24 Feb.; 24 March and 23 June 2018. Further informations
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-9)

Paraguay

Tourist Train in Encarnación

State Railways FEPASA plans to introduce a tourist train with the existing 3 steam locomotives over the few tracks at Encarnación. It is not yet known which coaches will be brought to Encarnación for this purpose.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-9)

Peru

Lima – Huancayo

Finally the departure dates for the Lima-Huancayo tourist train arrived, in 2018 only 9 trains will operate.

From Lima 7:00
29. March
28. April
29. June
26. July
10. August
30. August
6. October
1. November
23. November

From Huancayo 7:00
1. April
1. May
1. July
28. July
12. August
2. September
8. October
4. November
25. November
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-9)

23.10.2017

Argentina

Buenos Aires - La Plata

SOFSE introduced electric traction between Buenos Aires and La Plata on October 18, 2017. Trains are operating daily about every half hour in each direction. Since the boarding platforms at Pereyra and Ringuelet are still not adapted to the new trains, they won’t call there until further notice.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-8)

Derailments

17/10/2017 Governador Virasoro, Línea Urquiza (1435 mm), freight train with containers
17/10/2017 Olavarría, Línea Roca (1675 mm), freight train due to heat kinks on the tracks
18/10/2017 San Francisco, Línea Belgrano (1000mm), freight train with new chinese rolling-stock
20/10/2017 Zenón Pereyra, Línea Belgrano (1000mm), freight train with new chinese rolling-stock
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-8)

Bolivia

Cochabamba - Aiquile

The railbus service between Cochabamba and Aiquile has been reinstated, after rehabilitation of the older railbus which was stored at Cochabamba station for a long time.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-8)

Potosí – El Tejar (Sucre)

Due to a damaged bridge between Yotala and El Tejar the railbus Potosí – El Tejar is not ruinning until further notice. Repairs on the bridge already commenced.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-8)

Uyuni – Avaroa

The Uyuni – Avaroa local train is no longer running. There is a possibility to charter a coach which will be added to the regular freight train.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-8)

Brazil

Maceió - Jaraguá

Regular passenger services between Maceió and Jaraguá will commence November 8, 2017. The test runs since October 20 have been successfull.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-8)

Tramway at Rio de Janeiro

The modern Tramway at Rio de Janeiro opened line 2 extension until the main station Central on October 20,2017.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-8)

Baurú – Corumbá

Mato Grosso do Sul state was able to join companies from Bolivia, China, Germany and Brasil to rehabilitate and reopen the Baurú – Corumbá railway. Some larger industrial investments will only be realized when the railway is again operating.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-8)

Closing of Railway Lines

Transnordestina Logística closed the freight lines in the state of Paraíba, Pernambuco, Alagoas, Rio Grande do Norte and in parts of Ceará definitively and forever. Most lines have not been used over the last 5 to 20 years.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-8)

Cuba

Santiago – Holguin

The regional train Santiago – Holguin is back after several years with-out service, it runs now daily. Holguin station was completely repaired.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-8)

Russian Diesel Locomotives

A first batch of new diesel locomotives for Cuba left St. Peterburg Harbour October 13, 2017. There are 7 locos of the TGM8KM class, more will follow until the end of 2017.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-8)

Rehabilitation of Cuban Railway Lines

Russian Railways RZD commenced with the rehabilitation of Cuban railway lines, the lines Habana – Santiago, Habana – Cienfuegos and Cienfuegos – Santa Clara are the first lines to be rehabilitated.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-8)

Mexico

Ciudad de México - Veracruz

The government presented a project for a tourist oriented passenger train between Cuidad de México and Veracruz. The plan envisages an investment of nearly US$ 100million and the train may start in 2019.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-8)

10.10.2017

Argentina

Change of Timings

Early October 2017 SOFSE changed the timings of the long-distance passenger trains North of Buenos Aires. From Buenos Aires to Rosario journey times have been shortened by about 15 mins. From Rosario to Córdoba journeys have been extended by 2 hours and also the journey of the Villa Maria – Córdoba local train was extended by 1 hour. A train journey from Buenos Aires to Tucumán takes now 32 hours for the distance of 1170 km instead of 27 hours, the additional 5 hours have been added between Rafaela and Tucumán. All these longer journeys have been introduced without any explanation and until end September the shorter journeys could be done without any important delays.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-7)

Museum Railway Ayacucho – Tandil

At Ayacucho (Buenos Aires Province) rehabilitation of steam locomotive no. 3351 has started. The regional Museum of Technology, the city of Ayacucho and the National Institute of Industial Technology are working together to set up a museum Railway on the 63 km long line from Ayacucho to Tandil.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-7)

Bolivia

Cochabamba - Aiquile

At Cochabamba dismantling of the station tracks started to make space for construction of the electrified suburban railway. This means the definitive suspension of the railbus service to Aiquile.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-7)

Brazil

Pituaçu – Mussurunga

On September 11, 2017 Metrô de Salvador opened the 7,5 km long section from Pituaçu to Mussurunga with the intermediate stations at Flamboyant, Tamburugy and Bairro da Paz over a distance of 7,5 km reaching now a total length of 29 km with 19 stations.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-7)

Transnordestina railway

The govenment of Piauí state makes pressure to restart construction of the Transnordestina railway, which have been suspended in 2016 due to financial problems. With new funds from the federal government and other sources the states of Piauí and Ceará are planning that the Pecém – Eliseu Martins part of the scheme may be complete in 2019, while the section to Suape in Pernambuco may follow at a later date.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-7)

Chile

Ferrocarril Tacna – Arica

The Tacna-Arica Railway started to rehabilitate railcar nr. 0257 to become a second operational railcar apart of nr. 0261. Additionally some sections of the line are currently rehabilitated and some improvements at Tacna station are carried out. The railway made 300'000 Soles available for these investments for the year 2017. The number of passengers over the first 5 months of 2017 doubled nearly to 19'000 against the number carried from June to December 2016.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-7)

Colombia

Tren de la Sabana

ren de la Sabana increased the number of weekday (Monday to Friday) trains for students from 2 to 3 in each direction. One is operating between Bogotá and Zipaquirá, the other two between Bogotá and La Caro.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-7)

Peru

Ferrocarril Tacna – Arica

The Tacna-Arica Railway started to rehabilitate railcar nr. 0257 to become a second operational railcar apart of nr. 0261. Additionally some sections of the line are currently rehabilitated and some improvements at Tacna station are carried out. The railway made 300'000 Soles available for these investments for the year 2017. The number of passengers over the first 5 months of 2017 doubled nearly to 19'000 against the number carried from June to December 2016.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-7)

03.10.2017

Argentina

Infrastructure

In the City of Buenos Aires, works began on 25th September 2017 to relay sections of the San Martin and Mitre suburban lines on an elevated alignment, in order to eliminate a total of 27 level crossings. To that end, the Lisandro de la Torre station on the Retiro – Tigre line (Mitre) and the La Paternal station on the San Martin line were closed to facilitate the works.
The electrification of the link line Temperley – Florencio Varela – Berazategui is progressing well and is expected to become operational within the next weeks.
There is, however, slow progress on the Roca suburban line electrification to La Plata. Recent reports suggest that electric trains may reach the province capital La Plata by the end of 2017.
Work is progressing on the refurbishment of the Belgrano metre gauge lines in the north of the country. This will be to the benefit of freight trains. Some 500 km of lines in the provinces of Santa Fe, Chaco and Santiago del Estero have already been modernised. The upgraded section from Pampa del Infierno via Chorotis, Tostado and Santurce now allows to run heavy freight trains from Chaco province to the port of Rosario.
During September, refurbishment work started on some 400 km of lines in the Jujuy and Salta provinces.This mainly includes the El Chalicán – Pichanal – Embarcación and Pichanal – Joaquín V. González – Talavera lines, but there is also work being carried out on some sections between Talavera and Pampa del Infierno. The overall plan is to refurbish 1600 km of metre gauge lines. It has also been decided to build an avoiding line for freight trains around the city of Santa Fe with a length of 63 km.
Works on the Buenos Aires – Rosario track relay project have concluded; there is, however, very little impact on travel times.
(Source: SOFSE; Misdiasenlavía and Argentinian media)

Long-distance passenger traffic

SOFSE introduced the long-awaited additional train services between Buenos Aires (Plaza Constitución) and Bahía Blanca on the 10th July 2017. This brings the number of weekly round-trips to three: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from Buenos Aires and Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from Bahía Blanca. Only the line via Pigüé is being used. All trains now serve the town of Saavedra; the protests from local civilians and the local authorities which went on over months were eventually successful.
Further progress was achieved, when Trenes Argentinos Operaciones (SOFSE) finally introduced an improved timetable between Buenos Aires (Retiro) and Junín on the San Martin line, effective 11th September 2017. A train departs early in the day from Junín to Buenos Aires on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, while the return journeys leave on Mondays, Wednesday and Friday evenings from Buenos Aires. Additional intermediate stops were also introduced; and trains now call at Franklin, Castilla, Rawson and Chacabuco. However, the trains still omit Mercedes, the biggest town along the route. Efforts are currently made to convince SOFSE to introduce daily round-trips on the route as there is sufficient passenger potential, and additional stops are also suggested.
A new timetable became effective on 1st October 2017 on the Buenos Aires – Tucumán route. SOFSE cut travel times between Buenos Aires and Rosario Norte by 16 minutes, but significantly extended travel times north of Rafaela with the result that the overall travel time now stands at 32 hours, a hefty 5 hours more! There is no obvious reason for that step as the trains could usually cope with the scheduled 27 hours travel time. Similarly, the Buenos Aires – Rosario train now takes 15 minutes less for the journey, while travel times of the Buenos Aires – Córdoba trains remain unchanged.
(Source: SOFSE)

No additional Trains

Transport Minister G. Dietrich has made clear that no further railway lines will be re-opened for passenger trains. This came as a reply to various demands by the city of Tandil regarding the restitution of the Buenos Aires – Las Flores – Tandil service. The Transport Minister also specified that no passenger trains will run anymore on the lines Lobos – 25 de Mayo – Bolívar, Tandil – Gardey, Olavarría – Pringles – Bahía Blanca, General Guido – Pinamar, Mar del Plata – Miramar and west of Chivilcoy to Bragado, Lincoln, Pehuajó and General Pico.
(Source: Misdiasenlavía, regional newspapers)

Buenos Aires Once - Chivilcoy

Various reports suggest that SOFSE may increase the number of services between Buenos Aires (Once) and Chivilcoy from one train per week to at least five round-trips. Both the city of Chivilcoy and trade unions demand this improvement.
(Source: Misdiasenlavía, regional newspapers)

Buenos Aires – Junín

A press release by the Ministry of Transport, dated September 2017, mentioned the possibility of a once-weekly extension of the Buenos Aires – Junín train beyond Junín to Rufino or even San Luis. This would, however, have to wait until water levels of the Laguna La Picasa recede so that the track in that section can be repaired. It seems that all this is rather election propaganda in the wake of the parliamentary elections this October, as it contradicts with other facts. Some two years ago, an extension of the journey only to Laboulaye was proposed – nothing happened, and on the other hand, the city of San Luis tirelessly requests the lifting of tracks in the urban perimeter, which would make it unreachable by rail.
(Source: Misdiasenlavía, regional newspapers)

Alta Córdoba – Cosquín – Cruz del Eje

Emepa have built some new railcars of the „Alerce“ class for the Tren de las Sierras Córdoba – Cosquín. The government has now announced that the line from Alta Córdoba to Cosquín will be refurbished and service will be enhanced with the 5 new railcars. Allegedly, there is a prospect of the entire line beyond Cosquín to Cruz del Eje going in traffic again, but no date for this has been mentioned. On the other side, the already quite extensive fleet has never fully been taken advantage of and, despite sufficient passenger potential, no local/suburban traffic to Córdoba has been introduced.
(Source: Misdiasenlavía, regional newspapers)

Güemes - Salta

All stations and halts from Güemes to Salta have been fitted with boarding ramps in order to allow operation of the Alerce railcars that were delivered a few months ago. A first run of the new railcars over this line took place on 2 October 2017, but it is still unclear whether the timetable will be increased in the future. Local communities along the line are demanding this for some time, and SOFSE confirmed it about a year ago.
(Source: Misdiasenlavía)

Asociación Rosarina Amigos del Riel

Members of the society Asociación Rosarina Amigos del Riel (ARAR) have, in cooperation with members of the Rosario City Government, presented plans to introduce regional rail links around Rosario. The ever increasing road traffic and the very many severe accidents, many of them involving public buses, require a speedy introduction of a suburban railway network. The railway lines exist, some of them in good condition, but most of them not sufficiently used. Services from Rosario to San Nicolás, Cañada de Gómez or places to the north of the city have been suggested. This was, however, met by a less than substantial reply from the government in Buenos Aires.
(Source: ARAR)

Villazón - La Quiaca

Empresa Ferroviaria Andina (FCA) and the Argentinian province of Jujuy have signed an agreement which evisages the re-opening of the Villazón (Boliva) to La Quiaca (Argentina) railway line. FCA will rehabilitate the track to the border and also the bridge spanning the border river, while the Jujuy province will have to refurbish La Quiaca station and the access to the bridge.
(Source: EJU.tv)

Bolivia

Dismantling of Tracks

All tracks at Cochabamba railway station have been lifted and dismantled in preparation for the construction of the new urban railway system in and around this city. Re-instatement of the railbus connection to Aiquile will, therefore, not be possible anymore.
(Source: Opinion.com)

Villazón - La Quiaca

Empresa Ferroviaria Andina (FCA) and the Argentinian province of Jujuy have signed an agreement which evisages the re-opening of the Villazón (Boliva) to La Quiaca (Argentina) railway line. FCA will rehabilitate the track to the border and also the bridge spanning the border river, while the Jujuy province will have to refurbish La Quiaca station and the access to the bridge.
(Source: EJU.tv)

Brazil

São Paulo – Campinas – Americana

Experts from the World Bank have, along with their counterparts from the São Paulo state Ministry for Transport, visited the 135 km long railway line São Paulo – Campinas – Americana in order to evaluate opportunities and details for a PPP scheme which contemplates the introduction of regional passenger trains. São Paulo state has already released plots of land parallel to the existing freight railway line to make them available for the construction of a double-track line. These new tracks will allow for a maximum speed of 160 km/h. There will be 9 stations along the route including the suburban railway stations of São Paulo Luz, Barra Funda and Jundiaí. An option is to build the 30 km long section between Campinas and Americana as a single-track line. Overall project cost is expected to be in the region of BRR 5 to 5.4 bn.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária)

Metrô Teresina

Metrô Teresina and Piauí state have ordered the new railcars at Bom Sinal which will consume about half of the available funding. The rest of it will be used to rehabilitate sections of the current railway line and some stations; and the three Ganz-Mávag trains will once more be fully refurbished. The Piauí government has decided to introduce regional trains with the Ganz-Mávag trains on the 41 km-long line Teresina – Altos. On the other hand, the project of a rail link to Timón has been shelved as the neighbour state of Maranhão shows little interest.
(Source: Cidadeverde.com)

Trem do Cariri Juázeiro do Norte – Crato

The Trem do Cariri from Juázeiro do Norte to Crato has resumed operations after a disruption of over 7 months. Trains run Monday to Friday between 0600 and 1900 hours, Saturday 0600 and 1400.

(Source: Município de Crato; G1Ceará)

Metrô de Sobral

The Metrô de Sobral has eventually introduced the final timetable. Trains operate on both lines Monday to Saturday between the hours of 0500 and 2300. Standard fares have been reduced from BRR 3.00 to BRR 1.00 after Ceará state was able to grant the respective subsidies. Concession fares sank from BRR 1.50 to BRR 0.50.
(Source: Município de Crato; G1Ceará)

Metrô Belo Horizonte

Metrô Belo Horizonte has extended trains from 4 to 8 carriages during peak traffic periods in order to better meet heavy demand. As a trial, trains operate until midnight; and if there is a good uptake of this offer it should become permanent.
(Source: CBTU)

Maceió

The extension of Maceió's suburban railway line to the coast, currently under construction, is nearing completion. The new terminus station of Jaraguá is almost ready, and the surroundings of that former harbour station have been redeveloped. Bom Parto and Mercado stations have been fully refurbished. Authorities have commissioned signalling at level crossings on the section between the Central station and Jaraguá, and test runs will commence at the end of 2017. Train service is expected to start during 2018.
(Source: Alagoas24horas)

Maceió – Lourenço de Albuquerque

Heavy rainfall between June and September caused a number of disruptions on the existing line Maceió – Lourenço de Albuquerque, but train services resumed after a just a few days on every of those occasions.
(Source: Alagoas24horas)

Metrô de Salvador

Metrô de Salvador opened a further section of line on 11 September 2017, comprising the stations of Flamboyant, Tamburugy, Bairro da Paz and Mussurunga. With this, network length increased to 29 kilometres with 19 stations. In addition, a new bus station has been built at Mussurunga to integrate bus connections.
(Source: G1 Bahía)

Cataguases – Recreio – Tres Rios

The closed railway workshops of Recreio (Minas Gerais) have received a new lease of life with the help of the local authorities, and refurbishement of some passenger carriages began. The carriages stem from the former Estrada de Ferro Vitória a Minas sets that have been replaced with new coaches; they were in good condition. Railway operator VLI contributes with overhauled diesel locomotives. All this will allow operation of tourist trains on the metre-gauge line Cataguases – Recreio – Tres Rios. There is currently no traffic on that line, but local administrations along the line are preserving the tracks in their jurisdictions. The municipality of Recreio – a town of 12'000 inhabitants – undertakes all to preserve rail tracks using the city streets. There is a variety of projects, one of them is called „Trem Azul“ (i.e. Blue Train), and for the first time, a tourist train will cross the border between two federal states, from Minas Gerais to Rio de Janeiro. A key player in this scheme is the Amigos do Trem NGO.
(Source: ONG Amigos do Trem)

Chile

Tacna – Arica

The southernmost railway of Peru has started repair work on their railbus number 0257 in order to have a second operational railbus as a relief to the normally operating railbus 0261. A funding of 300'000 Soles is available for this, but part of the money will also be used to repair some weak spots on the track, and there will be some improvements made to the Tacna railway station.
During the period from June to December 2016, 10'703 passengers were carried, while between January and May 2017 there were 19'010 passengers using the service. Some 90 per cent of the users came from Chile, while the rest were Peruvians.
(Source: El Comercio)

Costa Rica

San José

In order to cope with increasing passenger demand in the metropolitan area of San José, the state railway company Incofer requires additional railcars. Incofer was able to secure a loan of 52m USD from the Interamerican Development Bank; the first loan since re-opening of the railway network in 1998 and the re-introduction of scheduled passenger trains in 2005. 8 new railcars will be sourced with a capacity of 400 passengers each, more than double of what the currently used Spanish Apolo railcars can carry. Preparation of the tender documents and the tendering process itself will take about one year, and the supplier will be chosen at the end of 2018. The first new train is expected to go into service in December 2019. There have been expressions of interest from manufacturers in Europe, Japan, China and Brazil. Incofer emphasize that the order will include spare parts, workshop equipment as well as training of both driving and maintenance staff.
In the meantime, Incofer is analyising ways to repair six Apolo railcars which are currently stored with mechanical defects as an intermediate solution.
(Source: crhoy.com)

Mexico

Infrastructure

The heavy earthquakes and heavy rainfall in some regions of the country had and impact on rail traffic. Rain led to disruption on the Nuevo Laredo – Ciudad de México main line, in particular on northern sections. However, after a few days freight traffic could resume.
Earthquakes temporarily halted underground and suburban traffic in and around Ciudad de México, but after a few hours and thorough checks, all lines could be re-opened. Only the southernmost section of the suburban line México Buenavista to Cuatitlán remained closed for almost 12 hours after the first earthquake as some buildings close to the railway perimeter had to be secured.
The Ferrocarril del Istmo de Tehuantepec FIT was hit the hardest between Matías Romero and Ixtepec. Earthquakes debilitated the track, and the coinciding heavy rainfall led to scouring at some spots. The Matías Romero railway station suffered severe damage, and the station building will remain out of use for an extended period of time. Two weeks after the heavy earthquake off the Pacific coast, trains with aid goods were able to run as far as Juchitán, and repair work on three severely damaged sections south of Ixtepec had been completed by railway staff in cooperation with civil protection.
(Source: t21.mx)

Guadalajara

The urban railway of Guadalajara began operating the first unit of a fleet of 12 new 2-car trains in September 2017. Delivery of further units is currently under way, and the last of the trains, built by Bombardier at Ciudad Sahagún (Hidalgo state, México), is expected to enter service in November 2017.
(Source: t21.mx)

Peru

Tacna – Arica

The southernmost railway of Peru has started repair work on their railbus number 0257 in order to have a second operational railbus as a relief to the normally operating railbus 0261. A funding of 300'000 Soles is available for this, but part of the money will also be used to repair some weak spots on the track, and there will be some improvements made to the Tacna railway station.
During the period from June to December 2016, 10'703 passengers were carried, while between January and May 2017 there were 19'010 passengers using the service. Some 90 per cent of the users came from Chile, while the rest were Peruvians.
(Source: El Comercio)

Uruguay

Montevideo – Paso de los Toros

The Ferrocarril Central del Uruguay project was presented in August 2017. It proposes the upgrading of the 273 km long line Montevideo – Paso de los Toros for an axle load of 22,5 tons and a maximum speed of 80 km/h for freight trains. Some sections of the line will be straightened, and populated areas will be bypassed or tunneled. The participation of private investors is envisaged as the overall cost of the project is expected to be in the region of US$ 800m to 1bn. There is considerable time pressure as the work needs to be concluded within 2 years. The Finnish firm Botnia/UPM plans to build a cellulose plant at Paso de los Toros but this is, however, hinged to a high-capacity rail link.
(Source: AFE)

Montevideo - 25 de Agosto

The improvements to the passenger trains between Montevideo and 25 de Agosto, orginally announced for September 2017, have been postponed until further notice.
(Source: AFE)

Venezuela

Caracas – Cúa

Integral rehabilitation work on the suburban railway Caracas – Cúa is under way since mid-September 2017. During night hours, sleepers and ballast are being replaced, and the track is tamped and lined.
(Source: IFE)

08.09.2017

Argentina

Cacuí – Los Amores / Presidencia Roque Sáenz Peña – Chorotis

Problems with the railcars in service led to several interruptions of the passenger services on the lines Cacuí – Los Amores and Presidencia Roque Sáenz Peña – Chorotis, often during several weeks without any service. These and the continuation of the suspension of the Resistencia local train services are increasing many problems in Chaco province. But a change may not come soon, because these services aren’t seen as „strategically important“ according to the federal government, without taking care of the local population.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-6)

Close and dismantle Railway Lines

A presidential decree allows now the transport minister to close and dismantle railway lines without any consultation with the government. As indicated in the decree this is „to the benefit of the Argentine population!“
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-6)

Elimination of level crossings

In the Buenos Aires area some mega projects have started now, to eliminate the many level-crossings. The San Martin and Mitre Lines will be put on viaducts and the Belgrano Sur suburban line gets an elevated connection to Plaza Constitución station. The main stations Retiro Mitre and Plaza Constitución have been heavily refurbished.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-6)

Brazil

Metrô Teresina

Piauí state ordered now 3 light railcars from Bom Sinal for the Metrô Teresina service. The money would be sufficient to buy 6 railcars, but the state will use the remaining money for rehabilitation of the line and some stations. The existing 3 Ganz-Mávag trains of 1973 will be recycled again and then be used from 2019 on for a new regional service between Teresina and Altos, a distance of 41 km.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-6)

Trem do Cariri Juázeiro do Norte – Crato

Die Metrô Belo Horizonte hat die Züge zu den Hauptverkehrszeiten von 4 auf 8 Wagen verlängert, um der Beanspruchung zu begegnen. Zudem wird versuchsweise bis um 24 Uhr gefahren, wenn die Züge nachts gut genutzt werden, soll dieses Angebot bleiben.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-6)

Metrô de Sobral

Metrô de Sobral local trains are now running all daily long, Monday to Saturday trains operate on both lines between 5 and 23 hours.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-6)

Maceió

At Maceió the new station at Jaraguá on the extension of the suburban train line is nearly ready for operations. The entire area close to the port station has been completely redesigned. The stations Bom Parto and Mercado have also been completely refurbished.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-6)

Metrô Belo Horizonte

Metrô Belo Horizonte increased the number of coaches from 4 to 8 on the trains during rush-hours, to reduce overcrowding. On an experimental base the operation of trains has been extended to midnight and if this will be used by the population this additional offer may remain.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-6)

Chile

New Timetables

Ferrocarril Central changed some schedules in August 2017. Journey times of the Santiago – Chillán long-distance trains have been cut by about 15 min. The railbus Talca-Constitución got a slight reduction from 14 to 13 pairs per week and the Tourist-Buscarril Talca – Corinto runs now mostly twice per month.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-6)

Cuba

Bigger Problems

he Hershey Railway of state Railways UFC is facing more and more problems. The Eastern part between Canasi and Matanzas has train traffic withdrawn due to a damaged bridge which will not be rebuilt before 2018. On the Western part the line is out of service between Casablanca and Guanabo because of several damaged sections of the overhead-wire. Passenger trains operate currently only from Playas del Este to Guanabo – Hershey – Canasi and on the branches to Jaruco and Caraballo.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-6)

28.07.2017

Argentina

Buenos Aires – Bahía Blanca

July 10, 2017 Trenes Argentinos Operaciones increased the number of weekly train services between Buenos Aires and Bahía Blanca from one to three. After blockades and many calls to the Argentine Government Saavedra got again a stop of the train to Bahía Blanca. Fares to Bahía Blanca have been increased considerably.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-5)

Buenos Aires – Junin

It was foreseen that the number of weekly trains between Buenos Aires and Junin may increase from one to three, but this plan was cancelled at the last minute for security reasons. But in fact the main line is in good shape and the recent accidents didn’t occur on this main-line.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-5)

Roque Sáenz Peña – Chorotis

July 25, 2017 the daily railcar service Roque Sáenz Peña – Chorotis was withdrawn until further notice without mentioning the reason. .
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-5)

Buenos Aires - Lezama / Buelos Aires - Mar del Plata

First information indicate the passenger trains from Buenos Aires to Lezama and Mar del Plata are well patronized with occupancy rates of more than 85%.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-5)

Presentation of project

Workers Unions presented a project to run the weekly long-distance train Buenos Aires Once – Chivilcoy six times a week and to introduce also two daily regional trains between Merlo (connecting with electric suburban trains from Once) and Chivilcoy to serve again smaller intermediate stations like as M.J. García and Gorostiaga.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-5)

Pericó - Pocitos

The Argentine Government decided to rehabilitate the C-15 line from Pericó (Salta Province) to Pocitos on the border to Bolivia to reinstate international freight services between Argentina and Bolivia. No passenger services are planned on the C-15 line.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-5)

Bolivia

Pericó - Pocitos

The Argentine Government decided to rehabilitate the C-15 line from Pericó (Salta Province) to Pocitos on the border to Bolivia to reinstate international freight services between Argentina and Bolivia. No passenger services are planned on the C-15 line.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-5)

Arica - Poconchile - Bolivia

he directorate of Chilean state railways EFE is planning to reinstate first freight services from Arica to Bolivia and at a later date, if possibly no later than 2019 also a tourist oriented passenger service over the entire line from Arica to Bolivia is planned. During the July holidays tourist trains between Arica and Poconchile (34 km) operated again successfully, bookings exceeded 90%.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-5)

Brazil

Parangaba - Mucuripé

The new tramway between Parangaba and Mucuripé at Fortaleza begun operation in a 5 km long part of the 13 km long line on July 25, 2017, three years later than planned. Monday to Friday trains operate for the public between 08.00 and 12.00 between the station Parangaba and Borges de Melo.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-5)

Baurú – Marília – Panorama

Freight trains concessionaire Rumo Logística has plans to rehabilitate the 339 km long broad-gauge line Baurú – Marília – Panorama and put it back into traffic about in 2019.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-5)

Chile

Arica - Poconchile - Bolivia

he directorate of Chilean state railways EFE is planning to reinstate first freight services from Arica to Bolivia and at a later date, if possibly no later than 2019 also a tourist oriented passenger service over the entire line from Arica to Bolivia is planned. During the July holidays tourist trains between Arica and Poconchile (34 km) operated again successfully, bookings exceeded 90%.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-5)

Venezuela

Lack of Replacement Parts for chinese Locomotives

Due to the lack of replacement parts for the Chinese locomotives state Railways IFE started to rehabilitate an old GP9 locomotive at Barquisimeto to maintain freight services running.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-5)

07.07.2017

Argentina

Infrastructure

After construction work of a tunnel to put the Sarmiento suburban line below ground within Buenos Aires started, building of a new, 20 km long high-level line has also commenced. This line will introduce the Belgrano Sur suburban railway, currently terminating at the Buenos Aires station, by way of viaducts to the Plaza Constitución station. Plaza Constitución is to be upgraded and converted into a major regional transport hub where suburban railways, regional express railways, underground and bus lines converge.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Long-distance passenger traffic

On 3rd July 2017, Trenes Argentinos Operaciones finally resumed passenger traffic between Buenos Aires and Mar del Plata. There is one daily round-trip over the full length of the line. Trains take 6 hrs 45 min to connect the two cities which are 399 km apart. 12 intermediate stations are being served: Coronel Brandsen, Chascomús, Lezama, Castelli, Sevigné, Dolores, General Guido, Maipú, Las Armas, General Pirán, Coronel Vidal and Vivoratá. For the first time, fares are varied according to expected demand. Tickets for the two classes of accommodation (Pullman and First) cost more than double on Friday, Saturdays and Sundays as well as during holiday periods as they do on other days.
The day after, a local train between Buenos Aires (Plaza Constitución) and Lezama was introduced, calling at Coronel Brandsen, Jeppener, Altamirano, Gandara, Chascomús, Adela and Monasterio. As the train to Mar del Plata, it runs daily, leaving Lezama in the early morning and returning from Buenos Aires in the evening. It is also formed of new Chinese carriages, and Pullman and First Class are available. The fare structures mirrors the one to Mar del Plata, too.
(Source: SOFSE)

Buenos Aires - Bahía Blanca/Junín

An increase from one to three weekly passenger trains on the lines from Buenos Aires to Bahía Blanca and Junín has been announced for mid-July 2017. It is, however, still unclear whether this includes calling at more intermediate stations, as this has been demanded by numerous local authorities and organisations.
(Source: Misdiasenlavía, regional newspapers, Rieles)

Tourist traffic

After a long period of closure, the tourist train of Villa Elisa in Entre Rios province has resumed its operation.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Neuquén – Cipolletti

Despite multiple announcements to introduce more trains on the local route Neuquén – Cipolletti and its extension to other settlements in the area – to Senillosa or Plottier -, nothing has come about so far. The government in Buenos Aires is withholding the already allocated funding as they consider local train traffic at Neuquén as «not strategically important».
(Source: Misdiasenlavía)

Brazil

Transnordestina

In August 2017, authorities will take thorough inventory of the Transnordestina railway project and assess its economic efficiency. Due to lack of funding, construction works have stopped some time ago. The entire workforce employed was made redundant during 2015 and 2016, and a part of the wages is still due to be paid. It was originally planned to have the railway ready for service in 2010. Up to date, about one third of the 1720 km long system linking the ports of Pecém (Ceará) and Suape (Pernambuco) with Eliseu Martins (Piauí) is complete and could be operational. On a further third, works have progressed to a stage where track laying can start, but the remaining 35% are at an initial stage with not even earthworks having started on some sections. As the completed sections are located inland and are therefore totally isolated, they can't be used for revenue freight traffic.
Depending of the outcome of the study, either a firm will be appointed to assist CSN in completing construction work – so far only the Chinese CCCC has shown any interest – or alternatively, all currently involved parties could be paid off and the entire work be re-advertised. According to current calculations, some BRR 3bn are required to conclude the project.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária)

Metrô Teresina

Metrô Teresina has finally been allocated funding to the tune of BRR 92m to upgrade the system. Although this would be sufficient to buy 6 new diesel railcars, the government of Piauí state has advertised for the acquisition of only 3 trains. The reason for this is that the funds will also be used for urgent repair and rehabilitation work on the infrastructure (track, level crossings and stations).
Replacement of the currently operating Ganz-Mávag trains has become an urgent matter. The trains started their life cycle 1973 in the Rio Grande do Sul state and were transferred to Teresina in 1989. Although they have been refurbished on several occasions, their condition is now worrying. Early in 2017 a train even derailed for mechanical reasons. In the past, there were plans to enhance urban traffic with new trains while the Ganz-Mávag trains would take over services to the surroundings (Altos, Timón and other cities), but this has now fallen by the wayside.
(Source: Cidadeverde.com)

Cuiabá

After a court of justice has confirmed that completion of the Cuiabá tramway project is sensible and economically viable, the government of Mato Grosso state has allocated BRR 922m towards the project which should allow to conclude the works within 24 months. An other court decision declared all compulsory purchase orders as valid, and appeals against the construction have been ruled out. The matter has become very urgent because both the City of Cuiabá and Mato Grosso state have to spend BRR 36m annually in order to pay for guarding the construction site, maintenance of trains which are sitting at the Várzea Grande depot since 2 years, and for wages of the already hired staff. The court has also confirmed investigations which proved that abandonment of the project and demolition of the infrastructure would cost almost triple the amount which is needed to complete the tramway. Furthermore, it has been emphasised that despite all the hassle, the Cuiabá tramway would still be some 30% cheaper upon commencement of service than the one in Rio de Janeiro.
(Source: Governo de Mato Grosso)

Crato - Juázeiro do Norte

In December 2016, the regional railway Metrô do Cariri which links Crato and Juázeiro do Norte closed to traffic temporarily, as about halfway along the line a road overbridge was being built across it. The bridge has been completed within the set timescales until February, but despite announcements made by the operator Metrofor, train operations haven't resumed as yet, a fact which causes quite some irritation and annoyance in the two cities affected. No information is available from Metrofor about the future of this rail link.
(Source: Município de Crato; G1Ceará)

Ecuador

Tramway of Cuenca

The new tramway of Cuenca is facing a number of major problems. The city government has cancelled the contract with the Cuatro Ríos syndicate on the grounds of noncompliance. Almost 2 of the 11 km of track are still not complete, most traffic lights at road intersections are missing, and power supply to the overhead lines on completed sections is insufficient. No ticket vending machines have been sourced and installed yet. Although it was originally planned that the entire line would be operational in December 2017, a few other issues remain without a solution. One key question is whether a fare of US$ 0.25 per passenger will be sufficient. As 120'000 passenger journeys per day are expected, this would result in a surplus of about US$ 1.6m per year. However, recent investigations have shown that the calculations only partially include costs for maintenance of fleet and infrastructure as those figures weren't known until now. Another outstanding matter is who will be the operator of the system. Talks were held with the Metro Quito and the state railway of Ecuador, but both withdraw from pursuing the matter. A request lodged with Metro Medellín in Colombia hasn't received a conclusive answer. Only about 40 of the required 110 employees have been hired and partially trained so far. The Cuenca city government now fears a delay of about one year until opening of the tramway, and additional costs of about US$ 10m could incur.
(Source: El Comercio)

Jamaica

Infrastructure

Reconstruction of the railway has started. This is, however, met at some locations with resistance alleging rather strange reasons. Residents along the line have requested indemnization from one of the contractors employed by the railway company, citing ownership of property. In some cases, this went to a stage where the railway had to seek help from police and the judicial system in order to defend its rights. A press campaign was launched to convey the message that never had any railway property been legally transferred to private owners and that any intent to make money from the rail reconstruction would be futile. This incurred some expenditure which led the railway company into a struggle to pay all wages in May 2017, which in its turn triggered strikes. Reassurances have been issued that construction work will progress, but commencement of services on the first section Montego Bay – Appleton has been pushed back to mid-2018, about 6 months later than originally planned.
(Source: Loop Jamaica)

Mexico

Avoiding line Celaya

Ferromex has been issued an extension of its freight traffic concession by the Secretary of Transport, in exchange for agreeing to build a 25 km long avoiding line around the city of Celaya. As it transpired at the end of April 2017, 17,5 km of this new line have already been completed, with the remaining 7,5 km in a widely progressed state. At a later stage, a new branch line to the local airport will have its junction at kilometre post 24,68 of the avoiding line. The new line will alleviate traffic pressure in Celaya city centre because frequent shunts take place there leading to lengthy disruption on many streets as long as the old line is in traffic.
(Source: t21.mx)

Zinacantepec - Pino Suárez

On 12th June 2017, the first test runs started between Zinacantepec and Pino Suárez, which is the western end of the new railway line Mexico City – Toluca. One of the new CAF electric trains, delivered in January 2017, was used for this. In the initial phase, those runs took place at very low speed, but they will now gradually be accelerated. The aforementioned section is the first with fully functional infrastructure, signalling and electrification. The test runs will also be used for staff training purposes of all grades involved in operations.
(Source: Revista Noticias)

Paraguay

Infrastructure

Government and the state railway FEPASA keep pursuing the project of the suburban railway Asunción – Luque, although this happens considerably slower than expected. Expropriation of illegally occupied property along the track alignment was carried out with a reasonable effort, but there is a major challenge to recover property that had been lawfully made available to third parties for unlimited use some 10 or 20 years ago. In those cases, major structures were built and the users of those buildings now claim huge indemnizations which haven't been included in the project costs so far. A further issue arose in conjunction with the Ñu Guazú motorway construction work. The center divider is property of the railway and will be used to lay the track of the suburban railway, but the Ministry of Transport has authorised construction of a (road) junction at Luque which interferes with the railway alignment.
While the overall project cost amounts to US$ 80m for the entire line, the government has so far only made some US$ 20m available. Most of these funds will have to be used for the aforementioned indemnizations. It is still unclear how the funding gap will be closed, however, the Chairman of the state railway told the press in June 2017: „We will get the suburban railway, one way or another, the only question is when“.
(Source: Ultimahora)

Angostura - Paraguarí - San Salvador - Abaí

Ferroviaria Oriental S.A., operator of the eastern rail network of Bolivia, has applied for the construction of a railway line in Paraguay. The line, which will mainly carry freight traffic, will include the following sections:
- A new line Paraguarí – Angostura, 50,6 km
- Reconstrucion of the former Paraguarí – San Salvador (97,7 km) and San Salvador – Abaí (79.7 km) lines, including a new station at Abaí
The new section of line will lead from Paraguarí in western direction via Nueva Italia to the port of Angostura on the Río Paraguay. On the other hand, the current, unused track alignment will be used and track relaid on the Paraguarí – San Salvador – Abaí section. Axle load will be 25 tons, trains will run at a maximum speed of 65 km/h. Passing loops will be 800 m long. Wherever possible, existing stations will be reactivated. Although the main purpose of the line will be haulage of freight, a limited passenger traffic hasn't been ruled out.
(Source: FEPASA)

Uruguay

Infrastructure

The state railway AFE is currently implementing a new, satellite-based traffic control system via GPS. In addition, signalling in the Montevideo area is being replaced and upgraded to CTC. Throughout the country, new warning systems will be installed at major road crossings.
(Source: AFE)

Y1 Railcars

Two of the seven Y1 railcars, which were imported second-hand from Sweden in 2017, have been repaired and refurbished in Uruguay, and test runs took place. The state Railway AFE has announced that some of these railcars will be operational in September 2017, and it is understood that this will lead to a re-design of the passenger timetable.
(Source: AFE)

Passenger traffic

As AFE hardly generates any revenue apart from local passenger traffic between Montevideo and 25 de Agosto, they have discovered special trains as a promising field of business. On 3rd June 2017 a special train operated from Montevideo to Florida to provide access to the San Cono festival, and during the winter holidays railcars operated between Montevideo and Peñarol on a number of days. Back in April 2017, a special train ran from Montevideo to Minas, bringing local tourists to the annual Virgin of Verdúm festival. During Easter week (called Semana de Turismo in Uruguay), train service was established on the lines to Sudriers, San Ramón and 25 de Agosto.
(Source: AFE)

Venezuela

Bridge over La Ruezga

In order to resume traffic between the suburb of San Jacinto and the main station of Barquisimeto, the state railway IFE has started construction of a new concrete bridge across the river La Ruezga. The old steel bridge was removed in February 2017, and the western abutment was built during the same month, followed by the eastern abutment on 17 April 2017, thereby using a mass of 505 cubic metres of concrete. The bridge deck will be put in place in the coming months, while re-opening for traffic all the way to Barquisimeto is expected until the end of 2017.
(Source: IFE)

San Jacinto - Yaritagua

On 20 May 2017, passenger traffic between San Jacinto an Yaritagua finally started. Contrary to the orignal plans, two daily round-trips are operated. Until further notice, passengers are not required to buy a ticket.
(Source: IFE)

03.07.2017

Argentina

Buenos Aires - Mar del Plata

July 3, 2017 Trenes Argentinos Operaciones offers again the long awaited passenger trains between Buenos Aires and Mar del Plata on a daily base. There is one pair of trains with a journey time of about 6 hours 45 min. Fares for travelling during holiday times and on weekends have increased heavily, but there is a discount of more than 50% for journeys made Monday to Thursday.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-4)

Buenos Aires – Chascomús – Lezama

On July 3, 2017 regional trains would have to run again between Alejandro Korn (terminal station of Buenos Aires suburban trains) and Chascomús, but these services have been postponed at the last moment for unknown reasons. From July 4, 2017 a new service will operate between Buenos Aires – Chascomús and Lezama Mondays to Fridays, from Lezama at 05.30 and from Buenos Aires at 18.12, with a journey time of approximately 150 mins.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-4)

Bolivia

Cochabamba – Aiquile

Confirmation comes from the local press that the railbus service between Cochabamba and Aiquile remains suspended until further notice due to the lack of useable rolling-stock. The only available rail-bus was heavily damaged May 18, 2017 when it collided with a truck.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-4)

Brazil

Trem do Cariri

The railcar service „Trem do Cariri“ between Juázeiro do Norte and Crato, Ceará state, was withdrawn December 2016 due to the construction of a road bridge over the Railway line. The bridge was completed in time until February 2017 but the train traffic was not reinstated until now.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-4)

Porto Santana – Serra do Návio

Due to legal problems Amapá state couldn’t go ahead with the rehabili-tation of the Estrada de Ferro do Amapá (1435 mm gauge) from Porto Santana to Serra do Návio, which means that the isolated munici-palities along the line will no longer be connected to the outside world.

(Source: Volta o Trem 21-4)

Metrô Teresina (Piauí)

Suburban train operator Metrô de Teresina (Piauí state) is looking for offers for new diesel-multiple-units to replace part of the old Ganz-Mávag built trains.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-4)

„Forró“ trains

During June 2017 the popular „Forró“ trains operated again Recife – Cabo, Campina Grande – Galante and on other lines of the Northeast of Brazil.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-4)

Ecuador

Tren de la Dulzura

Every Friday and every second Saturday and Sunday Tren de la Dulzura runs now Durán – Bucay and v.v., the other Saturdays and Sundays it operates as Tren de la Dulzura Plus between Durán, Yaguachi and Naranjito.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-4)

Peru

Tren Macho

The Transport ministry is looking for offers to buy new workwear for the staff of the Tren Macho Huancayo – Huancavelica.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-4)

Uruguay

Montevideo - Peñarol

During the Winter holidays from 3 to 8 July 2017 state railways AFE operates two daily round-trips between Montevideo and Peñarol with diesel railcars, departures from Montevideo at 13.10 and 15.20 and from Peñarol at 14.40 and 16.50, round-trip fares are UY$ 85.00.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-4)

Venezuela

San Jacinto - Yaritagua

May 20, 2017 passenger services between San Jacinto (suburub of Barquisimeto) and Yaritagua (28 km) started finally with two train pairs daily, operated by state railway IFE. From Yaritagua at 06.00 and 17.00, from San Jacinto at 06.52 and 17.52, journey 30 minutes.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-4)

06.06.2017

Argentina

Buenos Aires - La Plata

Electrification of the line to La Plata is going ahead at full swing. Hudson station is getting the promised higher platforms, but at Pereyra works have not yet started against all promises by the state.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-3)

Villa Ballester - Zárate

June 5, 2017 Trenes Argentinos Operaciones increased finally the number of weekday trains between Villa Ballester and Zárate from 2 to 6 pairs (4 on weekends) and the Railway company promises reduction of the journey times as soon as the two new tracks are stabilized.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-3)

Buenos Aires – Mar del Plata

Ferrobaires (of Buenos Aires Province) has now been finally trans-ferred to the state, including about 1200 employees. The government has still not guaranteed that trains to Mar del Plata may resume. Every Tuesday and Wednesday there are still „test-passenger-trains“ running between Buenos Aires and Mar del Plata, without passengers. There are now fears that many employees may be released since these additional aren’t included in the budget of Trenes Argentinos.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-3)

Neuquén - Cipolletti

Due to the great demand there are plans to increase the number of trains between Neuquén and Cipolletti on Mondays to Fridays from 8 to 10 pairs, but the government isn’t allowing it for financial reasons.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-3)

Bolivia

Aiquile – Cochabamba

May 18, 2017 the railbus which operates from Aiquile to Cochabamba collided with a truck shortly after departure from Aiquile. The railbus overturned and was heavily damaged. Fortunately none of the 18 passengers was hurt. It is unknown for how many time the line will be out of service since the railway company FCA gives no information.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-3)

Brazil

Infrastructure

Despite the fact that billions of Reais have been set aside in the Brazilian federal budget for infrastructure projects, nothing will be done. Even the completion of already started railway projects like Transnordestina or Fiol won’t be completed, against earlier promises. No money will be spent for the projected regional passenger railways like Brasília – Goiânia, Brasília – Luziânia, São Paulo – Campinas and others because they are „not serious enough“, according to state president Temer!
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-3)

Rádio do Trem

New in favor of the railway there is now a daily radio program on Rádio do Trem (in portugese language), go to http://www.radiotrem.com/
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-3)

Chile

Heritage day

On Heritage day, May 28, 2017 the population of Arica could visit the railway workshops at Chinchorro and three pairs of trains operated between Arica and Poconchile. The event was well received by a lot of people.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-3)

Santiago – San Bernardo – Nós

The new suburban service between Santiago – San Bernardo and Nós is heavily used by the local people. Over 30‘000 people are travelling daily on the trains which now operate every 20 minutes between 06.00 and 23.00 hours (Saturdays 07.00-23.00 and Sundays 08.00-23.00).
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-3)

Peru

Cuzco - Puno

Against earlier plans the passenger train Andean Explorer between Cuzco and Puno will continue to run. In 2016 PeruRail planned to suspend it when the new luxury train Cuzco – Puno – Arequipa starts operation.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-3)

14.04.2017

Argentina

Resistencia

End March 2017 the Transport Ministry ordered the immediate sus-pension of the Resistencia suburban trains between Puerto Tirol, Resistencia and Puerto Vilelas in Chaco province, without mentioning any reason for this step. This operation got new railcars just a short time before this very very unpopular step. Train fares have been a lot lower than those for the busses.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-2)

Buenos Aires - La Plata

After many protests by travellers and municipalities the Argentine government promised to complete the electrification of the very important suburban line from Buenos Aires to La Palta by July 2017. The catenary already reaches the station at City Bell, but trains could not operate because the intermediate stations at Hudson and Pereyra have still no elevated platforms. These platforms are now under construction and should be ready within 50 days. All works on the 8 km section City Bell - La Plata should now go ahead and be completed within 3 months.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-2)

Temperley – General Alvear

The local train Temperley - General Alvear is again running twice weekly, the twice weekly turns Temperley-Saladillo remain suspended.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-2)

Santa Fe

The Santa Fe local railcar has again been put into service after a gap of 8 weeks.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-2)

Tren Patagonico

Technical problems with the railcar stopped the local service San Carlos de Bariloche – Ingeniero G. Jacobacci for 2 months. It has now been put again into service April 12 2017 by Tren Patagonico twice weekly.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-2)

Brazil

Natal - Extremoz

CBTU Natal introduced end-March 2017 an additional train pair on weekdays between Extremoz and Natal. To keep the balance of the operating costs, the Sunday trains between Natal and Ceará Mirim have been suspended until further notice.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-2)

Maceió - Lourenço de Albuquerque

CBTU Maceió is refurbishing parts of the Maceió – Lourenço de Albu-querque line, for this reason some services are limited to run between Bom Parto and Satuba only. Construction work on the second line running from Maceió to Jaraguá restarted recently. 2017 will also see detailed planning on a branch to Maceió Shopping.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-2)

Batteries for light-railcars

Bom Sinal, builder of the light-railcars used on many suburban services in Brazil presented a Chinese-made battery for these railcars, which will be loaded within 2 hours and able to run such a railcar over a distance of 400 km. CBTU Recife will soon equip one of its railcars with such a battery and test it between Cajueiro Seco and Cabo. Later such batteries may be used on the railcars of the future line to Suape.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-2)

Chile

Santiago Alameda - Nós

After 4 weeks of limited operation the new suburban service between Santiago Alameda and Nós started all days operation April 12,2017.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-2)

Peru

Lima – La Oroya

April 01, 2017 the Central Railway Lima-La Oroya ressumed train services after reconstruction of a 10 km section between Corcona and Chaclacayo, which was destroyed by floods in March 2017.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-2)

22.02.2017

Argentina

Temperley - Saladillo - General Alvear

Technical problems with the Nohab railcars (ex-Portugal) forced operator Trenes Argentinos to suspend the passenger traffic between Saladillo and General Alvear. The twice weekly service between Temperley and Saladillo is now run with locomotive hauled stock.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-1)

Chile

Arica - Poconchile

Operation of a new tourist train on a lower part of the Ferrocarril Arica-La Paz will start February 25. For the time being it will run every Saturday until March 25, 2017. The trains are made of a diesel locomotive and two refurbished Schindler wagons. They run at 10.30 from Chinchorro (workshops of the railway at Arica) to Poconchile a distance of 34 km and return at 14.00, journey 90 min. in each direction.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-1)

Costa Rica

San José

Incofer has further increased the number of trains in and around San José and Alajuela has now 15 services Monday to Friday and 14 services on Saturdays.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-1)

Mexico

Puebla - Cholula

January 23, 2017 the governor of Puebla inaugurated the 17,2 Tram-Train line Puebla–Cholula. The two diesel railcars have been acquired from León (Spain) and regauged from 1000 mm to 1435 mm. They are running from a completely new station close to the Puebla Railway Museum through the streets of the city and then over a rebuilt section of the Railway line to Cholula. At Cholula a new station has been built at the site of the old one. The traffic operates for social and touristic purposes and for this reason different fares apply. Monday to Friday there are 3 round-trips, Saturday and Sunday there are four. The intermediate stations at Mercado Hidalgo and Santiago de Momoxpán have not yet been opened and at a later date the line should be extended by another 33 km to Atlixco.
(Source: Volta o Trem 21-1)

31.12.2016

Argentina

Buenos Aires – Mar del Plata

Operation of the Buenos Aires – Mar del Plata corridor still hasn't resumed, although this was announced for December 2016. More than 30 trial runs took place, as it appears without major problems; and at this time it is still unknown what prevents the line from going in service.
(Source: El Reportero Ferroviario; Misdiasenlavía, La Razón de Chivilcoy)

Buenos Aires Once – Bragado

Reconstruction work on the La Clarita and Río Salado bridges near Chivilcoy is due to be completed shortly. Local authorities along the line are campaigning for an immediate re-opening to passenger traffic between Buenos Aires and at least Bragado once work has finished.
(Source: El Reportero Ferroviario; Misdiasenlavía, La Razón de Chivilcoy)

Railway station Saavedra

The municipality of Saavedra (in the southwest of Buenos Aires province) has, along with a numerous squad of volunteers, started refurbishment of their railway station. This happens to emphasise the request to re-introduce a stop at Saavedra to the weekly Buenos Aires – Bahía Blanca train, as after the closure of Ferrobaires in mid-2016 no stops are provided anymore at Saavedra.
(Source: El Reportero Ferroviario; Misdiasenlavía, La Razón de Chivilcoy)

New Freight Wagons

Scores of new freight wagons manufactured in China were received at the port of Buenos Aires during November and December 2016, featuring vehicles for all three track gauges. So far, more than 2000 wagons have been delivered, including container flats, gondolas, hoppers, tank cars and others.
(Source: Misdiasenlavía)

Buenos Aires – Bahía Blanca

The Ministry of Transport and the operator SOFSE have announced during the first weeks of 2017 that they intend to increase the frequency of the Buenos Aires – Bahía Blanca train from one to three round-trips per week.
(Source: SOFSE)

Suburban lines of Buenos Aires

The Minister for Transport, Mr Dietrich, announced the procurement of a further 174 Electric Multiple Units for the suburban lines of Buenos Aires. At this time, it is not yet clear whether these trains will be manufactured in China. The communication just mentions that they should be similar to those currently in operation on the Mitre and Sarmiento lines (and those are, as everybody knows, from China).
(Source: Misdiasenlavía)

Jujuy – La Quiaca

Jujuy province has been granted funding to the tune of ARP 10m from the federal government towards the reconstruction of a section of the Jujuy – La Quiaca route. It is planned to rebuild a stretch of line in the Quebrada de Humahuaca. Included in this work is a competition for refurbishment of the stations along the route.
(Source: Jujuy on line)

São Paulo – Argentinien

Freight operator Rumo (formerly known as ALL Logística) has announced that they will cease to serve the Customs facilities at Santana do Livramento and Uruguaiana, which would effectively mean the end of international freight traffic. Various freight customers who ship a total of over 25'000 containers per year via the São Paulo – Argentina corridor have lodged a protest with the National Authority for Land Transport (ANTT). As the public administration is in an ongoing process of downsizing, ANTT are not in a position to intervene in favor of re-opening those Customs facilities.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária)

Brazil

São Paulo – Argentinien

Freight operator Rumo (formerly known as ALL Logística) has announced that they will cease to serve the Customs facilities at Santana do Livramento and Uruguaiana, which would effectively mean the end of international freight traffic. Various freight customers who ship a total of over 25'000 containers per year via the São Paulo – Argentina corridor have lodged a protest with the National Authority for Land Transport (ANTT). As the public administration is in an ongoing process of downsizing, ANTT are not in a position to intervene in favor of re-opening those Customs facilities.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária)

Old Rolling Stock

ANTT, the National Authority for Land Transport, have issued a resolution which authorises the private freight railway concessionaires to scrap all vehicles that are surplus to requirements. Most of this stock had been taken over from the former state railway RFFSA. Any funds generated by this sale are supposed to be used for the rehabilitation of track infrastructure.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária)

Chile

Rancagua Express

Test runs with the new Alstom EMU trains of the „Rancagua Express“ are due to start in February. Refurbishment and rehabilitation work on the line are nearly complete. In the town of Graneros, eight level crossings will not be replaced by overbridges due to lack of funding, but will be protected by locally operated mechanical barriers.
(Source: EFE)

Colombia

Again freight traffic after 20 years

On 17 October 2016, after a lull of almost exactly 20 years, a freight train arrived at La Dorada station, 769 km inland from the port of Santa Marta. It was a trial train over the full length of the line. Some 522 km of it – between Chiriguaná and La Dorada – have been rehabilitated by the national infrastructure authority ANI through a contract of public works. Major intervention was required at 44 spots along the line. Operated by Holdtrade Atlántico, a joint venture of Holdtrade (UK) Ltd. of London and Iowa Pacific Holdings of Chicago, the train carried a load of containers to the centre of the country, while for the return journey 10 wagons with containers and a further 19 wagons with cement, steel and coils were ready to make their way to the port.
Along with the lines to the northeast of Bogotá, ANI have rehabilitated some 1000 km of railway lines within a relatively short period of time and brought them to operational condition.
(Source: El Tiempo and other local newspapers)

El Salvador

San Salvador – Apopa

According to CEPA, parent entity of the Fenadesal state railway, suburban traffic over 8 km from San Salvador to Apopa could be re-instated. The line is frequently being inspected by permanent way staff using a track car, and repairs are carried out as required. A few diesel locomotives are serviceable and carry visitors in one or two passenger carriages on the premises of the San Salvador workshops.
(Source: CEPA)

Electric regional Railways

The Spanish project for electric regional railways appears to grow in size as a line towards the east to San Miguel is also on the cards, in addition to the line to Armenia and Sonsonate.
(Source: various private sightings)

Jamaica

Hope for re-introduction of passenger traffic

There is hope for re-introduction of passenger traffic on this railway. The firm Herzog International from the USA have started rehabilitation and rebuilding of the Kingston to Spanish Town line. The continuation from Spanish Town to Linstead is already in operational condition; it had been used by passenger trains in 2011 and 2012. Current negotiations between Herzog International and the government envisage reaching an agreement according to which Herzog would rebuild the line and, in exchange, would be authorised to operate freight trains free of charge. They would also be paid a minor subsidy (a few 100k US$ per year) by the government for operating passenger trains. On top of this, Herzog International will rehabilitate a further 180 km of railway lines which means they could run freight trains on some 2/3 of the country's railway network.
Authorities have begun to remove squatter settlements on railway premises in the area of the capital city, Kingston. Some 2000 persons need relocated.
(Source: Jamaica Gleaner)

Mexico

Avoiding line at Monterrey

Construction of an avoiding line for freight trains has begun at Monterrey. Once completed, the current track alignment will be made available to the city for the expansion of the urban (public transport) rail system.
(Source: Mexlist)

Avoiding line at Celaya

Also at Celaya, an avoiding line is under construction. Allegedly, too many goods were stolen from trains when they passed the urban perimeter. As at Monterrey, these works are in great part funded by the state.
(Source: Ferromex)

Guadalajara – Manzanillo

Ferromex plan to close its 355 km-long Guadalajara – Manzanillo line, as the 500 containers per month carried on behalf of Maersk are not sufficient to make operation of the line economically viable. There is a potential of other freight (petroleum products from Pemex, construction material, agricultural products), but they are not using the rail mode.
(Source: Ferromex, various local newspapers)

Tequila Express

Ferromex have completed refurbishment of its „Tequila Express“ tourist train; this included repainting of locomotives in two shades of grey. It is expected that the train will run again regularly within the next few months, although no exact starting date has been given as yet.
The locomotives of the Chepe (Chihuahua – Los Mochis) have been repainted in the same manner.
As Ferromex informs, operation of its passenger trains between Chihuahua and Los Mochis suffers frequent disruption on the Creel – Chihuahua section due to civil unrest in the Chihuahua and Cuauhtémoc regions. Passengers will travel on bus substitution services, provided the roads are not blocked.
(Source: Ferromex; Tequila Express)

Uruguay

Paysandú

In conjunction with the refurbishment of Paysandú harbour on the Uruguay river, plans have leaked regarding the reconstruction of a short railway line linking Paysandú Norte and the port. This would prevent an increase of lorry traffic through the city.
(Source: Trenes del Uruguay)

Passenger traffic

State railway AFE have purchased the last available Y1 railcars from Sweden. There is a total of 7 railcars, of which six feature Fiat engines and one a Volvo engine. Only six railcars are in operational condition, the remaining one being acquired as a source of spare parts. The railcars, formerly operating in the Swedish Värmland province on regional services, have been reported in December 2016 as being prepared for their transport to Uruguay; it is, however, not yet known when exactly they will be shipped. With these units, AFE plan to enhance its current local traffic between Montevideo, Progreso and 25 de Agosto, and it is also envisaged to resume operations on the Montevideo – Victor Sudriers line. There is, on top of this, some talk about re-introducing regular passenger service between Montevideo and San Ramón.
(Source: Trenes del Uruguay)

Venezuela

Barquisimeto - Yaritagua

Construction of a further bridge between Barquisimeto and Yaritagua puts off reopening of the entire line to traffic for at least one more year. Some sections of the line have, however, been made available for the haulage of grains; thereby using Chinese locomotives and wagons.
(Source: IFE)

Caracas – Tuy Medio

During the Christmas holiday period, state railway IFE carried out extensive repair work on the Caracas – Tuy Medio suburban railway. All tracks were integrally cleaned and repaired and, with the help of Charallave municipality, the stations were deep cleaned and got a spruce-up (new lightning, green areas).
(Source: IFE)

Cúa – Puerto Cabellos

Construction work on the new line Cúa – Puerto Cabellos has been resumed after a long interruption. At the end of 2016, track was being laid between Cagua and Mariara in the Maracay area, and over 70'000 cubic metres of ballast were also brought out. At the same time, work on the Cagua and Mariara stations continued. Both of them were fitted with toilet facilities, and operational spaces were completed.
(Source: IFE)

Yaritagua – Acarígua

In December 2016, all sets of points were changed on the Yaritagua – Acarígua line, which means that the core work required to reopening this branch line to traffic is complete.
(Source: IFE)

20.12.2016

Argentina

Buenos Aires - Mar del Plata

Reintroducing of Buenos Aires - Chascomús - Mar del Plata passenger services may again be delayed and can be postponed to January or February 2017. Exact reasons are not known, but apparently the authorities are detecting further irregularities on the tracks.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-7)

Neuquén - Cipolletti

Timings of this service have changed and there was a slight reduction of services. Mid december a road bridge collapsed between the two cities causing an extraordinary demand on the train. But no additional services have been put into service with the result that the few trips have been such overloaded that the door system of the railcars was blocked and many passengers couldn?t been conveyed at all.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-7)

La Trochita

In Rio Negro Province a special service will run over part of the well known narrow gauge on 21 January 2017! First a trip by diesel railcar from San Carlos de Bariloche dep. 07.00 to Ing. G. Jacobacci. At Jacobacci a Steam train will make the connection to Ojos de Agua (km 47 on the narrow gauge line) The return journey will commence the same day at 16.30 from Ojos de Agua with an arrival at San Carlos de Bariloche at 22.00, prices start at ARP 2582, Operator Tren Patagonico.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-7)

Brazil

Transnordestina

The government wants to terminate construction works on the Transnordestina project. Thus it will invest several BRR 430million over the next two years. The Transnordestina comprises 1728 km of new broad gauge lines from the ports of Suape (near Recife) and Pecém (near Fortaleza) to Eliseu Martins in Piauí state. Great sections of lines are complete and on others construction has even not started.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-7)

Salvador

The decision has been taken to convert the suburban train from Salvador Calçada station to Paripe into a modern tramway line with 21 intermediate stops.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-7)

São Paulo

The government of São Paulo state took the decision to call for tenders for a public-private partnership to finance the project of regional intercity train lines around São Paulo to Campinas, Mogi das Cruzes and beyound, Sorocaba and Santos, during 2017. The state alone can’t finance the entire project. The first line may open over a distance of 135 km from São Paulo to Jundiaí, Campinas and Americana.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-7)

João Pessoa

In December 2016 the João Pessoa suburban train operator CBTU got the fourth of the eight new DMU built by Bom Sinal. During 2017 and early 2018 the remaining 4 may also been delivered. Until 2018 the entire 30 km long line from Santa Rita through João Pessoa to Cabdelo will be completely refurbished, including all 12 stations and construction of 4 additional stations and double track sections to increase frequencies from about every 60 min. to about every 20 mins.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-7)

Chile

Historic train to Laraquete 

November 26, 2016 the Historic train to Laraquete was running for the first time from Concepción to Laraquete near Lota on the line South of Coronel, todays terminal of the southern line of Biotren suburban services. It was the first passenger train since 1977 running South of Coronel. The train was very exciting and within 24 hours only all 350 seats have been sold. This steam train may run again for special dates during 2017, again with steam locomotive 820 (built in the USA in 1940 and normally stored at Temuco).
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-7)

Colombia

Testtrain Santa Marta - La Dorada

After a successful run of the first freight train between Santa Marta and La Dorada (767 km) through the Magdalena River Valley, the National Infrastructure Administration ANI has found that there are still some sections of the line which need more technical attention and repairs will now be carried out. But freight services may already start now. After a long strike of truck drivers all over Colombia the government realized the value of functioning railways and waterways.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-7)

Cuba

Reduction of Relations.

The national long-distance trains from Habana to Santiago de Cuba, Bayamo and Guantánamo are operating new ever fourth daily and no longer every third day.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-7)

Peru

Central Raylway

The Central Railway announced the running days for 2017 for the tourist train Lima - Huancayo. Journey about 12 hours. Departure at 7:00.
Departures at Lima: April 13, April 28, May 25, June 16, June 29, July 28, August 10, August 27, September 14, October 05, October 29, November 23.
Departures at Huancayo: April 16, May 01, May 28, June 18, July 02, July 30, Aubust 13, August 30, September 17, October 08, November 01, November 26.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-7)

Ferrocarril Huancayo-Huancavelia

November 2016 the journey time was reduced from about 6 hours to 5 hours 30 min.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-7)

Venezuela

Puerto Cabello - La Encrucijada

After payment of a large quantity of debts (over 1,4bi of US$) from the years 2003 to 2013 caused by construction of the new 128,8 km long railway between Puerto Cabello and La Encrucijada, construction work could be reiniciated mid 2016. The line is more than 50% complete, but an opening date was not mentioned.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-7)

08.10.2016

Argentina

Fire in DMU in Santiago del Estero

Two days after inauguration of the city railway of Santiago del Estero, the Tecnotren DMU caught fire because of a short circuit. This event is discouraging many people to use the new train.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-6)

Increased Pressure against the Government 

The Argentine public increases pressure against the government to reinstate passenger trains. The communities between Buenos Aires and 25 de Mayo initiated a petition in this sense, like as the inhabitants of Brandsen and Rio Negro province wants the rehabilitation of a direct passenger train service between Buenos Aires and San Carlos de Bariloche. Meanwhile the government hopes to have the line to Mar del Plata ready for passenger trains in January 2017.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-6)

No more long-distance Trains

In a press statement of 6 October 2016 the Argentine government stressed that no new long-distance passenger trains may be put into operation. Even the Ferrobaires services which have been suspended end June 2016 may not come back. Only the services to Rosario may be increased and those to Mar del Plata reinstated.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-6)

Brazil

Extension of Tramway at Rio de Janeiro

During November 2016 a further section of the modern Tramway at Rio de Janeiro will commence operation between Praça Quinze and Praça da República. Tracks are already completed, just some works on the stations must be done.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-6)

Transnordestina

The Transnordestina Railway from Suape and Pecém to Salgueiro and Eliseu Martins may now be completed by the state since the private consortium isn’t able to do it without further public funds. The federal government wants first to complete the line between Suape and Eliseu martins, followed by the line to Pecém. The original project was established to complete the entire railway in 2010. Currently only 55% of the tracks have been laid.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-6)

Amapá Railway

Amapá state took over the Amapá Railway to rehabilitate it with public funds, later the railway may be operated by a private concessionaire.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-6)

Peru

Rehabilitation Lima - Huancayo completed

In September 2016 rehabilitation of 170 km of tracks of the Central Railway between Lima and Huancayo have been completed. As a further measure to improve operations the zig-zags should be replaced by helicoidal tunnels. This could even be financed by the railway itself.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-6)

30.09.2016

Argentina

Refurbishment Infrastructure

Various sources have now confirmed that refurbishment work on the Buenos Aires – Rosario and Buenos Aires – Mar del Plata lines has resumed. The Ministry of Transport is also expecting major progress until the end of 2016 and it is envisaged to resume train operations between Buenos Aires and Mar del Plata for the upcoming summer season (January 2017 at the latest). It is also planned to reduce travel time between Buenos Aires and Rosario from 7 to 5 hours.
(Source: ARAR and private observers)

Rolling Stock of Casimiro

The company Don Casimiro, operator of the international train Posadas – Encarnación (Paraguay) appears to have taken over the remaining 20 Wadloper railcars which belonged to TBA. At the end of September they were transferred by low-loader vehicles from Pilar and other locations to Zárate. News from Argentina suggest that the railcars will be brought to Encarnación in order to be refurbished and overhauled. At present it is unknown where they will be used, but as Don Casimiro is interested in operating the suburban line from Posadas to Garupá on behalf of Trenes Argentinos, it is thinkable that some of the railcars will be used for this.
(Source: Crónica Ferroviaria)

Technical Problems at Tecnotren

The mechanical issues of the Tecnotren railbus used to cover the urban traffic at Santa Fé seem to be resolved only partly. Although some parts for the power unit could be sourced, the derailments continue. As track repairs have been carried out, it appears that the vehicle itself is the reason for the problem. However, the train runs as often as possible.
(Source: El Litoral)

Line Closuers

Yet another round of line closures happened on 28 July 2016, and this time it was the state railway who surprisingly cancelled all trains between Buenos Aires Plaza Constitución and Chascomús, without previous notice. Depending of the weekday, there were up to 12 round-trips on this 114 km-long line. Presumably, this was a consequence of the closure of Ferrobaires, as the line Buenos Aires – Chascomús – Mar del Plata is concessioned to Buenos Aires province with the infrastructure operated by Ferrobaires. Voices in Chascomús claim, however, that bus operators heavily pressurised Transport Minister Dietrich, because the trains were very popular and the number of bus passengers plummeted by over 80%. This doesn't come as a surprise, as a return ticket in tourist (i.e. Standard) class came at 100 Pesos, while the cheapest bus connections were priced at 200 Pesos for a single ticket and most of them actually charging 300 Pesos.
(Source: Fahrplancenter News; Trenes Argentinos)

Brazil

Politics

The new federal government of president Michel Temer has announced that it will opt exclusively for privately financed projects to expand the railway network. This appears to provide higher profits to the private sector. This affects the following projects:
Extension of the Norte-Sul beyond Anápolis southbound to Estrela d'Oeste in São Paulo state, where construction is at a very advanced stage. About 90% of the 700 km have already been completed.
Construction of a new coast railway line from Rio de Janeiro via Campos to Vitória. About 30% of the old line between Campos and Visconde do Itapemirim should be reused for this, but the cities of Macaé and Campos will be avoided with new alignments. After ANTT lifted the bann for building new level crossings and the minimum radius was reduced from 500 to 350 metres, construction costs for this about 600 km long line could be reduced from nearly BRR 8 billion to under BRR 6 billion.
Construction of the Ferrogrão railway (grain railway) from Miritituba on the Rio Tapajós in eastern Amazonia to Sinop in the centre of Mato Grosso state with a length of 933 km. According to budget (2016 figures) this should cost some BRR 12,6 billion.
In addition to this, the core lines through São Paulo state will be reconcessioned, and the new operator will be obliged to refurbish the lines from Santos to Santa Fé do Sul, Panorama and Barretos, to build avoiding lines around densely populated areas and to resume operations on the currently closed lines Baurú – Panorama and Araraquara – Barretos.

(Source: Revista Ferroviária)

Statistics

A new list of the operational railway network of Brazil reveals that the freight train concessionaires ceased to operate numerous lines (as of 2015/2016).
Transnordestina lists the lines Recife – Itabaiana – João Pessoa – Natal – Macau, Recife – Salgueiro and Recife – Lourenço de Albuquerque – Colegio as „out of use“, and it has to be stressed that track conditions make it impossible to use the sections João Pessoa (actually Paula Cavalcanti) to Parnamirim, Ceará Mirim to Macau and Recife to Salgueiro. The line between Recife and Colegio has some sections that were destroyed by flooding with repair/rehabilitation work still pending.
On the network of Ferrovia Centro Atlântico/VLI, the following lines are out of use: Magé (near Rio de Janeiro) – Campos – Recreio, Tres Rios – Recreio – Cataguazes – Ponte Nova – Miguel Burnier, Corinto – Pirapora, Barra Mansa – Angra dos Reis and Aracajú – Colegio, while no trains have been running between São Francisco (Bahía) and Aracajú at least since 2013.
After the amalgamation of ALL and Rumo and the subsequent rebranding to „Rumo“, a veritable „demolition“ took place on the southern network. During the mentioned period or part of it, the following lines included in the concession weren't operated: Baurú – Indubrasil – Corumbá, Baurú – Panorama, Araraquara – Colômbia, Riberão Preto – São Sebastião do Paraíso, Santos – Juquiá, Ourinhos – Jaguariaíva, Mafra – Porto União da Vitória – Passo Fundo, Dilermando de Aguiar – Santiago – São Borja, Santiago – Santo Angelo and Cacequí – Santana do Livramento.
Various statistics confirm that never since nationalisation and the following reprivatisation there have been so few lines in operation.

(Source: Revista Ferroviária)

Tonnages of Rail Fright

Despite a challenging economic climate, rail freight tonnages have increased by almost 8% during the first six months of 2016. Only the Ferrovía Teresa Cristina and Rumo Sul (lines south of São Paulo) networks registered a fall of about 11% each.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária and ANTT)

Refurbishment flat Wagons

VLI had 214 flat wagons refurbished at a cost of about BRR 6 mio. These will be used to haul Eucalyptus wood from Sete Lagoas in Minas Gerais state to Aracruz in Espírito Santo state for further processing. During the next 5 years, some 2 mio cubic metres of timber will be carried over this 700 km long line, which will remove around 100 daily lorry journeys from the roads connecting the two federal states.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária)

Parangaba - Mucuripe 

Test runs between Montese and Borges de Melo stations on the modern urban railway Parangaba - Mucuripe started on 27 September 2016. Metrofor (Fortaleza) have completed this 3,6 km long stretch, and the test runs will also serve crew training purposes for both driving and maintenance staff. During a few hours, the runs are open to the public in order to get local residents used to the new means of transport. The line with an overall length of 13,4 km is still under construcion. Operations were originally expected to start in 2013, but a huge number of appeals from local landowners ensuing in substantially increased administrative costs brought the construction work to a standstill in 2013. Only after new funding could be sourced and the land issues solved, work was resumed in mid-2015. The government of Ceará state expects completion of the entire line during 2018.
(Source: ANPTrilhos)

Detran - Rodoviária

On 30 September 2016, Metro Salvador started trial runs on the 1,5 km long section Detran - Rodoviária. According to Metro Salvador, construction of line 2 is following the set timescales. Work on this started in February 2015, and at the initially mentioned date, 69% of the entire line had been completed. It is expected to open the line to the airport in the second half of 2017.
(Source: Folha Geral Bahia)

Suburban Traffic

In mid-August, City Minister Bruno Araújo announced at Recife that funding for a further CBTU suburban line has been approved. This will be an 11 km long line from Ponte dos Carvalhos via Ipojuca to Suape, double-track and with diesel traction. Trains will connect at Cajueiro Seco with the existing electric Metro from Recife and the diesel-operated line from Curado and then use the line to Cabo until Ponte dos Carvalhos. Suape is the most important port of Pernambuco state with more than 100 big firms in the harbour estate. Bus lines in the area are saturated and unable to cope with demand for quite some time already. Bom Sinal will probably supply diesel multiple units for this line. Construction of the second line from Cajueiro Seco to Cabo has already started on some sections, and this simplifies implementation of the project. South of Ponte dos Carvalhos, the alignment of the currently closed and partly dismantled metre-gauge line will be used which will shorten construction time to 2 years. The metre-gauge line to Suape was closed in light of the envisaged broad-gauge Transnordestina railway. As the opening of the Transnordestina is a long way off, the new suburban railway line may be used during night time for freight traffic in order to move goods from shippers in Recife to the port and vice-versa. During an initial period, trains will run every 12 minutes during the week, allowing to carry at least 3000 passengers per hour and direction.
(Source: Fahrplancenter News; CBTU)

Sunday Operations at CBTU

CBTU Natal introduced Sunday operations in Mid-2016. This decision was taken after some Sunday runs during 2014 and 2015 proved to be very popular among users. Between Natal and Ceará Mirim there are now 6 round-trips Monday to Friday, 4 on Saturdays and 2 on Sundays. On the south line Natal - Parnamirim there are 7 round-trips Monday to Friday (with an additional round-trip on Wednesdays), 4 on Saturdays and 2 on Sundays. All services are now operated by modern Diesel units from Bom Sinal.
(Source: CBTU)

New Tourist Railways

A few new tourist railway projects have good chances to become reality within the next 12 to 18 months, and they include not just short-haul journeys.
Regular railcar traffic between Miguel Pereira and Governador Portela will begin before the end of 2016. This has been delayed by some snagging work after spot checks by the land transport authority ANTT detected some shortcomings. Several level crossing require better signalisation, there is one spot where intruders occupy the track, and there are a few minor works to be carried out at both stations. Local authorities are supervising the works closely in order to get the operating licence as soon as possible. The line has been regauged from 1000 mm to 1600 mm, and a Budd diesel railcar will operate.
There is significant progress on the project of operating one or even more trains on the 180 km long route from Cataguazes (Minas Gerais) via Leopoldina, Recreio, Volta Grande and Além Paraíba to Três Rios (Rio de Janeiro). This line has been used until recently by VLI for the transport of bauxite and is in operational condition. Only a few repairs to the infrastructure are required. The NGO ?Amigos do Trem? has been designated by ANTT as operator of the line; they have support from VLI and the state infrastructure authority DNIT. Two diesel locomotives were ceded to the operator by DNIT, while VLI will look after these and train driving staff. Six passenger carriages were also ceded by DNIT. The two locomotives were fully overhauled and rehabilitated during August and September 2016 in the VLI workshops at Lavras. Amigos do Trem evisage operating the first trains around the turn of 2016/2017. It appears that trains will be operated on sections of the line, the talk is about one train between Três Rios and Além Paraíba while another train would operate from Cataguazes. All municipalities along the lines are fully committed to the endeavour.
In Lavras (South of Minas Gerais state), the railway operator Circuito Ferroviario Vale Verde (CFVV) has been established. The project is supported by the city of Lavras, some other municipalities and VLI. CFVV received five diesel locomotives, three passenger carriages and a railcar. Tourist trains are to run over 122 km from Lavras to Tres Corações, a line which sees freight trains from VLI on weekdays and is, therefore, in a fairly good condition. Just a few passenger facilities at stations need rehabilitated; this had been done at Lavras in 2012 when some test runs operated. As soon as the track access agreement with VLI is signed, CFVV hopes to receive authorisation from ANTT for regular train operations during the first months of 2017.
A good distance further south, Serra Verde Express Ltda. is currently working with Rumo in order to get track access for regular trains between Curitiba and Lapa. A few special runs took place in the past over this 90 km long line stretching west from Curitiba via Engenheiro Bley. DNIT has ceded the Lapa railway station to the municipality, who are currently refurbishing the station with the help of a resident army battalion for the amount of BRR 250'000. Serra Verde Express possess enough vehicles to cover services on this line.
In the city of Belo Horizonte there are two widely progressed projects, both of them in cooperation with Amigos do Trem. In this case, the freight train concessionaire still opposes the use of its lines, but the city of Belo Horizonte has indicated that they are willing to cover legal fees should there be no agreement with MRS Logística.

(Source: Revista Ferroviária, Fahrplancenter News)

Chile

News Railway to Batuco

The state railway EFE has started proceedings to obtain a concession for building and operating a suburban railway line to Batuco, north of Santiago. The 27,1 km long line will have 6 stations and use the alignment of the existing railway. This would limit construction costs to about US $ 560 mio. It is, however, still not clear whether the line will start at the current terminus Alameda and use the tunnel towards the north or whether a new terminus will be built next to the old (northern) terminus Mapocho. Both options are reported in the Chilean media.
(Source: La Tercera)

Cuba

Cowork with Russia

Russia and Cuba signed a cooperation agreement on 26 September 2016 which will have an impact on railway matters. Cuban railway employees are already in Russia to be inducted in the common projects. As a first step, 75 diesel locomotives of the TGM class will be overhauled in Cuba, whereby key parts will be replaced, leading to almost new locomotives. The existing locomotives of the TEM class will be similarly refurbished at Camagüey, and a number of locomotives of that same class will be supplied by Russia. Second-hand diesel railcars and passenger carriages will also be supplied by Russia after their conversion to standard gauge. Production of the cuban-made Taino passenger carriages will resume at Caibarien, under Russian supervision.
It is planned to upgrade the suburban lines of La Habana to a proper suburban system; several railway companies offered their services and wish to participate in that endeavour. Apart of the Russian RZD, the French SNCF, Spanish Renfe and the British West Coast Railway have been mentioned as interested parties.
The supply of brand-new Chinese passenger carriages for long-distance trains is a matter of fact; production of that fleet seems to have started in China.

(Source: Sputnik (Russia))

Mexico

Mexiko DF - Toluca

According to Mexican press reports from August 2016, 33,1% of the infrastructure of the 58 km long new railway line Mexico DF - Toluca have been completed with work progressing as planned. The first 5-car trains of the fleet (30 trains) are also under construction. Pillars have been erected on long stretches of the future alignment, as the railway will partly be built on viaducts. On the other hand, costs have virtually exploded from MX$ 7,112 billion to MX$ 17,84 billion, but the Finance Ministry has approved additional funding to cover the costs.
The project now includes a direct link to Toluca airport at Tecnológico station, for which the trains will feature storage room for luggage. This should make it possible for air passengers to check-in directly at the railway stations. Operation of the line should start in April 2018. Standard frequency will be a train every 10 minutes, increased to 2.5 minutes with double units during peak periods. Daily capacity is expected to be 230'000 passengers.

(Source: T21MX)

21.08.2016

Argentina

Suspensions

June 30, 2016 Ferrobaires suspended all long-distance passenger trains within the province of Buenos Aires. The services which have been suspended « until further notice » are: Buenos Aires – Bahía Blanca (via Pigüé and via Pringles) Buenos Aires – Tandil – Vela, Temperley – 25 de Mayo, Mechita – Bragado – Olascoaga and Buenos Aires – Junín – Alberdí. The provincial government hopes that the federal state may take these services over.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-5)

Trenes Argentinos

State Railways Nuevos Ferrocarriles Argentinos/SOFSE have been again renamed to Trenes Argentinos.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-5)

General La Madrid

Trenes Argentinos added a further stop at its Buenos Aires – Bahía Blanca train at General La Madrid.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-5)

Suspension

For unknown reasons all passenger trains between Buenos Aires and Chascomús have been suspended on July 28, 2016.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-5)

Tren a las Nubes 

Since July 9, 2016 Tren a las Nubes, the tourist train out of Salta is back and operates every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-5)

Buenos Aires – Neuquén – Zapala

A representant from Neuquén presented the project to reintroduce a direct Buenos Aires – Neuquén – Zapala passenger train (like the former “Estrella del Valle” Express) and this was backed by deputees from Rio Negro. In a vote in the federal senate the plan passed with 40 yes and 11 no, so the government may be urged to implement the project.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-5)

Brazil

Cajueiro Seco - Port of Suape

Despite austerity measures CBTU Recife got authorization to build a new 11 km long suburban railway from Cajueiro Seco to the Port of Suape. The new double track line will follow an existing alignment and connect to the Southern Metro Line at Cajueiro Seco. The line will operate with diesel multiple units.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-5)

Chile

Railway bridge over Toltén River 

The great railway bridge over Toltén River near Pitrufquén (South of Temuco) collapsed August 18 2016 when a 50 wagon long freight train crossed it. Some wagons fell into the river, but no one was hurt. It is believed that the bridge suffered some light cracks after the earth-quake of 2010, investigations started immediately after the accident.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-5)

Test runs

Test runs of the new Xtrapolis electric trains will start in December 2016 between Santiago, Nós and Rancagua and regular passenger services will start about in March 2017.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-5)

Colombia

Bogotá - Belencito

After 4 years of rehabilitation of railway infrastructure Fenoco ran the first freight train between Bogotá and Belencito on July 22, 2016.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-5)

Costa Rica

San José

Incofer got the o.k. to implement also passenger services on the suburban lines on Saturdays from September 2016 on, until now trains operate Monday to Friday only. Within the next 3 months some adjustments will be carried out on the network to increase the number of trains, to meet the great demand. With construction of a new airport at Orotina Incofer will also build a regional railway from San José to Orotina within 3 years. The extension of 7 km of the San José – Cartago line to Paraíso may be put into service before 2017.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-5)

15.06.2016

Argentina

Augusta Victoria - Socompa - Salta

Ferronor of Chile reopened the line from Augusta Victoria (Chile) via Socompa to Salta (Argentina) in April 2016 for freight traffic. Though trains are only running irregularly and not very often.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-4)

Paraná – Concepción and Basavilbaso – Villaguay

After several months without trains between Paraná and Concepción del Uruguay and Basavilbaso and Villaguay SOFSE/FA started to rehabilitate railcars and the tracks between Paraná and Concepción del Uruguay, the date for the resumption of traffic was not mentioned.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-4)

Buenos Aires, Bragado - Provinz La Pampa

A few days ago reconstruction of the La Clarita Railway bridge West of Chivilcoy commenced. This bidge collapsed during the floods of August 2015. With this reconstruction train services from Buenos Aires to Bragado and La Pampa province will resume later this year.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-4)

Wadloper railcars damaged

The Wadlopers railcars, which have been stored at Pilar station have been heavily damaged by arson, it is unclear if they will ever been rebuilt.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-4)

Brazil

Baurú – Corumbá

ALL/Rumo ceased freight traffic between Baurú and Corumbá (1315 km) and wants to keep the line closed even against protests from the government. This measure brought also Trem do Pantanal to a halt.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-4)

Japerí - Barra do Piraí

A local initiative from Rio de Janeiro wants to make pressure to reinstate the passenger train Barrinha Japerí – Barra do Piraí. This train would connect various towns along this line, which are relatively isolated without it. Unfortunately several former atempts to re-establish this train, which was suspended in 1996, failed.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-4)

Chile

Tacna - Arica

May 27 the railway from Tacna (Peru) to Arica (Chile) was officially reinaugurated and three days later scheduled services started to run, again with a round-trip early morning and another one in the evening. Fares have been set at 18 New Soles, slightly over the fares for bus journeys. June 7 a technical failure on the railcar halted traffic for at least one day.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-4)

Augusta Victoria - Socompa - Salta

Ferronor of Chile reopened the line from Augusta Victoria (Chile) via Socompa to Salta (Argentina) in April 2016 for freight traffic. Though trains are only running irregularly and not very often.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-4)

Colombia

Bogotá Centro Comercial Gran Estación - Multiparque

Since 30 April 2016 Tren de la Sabana operates a second weekend train named MultiExpreso on weekends between Bogotá Centro Comercial Gran Estación (at Avenida El Dorado) and the Multiparque entertainment park.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-4)

Peru

Huancayo - Huancavelica

After repairing the damages caused by a rock-slide at Km 85 of the Tren Macho line Huancayo - Huancavelica train services ressumed May 02, 2016.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-4)

Puno - Cuzco

May 2017 will see the end of the train Andean Explorer Puno-Cuzco. It will be replaced by a luxury train Cuzco-Puno-Arequipa, which will run partly overnight.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-4)

Huancayo - Huancavelica

Passenger fares for the Lima-Huancayo train have increased heavily for Peruvian and foreign passengers.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-4)

Tacna - Arica

May 27 the railway from Tacna (Peru) to Arica (Chile) was officially reinaugurated and three days later scheduled services started to run, again with a round-trip early morning and another one in the evening. Fares have been set at 18 New Soles, slightly over the fares for bus journeys. June 7 a technical failure on the railcar halted traffic for at least one day.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-4)

Uruguay

Piedra Sola – Algorta – Salto

Rehabilitation of the railway line Piedra Sola – Algorta – Salta is about to commence now.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-4)

01.04.2016

Chile

Talca-Constitución

In time for the 100 year jubilee December 31, 2015 Chilean state president Michelle Bachelet visited the narrow gauge railway Talca-Constitución. She underlined the importance of this railway for the region and the nation and she promised to undertake every effort to which helps to maintain this line, which includes the acquisition of 2 or 3 new railbuses. Further-more she visited the reconstruction site at Talca station. Talca station was heavily damaged during the earthquake of 2010. Closure of this line could be prevented by protests from FLB/AIFFLA in 2001.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-3)

Cuba

Railcars CB-10

Guantánamo and Bayamo got each some new CB-10 railcars and they could improve regional passenger services over some of their respective lines.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-3)

Ecuador

Several Changes of Offers

State Railways FEEP changed some of their offer: Tren del Hielo Riobamba-Urbina has been withdrawn (the Urbina-Ambato section still runs), the locals between Durán and Yaguachi and the railcar between Tambo and Baños del Inca have also been withdrawn. There are two new offers. Every Saturday a train runs from Durán to Alausi, returning Sundays and Tuesday to Friday a train operates from Riobamba to Alausi and back with connections to from Sibambe ober the Devil’s Nose. Generally more loco-hauled trains are now operating than railcars.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-3)

Peru

Huancayo - Huancavelica

A rock-slide interrupted the Tren Macho Line between Huancayo and Huancavelica at Km 85 between Mariscal Cáceres and Acoria over a length of 200 metres on February 10, 2016. According to press information the line may again be open with the next few days.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-3)

31.03.2016

Argentina

Buenos Aires – Rosario

The unfinished remedial and relaying work on the Buenos Aires – Rosario main line resumed after a 9-month break. The first step is to replace the faulty (although newly laid!) concrete sleepers. There is some criticism about the fact that the works will continue with the same contractors and the same material as before the change of the federal government and it is expected that this will cause further problems. Construction work has resumed on a total of 94 km of line.
(Source: El Litoral)

Local traffic

According to local sources, the electrification of the suburban railway line to La Plata will suffer a delay of several months. However, electric trains started running between Buenos Aires (Plaza Constitución) and Quilmes in mid-February 2016. With some delay, electrification work has begun on the 7km-long section Quilmes – Berazateguí; poles carrying the overhead line were being put in place during March 2016. Official sources have confirmed that the remaining 29 km between Berazateguí and La Plata will see work commencing in the next weeks with a finishing date envisaged for the end of 2016. This is quite urgent as the bus substitution service is somewhat chaotic and insufficient.
(Source: El Día)

Neuquén - Cipolletti

Although the two Materfer railcars at Neuquén have been subject to frequent repairs, it appears to be impossible to operate them for a prolongued period. During some months now the trains were repeatedly cancelled, a fact that annoys customers and motivates them to revert to the bus in order to make their way from Neuquén to Cipolletti and vice-versa. Whether and when these problems can be solved is unknown.
(Source: La Mañana Neuquén)

Brazil

São Paulo

The new suburban railway line from São Paulo to the international airport Guarulhos will be open for traffic in 2019, suffering a delay of three years, according to a press release of the São Paulo government. Work initially started in 2013, but it was stopped in September of that same year because an additional lane widening the Ayrton Senna motorway was built at short notice. This, in turn, triggered wide-ranging changes to the design of the railway bridge across that motorway. With this, some 8.8 km of the 12,2 km-long double-track electrified broad gauge line (1600 mm/5ft 3') will run on viaducts, as also the Dutra motorway and the Rio Tieté have to be bridged. Also, federal government withheld a huge part of its funding because not all the land required could be acquired or vested until the end of 2015. Some work has, however, been carried out such as station improvements along the CPTM suburban line 12 from São Paulo Brás to the future junction at Engenheiro Goulart; and the detail planning and design work for Guarulhos-Cecap and Aeroporto stations has been finished. Eight 8-piece multiple units will be ordered for the new line. Some of the work carried out so far was funded by the Bank for Social Development BNDES. Funding from federal government is secure as this was pledged before the crisis and hasn't been cut. The delay in designing and building the line will increase the cost by at least BRR 51,2 mio to a total of about BRR 1,9 billion.
(Source: Veja.com, Revista Ferroviária)

São José do Rio Preto

The national authority for infrastructure DNIT has submitted plans to the city of São José do Rio Preto which outline
three options for the construction of avoiding lines skirting the city in order to close the existing railway line through the town centre. This line sees long and heavy freight trains daily. A few years ago a major accident occurred when a freight train derailed, crushing houses along the track and causing fatalities. The DNIT and the city are now assessing the plans. Funding would be provided by the federal government. A number of manned level crossings will also disappear once the avoiding line is built. The only negative point is that the tourist railcar to Engenheiro Schmitt would have its fate sealed when the railway line through the town is removed.
(Source: G1)

Brasília – Goiânia

The project to build a modern regional railway linking Brasília, Anápolis and Goiânia is news again. After a number of changes in its design, it has been trimmed down to a passenger-only railway but it is, however, intended that the railcars will also carry parcels. An integration of the planned regional railway Brasília – Luziânia into this project has been rejected; those trains will use the existing metre-gauge line as per the original design. Further branch lines were rejected, too, which brought the overall price tag for the Brasília – Goiânia line down to BRR 4,5 billion from over BRR 9 billion originally. Federal authorities have approved a split of cost in the following manner: 5% each of the three cities served, private investors (some 50%), federal government and Goiás state. Construction will be advertised during 2016.
(Source: Fahrplancenter News, Revista Ferroviária)

Estrada de Ferro do Amapá

Appeals from Zamin, the last concessionaire of the Estrada de Ferro do Amapá have repeatedly blocked attempts from the Amapá state to take over operation of passenger traffic on the Porto Santana – Serra do Návio line. There are reports that the lack of passenger trains is stirring civil unrest in settlements along the line. Zamin failed to comply with the terms of the concession contract and ceased operations in 2014 without previous notice.
(Source: Governo de Amapá)

High costs of road transport

As road haulage comes at a very high cost to the farming sector of the Santa Catarina state economy, the government has commissioned a study to assess whether transport of animal feed from their production centres in the Tocantins and Goiás states to Santa Catarina would be more economical by rail mode, as opposed to road transport. Initial estimates suggest a potential to reduce the transport cost per metric ton of grain by at least 10 to 15 Reais if the long haul was done by rail and only the distribution within Santa Catarina went on lorries. The proposed route would be Anápolis – Campinas – Mairink – Sorocaba – Iperó – Uvaranas – Engenheiro Bley – Mafra (some 2300 km) and then reach places along the Mafra – Lages and the Mafra - Porto União da Vitória lines. The study will also examine whether the freight train operators FCA and ALL have the capacities to handle this flow of freight and whether some sections of the route (Iperó – Uvaranas in particular) can bear with an additional tonnage of up to 3 Mio tons per year. If it is viable to move the freight by rail this would reduce the price of chicken meat for export up to 15%, while meat producers in Santa Catarina still would benefit from a higher income.
(Source: Canal Rural)

Urban Railway Cuiabá – Várzea Grande

Construction work on the urban railway Cuiabá – Várzea Grande was stopped in the second half-year 2015. Track alignment is about 35% complete, rails have been laid on 10% of the line, and all rolling stock is in situ. Mato Grosso state apparently had second thoughts as to whether the railway should be completed at all. An independent study by a private consultant has, however, demonstrated that completion would eventually pay out, as already BRR 1,066 billion have been spent. Most of the preliminary work like re-location of utilities (fresh water, sewage) has progressed, albeit slowly, and is nearing completion. To abandon the work wouldn't make sense as this would trigger a cost of BRR 532 million, whereas completion of the system would only cost 70 Mio more. Therefore, construction work in its entirety will resume before mid-2016.
(Source: Portal do Governo de Mato Grosso)

Tramway Fortaleza

Work on the new tramway line of Fortaleza which is to link the south metro line at Parangaba with the eastern suburb of Mucuripe and serving the 22 intermediate communities (an area accommodating some 500'000 people) had been started on time, but appeals, issues with land acquisition and the collapse of one of the contractors involved led to a stoppage of the works between mid-2014 and mid-2015. Construction was then resumed in July 2015 between the stations Iate and Borges de Melo, followed by the section Borges de Melo to Parangaba. The current economy crisis has prompted the infrastructure authority of Ceará state to re-activate the remaining sections to be built in order to create employment opportunities. All land acquisition matters have been solved in February 2016, and this cleared the way to complete construction of the tramway by the end of 2017.
(Source: G1 Ceará)

Tramway Rio de Janeiro

After an intensive period of testing, the first modern tramway line of Rio de Janeiro will begin operations during April 2016. This line links Rodoviária (Bus terminal) Novo Rio and the city airport Santos Dumont and will call at 18 stops en route, among others at the central railway station (also known as Dom Pedro II). The second stage of the system will open during the second half-year of 2016 and connect the ferryport. The line will operate 24/7, and a vast number of bus lines will be re-routed in order to connect with the new tram. The first 28 drivers have already completed their training on the 32 tram units, and training for another 40 drivers will start in March 2016. All the work is progressing at good pace as funding for the entire project, with the participation of the federal government, the city and private companies, had for once been organised very well and all bills during the construction period were paid on time. Total spend ascends to BRR 1,157 billlion, with funding from the PAC (Programme for acceleration of growth) to the tune of BRR 532 million. Despite the economic crisis, this money is currently available as it has been ringfenced since 2013.
(Source: G1 Rio de Janeiro, Revista Ferroviária)

Metro Rio de Janeiro

On 07 March 2016, the national bank for social development (BNDES) released another tranche of BRR 200 million for the construction of Rio de Janeiro's metro line 4. Work between Barra and Zona Sul is continuing at high pitch and it is hoped that this section of line with 5 stations can be completed until the Olympic Games. The remaining spend is about BRR 900 million, of which BRR 489 million will come from Rio de Janeiro state and the remainder from the federal government. Tracks are expected to be laid during May 2016, along with testing of electric systems. Test runs are due in June while stations will be completed; further test runs with passengers are to take place in July so that the timetable proposed for the olympic games can start immediately. Stations are: São Conrado, Jardim Oceânico, Jardim de Alá, Antero de Quental and Nossa Senhora da Paz.
Contrary to planning, the section to Gávea station will not be completed until at least 2017 as funding has not yet been secured. The tunnel boring machine will, however, continue its work in Gávea direction.
(Source: O Globo)

Chile

Concepción

On 29 February 2016, Ferrocarriles del Sur openend an extension of 17 km of its southern suburban line in the Concepción metropolitan area, linking Lomas Coloradas with Coronel. The line has been entirely renewed, upgraded to double track and electrified. Under the brand name „Biotren“ the line was opened in 2005 as far as Lomas Coloradas; it is now classed as Biotren Line 2, in difference to the Talcahuano – Concepción – Hualquí route which is now Biotren Line 1. Freight trains have always used this line, leading from Concepción to the port of Coronel and thereby crossing the Bio Bio river on a 2 km-long bridge. Later, the line skirts the Pacific Ocean coast for extended stretches. Planning and design work for a further extension of 10 km to Lota started the day after inauguration.
(Source: Fahrplancenter News; EFE/Ferrocarriles del Sur)

Talca – Constitución

On 31st December 2015, the Ramal (metre gauge line) Talca – Constitución celebrated its hundreth anniversary. To mark this event, state president Michelle Bachelet visited the railway in company of some ministers and other state representatives. She highlighted the importance of the 88 km long route for the local population, the Maule region and entire Chile. The visit of the state president started at the Talca railway station where she was shown the renovation and reconstruction work of the station building. That work commenced on 07 December 2015, after the building had suffered severe damage during the earthquake in February 2010. The president then travelled on board of a Buscarril (Ferrostaal railcar) to Curtiduria where she unveiled a commemorative plaque. During the course of the visit, persons from railway operations were introduced to her, among others the long-standing vendor of drinks and snacks, Mr. Guillermo Celedón.
The state president promised that she would keep working to maintain this branch line, and the general manager of the state railway EFE, Mr Jorge Inostroza, announced that still in 2016 renovation of Colín, Corinto and González Bastías stations would commence, as soon as financial support from the Maule region is granted. Also, EFE is currently preparing the tendering documents for the purchase of 2 or 3 new railcars for the line. A point was made that the old buscarriles will then be overhauled and refurbished in order to cater for the ever increasing tourist traffic.
(Source: Fahrplancenter News, EFE)

Cuba

Railcars CB-10

After many decades, Guantánamo province received new railcars at the beginning of March. These are four railcars of the CB-10 class two of them with a matching carriage each, all built under russian licence at Cárdenas. So far, identical vehicles have only been brought to the surrounding areas of La Habana. The new railcars came in operation on 15 March 2016, operating on the routes to Caimanera and Cuneira with a carriage while running solo to Boquerón. In addition, local traffic within the city of Guantánamo has resumed after it was halted during a year due to lack of vehicles. There is also a run on noon time to El Salvador. The lines to Caimanera, Cuneira and Boquerón see at least two pairs of trains daily each.
The last serviceable Taino Ligero railcars are operating on the routes to Honduras, Manuel Tames and Maquey as they are better suited to run on the weak infrastructure of these branch lines. All these trains, along with the every-two-days train Guantánamo – Holguín and the every-three-days national long-distance train Guantánamo – La Habana, make Guantánamo province being one of the more densely served provinces of Cuba in terms of rail traffic.
(Source: Venceremos)

In mid-March, three 2-piece railcars of the CB-10 class were delivered to Granma province, while a fourth single rail car to follow in the coming weeks. Two of the 2-piece units will cover the services Bayamo – Guamo – Rio Cauto (once daily) and run several times per day between Bayamo and Manzanillo. At this time it is still unclear whether the third unit will take over on the Bayamo – Bartolomé Maso route or whether the existing Taino Ligero railcar will keep operating there. The fourth railcar which is still due to arrive will cover the suburban services in the Mabay – Bayamo – Jiguani corridor. An open question is whether the loco-hauled local trains between Bayamo and Manzanillo will keep running after the introduction of the railcars; the railway company hasn't pronounced itself about the matter.
(Source: La Demajagua)

Ecuador

Railway traffic

The state railway FEEP is struggling with severe problems affecting their railbuses, the famous „Autoferros“. Only a few of these vehicles are currently in operation, and most traffic is covered by loco-hauled trains. This led to a change in the range of excursions on offer. The railbuses Tambo – Baños del Inca/Coyoctor and Riobamba – Urbina have been withdrawn. There is, however, a new loco-hauled train named „Tren de la Quinua“, covering one return trip Riobamba – Alausí Tuesday to Friday and establishing a direct connection at Alausí to a train over the famous „Devil's nose“ to Sibambe and vv. Quinua is a traditional cereal plant of the Andes area, and passengers will learn about the significance of that cereal. Another new offer is the „Costa – Sierra“ train, departing from Durán on Saturdays and travelling via the Devil's Nose to Alausí. The return trip runs on Sundays. These new trains are intended to cater for those tourists who don't wish to use the expensive „Tren Crucero“, and the fare seems to be accessible for a part of ecuadorian people, too.
Operations at Ibarra have also been tightened and reduced to one loco-hauled train from Otavalo via Ibarra to Salinas and vv. Friday to Sunday. This offer now covers both legs of the journey by train as it didn't prove to be popular travelling by bus in one direction.
The following trains also keep operating:
„Tren de los Volcanes“ Quito – Machachi – El Boliche and vv. Friday to Sunday, loco-hauled
„Tren del Hielo 2“ Ambato – Urbina and vv. Friday to Sunday, railbus „Autoferro“
„Tren de los Ancestros“, now renamed „Tren del Hielo 1“ Riobamba - Colta and vv. Saturday and Sunday, with mass visit at Colta, railbus „Autoferro“.
„Tren de la Dulzura“ Durán – Bucay and vv. Thursday to Sunday, loco-hauled.
(Source: Fahrplancenter News, FEEP)

Honduras

Infrastructure

The inter-american bank for development BID has pledged its support to a project from Honduras to build a 600 km-long railway across the country, linking the Atlantic with the Pacific coast. The price tag is US$ 10 billion and includes construction of two ports, one at each coast. The railway will also establish access to a number of regions in Honduras which are economically underdeveloped. Honduras hopes to successfully compete with other, similar projects in Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
Turkish companies appear to be very keen in participating in this project.
(Source: La Prensa)

Peru

Tren Macho

A rock fall at the beginning of February 2016 has, once more, disrupted the Tren Macho route, this time at Kilometer 85 between Mariscal Cáceres and Acoria. It appears that authorities have reacted quickly this time as clearing and repair work on the line and the adjacent tunnel started just a few days after the event, and reopening of the line is expected for April.
(Source: )

Uruguay

Last Henschel Dampflok

One of the Directors of the state railway AFE, at the same time member of the Club Atlético Peñarol, has handed them the last existing Henschel steam engine in order to be plinthed outside the new Peñarol stadium. This alone stirred up the minds, but when the engine was to be transported, she couldn't be separated from her tender, and a welding torch was used to cut the coupling rod. On top of it there was some minor collision damage when they tried to move the engine with a diesel locomotive. It was eventually successful to place the engine outside the stadium and it will now be painted in black. This is the last of its class within the AFE fleet, and it could have been restored to operational condition.
(Source: CEFU)

20.02.2016

Argentina

Tandil – Barker und Tandil – Vela – Benito Juárez

During the coming weeks Ferrobaires will introduce regular passenger services from Tandil to Barker (69 km) and to Vela and Benito Juárez (85 km) using a former Portuguese railways Nohab railcar. According to the press these services may run daily. The service Buenos Aires - 25 de Mayo gets former Por-tuguese Sorefame electric-multiple-units with a diesel loco to replace the Nohab railcar.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-2)

Tren Urbano in Santa Fe

Early January the Urban Train at Santa Fe started its opera-tion, but 4 days later it was suspended due to technical prob-lems which have not been released until now, due to the lack of spare parts.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-2)

Brazil

Ferdinando Laboreaux – Araçatuba – Birigui

The city of Araçatuba (São Paulo state) wants to invest BRR 5,9m for the creation of a steam-loco hauled tourist train on the 20,5 km long line between Ferdinando Laboreaux, Araçatuba and Birigui, a section of the metre-gauge Baurú-Corumbá main line. The first plan to rehabilitate a 10 km section towards Eng. Tavares on a closed branch line was scrapped due to the high costs. The rolling-stock is already there, but needs complete reconstruction.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-2)

„Metro“ Teresina

The urban railway of Teresina (also called Metro) is getting 2016 BRR217m from the federal government to finally reha-bilitate its infrastructure and to buy new rolling-stock to replace the 40 years old Ganz-Mávag trains. Piauí state will add a fur-ther BRR 11,45m towards this sum. This is the poorest urban railway in Brazil, waiting for some investment for many years.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-2)

Tramway Santa Teresa

One section of the historic Santa Teresa tramway at Rio de Janeiro is back in daily operation. New cars are running, they have been built according to the old ones. More sections will be put into service during the current year.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-2)

Tramway Santos

A first part of 6,5 km of the new Santos tramway commenced commercial operation.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-2)

Chile

Tacna - Arica

Recent news indicate that the railcar between Tacna and Arica may start in April 2016 after the end of the rain season. The insurance fee could be lowered to US$ 50‘000 and the province was finally able to pay it.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-2)

Peru

Tacna - Arica

Recent news indicate that the railcar between Tacna and Arica may start in April 2016 after the end of the rain season. The insurance fee could be lowered to US$ 50‘000 and the province was finally able to pay it.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-2)

10.01.2016

Argentina

Alejandro Korn - Chascomús

Dezember 18, 2015 SOFSE introduced new local services between Alejandro Korn and Chascomús, offering 11 weekday, 9 Saturday and 8 Sunday connections to and from the electric suburban trains.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-1)

Damages caused by Floods in Bragado and Mar del Plata

The damages caused by floods have still not been repaired, so the lines to Bragado and Mar del Plata remain closed and for the first time Mar del Plata can not be reached by train during Summer.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-1)

Brazil

Main Station Barão de Mauá in Rio de Janeiro

The dilapidated former main station Barão de Mauá at Rio de Janeiro has been taken over by government organisations of the transport sector to stop further decay. Using the offices of the former station is also cheaper than the former ones at Copacabana. This is a further step to savings in the current economic crisis.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-1)

Chile

Lomas Coloradas - Coronel

The Biotren South line from Lomas Coloradas to Coronel over a distance of 17 km will be opened for regular traffic during the second half of February 2016. Since end December 2015 public test runs are operating.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-1)

Coronel - Lota

Until end of January 2016 planning for a further extension over 9 km from Coronel to Lota will be completed and there is a project to build a 5 km branch from Concepción station tom the city center.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-1)

Tacna - Arica

Chilean customs administration dismantled its installations at Arica station because the reintrodution of trains between Tacna and Arica never took place, despite many announce-ments by the Peruvian government.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-1)

Peru

Tacna - Arica

Chilean customs administration dismantled its installations at Arica station because the reintrodution of trains between Tacna and Arica never took place, despite many announce-ments by the Peruvian government.
(Source: Volta o Trem 20-1)

31.12.2015

Argentina

Concordia area

The heavy rainfall at the end of December 2015 has caused severe flooding in the Concordia area (Entre Ríos province) which damaged railway infrastructure currently under renovation. The rail infrastructure administrator ADIF is currently unable to tell at what stage freight traffic can be restored.
(Source: Crónica Ferroviaria)

Tren a las Nubes

Heavy rainfall in Salta province on 05 December 2015 led to the collapse of the railway bridge crossing the San Lorenzo river. Operation of the Tren a las Nubes has, therefore, been suspended. In difference to other line closures, Salta province, Nuevos Ferrocarriles Argentinos and ADIF immediately began with a provisional repair of the bridge to rescue the Tren a las Nubes stock which was blocked at Campo Quijano, west of Salta. This was possible after a few days of work. In the meantime, full reconstruction of the bridge is under way and according to local sources, the line is expected to be operational again in March. Tren a las Nubes is currently accepting bookings starting from 19 March 2016.
(Source: Crónica ferroviária, Tren a las Nubes)

Rio Salado Bridge

Ferrobaires has started provisional repair work on the old Río Salado bridge, which had been damaged by flooding in August 2015. This should make it possible to resume train traffic to Mar del Plata in January 2016. Construction work on the new bridge, in the immediate vicinity of the old bridge, has progressed but is currently stopped due to financial problems.
(Source: Ferrobaires)

New Coaches for Metro Buenos Aires

The metro of Buenos Aires (Subte) has started testing of the first 6 Metropolis carriages supplied by Alstom on 27 August 2015; this on Line H. The fleet will eventually consist of 120 vehicles and will replace older trains.
One day earlier, testing of some of the 105 new metro carriages supplied by CRRC (China) had started on line A. These will replace the old FIAT/Materfer trains.
(Source: Tramways and Urban Transit)

Several Changes of Offers

On 18 December 2015, SOFSE increased the number of trains between Temperley, Alejandro Korn and Chascomús. Monday to Friday there are 11 round-trips, 9 on Saturdays and 7 on Sundays on this route. They connect with the electric suburban trains on the Roca line to and from Buenos Aires. Early in January 2016 it has been announced that the extension of some services from Chascomús to Lezama is intended.
At the same date in December, local trains were introduced between Cañuelas, Lobos and Monte; however, these will only run on weekdays. Lobos and Monte had been served by just a few long-distance trains per week from Cañuelas.
(Source: Trenes Argentinos/SOFSE)

Brazil

End of the line for Ferrovía da Integração Oeste-Leste (FIOL)?

The federal office for budget control noted in a study published in October 2015 that this line of 1500 km, connecting the port of Ilhéus and Figueirópolis in Tocantins state and currently under construction, would be uneconomical under the current circumstances. Also, construction of a new port at Ilhéus seems to be postponed for an undetermined time. However, construction of the section between Caetité (90 km west of Brumado on the Belo Horizonte – Salvador line) to Ilhéus with a length of about 500 km and currently 70% complete, will be finalised and become operational. At Ilhéus, the current port will be connected to this line. The section between Caetité and Barreiras, another 500 km long and about 50% complete, will be “frozen” at the current level; no tracks have been laid yet and only a few structures have been built. The last third from Barreiras to Figueirópolis has been fully surveyed, but only a few earthworks have started. It will remain untouched for an undetermined time. Current construction work is almost 2 years delayed, with an overspend of BRR 2,2 billion (from 4,3 to 6,5 billion Reais).
(Source: Various local newspapers)

Urban Railway Campina Grande

The city of Campina Grande in Paraíba state, in conjunction with CBTU and the government, is currently working on a project for a 15 km long urban railway, which will mostly use the alignment of the existing and underused metre-gauge line between the university hospital in the north and the Aluizio campus in the south of the city.
(Source: Tramways and Urban Transit)

Tramway Santa Teresa

The famous Santa Tereza tramway in Rio de Janeiro resumed its service on 27 July 2015 on a first, 1,7 km long section. New cars, built in Brazil and externally resembling the old cars, are running on newly laid tracks. The original cars have been preserved, but are currently withdrawn and will be retained for museum purposes. Trams depart Monday to Saturday every 20 minutes between 1100 and 1600 hrs., and during testing no fares will be charged. More sections of line will be re-opened as they become available for traffic after track re-laying.
(Source: Tramways and Urban Transit)

Miguel Pereira – Governador Portela

A consortium of railway associations, the municipality of Miguel Pereira and other official agencies are working feverishly on the rehabilitation of the 4,5 km long line from Miguel Pereria to Governador Portela and an extension of 9 km to the viaduct Paulo de Frontim. This section of the former metre-gauge line “Linha Auxiliar” (Japerí – Tres Rios) will see a gauge change from 1000 mm to 1600 mm (5 ft. 3 in.), however, all level crossings will get a third rail to enable metre-gauge gauge trains to pass in the future, should this be needed. For the tourist train, this won't be the case as a broad-gauge Budd railcar has already been refurbished at Juiz de Fora and brought to Miguel Pereira with a second railcar to follow. It is intended to rebuild the line in broad gauge until Vassouras or Paraíba do Sul and to operate a luxury tourist train using the coaches of the former Trem da Prata night train (it linked Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo in its day). Opening to traffic of the first section of line is expected to take place during 2016.
(Source: ONG Amigos do Trem)

Chile

Coloradas - Coronel - Lota

In the second half of February 2016, the southern extension of the suburban line from Lomas Coloradas to Coronel, operated by Biotren, will become operational. Public test runs have started towards the end of December 2015 and prove to be hugely popular. Design work on a further extension from Coronel to Lota is expected to start in January 2016. The alignment of the now closed original line will be used, too. Meanwhile, an 8-year-old project to build a 5 km-long extension from Concepción station to the city centre has been taken up again. The original plan included some underground sections, but after the strong earthquake in 2010 this was abandoned in favour of an alignment at level.
(Source: Ferrosur/Biotren)

Colombia

Medellín

At the end of August 2015, the first test runs took place on the new Translohr line in Medellín. The 4,3 km long line with 9 stops connects the San Antonio Metro station, where lines A and B meet, with 2 also newly-built “Metrocable” (aerial cableway) lines M and H. The Translohr system is similar to a tramway, but the vehicles run on rubber tyres and follow a guiding rail embedded in the road surface. Revenue service started in October 2015.
(Source: Tramways and Urban Transit)

Cuba

Tramway Santiago de Cuba

The city of Santiago de Cuba will get its tramway back for the 500th anniversary. The original system was closed in 1952, however, even after 63 years most of the track is still in situ and many poles of the overhead lines still stand. Tracks are currently being cleared and the overhead line restored on the 2 km-long section from La Alameda to the Avenida Juan Gualberto Gómez-Flor Crombet (near Universidad Oriente). The line will be rehabilitated in 3 stages. As no old tramcars exist anymore, the state railway UFC has transferred a Brill car (Nr 3008) in renovated condition from the electric Hershey railway (División Camilo Cienfuegos) to Santiago. Two trailers are to follow; they are currently under repair at the Matanzas workshops. The new tramway line will be a tourist attraction to carry visitors through restored parts of the historic city centre.
(Source: Ciencia de Cuba, Radio Mambi)

Ecuador

Tramway Cuenca

The first of 14 tramways for the new Cuenca tramway was delivered in mid-July 2015. They are being built by Alstom – the supplier of the entire system – and are of the Citadis type. Power supply of the 10,2 km long line will be underground and not via overhead lines; this in order to protect the appearance of the historic city. Test runs have started on 19 October, and the system is expected to be fully operational by mid-2016.
(Source: Tramways and Urban Transit)

Metro Quito

Construction of the 22,5 km long metro line of Quito has been awarded to a consortium formed by Acciona and the Brazilian contractor Odebrecht. Overall cost is estimated at US$ 1,54 billion. No trains have been ordered as yet.
(Source: Tramways and Urban Transit)

Guatemala

Ciudad Hidalgo - Tecún Umán

With help from Mexico, reconstruction of the cross-border line from Ciudad Hidalgo (Mexico) to Tecún Umán (Guatemala) has started. As in the past, the 1,3 km long section will be fitted with two track gauges (1435 mm and 914 mm). The main purpose is to establish connection to a petroleum deposit operated by Pemex in Guatemala, but it is intended that general freight traffic including exportations from Guatemala will also use the line. The line has been closed since 2005 after being destroyed by the impact of hurrican “Stan”.
According to sources in Guatemala, the government is planning to extend and rebuild the line to the outskirts of the capital, Ciudad de Guatemala, in order to revert freight traffic back to the rail mode. Funding for this has, however, not yet been secured.
(Source: El Periódico)

Mexico

Ciudad Hidalgo - Tecún Umán

With help from Mexico, reconstruction of the cross-border line from Ciudad Hidalgo (Mexico) to Tecún Umán (Guatemala) has started. As in the past, the 1,3 km long section will be fitted with two track gauges (1435 mm and 914 mm). The main purpose is to establish connection to a petroleum deposit operated by Pemex in Guatemala, but it is intended that general freight traffic including exportations from Guatemala will also use the line. The line has been closed since 2005 after being destroyed by the impact of hurrican “Stan”.
According to sources in Guatemala, the government is planning to extend and rebuild the line to the outskirts of the capital, Ciudad de Guatemala, in order to revert freight traffic back to the rail mode. Funding for this has, however, not yet been secured.
(Source: El Periódico)

Panama

Metro Ciudad de Panamá

The government has approved funding to the tune of US$ 157 million to acquire 70 additional vehicles from Alstom in order to increase capacity on line 1 of Ciudad de Panamá's metro system as passenger demand is heavy. The new fleet will be formed into 7 trains with 10 carriages each.
Construction of the 21 km long metro line 2 has started on 05 October 2015 at the San Miguelito station, where the new line will branch off from the existing line 1. It will reach the area of Nuevo Tocumen, and opening is expected in 2019.
(Source: Tramways and Urban Transit)

Venezuela

New Station Ayacucho

The new Ayacucho station on the metro line to Los Teques was opened on 07 October 2015. This was the first new opening since the economic crisis of the country started.
(Source: Metro de Caracas)

Yaritagua – Acarigua

The state railway company IFE has concluded the rehabilitation of the 67 km-long line from Yaritagua to Acarigua on 01 December 2015 and announced that passenger traffic is due to start “shortly”. For this purpose, two of the chinese-built trains which were stored for years at Barquisimeto have also been refurbished. Work on this line started in 2011.
Resumption of passenger traffic on the main route Puerto Cabello – Barquisimeto has, once more, been announced for 2016.
(Source: IFE, CRBZ)

25.11.2015

Argentina

Buenos Aires Plaza Constitución – La Plata

Electrification of the Buenos Aires Plaza Constitución – La Plata line is going ahead and the overhead wire is energized until Quilmes station and some of the new Chinese-built trains ran experimentally to Quilmes. The entire line to La Plata should be electrified by early 2016.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-9)

Brazil

Bonocô, Salvador

November 13, 2015 Metro Salvador opened a new station, called Bonocô after a Construction period of 10 months.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-9)

Guararema – Luís Carlos

Since October 16, 2015 a steam train runs over the broad gauge line Guararema – Luís Carlos in São Paulo state. The train runs twice per day on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and it is especially popular with pupils and students.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-9)

Railway Station Águas da Prata

The population of Águas da Prata (São Paulo state) was ashamed with the very rundown condition of the local railway station, which has no more been in use for 30 years. Just one freight train per day passes by today. 20 neighbors took now the initiative and they started to renovate the entire building, some are helping with materials, others are doing the job. It is not only painting, even structures have to repaired or replaced and they are working hard to present the refurbished station illuminated for Christmas.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-9)

Chile

Valdivia – Antilhue

State president M. Bachelet travelled 8 November 2015 in a special train from Valdivia to Antilhue to inspect the progress of rebuilding the line. The steam train « El Valdiviano » will again run from January 2016 on.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-9)

Lomas Coloradas - Coronel 

13 November 2015 the first electric passenger train operated between Lomas Coloradas and Coronel with railway techni-cians onboard. From January 2016 on public test journeys will operate on this line.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-9)

Toco – Tocopilla

November 11, 2015 saw the definitive closure of the electrified Toco – Tocopilla Railway in Northern Chile. The line was hea-vily damaged by floods in August 2015, making the Reverso - Tocopilla section unuseable. The operator SQM closed also the mines at Pedro de Valdivia after 85 years of uninterrupted mining. All rolling-stock was brought to Maria Elena station for sale. With this step SQM terminated all railway activities.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-9)

25.10.2015

Argentina

Buenos Aires - Chascomús

After the floods of July/August 2015 the local passenger trains between Buenos Aires and Chascmoús are running again.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-8)

Victoria – Capilla del Señor

Because of heavy technical problems with the new Materfer-built diesel railcars on the Victoria – Capilla del Señor line these railcars have been withdrawn and all services are again operated with loco-hauled trains.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-8)

Brazil

Criciúma - Iaçara

October 19, 2015 saw the reimplantation of a local passenger train service between Criciúma and Iaçara after a gap of 45 years ! It’s one pair of trains running Monday to Friday evenings, operating on a trial base for 2 weeks, transporting students over the 10 km section of line. The train is formed of four coaches from the Museum train which operates normally from Tubarão and a diesel-locomotive. Since the first day of operation the train operated at its capacity level. If these two weeks will be successful, Santa Catarina state plans to introduce this service on a regular level as a regional passenger railway at a later time.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-8)

Cuba

Buffet-Coaches

Due to big problems on the railway’s catering sector, this has now been transferred from Uniíon de Ferrocarriles de Cuba UFC to Cuba Catering SA, which is also responsible for airline catering. All buffet-coaches and station restaurants and bars will now be transferred to the new operator and modernized by Cuba Catering.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-8)

Mexico

Tequila Express

Ferromex suspended the Tourist Train Tequila Express between Guadalajara and Amatitán for an undefined period to refurbish the coaches. In the meantime a bus company is operating a Tequila-Express with road coaches.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-8)

Peru

Huancayo - Huancavelica

Since about August 2015 railcar no. 32 operates twice weekly between Huancayo and Huancavelica.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-8)

22.09.2015

Argentina

Railwaylines interrupted

After heavy rainfall during July/August 2015 some railway lines have been interrupted:
Buenos Aires – Mar del Plata, since September 12 a limited service between Buenos Aires and Lezama is again running.
Buenos Aires – Pinamar was closed again completely
Buenos Aires – 25 de Mayo and General Alvear; the line to General Alvear was reopened September 12.
Buenos Aires – General Pico over both lines, only Buenos Aires – Chivilcoy Sud remains served with one weekly train, and another weekly railcar Service operates Santa Rosa – Catriló – General Pico.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-7)

Buenos Aires - Bahía Blanca

Since September 18 the Friday service from Buenos Aires to Bahía Blanca and back on Sunday is operated with a new Chinese-built SOFSE train instead of the Ferrobaires consist.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-7)

Brazil

São Luiz - Parauapebas

September 14, 2015 EFC brought the new consist of 39 Romanian-built passenger coaches into operation between São Luiz and Parauapebas. The coaches have been built by Astra Vagoane.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-7)

Costa Rica

Increase of Road User Fees

With a heavy increase of road user fees the government will earn important amounts for renewing the state railways INCOFER.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-7)

Cuba

Chinese-built locomotives non-useable

The number of non-useable Chinese-built locomotives is steadly increasing and has reached such a level that at Cienfuegos only one locomotive is serviceable for shunting and the daily local train to Santo Domingo. All other services from Cienfuegos have been withdrawn until further notice.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-7)

Russian wagons for UFC

RM-Rail of Russia is producing 363 freight wagons for Cuban Railways UFC.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-7)

Railcars CB-10

Of the CB-10 railcars built at Cardenas the first two have been delivered to Santa Clara for local services to Vega Alta and Sagua.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-7)

Mexico

New Station in Tijuana

A new station has been built at Tijuana, very close to the border crossing to San Ysidro/San Diego. The station may be used by the tourist train to Tecate and the future local train services in the region.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-7)

12.07.2015

Argentina

Buenos Aires - Pinamar

On July 17, 2015 Ferrobaires reintroduces the passenger train between Buenos Aires and the coastal ressort Pinamar, after a gap of 5 years. This train runs weekly only, from Buenos Aires on Fridays, returning Sundays. It will operate during the main travel seasons in July, December to March and on Holidays only.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-6)

Neuquén - Cipolletti

On July 20, 2015 a new suburban traffic between Neuquén and Cipolletti will be inaugurated. The first Materfer-built railcar does already make test runs over the 6 km long line between both cities since July 9. In a few days a second railcar, this one which runs between Bragado and General Pico, will arrive as relief vehicle. It is still unknown which rolling-stock will then operate the service from Bragado.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-6)

Fórum, Santiago del Estero

Transportminister Randazzo was attending the opening of the new Fórum station at Santiago del Estero. This station will serve the new Tren del Desarrollo (Train of the Development), which will be built over a more than 4 km long high-level alignment to La Banda. The first of three railcars built by Technotren was put on the rails for this event.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-6)

Chile

Tacna - Arica

Reopening of the Tacna-Arica Railway will be delayed by about one month until August 2015 because the rehabilitation work on the railcar could not be completed in time. The railway line is repaired and there have already been some test runs over the entire 62 km long line.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-6)

Curicó, Talca, Linares and Parral

Politicians of the Maule Region want the creation of Regional trains between Curicó, Talca, Linares and Parral and they have put their request at the Transportministry.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-6)

Talca – Constitución

State railways EFE and Maule Region agreed on June 19 the reconstruction of Talca station. This station was destroyed in the 2010 earthquake. Furthermore 10 stations on the Talca – Constitución narrow gauge line will also be refurbished.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-6)

Lomas Coloradas - Coronel

Works on the Southern extension of the Biotren line from Lomas Coloradas to Coronel are in their last steps and the opening at the end of 2015 has become realistic.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-6)

Costa Rica

Heredia - Alajuela

Reconstruction of the Heredia – Alajuela Railway line goes ahead and 70% of the line are already complete.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-6)

Peru

Tacna - Arica

Reopening of the Tacna-Arica Railway will be delayed by about one month until August 2015 because the rehabilitation work on the railcar could not be completed in time. The railway line is repaired and there have already been some test runs over the entire 62 km long line.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-6)

20.04.2015

Argentina

Ferrocarriles Argentinos

The Argentine Government created again FERROCARRILES ARGENTINOS.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-5)

San Nicolás and Zárate

From May 1, 2015 on the new daily SOFSE/FA passenger train between Buenos Aires and Rosario will also serve San Nicolás station and on June 1, Zárate station may follow.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-5)

Victoria – Capilla del Señor

After rehabilitation of part of the line from Victoria to Capilla del Señor Trenes Argentinos reduced the travelling times on this line and a new Materfer-built railcar was introduced to run a faster service.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-5)

Brazil

CBTU Natal

CBTU Natal introduced, after many test runs, the first few new Bom Sinal-built railcars into regular use. One train on each line from Natal to Ceará Mirim and Natal to Parnamirim is now run with new railcars. Every month more railcars are arriving at Natal and during 2016 all services will run with the new vehi-cles. At the same time tracks and level-crossing are upgraded.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-5)

Tourist trains in Brazil

On http://www.fahrplancenter.com/AIFFLABrasilienTurismo.html you can find a complete and updated list of all tourist train operations in Brazil.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-5)

Zamin / Amapá Railway

The Amapá Railway is temporarily out of service due to financial issues with the concessionaire Zanim. Amapá state is about to take the railway over to guarantee the very important passenger service to the local population.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-5)

10.04.2015

Argentina

Tren a las Nubes

April 4, 2015 Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) recommenced its operations. It is now operated by a daughter company of SOFSE/Ferrocarriles Argentinos and runs most Saturdays until early December. For more information go to http://www.fahrplancenter.com/AIFFLAArgentina313.html fares have been increased heavily.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-4)

Neuquén – Cipolletti

July 20, 2015 the suburban service between Neuquén and Cipolletti may finally start, this after 15 years of intentions to establish this service. The two new railcars will be delivered about 4 weeks prior to the start of the service and the trains may then operate 16 times a day over this 6,1 km long line.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-4)

Bolivia

Tramway Santa Cruz de la Sierra

A project for building a tramway network at Santa Cruz de la Sierra has been announced early in April 2015.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-4)

Chile

Floods

Heavy rainfall and floods late March in Northern Chile damaged FCAB’s lines Antofagsta – Mejillones and Antofagasta – Calama, where reconstruction is under way. The 60 km between Chañaral and Potrerillos have been completely destroyed, causing damages of about US$100m and reconstruction is not sure. Chañaral – Diego de Almagro of Ferronor was also destroyed.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-4)

Cuba

Camarones – Cumanayagua

The transport ministry announced the reconstruction of the dismantled branch line from Camarones to Cumanayagua, including its lengthening to La Campana where the army is building a base.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-4)

Mexico

EMD SD70ACe

Ferromex acquired another 19 diesel locomotives of the EMD SD70ACe type, which brings this now to 116 of 4300 hp locomotives in service. Ferrosur SA acquired also 15 locomotives of this class, which means that Ferrosur operates EMD locomotives for the first time.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-4)

Uruguay

Algorta – Fray Bentos

Reconstruction of the 141 km long line from Algorta to Fray Bentos was published recently.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-4)

31.03.2015

Argentina

Ferrocarriles Argentinos/FA as a State Holding for the Railways

The Argentinian governement has proposed a bill which will re-establish Ferrocarriles Argentinos/FA as a state holding for the railways of the country. FA will include the following subisidiaries: ADIF for infrastructure, SOFSE for passenger traffic and Belgrano Cargas y Logística BCyL for freight traffic. In the meantime, both houses of the Argentinian parliament have passed the bill and it will shortly be signed into law.
(Source: La Nación)

20 new Dieselunits for Belgrano Norte

The Argentinian manufacturer Grupo Emepa in Chascomús is currently producing a batch of 20 two-piece Diesel Multiple Units, known as „Alerce“ (larch). This fleet will be used on the metre-gauge Belgrano Norte suburban line of Buenos Aires and will cover limited-stop services between Buenos Aires/Retiro, Ciudad Universitaria, Aristóbulo del Valle and Boulogne-sur-Mer. Each two-piece will offer 120 seats, air conditioning, on-board WiFi, CCTV and LED lighting. The first of these trains has been presented in March 2015. 90 per cent of all materials and parts are being sourced in Argentina, while the brake systems are produced in Germany and door operation systems come from Austria.
(Source: Telám)

Rehabilitation Rosario – Tortugas

ADIF has started track rehabilitation on the 90 km long section Rosario – Tortugas of the Rosario – Córdoba trunk line.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

Track Repairs Colonia Alvear Oeste - Bowen

Track repairs will begin during April 2015 on the 23 km long section between Colonia Alvear Oeste and Bowen; funding has already been secured. As a first stage, local passenger traffic will be introduced on this absolutely straight line in the Mendoza province. After that, it is planned to re-open the 306 km long stretch from Bowen to Realicó via Polledo, Nueva Galia, Chamaicó and Rancul. At Realicó (La Pampa province), connection will be established with the existing train to Buenos Aires. The Colonia Alvear – Realicó section was closed for passenger traffic in the late 1970ies, and with the closure of the Mendoza – Colonia Alvear line in 1982, that city lost any rail passenger traffic.
(Source: Sitio Andino)

Neu Project San Antonio Oeste - Tierra del Fuego

A project, created in 1994, to build a 1636 km long trunk railway line from San Antonio Oeste across Patagonia as far as Tierra del Fuego (Fireland), has been put on the agenda again. Former state president Menem halted the project in 1999 as being „useless“.
(Source: Tiempo Sur)

8000 Passengers Posadas - Encarnación

The new train link between Posadas and Encarnación, operated by dutch Wadloper railcars, sees now daily frequencies of up to 8000 passengers.
(Source: SOFSE)

Puerto Tirol – Resistencia – Puerto Vilelas

SOFSE has rescheduled its local traffic on the Puerto Tirol – Resistencia – Puerto Vilelas line during the second half of 2014. A new halt, Cocomarola, was openend between Bouvier and Gusberti on the Resistencia – Puerto Vilelas section. The number of services has remained almost unchanged, however, travel times were extended by 6 to 15 minutes.
(Source: SOFSE)

Buenos Aires Retiro – Rufino

On 27th February 2015, SOFSE introduced train service on the 421 km long route Buenos Aires – Retiro – Rufino. The train, formed of newly-built chinese carriages and offering both First and Pullman classes, departs Retiro on Fridays and returns on Sundays. The service only calls at Mercedes, Chacabuco, Junín, Vedia and Alberdi stations. While this train is being operated by SOFSE, the local Ferrobaires train between Retiro and Junín keeps operating on weekdays.
There are talks about extending the SOFSE train beyond Rufino as far as Justo Daract.
(Source: SOFSE)

Bolivia

Arica - Puquíos - Viacha

Commercial freight traffic will start in mid-April 2015, after a disruption of over 10 years. Initially, trains will run between Arica and Puquíos and some 8 months later, trains are expected to regularly reach Viacha in Bolivia. The railway has sourced 2 new diesel locomotives and 20 multi-use freight cars.
A media statement from management points out that freight traffic has priority, but at a later stage passenger and tourist train operations are not ruled out. The railway now operates under the stewardship of the Chilean state railway EFE.
(Source: Aricaldia)

Brazil

Avoiding Line around the City of Araraquara commissioned

On 20th February 2015, ANTT commissioned the new avoiding line around the city of Araraquara. This will allow to remove the intensive freight traffic coming from the north of São Paulo state and Mato Grosso state from the city centre. The new line has less curves and will slightly shorten the distance to Santa Fé do Sul, but will require trains to Barretos and Colômbia to reverse their direction of travel north of Araraquara in the future. Traffic will, however, only start once the two stations of Ouro (on the Itirapina – Colômbia line) and Tutóia (on the Araraquara – Sante Fé do Sul line) have been upgraded accordingly. Work at both stations is progressing on schedule.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária)

Chile

Arica - Puquíos - Viacha

Commercial freight traffic will start in mid-April 2015, after a disruption of over 10 years. Initially, trains will run between Arica and Puquíos and some 8 months later, trains are expected to regularly reach Viacha in Bolivia. The railway has sourced 2 new diesel locomotives and 20 multi-use freight cars.
A media statement from management points out that freight traffic has priority, but at a later stage passenger and tourist train operations are not ruled out. The railway now operates under the stewardship of the Chilean state railway EFE.
(Source: Aricaldia)

Tacna – Arica

On 16th February 2015, track repair and refurbishment work on the international railway line Tacna – Arica commenced within the city of Tacna, where the line is running on the streets. Work is carried out on behalf of the Ministry of Transport of Perú and consists mainly of sleeper replacement as well as laying new rails on some 10 km of the line. It is expected to terminate the works until the end of July 2015 and to then resume operations.
Meanwhile, the only railcar (Autovagón) in useable condition is also being refurbished. Apart of technical attention, a toilet will also be fitted.
The government intends to privatise this line in 2016.
(Source: Rieles and La República)

Colombia

La Tebaída - Buenaventura

The train operator Ferrocarril del Pacífico plans to resume freight traffic between La Tebaida (near the city of Armenia) and the port of Buenaventura in mid-May 2015. The railway company has invested US$ 32 Mio during 2014 and 2015, of which some $20 Mio were used for infrastructure repair and upgrades and the rest for rolling stock. Four brand-new diesel locomotives of the R22 class were purchased from Grindrod in South Africa. It is expected to increase the monthly traffic volume from 25'000 tonnes to 80'000 tonnes by operating freight trains over the entire line.
(Source: Crónica del Quindio)

Costa Rica

Heredia - Alajuela

The state railway INCOFER is currently building a line from Heredia towards Alajuela, to the north of the capital San José. Work on the first section has widely progressed, and the introduction of passenger trains between the stations of Heredia and San Joaquín de Flores is scheduled for 15th April 2015. Services will be covered by the usaual Apolo railcars (ex-FEVE, Spain). The next stage, to be ready for 15th September of the current year, will connect to the Río Segundo station, already in the Alajuela district, thus extending the range of the Apolo railcars. Track will be laid to modern standards with concrete sleepers. Along the new line there is a total of 12 level crossings which will all be duly signalled.
As currently only a funding of CRC 4'500 mio (some € 7,6 mio) is available, it is not yet possible to extend the line to the town centre of Alajuela (about 10 km from Heredia). New rolling stock will also be required to cover services to Alajuela. New legislation is under preparation which will introduce a fuel duty of 5% in order to ensure long-term funding of railways. Once this bill is passed, it will be decided whether to build the line to Alajuela and to electrify it.
It is being criticised from various parties that the extension of the line from Heredia without any additional rolling stock will cause even more shortages as trains on the existing lines are already overcrowded during most hours of the day.
Various politicians have, however, raised the issue whether to maintain the current track gauge of 1067 mm or if it would make sense to convert the entire network of the country to standard gauge of 1435 mm. Contacts have been made with suppliers and manufacturers in Europe, Brasil and China in order to get advice.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

Refurbishment Puerto Limón – Moin – Siquirres

At the beginning of 2015, track refurbishment started on the Puerto Limón – Moin – Siquirres line. Freight traffic is to be intensified on the renewed tracks, and the tourist train should benefit, too.
(Source: CRHOY; La Nación)

Mexico

Stop of Work Ciudad de México – Toluca

Protests have halted construction of the Ciudad de Méxcio – Toluca railway line. The protest groups blame the government of corruption and demand a repetition of the tendering process for this project. A partial re-alignment of the planned line has also been requested. The Secretary for Transport of the federal government has then dictated a stop of all work until further notice.
(Source: Various sources incl. Sin Embargo)

New Bridge between USA and Mexico

On 31st March 2015, the seventh railway bridge (and the first after 106 years!) between the USA and Mexico was openend. The bridge carries a new railway line from Brownsville (USA) to Matamoros (Mexico) and connects the network of Union Pacific in the USA to the one of Kansas City Southern of Mexico. This crossing of the Rio Grande river is located about 23 km upstream from Brownsville. Some US$ 40 Mio were spent in the USA and another US$ 80 Mio in Mexico for construction of the bridge and access lines. At Brownsville, the new track alignment allowed for the removal of tracks in the city streets.
(Source: The Monitor)

Paraguay

8000 Passengers Posadas - Encarnación

The new train link between Posadas and Encarnación, operated by dutch Wadloper railcars, sees now daily frequencies of up to 8000 passengers.
(Source: SOFSE)

Peru

Lima - La Oroya

Heavy rainfall at the end of March 2015 disrupted the road between Lima and La Oroya. Therefore, Ferrocarril Central Andino decided to temporarily operate a mixed train for the transport of passengers and freight in order to enable the flow of people and goods between these two cities. Any transport, whether passenger or freight, is free of cost!
(Source: Diário Correo)

Lima – Huancayo

The tourist train Lima – Huancayo will, as in the previous year, run 6 times in 2015.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Metro in Lima

Construction of line 2 of the Lima metro system is progressing well, and the first 5 stations will be built during 2015. The first section to be opened will be from the Santa Anita station to Bolognesi, expected to happen during 2016. The final destination of the line will be the international airport „Jorge Chávez“, to be connected by 2020. Planning for the extension of line 1 towards Lurín has also started.
(Source: América TV)

Tacna – Arica

On 16th February 2015, track repair and refurbishment work on the international railway line Tacna – Arica commenced within the city of Tacna, where the line is running on the streets. Work is carried out on behalf of the Ministry of Transport of Perú and consists mainly of sleeper replacement as well as laying new rails on some 10 km of the line. It is expected to terminate the works until the end of July 2015 and to then resume operations.
Meanwhile, the only railcar (Autovagón) in useable condition is also being refurbished. Apart of technical attention, a toilet will also be fitted.
The government intends to privatise this line in 2016.
(Source: Rieles and La República)

25.03.2015

Argentina

Buenos Aires - Córdoba

he overnight trains between Buenos Aires and Córdoba are composed of new Chinese-built rolling-stock since 9 March 2015.Two weeks later state Railways SOFSE reintroduced passenger services of Tren de las Sierras between Rodriguez del Busto and Alta Córdoba.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-3)

Buenos Aires – Junín - Alberdí

Mid-March 2015 the Ferrobaires local train Buenos Aires – Junín – Alberdí was reintroduced.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-3)

Ferrocarriles Argentinos

The Argentine Government is issuing a new law to create again FERROCARRILES ARGENTINOS as mayor organi-sation, which will combine SOFSE (passenger services), ADIF (infrastructure) and Belgrano (freight operations).
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-3)

Posadas – Encarnación

The number of daily passengers between Posadas and Encarnación reached now about 8000 per day.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-3)

Chile

Santiago – Temuco

Next overnight passenger trains Santiago – Temuco, from Santiago 02 April, from Temuco 05 April.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-3)

Talca – González Bastías

Buscarril will operate additional trains between Talca and González Bastías on 11 and 25 April.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-3)

Honduras

Liquidation of National Railways FNH

Liquidation of National Railways FNH has started. To pay pensions some buildings have been sold and most rolling-stock stored at Puerto Cortéz was sold as scrap.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-3)

Mexico

Tren Turístico Tijuana Tecate

The Tijuana Tecate Tourist Train is running again, about once monthly, dates are published at very short notice. The trip includes a two hour journey to Tecate, visit of brewery, meals and music and a 2 hour journey back to Tijuana.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-3)

Paraguay

Posadas – Encarnación

The number of daily passengers between Posadas and Encarnación reached now about 8000 per day.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-3)

08.03.2015

Argentina

Buenos Aires - Junín - Rufino

SOFSE introduced a new weekly passenger train between Buenos Aires, Junín and Rufino, formed of new chinese-built rolling-stock.
March 2, 2015 Ferrobaires suspended ist local train between Buenos Aires and Junín after a derailment.

(Source: Volta o Trem 19-2)

Posadas - Encarnación

The local service between Posadas and Encarnación is be-coming more popular, in the meantime up to 7000 passengers use this service which is run daily every 30 mins. with Wadloper railcars.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-2)

Buenos Aires - Rosario Sur

SOFSE expects to inaugurate long-distance passenger trains with new chinese-built rolling-stock on April 1, 2015 between Buenos Aires and the new station at Rosario Sur. Test runs are operating currently and the signal systems are currently adapted.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-2)

Resistencia/Cocomarola

End 2014 SOFSE changed timings of the Resstencia local services and a new halt at Cocomarola was opened.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-2)

San Carlos de Bariloche - Ing. G. Jacobacci

Because of the reduction of of road services between San Carlos de Bariloche and Ing. G. Jacobacci Tren Patagonico plans to run its local train three times per week.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-2)

Tacna – Arica

Reconstruction of the railway from Tacna to Arica has started. The works are done by the Peruvian Transport ministry. Sleepers and some rails will be replaced and the only useable railcar undergoes rehabilitation including the installation of a toilet. Services should commence towards the end of 2015 and later on the line should be privatized.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-2)

Paraguay

Posadas - Encarnación

The local service between Posadas and Encarnación is be-coming more popular, in the meantime up to 7000 passengers use this service which is run daily every 30 mins. with Wadloper railcars.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-2)

Peru

Tacna – Arica

Reconstruction of the railway from Tacna to Arica has started. The works are done by the Peruvian Transport ministry. Sleepers and some rails will be replaced and the only useable railcar undergoes rehabilitation including the installation of a toilet. Services should commence towards the end of 2015 and later on the line should be privatized.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-2)

31.01.2015

Argentina

New Coaches, new Relations

SOFSE introduced a daily round-trip between Buenos Aires and the new station Rosario Sur on 1st April 2015. Currently, this train does not call at intermediate stations. At present, travel time ascends to about
6 hrs 30 min, while the now discontinued slow service took some 9 hrs to connect Buenos Aires and Rosario Norte (315 km).
(Source: SOFSE)

Tren a las Nubes

The famous „Tren a las Nubes“ resumed operations on 04th April 2015. According to media reports, track repairs took place previously, and the fleet of carriages has been refurbished at the Alta Córdoba workshops. Although a timetable with outward and return times has been published, passengers currently return by bus from San Antonio de los Cobres to Salta in the afternoon/evening. At present, it is unclear whether passengers can choose to remain on board and return by train to Salta. The fare for this tour is ARP 1540.00 (some € 160.00), while residents of Salta province pay a single fare of ARP 350.00 (€ 36.60). The new operator is Sociedad del Estado Tren a las Nubes/SFTSE, a subsidiary of the state railway Ferrocarriles Argentinos/SOFSE.
(Source: Rieles)

Brazil

Tramway/Light Rail System at Cuiabá

Construction of the modern tramway/light rail system at Cuiabá is again faltering. Only about half of the line Várzea Grande – Cuiabá is more or less complete. Particularly, there is major progress in the town of Várzea Grande, the station at the airport would be ready for service and there are long sections through town on which tracks have already been laid. The bridge across Cuiabá river is nearly complete. Things look quite different at Cuiabá, some sections appear to be ready for tracklaying, while on other sections earthworks are still ongoing. There are, however, some stretches where no work at all has been done, not even the utilities have been moved. Politicians from Cuiabá city are now calling for a referendum in the two municipalities with some 600'000 voters in order to determine whether construction should be continued or an express bus system be introduced instead. All interested parties agree that public transport must be improved, and those with a negative stance towards the referendum correctly highlight the amount of money already spent on the project. All materials (rails, overhead lines, vehicles etc.) are on site and have been paid. It is feared that the materials could only be sold at a loss, in case the Light Rail scheme would be cancelled.
(Source: Diário de Cuiabá)

Tramway in Rio de Janeiro

In Rio de Janeiro, the first 400 metres of tramway track were laid in the Rua General Luiz Mendes during March 2015. It is expected to lay some 200 to 400 metres of track per month. Utilities have been moved in most streets and the foundations prepared for tracklaying. Only in the very busy Avenida Rio Branco there is little progress so far, but work is expected to be complete by mid-2015. The first stretch of the tramway is scheduled to start operations in the first half of 2016.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária)

New Tramway Car für the Bonde de Santa Teresa

The first new tramway car for the Bonde de Santa Teresa (Santa Teresa tramway) in Rio de Janeiro was delivered by the manufacturer T'Trans and could be seen on test runs at the end of February 2015. The new vehicles are replicas which externally match the historical cars, but are fitted with modern technology. Delayed delivery of rails by the polish manufacturer is blamed for the fact that operations still haven't resumed.
(Source: Trem.org)

Freight Traffic on the Norte-Sul Railway

After many initial problems, freight traffic started on the Norte-Sul railway at the end of February 2015, although at modest level. Early in March, various new diesel locomotives were based along the line. These locomotives of the SD70ACe class, built by Progress Rail, are hauled by road from the manufacturing plant at Sete Lagoas to Anápolis and continue from there by rail to their operating bases. The first 4 out of a batch of 18 locomotives were transferred to Imperatriz, from where they will operate for the freight operator VLI.
(Source: Revista Ferrovária)

Gurupi (Tocantins) – Anápolis

The brasilian agency for land transport ANTT formally opened the Gurupi (Tocantins) – Anápolis section for general freight traffic on 18th February 2015. A temporary closure of that stretch of the Norte-Sul railway line had to be imposed because after opening in May 2014 some deficiencies on the track and drainages were spotted. All faults have since been rectified.
(Source: Revista Ferrovária)

20.01.2015

Argentina

Posadas - Encarnación

December 31, 2014 saw the beginning of the regular passenger traffic between Posadas and Encarnación with ex-Dutch Railways Wadloper railcars. Trains operates daily every 30 min. Between 07.00 and 18.30, one-way fare is ARP 18.00.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-1)

Brazil

Barbacena

The NGO Amigos do Trem (Friends of the Train) completed refurbishment of the broad-gauge Budd railcar MH946005-7F built in the USA 1958. The railcar was brought to Barbacena with the help of MRS and will be used as the Trem das Rosas (Train of the Roses) on behalf of Barbacena municipality.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-1)

Chile

Santiago – Temuco

During the main season TMSA/TerraSur operates again a night-train between Santiago and Temuco. From Santiago January 16 & 30, February 13 & 27. From Temuco January 19, February 1 & 15, March 1.

(Source: Volta o Trem 19-1)

Ecuador

Ibarra–Otavalo

The railway Ibarra – Otavalo reopened officially January 15, 2015 and from January 24 on public services may start to run.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-1)

Mexico

Ciudad de México – Toluca

Thales will plan and build the signal systems of the new Mexcio City – Toluca railway.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-1)

Paraguay

Posadas - Encarnación

December 31, 2014 saw the beginning of the regular passenger traffic between Posadas and Encarnación with ex-Dutch Railways Wadloper railcars. Trains operates daily every 30 min. Between 07.00 and 18.30, one-way fare is ARP 18.00.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-1)

Peru

Lima-Huancayo

Ferrocarril Central Andino published the running dates of the train Lima-Huancayo for 2015, there are again 6 round-trips. April 02. from Lima 07.00, April 05. from Huancayo 07.00, May 01. from Lima 07.00, May 03. from Huancayo 07.00, June 27. from Lima 07.00, June 29. from Huancayo 07.00 , July 26. from Lima 07.00, July 29. from Huancayo 07.00, August 28. from Lima 07.00, August 31. from Huancayo 07.00, October 8. from Lima 07.00, October 11. from Huancayo 07.00. For the trips in April and July only round-trips-tickets are sold.
(Source: Volta o Trem 19-1)

11.01.2015

Argentina

Posadas - Encarnación

The international link between Posadas (Argentina) and Encarnación (Paraguay) was opened on 31 December 2014, operated by railcars. There is still no permanent train station at Encarnación, and passengers have to use mobile steps in order to board and alight from the “Wadloper” railcars. Travel time between the two stations is 7 minutes, the trains are running between 7am and 6pm while the fare for a single tickets is 18 ARP or 7000 PYG. Initial press reports suggest that demand is high as the border crossing via the road bridge usually consumes some 90 to 100 minutes.
(Source: hoy.com, Rieles)

Long-distance traffic

On 19 December 2014, SOFSE/Trenes Argentinos have, in co-operation with Ferrobaires, started operations between Buenos Aires and Mar del Plata with new Chinese rolling stock. Initially, one daily round-trip with one additional round-trip on weekends is offered.
The existing 4 weekly round-trips operated by Ferrobaires – one of them being the “Marplatense” - keep running, however with slightly altered timetables.
At the same time, the new avoiding line which skirts the city of Chascomús on the eastern side became operational along with the new “Ferroautomotora” station located on that new line. A few days after, the regional trains Buenos Aires – Chascomús from SOFSE/Trenes Argentinos were also diverted to the new station; they are since running on 7 days of the week (2 daily round-trips). Additional stops were introduced on these regional trains: Temperley (weekends only), Guernica (weekdays only), Alejandro Korn, Coronel Brandsen, Jeppener and Altamirano.
As a consequence of the still ongoing track relay/upgrade the timetables on this line will suffer from periodic alterations.
Over 5000 tickets were sold for the new trains to Mar del Plata on the first day!
(Source: Trenes Argentinos; Satelite Ferroviario)

The Buenos Aires – 25 de Mayo service, operated by Ferrobaires and established in October 2014, is only running twice per week and not three times as originally promised.
Trenes Argentinos have cancelled the twice-weekly round-trips Buenos Aires – Saladillo in December 2014. Only the twice-weekly round-trips Buenos Aires – Saladillo – General Alvear remain on this line.
(Source: Satelite Ferroviario)

Buenos Aires - Junin

The number of weekly round-trips between Buenos Aires and Junín has been reduced from 7 to 5 with the beginning of the summer timetable.
(Source: Ferrobaires)

Transfer of nine Coaches

Eyewitnesses report that SOFSE ran a stock transfer train in December 2014 from Buenos Aires to Tucumán, consisting of 9 Inox coaches ex CP and two luggage vans, apparently in order to run a third weekly train on this line. There is, however, no information available about when this train is supposed to run.
(Source: Private reports)

Brazil

Avoiding line around Três Lagoas

On 08 December 2014, the new 12 kilometre-long avoiding line around the city of Três Lagoas was opened. The entire freight traffic from América Latina Logística/ALL from Baurú to Corumbá will use this line, and the numerous open level crossings within the urban area of Três Lagoas have disappeared.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária)

New Railway Museum opened

A small railway museum has been opened in the former railway station of Sabaúna on 29 November 2014. Sabaúna is part of the city of Mogi das Cruzes (13 km from the centre) and is located on the Rio de Janeiro – São Paulo railway line. Local trains called at that station until 1986.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

Santana do Livramento - Rio Grande do Sul

On 19 December 2014, two trains ran from Santana do Livramento to the station of Palomas and back over a stretch of 21 kilometres in the Rio Grande do Sul state of the line to Cacequi. The reason was the celebration of the 104th anniversary of the Santana do Livramento station, but served, at the same time, as test for a permanent tourist train on that section. The track infrastructure has been refurbished in recent years by the operator ALL and the Brazilian federal government in order to prepare the line for increased freight traffic to and from Uruguay which, however, hasn't materialised so far. ALL provided the locomotive for the special trains while the historic passenger carriages came from ABPF Santa Catarina, transferred by rail from Rio Negrinho via Lages and Santa Maria. Passenger turnout was very high.
A few months earlier, the same carriages, hauled by an ALL locomotive, ran as a special train on the Linha Tronco do Sul between Lages an Vacaria (a bit over 100 km) to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the line. While passenger trains ran on the line from Mafra to Lages until 1978, the section south of Lages has until today only been used by freight trains.
(Source: Revista Ferroviaria, Lages.sc.gov)

Chile

Santiago - Temuco

TMSA/Tren Central will resume direct services from Santiago to Temuco and back. The first train will run on Friday 16th January 2015, departing at 2050 hrs. from Santiago, while the return journey starts from Temuco on Sunday 18th January 2015 at 1825 hrs. Departures are scheduled for 4 weekends (16th and 30th January, 13th and 27th February). The train is called “TerraSur Temuco” and features “Salón” and “Preferente” classes; single fares are quoted at CLP 24'000 in “Salón” and CLP 38'000 in “Preferente”. Trains will call at Rancagua, Talca, Chillán, Victoria and Lautaro stations. This train last ran in 2013.
(Source: TMSA)

Santiago - San Fernando / Valle de Colchagua

EFE/TMSA will resume its excursions to the Valle de Colchagua in January 2015. These will, however, only use the train from Santiago to San Fernando, while the continuation to the Colchagua wine-producing area will be by bus. This indicates that the branch line which was heavily damaged during the earthquake in February 2010, has not yet been rebuilt.
(Source: EFE)

Talca - Gonzales Bastías

On 17th January 2015, another one of the popular excursion trains of the “Buscarril” will run from Talca to Gonzales Bastías and back, in addition to the two regular daily round-trips.
(Source: EFE)

Cartago – Basilica

At the end of October, Incofer resumed passenger transport on the 800 m long stretch of line from Cartago station to the Basílica. This is an extension of the existing service San José – Cartago on the Atlántico railway system. Since the introduction of suburban trains to Cartago it has been requested to continue to the Basílica which is centrally located in the town, and the church itself generates quite some traffic as it is an important place of pilgrimage in Costa Rica and the San José region in particular. There are currently 13 trains to and from the Basílica.
(Source: Incofer)

Guatemala

Ciudad Hidalgo - Tecún Umán

México and Guatemala have agreed to re-build the railway line from Ciudad Hidalgo (Mexico) and Tecún Umán (Guatemala). The river bridge across the border was destroyed by a hurricane a few years ago and no action has been taken ever since. There is a strong interest in Guatemala to re-open the line as that country imports petrol products from Mexico via Tecún Umán which creates an important demand for transport. On the Mexican side, the already re-built line from Ixtepec and Tapachula leads close to Ciudad Hidalgo; only a few kilometres of track and the bridge have to be re-built.
(Source: Prensa Libre)

Mexico

Readvertisement of high-speed link Ciudad de México – Querétaro

The construction of the new high-speed link Ciudad de México – Querétaro which was postponed following corruption suspicions, will be re-advertised on 14th January 2015. The expected amount of investment is USD 3,5 billion.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária)

Ciudad Hidalgo - Tecún Umán

México and Guatemala have agreed to re-build the railway line from Ciudad Hidalgo (Mexico) and Tecún Umán (Guatemala). The river bridge across the border was destroyed by a hurricane a few years ago and no action has been taken ever since. There is a strong interest in Guatemala to re-open the line as that country imports petrol products from Mexico via Tecún Umán which creates an important demand for transport. On the Mexican side, the already re-built line from Ixtepec and Tapachula leads close to Ciudad Hidalgo; only a few kilometres of track and the bridge have to be re-built.
(Source: Prensa Libre)

Paraguay

Posadas - Encarnación

The international link between Posadas (Argentina) and Encarnación (Paraguay) was opened on 31 December 2014, operated by railcars. There is still no permanent train station at Encarnación, and passengers have to use mobile steps in order to board and alight from the “Wadloper” railcars. Travel time between the two stations is 7 minutes, the trains are running between 7am and 6pm while the fare for a single tickets is 18 ARP or 7000 PYG. Initial press reports suggest that demand is high as the border crossing via the road bridge usually consumes some 90 to 100 minutes.
(Source: hoy.com, Rieles)

Uruguay

Tren Playero / Montevideo - 25 de Agosto

The Tren Playero from Montevideo to 25 de Agosto and back will run every Saturday from October to March.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

20.12.2014

Argentina

Nationalisation

November 1, 2014 state railways SOFSE took over operation of all former Ferrocentral passenger trains from Buenos Aires to Tucumán and to and around Córdoba.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-9)

Buenos Aires - Junin

Ferrobaires reduced the weekly number of trains between Buenos Aires and Junin from 7 to 5.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-9)

Buenos Aires - Catriló - General Pico

The new SOSFE service Buenos Aires – Catriló – General Pico has proven to be very popular, the number of coaches per train had been significantly increased to meet the demand.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-9)

Buenos Aires - Mar del Plata

December 19, 2014 SOFSE started to run new chinese-built trains between Buenos Aires and Mar del Plata. One daily pair and one additional service on weekends are operating, along with the four weekly round trips of Ferrobaires. On the first day over 5700 tickets have been sold for the new services. Because of the ongoing rehabilitation works of the line, journey times are at about 7 hours for the 400 km. The same day the new station at Chascomus on the new line avoiding the city centre was opened and operator Argentren introduced also weekend services of its local trains between Buenos Aires and Chascomús.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-9)

Buenos Aires - Neuquén

Currently a new project is under consideration to reintroduce a direct passenger train between Buenos Aires and Neuquén. The federal secretary for transport is evaluating the amount for level-crossing protection along the line and there are also negotiations with Neuquén for the provision of diesel-railcars for the long-planned Neuqué-Cipolletti suburban service.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-9)

Posadas - Encarnación

The bus company Don Casimiro bought two Wadloper railcars and brought them by their own means from Pilar to Posadas. For this journey even missing rails on the 1435 mm gauge main line have been laid again.. The company wants to provide a shuttle service between Posadas and Encarnación (Paraguay) over the international rail and road bridge. The railcars have been refurbished and newly paint at Posadas and a new station has been built close to the customs offices. A similar station should also be built at Encarnación, but is suffering some delays despite active support by Paraguayan authorities. The new train service may get some relief to the intense road traffic over the bridge.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-9)

Bolivia

Arica – La Paz

In November Ferrocarril Arica – La Paz received 2 new diesel-locomotives for an amount of US$3,5mio. The new locos have engines of 1850 hp and new technologies help to reduce fuel consumption.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-9)

Brazil

Santana do Livramento - Palomas

For the first time after about 20 years a passenger train travelled between Santana do Livramento and Palomas a distance of 21 km on 19 December 2014. The two round-trips operated for the 104th anniversary of the station at Santana do Livramento and as test for a planned regular tourist operation over this line. Patronage was very high. The diesel-locomotive was from ALL, the coaches from ABPF and Giordani Turismo was responsible for marketing.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-9)

Natal - Ceará Mirim

Since december 2, 2014 a Bom Sinal built railcar took over operation of one of the local trains between Natal and Ceará Mirim in Rio Grande do Norte. Every second month one more railcar may came into service on the Natal suburban network.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-9)

João Pessoa

November 1, 2014 Bom Sinal delivered the first diesel-railcar to the CBTU João Pessoa suburban network and this will enter into service in January 2015, during 2015 a further 7 railcars will be delivered to João Pessoa.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-9)

Metrô Sobral

Since end October 2014 the Metro Sobral (urban railway) operates trains Monday to Friday between 08.00 and 12.00 under trial operation, but open to the public for free rides.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-9)

Poços de Caldas

The city of Poços de Caldas (Minas Gerais) got the permission to rebuild 9 km of the former railway towards Aguas da Prata to reintroduce the once very popular tourist train. For this purpose the Federal Transport Department donated several lots of rails to the city.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-9)

Santos – São Vicente

While some sections of the new tramway between Santos and São Vicente are still under construction, trial services already operates on a section of the new line within São Vicente.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-9)

Chile

Arica – La Paz

In November Ferrocarril Arica – La Paz received 2 new diesel-locomotives for an amount of US$3,5mio. The new locos have engines of 1850 hp and new technologies help to reduce fuel consumption.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-9)

Costa Rica

Heredia – Alajuela

Construction of the new 11 km long line from Heredia to Alajuela is going ahead and against former plans the line may be a bit longer to reach the San Rafael hospital at Alajuela.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-9)

Cartago

November 3, 2014 the 0,8 km extension of the railway at Cartago to the Los Ángeles basilica was opened to public traffic.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-9)

Ecuador

Ibarra – Otavalo

Reconstruction of the line Ibarra – Otavalo is now complete and during November 2014 some special train trips have been offered to local people along the line to familiarize them with the new rail traffic. Regular trains may start to run in a few weeks.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-9)

Hoja Blanca

The station of Hoja Blanca between Ibarra and Salinas has been completely refurbished so it can now be used for tourist purposes.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-9)

Honduras

Progreso

For a later reconstruction of the railway line through the city of Progreso in the North of the country, state railways FNH and city authorities freed all plots from illegal occupation and constructions.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-9)

Mexico

Ciudad de México – Toluca

December 20, 2014 was the first day of construction of the third and last section of the new passenger railway Ciudad de México – Toluca. This section will be built completely as an elevated railway between the metro station Observatorio and La Marquesa and may be completed within 730 days.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-9)

Paraguay

Posadas - Encarnación

The bus company Don Casimiro bought two Wadloper railcars and brought them by their own means from Pilar to Posadas. For this journey even missing rails on the 1435 mm gauge main line have been laid again.. The company wants to provide a shuttle service between Posadas and Encarnación (Paraguay) over the international rail and road bridge. The railcars have been refurbished and newly paint at Posadas and a new station has been built close to the customs offices. A similar station should also be built at Encarnación, but is suffering some delays despite active support by Paraguayan authorities. The new train service may get some relief to the intense road traffic over the bridge.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-9)

Uruguay

Montevideo - 25 de Agosto

AFE operates again its Saturday train to 25 de Agosto, departure from Montevideo is at 08.30 and departure from 25 de Agosto is at 17.40. The train will again until March 2015.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-9)

24.10.2014

Argentina

Buenos Aires - 25 de Mayo

With some delay Ferrobaires may begin with the operation of a railcar between Buenos Aires and 25 de Mayo in the last week of october. This service may run three times a week and the ticket price has been set at AR$ 60.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-8)

Brazil

Sobral, Staat Ceará

October 22, 2014 the new Metro at Sobral, Ceará state initi-ated test operation. The Railway has two lines, one using a section of the existing freight Railway between Fortaleza and Teresina, the other was partially built on the alignment of the former railway to Camocim. Bom Sinal built DMU’s for this urban railway.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-8)

Ecuador

Ibarra – Otavalo

Due to the lack of diesel railcars the line between Ibarra and Otavalo may be operated with the rehabilitated steam locomotive no. 18 of 1930. A second steam loco may arrive at Ibarra in 2015. Traffic to Otavalo may begin before the end of 2014.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-8)

10.10.2014

Argentina

Posadas - Encarnación

The bus operator Don Casimiro is in the process of acquiring some Wadloper railcars which were formerly used by TBA in order to establish an international shuttle service between Posadas (Argentina) and Encarnación (Paraguay) across the international bridge. The operator would build temporary platforms at either side of the bridge and offer a 15 minute headway. Meanwhile, this news has been confirmed by the authorities of the Paraguayan department of Itapúa. There is a hope on both sides of the border that EBY (Empresa Binacional Yaciretá) will see to build permanent stations for passengers and freight in both border cities.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

Buenos Aires Once – Bragado – Trenque Lauquén – Catriló – General Pico

On 03 October 2014 Trenes Argentinos/SOFSE took up their service Buenos Aires Once – Bragado – Trenque Lauquén – Catriló – General Pico. It is an extension of their service to Bragado with the outward journey leaving Buenos Aires on Friday evenings and the return journey starting on Sunday evenings from General Pico. The train consists of newly built Chinese coaches offering seating accommodation in First and Pullman classes, and it also features a sleeping car. Travel time over the 614 km long line takes 15 hours. After a long pause, a number of towns and villages west of Pehuajó (terminus of Ferrobaires trains) have been reconnected to the passenger railway network. This includes places like Beruti, Trenque Lauquén, Pellegrini, Catriló, Quemú Quemú and Dorila.
At Catriló, a railcar provides a connecting service to Santa Rosa, capital of the La Pampa province. No detailed timetable has been issued as yet, but travel time is expected to be slightly over 2 hours depending on the number of intermediate stations served.
As it is the case with other long-distance passenger trains, fares in the cheapest class are just about 40% of bus fares for the same journey. More and more mediums-sized and small towns are currently losing their bus connections due to a lack of interest from the part of bus operators to operate regional services; and only the re-introduction of rail services can fill the gap.
The province of La Pampa is already pressing to increase the number of weekly journeys, a request which in light of the impending national elections in 2015 may have a good chance to go through.
(Source: Trenes Argentinos, Satélite Ferroviario)

Buenos Aires Plaza Constitución - 25 de Mayo

Ferrobaires will re-introduce passenger train services from Buenos Aires Plaza Constitución to 25 de Mayo during the month of October. To this purpose, the train operator received a Nohab railcar which had been painted in the current Ferrobaires livery. A number of these now 60 years old railcars had been purchased by the Argentinian state some years ago second-hand from Portugal. It is planned that the service will run 3 times per week. The previous train service connecting Buenos Aires, 25 de Mayo and Bolívar ceased to operate in 2010 forced by lack of motive power and poor infrastructure. Ferrobaires has now refurbished the track as far as 25 de Mayo. Some months ago, regional bus operators terminated services to 25 de Mayo, a town of about 22'000 inhabitants!
(Source: Ferrobaires, Clarín)

Tandil - Gardey - Vela

At the start of August 2014, Ferrobaires resumed passenger service from Tandil to Gardey and Vela. This is a 45 km long section of the former Tandil – Tres Arroyos line. The train set used is the one of the Buenos Aires – Tandil service which stables over the weekend; one round-trip on Saturdays Tandil – Vela and back is scheduled. To be able to charge a slightly higher fare, this train is declared a tourist train. It appears, however, that this new travel option is highly accepted among the local population.
(Source: Ferrobaires)

Ferrocentral

The company Ferrocentral, operator of the trains from Buenos Aires to Córdoba and Tucumán as well as the metre-gauge trains around Córdoba, has been integrated into the state train operator Trenes Argentinos/SOFSE.
(Source: Ferrocentral)

Extensions around Buenos Aires

After the limited-stop trains between Buenos Aires Plaza Constitución and La Plata had been very well accepted by customers, Trenes Argentinos/SOFSE introduced similar services between Plaza Constitución and Cañuelas (1 round-trip/day Monday to Friday) and Plaza Constitución – Chascomús (2 round-trips/day Monday to Friday). Due to high demand, the trains to Chascomús have also been scheduled to call at Altamirano and Jeppener. Newly-built Chinese long-distance carriages cover these services and no standees are accepted.
(Source: Trenes Argentinos/SOFSE)

Infrastructureextensions Buenos Aires – Mar del Plata

Under state supervision and on behalf of the infrastructure owner ADIFSE, Ferrobaires is currently refurbishing various sections of the Buenos Aires – Mar del Plata line. Between Maipú and Mar del Plata work is about 80% complete, thus allowing increased speed and improved punctuality of trains for the peak season starting in December. The never opened avoiding line of Chascomús will finally be refurbished and completed by ADIFSE. Work also includes completion of the new “Ferroautomotor” station – a multi-modal hub – of Chascomús. The avoiding line will allow for the closure of a huge number of level crossings within the urban perimeter of Chascomús as the new line will only feature over- and underbridges but no level crossings.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents, Ferrobaires)

Brazil

Twin Track Conversion of Estrada de Ferro Carajás EFC

Laying of double track on the Estrada de Ferro Carajás EFC of the Vale group is progressing rapidly. The state authority for land transport ANTT commissioned a significant number of completed sections and structures in the last week of September 2014. The project encompasses upgrading some 570 km of the 892 km long line to double-track standard, split in 48 different sections. Also, 55 existing passing loops will be modernised and extended, and 43 new bridges will be built, some of these to separate roads from railway tracks. Telecommunications, signalling and other equipment are also being upgraded to increase capacity of the line from 120 Mio tons per year to 230 Mio tons per year. This is a requirement once the new mines at Canaã dos Carajás are explored.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária)

Reservations Luziânia - Brasília

Somewhat unexpectedly, the state authority for land transport ANTT appears to have reservations towards establishing regional train service between Brasília and Luziânia. The study is being delayed and is expected to be complete in March 2015 only. Then, the ANTT will decide whether this project will go forward or not. Some of the reservations seem to come from the freight train operator FCA who prefers to run their trains without having to respect a passenger timetable. On the other hand, bus operators are wary about this potential competitor and they feel prompted to increase the bus fleet from 765 to 1405 units. Such a step would also include the replacement of old vehicles dating back to 1988. The worry of ANTT is, however, that train travel times would not be attractive given the fact that the alignment of the railway line is somewhat longer than the road and allows for a maximum speed of 20 to 30 km per hour only (although this refers to heavy freight trains). Nevertheless, FCA currently undertakes to repair the track. Public opinion in the Luziânia and Valparaíso municipalities shows utter disappointment as people are impatiently waiting for the new train service to be introduced.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária)

Regional Traffic Project Barra Mansa - Volta Redonda - Resende - Barra do Piraí

The municipalities of Barra Mansa, Volta Redonda, Resende and Barra do Piraí have proposed a new scheme to introduce regional train service in that part of the Paraíba valley. This densely populated area in the interior of the Río de Janeiro state had local train service during the era of the state railway RFFSA. The current project again envisages sharing the tracks of the quite intensively used freight railway line operated by MRS Logística.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária)

Test Run Natal – Nordelândia

On 18 September 2014, the first test runs with a 3-piece diesel railcar from Bom Sinal started on the CBTU line Natal – Nordelândia. It is the first of 12 such units which are being delivered to the suburban train system of Natal. The second unit will arrive in November with the remaining 10 due to be delivered during 2015. Together with the 2 new diesel locomotives, CBTU operations in Natal will be integrally modernised at the end of 2015. The lines Natal – Parnamirim (South line) and Natal – Nordelândia (part of the North line) will be operated exclusively by the Bom Sinal railcars while regional traffic Natal – Ceará Mirim will be operated by the new locomotives. On both lines, a number of new halts are under construction.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária)

Opening Retiro

On 25 August 2014, Retiro station of the new Metro has been opened, extending the line to 7,3 km in operation.
(Source: G1 – Bahia)

Opening Oratório - Vila Prudente

At the end of August, the first 3 km long section of the São Paulo monorail, linking Oratório with Vila Prudente, has been opened after a number of delays. However, operations of the line which runs about 15 metres above ground, are limited to test runs during just a few hours per day. It is hoped that the line will be operational on its full length of 26,6 km and 18 stations until 2017.
On the Metro system, the station of Fradique Coutinho on line 4 (yellow) has been opened at the end of September. The next stations to become operational are Oscar Freire at the end of 2014 and Higienópolis in March 2015.
(Source: G1 - SP)

Commissioning of electric miltiple units

Trensurb of Porto Alegre put the first of 15 new electric multiple units in service on 22 September 2014. The entire new fleet, built by CAF and Alstom, is expected to be available for daily service in February 2015. Extension of the fleet became necessary in order to cover services on the extended line to Novo Hamburgo.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária)

Theft of copper

The Metro de Recife is suffering from theft of copper cables, affecting both signalling and power supply cables. Damage caused by these thefts and train cancellations amounted to BRR 90'000 between January and June of the current year, and another damage of BRR 50'000 happened between July and September.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária)

Test Runs Santos – São Vicente

Test and training runs are taking place since early September with the new tram units between the stations Nossa Senhora das Graças and Prefeito José Monteiro of the line Santos – São Vicente. That section is 100% complete and the overhead line is under tension.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

Pupil Transport in Tubarão

The municipalities of Içara and Tubarão are planning to shift pupil transport to the railway. After extensive negotiations between the involved municipalities, Santa Catarina state and the railway operator Ferrovia Tereza Cristina, the major hurdles appear to be overcome; and on 25 September 2014 the first test run of a pupil train took place. According to media reports everything went well and without any problems; and the railway company is looking forward to carry this segment of traffic. It is now envisaged to upgrade stations for the purpose and options are being explored. Expectations are that regular traffic can start at the end of 2014. Trains will consist of existing tourist train stock, hauled by a diesel locomotive.
(Source: G1 – SC)

Payment difficulty at Zamin

Early in September 2014, the 34 employees in charge of security at the Estrada de Ferro do Amapá EFA went on strike because their employer Zamin Mineração hadn't paid their wages since July. These employees are not directly employed by the railway but are under contract with Zamin. They are in particular responsible for the safe circulation of passenger trains on this line. The resident's association supports the demand of these employees. The mining company Zamin indicates cash-flow problems as a reason.
(Source: G1)

Only sporadic Traffic Palmas (Tocantins) – Anápolis (Goiás)

The Ferrovia Norte-Sul, opened on 22 May 2014, is still only sporadically used for traffic, in particular on the 855 km long section Palmas (Tocantins) – Anápolis (Goiás). The reason for this are a number of infrastructure problems. Erosion caused track settlements at a spot 55 km north of Anápolis and residents fear that derailments could occur. Bureaucratic hurdles are causing difficulties to the application of “finishing touches”, after the public accounts tribunal identified an excess of costs of almost BRR 200 Mio over budget during construction of the line. Furthermore, potential freight customers criticize that the still incomplete signalling system could lead to accidents.
(Source: TV Anhanguera)

Floods Trem des Termas

Severe flooding during the first months of this year caused damage to the track of the Trem das Termas in the Marcelino Ramos area. The operator ABPF Santa Catarina was able to completely repair the track within 8 weeks with the help of the freight concessionaire ALL. ALL provided heavy plant and also a diesel locomotive with freight wagons.
(Source: ABPF)

Floods Porto Velho

Flooding in the first months of 2014 caused severe damage to the museum and railway complex of Porto Velho. Since then, the operators of the power plants along the Rio Madeira have transferred monies from their social welfare fund to the culture fund Funcultural of the city of Porto Velho. At the end of September, tidying up work on the station/museum compound and along the line started. It will, however, not be possible to complete the work until the 100 year jubilee of the city on 02 October 2014 and they will continue for a further 3 months. The federal authority for protected monuments IPHAN as well as agencies of the Rondônia state are also contributing to the work.
(Source: G1)

Trem do Pantanal only Aquidauana – Miranda

Since 06 September 2014, the Trem do Pantanal has been limited to the section Aquidauana – Miranda, every second week outward on Saturdays and return on Sundays. The city of Campo Grande unsuccessfully protested against the shortening of the Trem do Pantanal route as they had invested BRR 1,6 Mio in 2009 in the upgrade of Indubrasil station on the outskirts of the city. The operator of the service, Serra Verde Express, refers to customer surveys which indicate that the westernmost section from Aquidauana is the most attractive one.
(Source: Aquidauana News)

Cuba

Opening Habana - Puerto de Mariel

On 01 July 2014, the new railway line linking Habana with Puerto de Mariel was opened. In fact, the new line uses the existing track from Habana to Almendares. From that point, the line was mostly built on an old railway alignment and only between Almendares and Punta Brava the line was built on a new trackbed along the motorway. An entirely new line is the section from Guanajay to Mariel, crossing a mountain range to reach the port located at a natural bay. The line is mostly double-track (not completely as yet), for example from Bauta until east of Caimito and again after the passage of Caimito until Guanajay. Trackwork is still incomplete within the Port of Mariel and currently, only a container terminal with 4 sidings is in operation. Apart of the Guanajay station, intermediate stations are still under construction with working progressing at fast pace. Signalling and interlockings are also under construction. Some branch lines will also be built. Top of the list is a connection from Guanajay to Artemisa for the traffic Mariel – Pinar del Rio, but at the moment it is still unclear whether the line via Lavandero or Puerta de Guira will be reconstructed. Then, at a future stage the existing line to San Antonio de los Banos should again continue via Ceiba del Agua to the Guanajay – Artemisa line in order to create a direct route for freight from the new Mariel port to the south line in the Cienfuegos direction. Both the railway line and the port were mainly built by the Brazilian contractor Odebrecht, the rails were sourced from China while the concrete sleepers were fabricated in Cuba itself.
Just a few days after the opening, a limited passenger service from Habana to Puerto de Mariel was introduced for the harbour workers. These services were covered by the new SV-10 railcars from Muromteplovoz, assembled at Cardenas. One month later, the state railway UFC also introduced a modest passenger service by railcars between Habana and Guanajay.
(Source: Granma and private sources)

Steam Locomotive No 1 “La Mabisita” refurbished

The former sugar cane railway at Rafael Freyre near the tourist town of Guardalavaca has totally refurbished their steam locomotive No 1 “La Mabisita”, built by Baldwin in 1882, and brought back in service. It is the oldest operational steam locomotive of Cuba and it is planned to offer special trains to the tourists staying at Guardalavaca.
The narrow gauge network around Rafael Freyre is currently used by passenger trains only to connect the numerous small villages of the region. To that purpose, the railcar No 50, built in 1938, has been completely refurbished and brought back to service in September 2014. At this time, railcar No 12 is in process of thoroughly being repaired. The Rafael Freyre network has a total of three railcars in their park which serve the lines to Progreso, Altuna and La Sierra from Santa Lucia several times per week.
(Source: teveo.icrt.cu)

Mexico

Diesel Locomotives SD70Ace ordered

The railway companies Ferromex and Ferrosur have placed a joint order with EMD in the United States for 34 diesel locomotives of the SD70Ace class. Ferromex will get 19 locomotives, and this represents already the third batch of engines from EMD to that operator. Ferrosur will receive the remaining 15 new locomotives, but in this case these will be the first EMD engines as Ferrosur only operated locomotives from General Electric. Both railways have contracted the manufacturer for the maintenance with a duration of 11 years. Delivery is expected to start from June 2015, and the locomotives will meet the most recent emission standards applicable in the United States from 01 January 2015, although Mexico applies these standards to road vehicles only.
(Source: Railwayage)

Ferrocarril Tijuana & Tecate is under modernisation

The Ferrocarril Tijuana & Tecate FCT & T in the far northwest of Mexico is currently under modernisation. A stretch of 2,5 km will be completely relaid, and on an other 30 km a number of 60'000 new sleepers will be fitted. The last bits of 100 years old rails will also be replaced. The El Matucano bridge and tunnel no. 3 will both be fully refurbished. Tijuana railway station will be extended with 4 additional tracks and a transfer and storage shed will be built at Garcia station. Volume of investment by FCT&T is about MX$ 200 Mio.
(Source: Frontera Info)

Infrastructurprojects in Baja California

The Governor of the Baja California state, Francisco Vega de la Madrid, has contacted the government of South Korea as well as major firms of that Asian country in order to attract investors for infrastructure projects in his state. The focus is on railway construction. Items on the list of projects are the re-introduction of passenger trains between Tijuana and Tecate, the construction of a railway line from Tecate to Ensenada for passenger trains to the new airport at Ensenada, but also to connect the new port of El Sauzal. Apart of this, a few road projects and improvements of water and power supply in the region are also part of the scheme. The governor hopes to create some 47'000 jobs with these projects.
(Source: Frontera Info)

Paraguay

Posadas - Encarnación

The bus operator Don Casimiro is in the process of acquiring some Wadloper railcars which were formerly used by TBA in order to establish an international shuttle service between Posadas (Argentina) and Encarnación (Paraguay) across the international bridge. The operator would build temporary platforms at either side of the bridge and offer a 15 minute headway. Meanwhile, this news has been confirmed by the authorities of the Paraguayan department of Itapúa. There is a hope on both sides of the border that EBY (Empresa Binacional Yaciretá) will see to build permanent stations for passengers and freight in both border cities.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

Uruguay

Local Traffic Las Piedras - Progreso

On the 1st October 2014, the state railway AFE has extended its local traffic from Montevideo beyond Las Piedras to Progreso. There are now 7 round-trips Monday to Friday to Progreso, operated by railcars, and one additional round-trip to Las Piedras, also by railcar. The two locomotive-hauled trains between Montevideo and 25 de Agosto keep running, however, the locomotive-hauled diagram from Montevideo to Progreso has been withdrawn in favour of the railcar.
Spare parts have been sourced for the two Alsthom locomotives hauling the trains to 25 de Agosto which may indicate that this connection will be maintained during the next few years.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

27.09.2014

Argentina

Buenos Aires Once - Santa Rosa

SOFSE and Ferrobaires are planning to reintroduce long-distance passenger trains between Buenos Aires Once and Santa Rosa in La Pampa province, Ferrobaires is currently repairing the tracks between Pehuajó and Santa Rosa.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-7)

Empalme Lobos - 25 de Mayo

Ferrobaires is currently repairing the line from Emaplme Lobos to 25 de Mayo to introduce a passenger service with an Allan railcar (ex-CP of Portugal).
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-7)

Chascomús - Buenos Aires

SOFSE introduced together with Trenes Argentinos fast trains from Chascomús to Buenos Aires (2 pairs per day Monday to Friday) and between Cañuelas and Buenos Aires (1 pair per day Monday to Friday) using new Chinese-built long-distance rolling-stock.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-7)

Buenos Aires - Rosario

For the introduction of a new faster passenger train service between Buenos Aires and Rosario and great new station may be built at Rosario Sur at a cost of over US£ 4,3mio.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-7)

Chile

Santiago - Concepción 

State Railways EFE are considering to build a fast passenger train line from Santiago to Concepción using the existing Santiago - Chillán line and by rebuilding the existing Chillán - Tomé - Concepción line including some realignments. The journey for the approximately 500 km long line may be a little over 4 hours, which would be equal to a trip by air.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-7)

Valparaíso

Valparaíso suburban railway MERVAL examines the possibility to build a branch to the North serving fast growing suburbs.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-7)

Ecuador

Lack of rolling-stock

Due to the lack of rolling-stock FEEP reduced the offer of regular train services. Durán - Yaguachi and Quito - Latacunga are currently not operating as it is the case with the railcar between Ibarra and Salinas. For the same reason opening of the Ibarra - Otavalo line was postponed.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-7)

27.07.2014

Argentina

Tren Patagonico

Tren Patagonico reinstated the local passenger service be-tween Ingeniero G. Jacobacci (dep. early morning) and San Carlos de Baroliche (dep. in the evening). The TER railcar operates Tuesday and Thursday in both directions.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-6)

Realicó – General Pico

SOFSE/Ferrocarril Unión Pacífico put a passenger train into operation between Realicó and General Pico from 26 July 2014 on. The weekly railcar from Bragado to Realicó has been extended to General Pico, so La Pampa province can again be reached by train. The 85 km long section between Realicó and Gen. Pico has not seen passenger operations since the late 1970s.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-6)

Pehuajó - Santa Rosa

Ferrobaires was running a test train from Pehuajó to Santa Rosa to evaluate the extent of additional repairs on this section, which was submerged by floods for a longer period in the region of Trenque Lauquén. Probably from the end of 2014 it is planned to operate a weekly passenger train from Buenos Aires to Santa Rosa (Province La Pampa).
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-6)

Ferrobaires - Tandil

Ferrobaires operates a weekly tourist train from 2 August 2014 on over the 25 km between Tandil and Gardey on a section of the line to Tres Arroyos. The train operates every Saturday using rolling-stock of the Buenos Aires-Tandil train.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-6)

Tren a las Nubes

Tren a las Nubes operator Ecotren lost its operating license after derailment of the train on 19 July 2014. No fatalities have been registered on this event, but the train is no longer running for an unknown period. There are plans to transfer the license to Salta province for this popular tourist train.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-6)

Brazil

Vitória - Belo Horizonte

From 5 August 2014 passenger trains between Vitória and Belo Horizonte will operate with the Romanian-built coaches, which are offering air-condition in all classes. Fares remains unchanged.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-6)

Peru

Tren Macho

Tren Macho was put back into service July 14, 2014 over the entire Huancayo – Huancavelica line. The trains runs new Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Huancayo and Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from Huancavelica. Rollingstock maintenance may be carried out on Sundays.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-6)

Uruguay

Wadloper railcars

There are rumors that AFE want to buy some Wadloper railcars which have formerly been used by TBA from Argentina. A price of US$1mio. was stated for the rundown vehicles.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-6)

29.06.2014

Argentina

Transport Politics

The recently nationalised railway lines in Argentina are gradually being integrated into a new public corporation under the name of “Trenes Argentinos”. At this time, it consists of the freight train operator Belgrano Cargas y Logística SA, parts of SOFSE (Tren de la Costa and the suburban section of the Sarmiento system) and also parts of the infrastructure authority ADIF. The San Martín (broad gauge) and Urquiza (standard gauge) appear to be fully integrated in Trenes Argentinos already.
(Source: El Reportero Ferroviario)

26.06.2014

Argentina

Tucumán – Concepción

For many years, the Tucumán region was fed with promises about improvements in rail transport, however, nothing ever happened. The rehabilitation of the Tucumán – Concepción line was abandoned in 2004, without any reasons given and after spending 8 Mio ARP. This would have been a local rail connection. Years later, the regional line Tucumán – Tafi Viejo was inaugurated with much pomp, but not even the inauguration train left Tucumán station – a work in progress of its own – because the level crossings across the city hadn't been upgraded yet. Just the Tafi Viejo station looked shiny new...
The Tafi Viejo workshops finally resumed business in 2014, and a few locomotives have been repaired. It is planned to repair some 4000 freight wagons in these workshops.
A multimodal freight hub is due to be built at Cevil Pozo as a link between rail, road and air freight. Works are expected to start in the second half of 2014.
The government intends to use funds from the loan granted by the chinese government (a total of 2,47 billions US$ for the metre-gauge network) for the rehabilitation of the line to Concepción. There was nothing said, however, about what will happen to the squatters currently dwelling on the track alignment.
(Source: El Intransigente)

Mendoza – Los Andes

Quite some confusion exists among the people living along the old Transandine Railway (Mendoza – Los Andes) as more and more parts of that railway are being dismantled in the Las Cuevas area. Two firms are involved, and they have already extracted many tons of wood and sheet metal roofing. Not even station buildings are saved. The two firms were denounced by members of the public, however, they were able to provide documentation which allowed them to dismantle the materials and export it to Chile. Allegedly, those firms paid 1,5 Mio US$ for it.
(Source: Diario Uno)

Buenos Aires – Pilar

The San Martín suburban line Buenos Aires – Pilar was extended on 08 May 2014, the new stations being Manzanares and Dr. Domingo Cabred.
(Source: Corredores Ferroviarios Argentinos)

Buenos Aires Retiro - Rosario Sur

In June 2014, a full rake of newly-built chinese long-distance carriages was on exhibition and open for public viewing at Rosario Norte railway station. These trains are expected to operate from 2015 between Buenos Aires (Retiro) and Rosario Sur (Apeadero Groenewold) once track relay works between the two city will be completed.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

Bragado - Realicó - General Pico

SOFSE is planning to extend its Bragado – Realicó service to General Pico. This would satisfy the long-standing call from the La Pampa province to be connected by rail.
(Source: SOFSE and others)

Buenos Aires – Córdoba And Buienos Aires – Tucumán

The night trains Buenos Aires – Córdoba and Buenos Aires – Tucumán, currently operated by Ferrocentral, can't be booked any more via the internet. No reason for this has been given, but local sources assume that both services will be integrated into the public corporation SOFSE. This is expected to happen within the next months, up to the completion of track renewals between Buenos Aires and Rosario at the latest.
(Source: Ferrocentral and Satélite Ferroviario)

Tourist trains

The operator of the narrow gauge La Trochita steam railway in Chubut province is carrying out some extensive track repair work between Esquel and El Maitén; the stations of Leleque and Lepa have already been fully renovated. The entire railway (track, stations, rolling stock and the El Maitén workshops) has been listed as a historical monument. After completion of the track repair it is planned to operate an increasing number of charter trains over the full length of 200 km.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

Rio Turbio

The coal railway of Rio Turbio was forced to cease operations on 22 April 2014 until further notice. Reason for this was a defect on the last operational FAUR diesel locomotive which broke down in the middle of nowhere (at about km 100) while hauling a laden freight train. Warnings that this may happen were issued from 2010 on, as there were just 3 locomotives in operational condition at that time. Delegates from the railway travelled to Bucharest in order to arrange and negotiate the purchase of 10 second-hand locomotives (5 mainline and 5 shunters) for the 750 mm track gauge. However, only one mainline and one shunting engine arrived at the Port of Buenos Aires where they are still awaiting customs clearance. Repeatedly, calls for refurbishment of some of steam locomotives were made and one of them was sent in 2003 to the Pérez workshops in Santa Fe province for that purpose, but nothing has ever been done to it. Nothing happened after an announcement that 10 brand new narrow gauge locomotives would be purchased for this railway. The staff fear that this means the end for the railway.
In June 2014 technicians from the Czech Republic travelled to Rio Turbio in order to assess the possibilities of repairing the locomotives.
(Source: El Reportero Ferroviario)

Serrezuela – Chamical

The metre-gauge line Serrezuela (Córdoba province) – Chamical (La Rioja province) will be re-opened to traffic in 2015. A logistics hub for air freight is being built at Chamical with the rail mode feeding the goods as rail freight is 60 per cent cheaper than road haulage. For this purpose, that line which hasn't been used for 20 years is currently under repair.
(Source: El Reportero Ferroviario)

Bolivia

Empresa Ferroviaria Oriental

Passenger train service on the east Bolivian network has been curtailed. While there is just one weekly round-trip on the southern line (Santa Cruz de la Sierra – Yacuíba) – a mixed train for passengers and freight – the timetable between Santa Cruz de la Sierra and Puerto Quijarro at the border to Brazil has been considerably thinned. The Expreso Oriental and the Ferrobus do three round-trips each per week. No services run on Saturdays, and the Tren Regional (all-stopper) has ceased to run altogether.
Completion of the road between Santa Cruz de la Sierra and Puerto Suárez had a devastating impact on passenger figures. There were 547'000 passengers carried in 2007 while in 2013 there were just 78'883 passengers using the trains. Freight traffic, on the other hand, increased some 17% from 2012 to 2013, reaching the figure of 1'535'306 tons.
(Source: FCO)

Areal cableway La Paz - El Alto

At the end of April 2014, state president Evo Morales inaugurated the highest aerial cableway in the world. The line connects La Paz with the suburb of El Alto, located at about 4000m above sea level. It is composed of 3 sections with an overall length of 10,7 km and resting on 77 pylons. The 443 cabins, carrying 10 passengers each, provide a capacity of 3000 passengers per hour in either direction. This will take some pressure off the congested roads. Starting point is at the former main railway station of La Paz. It was built in record time by the Austrian manufacturer Doppelmayr and cost US$ 235 Mio.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

Brazil

Passenger Traffic

In order to promote projects for regional trains, the national administration for land transport (ANTT) created the “Empresa Brasileira dos Transportes Terrestres/EBTT”. Depending on each route, the new company will rehabilitate and operate lines by themselves or source out operations to private firms. EBTT will also co-ordinate all passenger transport related matters between the competent ministries and rail operators. At the top of the list are the lines São Luis – Itapecuru, Maringá – Londrina, Caxias do Sul – Bento Gonçalves and Pelotas – Rio Grande. It is, however, somewhat obscure why the Brasilia – Luziânia project hasn't been integrated into EBTT, as detail planning on that line is currently under way. It is expected that works on the aforementioned lines will start in 2015 while opening is envisaged to happen between 2016 and 2018. The funds for this have been reserved.
(Source: Revista Ferroviaria)

Modernisation long distance Traffic

The Estrada de Ferro Vitória a Minas received in May 2014 a fleet of 56 newly-built passenger carriages, manufactured by Astra Vagoane Arad in Romania. They are currently being commissioned for the daily Belo Horizonte – Vitória passenger train. The current fleet will still be used on the Desembargador Drummond – Itabira branch line. Another batch of 44 new carriages, also built by Astra Vagoane Arad, will be delivered to the Estrada de Ferro Carajás. With this, the two passenger trains in Brazil with the longest journeys will be fully modernised.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

Porto Alegre

Commercial service on the extension of the suburban railway of Porto Alegre, Trensurb, started on 8 May 2014, connecting the stations of Industrial, Fenac and Novo Hamburgo with the city centre. Local residents along that stretch of line were able to use the trains at certain hours from December 2013, and scheduled train service to Novo Hamburgo was available from April 2014 between 0500 and 2300 hours, however, their use was free during that period.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária)

Cuiabá – Varzea Grande

Delivery of trainsets for the new Light Rail Cuiabá – Varzea Grande is currently taking place. At the start of May 2014, 29 of the 40 trains which are being built by CAF in Spain had already been received at the Varzea Grande depot, 2 had just cleared customs at Santos port and another 4 were on their way overseas to Santos. Opening of the line had to be postponed until 2015 due to construction delays.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária)

Açailândia – Anápolis

After a construction time of 27 years and a delay of 3,5 years, state president Dilma Rousseff officially opened the last section of the 1574 km long Norte-Sul railway line (Açailândia – Anápolis) on 23 May 2014. This new line connects the federal states of Maranhão, Tocantins and Goiás. At Açailândia, it branches off the Estrada de Ferro Carajás which also has the 1600mm broad gauge.
Currently under construction is an extension of the Norte-Sul from Anápolis via Ouro Verde to Estrela d'Oeste in the western part of São Paulo state; and further extensions are planned in the north to Belém and in the south to Panorama, Chapecó and Rio Grande.
(Source: Globo TV, ANTT)

Chile

 Santiago - Rancagua

Trenes Metropolitanos will increase the number of train on weekends during the holiday period in July between Santiago and Rancagua to satisfy the heavy demand. Construction of the new suburban railway between the two cities led to a significant service reduction which in its turn caused a severe drop in passenger numbers during the last 12 months. There will also be an additional daily train from Chillán to Santiago and an extra train on Fridays from Santiago to Chillán.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

alcahuano – Laja

On 26 June 2014, the Minister for Transport inaugurated the renovated railway station of San Rosendo on the Talcahuano – Laja line. This is the first station to receive a comprehensive upgrade along the so-called “Corto de Laja” line. During July 2014, renovation work on the stations and halts of Gomero, Unihue, Quilacoya, Los Acacios, Valle Chanco, San Miguel, Laja, Buenuraqui andTalcamávida will be completed.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

Combined ticket in Conceción and Valparaíso

Within the next two years, integrated tariff systems will be implemented in the metropolitan areas of Concepción and Valparaíso (Biotren and MERVAL). Customers will then be able to use suburban trains and urban buses with one and the same ticket.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

Suburban railway Santiago

The new suburban railway Santiago – Nós – Rancagua will only be opened in the second half of 2015, according to the new President of the state railway Grupo EFE. The reason for this delay of about 6 to 8 months is the re-advertisement of construction works as a consequence of detected irregularities in the originally awarded global contract. Construction will now be done in stages, with 70 per cent already completed.
As it has been envisaged, the opening of the suburban railway Santiago – Melipilla will take place in 2016 as the track and station works are running according to plan.
EFE have expressed their discontent with the new Alstom trains for the 2 lines. Allegedly, they were rather built as per the ideas of the manufacturer than in accordance with desires and guidelines of EFE. Therefore, the order for the trains to Melipilla was cancelled and a new procurement process will be advertised.
Grupo EFE has been commissioned by the Ministry for Transport to make proposals about an improvement of the Concepción local traffic. Potential options are express bus lines, tramways or a subway system, all of them connecting to the suburban railway Biotren.
As planned, the extension of the Biotren south line to Coronel will be opened during 2015.
According to EFE, a viability study for local traffic between Osorno and Puerto Montt showed positive results. Some funds are reserved in the 2014 – 2016 three-year plan, and completion appears to be realistic in the 2017 – 2019 plan. It is, however, unclear whether and when a long-distance train Santiago – Puerto Montt could run again. The analysis for this were positive, but everything else is still open.
At the end of the current year, detail planning for a suburban railway from Santiago to Batuco is expected to be complete, with construction work to start in 2015 and a tentative opening date in 2019.
(Source: Grupo EFE, El Mercurio)

Freight Traffic

The traffic volume handled by the freight train operator FEPASA on the broad gauge network of Chile has remained at a stable level of 10,4 Mio tons per year over the last 10 years, but this represents a share of just 4% of the market. Grupo EFE, therefore, intends to strengthen their position in co-operation with its freight subsidiary FEPASA. Track upgrades, though primarily intended for better passenger train service, will be beneficial to freight trains as well as they allow for higher speeds of the latter. It is also urgent to improve connections to commercial ports of the region as this would generate an important volume of freight. Top on the list are the ports of Valparaíso and San Antonio with improvements to the tune of US$ 300 Mio.
(Source: Grupo EFE, El Mercurio)

Cuba

Ferrocarriles de CUBA UFC

Management of the state railway Unión de los Ferrocarriles de Cuba (UFC) has been taken over by the army, because the civil administration was more and more involved in corruption, insufficient production and bad planning.
(Source: Source not to be disclosed)

New Passenger Carrieages

It has been announced that the fleet of 240 new passenger carriages for national long-distance trains will be acquired from China in batches of about 50 units per year. Media reports are contradicting each other as sometimes figures of 50 units are mentioned and sometimes 60. Again, some sources speak of 2014 as earliest delivery date and others say it would be in the first six months of 2015.
(Source: Granma)

No Lubricants

All locomotive-hauled trains in the Santa Clara region had to be withdrawn at the start of June 2014. The only reason for this was that no lubricants were allocated to the province!
(Source: Granma)

Peru

New diesel Locomotives M629 for PeruRail

The south Peruvian railway company PeruRail has ordered a batch of 4 newly-built diesel locomotives from Sygnet Rail Technologies. These locomotives are of the M629 type, will be powered by a Cummings QSK engine and have an output of 1800 hp. They will be used on the three-foot narrow gauge railway Cuzco – Machu Picchu and are said to be the most low-emission locomotives in South America as they fully comply with the norms laid down in the Kyoto Protocol.
(Source: Railway Gazette International)

Britsh Projects

A group of six British companies has presented a project to Proinversión, the Peruvian state authority for privatisation and investments. This includes the construction of lines 3 and 4 of the Metro Lima, a monorail through Arequipa and takeover of the Tren Macho Huancayo – Huancavelíca. The project is currently under scrutiny by the government.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

Uruguay

AFE in crisis

The state railway AFE is in a serious financial crisis. It has asked support from the government to the tune of US$ 10 Mio in order to pay the wages of active staff and also of some 300 inactive employees.
Maintenance work is urgent as for example the replacement of sleepers on the bridge over the Río Taquarí or repair of locomotives.
It is expected that freight tonnage in 2014 will drop to about 800'000 tons from slightly over 1 Mio tons in 2013. And this happens in a time of economic upswing!
One of the mainline tracks at Sayago station is currently being relaid.
The new freight traffic operator Servicios Logísticos Ferroviarios (SLF) is supposed to start operations on 1 July 2014. AFE holds a share of 51% in SLF. Because SLF neither has its own workforce nor any rolling stock, AFE has to provide all this and will bill SLF.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

09.06.2014

Argentina

Pilar - Dr. Domingo Cabred

Corredores Ferroviarios San Martin Line extended the sub-urban service by two new stations from Pilar to Dr. Domingo Cabred, this section is now served by 14 trains on weekdays and 12 on Sundays.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-5)

Viedma - San Carlos de Bariloche

Early May Tren Patagonico reinstated its direct service bet-ween Viedma and San Carlos de Bariloche, after a gap of 5 months. On the other side the Ing. G. Jacobacci – San Carlos de Bariloche local was again suspended.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-5)

Brazil

CBTU Natal

CBTU Natal got the first new PR7 locomotive built new by Progress Rail in Brazil with the number 1401. It is the first time that CBTU is introducing brand-new locomotives for these suburban services.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-5)

Bonde Santa Teresa

Reconstruction of the Bonde (Tramway) Santa Teresa in Rio de Janeiro has only reached 25%, this means that this histo-rical tramway will not be available for the Football World Cup.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-5)

Santos - São Vicente

The new tramway between Santos and São Vicente makes some progress, too few to be put into operation until the World Cup, but inauguration is expected for the change of the year 2014/2015. The trains have been delivered and are stored in operational condition at São Vicente and local residents are awaiting the opening of the line impatiently. Fares will be identical to those of the bus services.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-5)

Metro Salvador

June 11, 2014 will see the opening of the first 7,3 km long section of line 1 of the Metro at Salvador between Lapa and Retiro. Until Sept. 15 trips will be for free. Construction took 15 years. The Retiro-Pirajá section will open January 2015.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-5)

Panama

Underground railway in Ciudad de Panamá

The first Central-American underground railway opened April 5, 2014 in Panama City. The 14 km long line runs from the suburb of San Miguelito to the centrally located bus terminal Albrook. The line serves 13 stations and the journey time is 23mins. Construction costs have been 1,8bn US$ and accor-ding to government sources fares may not exceed 1 US$.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-5)

Peru

Huancayo Chilca - Cuenca

Since June 2 a Kinki railcar runs again on the Tren Macho line between Huancayo and Cuenca (Km 56) Mondays to Saturdays. The remaining section to Huancavelica, which was heavily affected by floods in January is under recon-struction.
(Source: Volta o Trem 18-5)

19.04.2014

Argentina

Basavilbaso - Villaguay - Concordia

SOFSE reinstated services between Basavilbaso, Villaguay and Concordia. Unfortunately people started to through stones against the railcar, which forced the company to tun the railcar until Yeruá only, 19 km south of Concordia.
(Source: Volta o Trem 14-4)

Chile

Earthquakes

The many earthquackes and the catastrophic fire at Valparaíso have not affected the railways in the South of Chile, the Valparaíso Ascensores escaped too.
Saturday April 19, 2014 the tourist train El Valdiviano will run again. It will be run with steam traction and serve the stations of Valdivia, Pishuinco, Huellelhue and Antilhue. The same day the „Tren del Recuerdo“ tourist train will operate between Santiago, Talagante, Melipilla and San Antonio. This train will run with vintage coaches from the 1920s and a historic diésel locomotive.
(Source: Volta o Trem 14-4)

Peru

Tren Macho

Rehabilitation of the railway between Huancayo and Huancavelica, , is under way after the disastrous floods in January 2014and it is expected that the train “El Macho” may run again from late May or early June on. The national transport secretary announced plans to rent railcars to improve the service and that there are plans to run a regularly scheduled mixed train for freight and passengers over the whole line from Lima to Huancavelica to improve connections between Lima and the Mantaro Valley.
(Source: Volta o Trem 14-4)

05.04.2014

Argentina

Basavilbaso – Villaguay – Concordia

Since a fire of unknown reasons destroyed the Materfer built railcar which operated between Basavilbaso, Villaguay and Concordia, this service remains suspended. State railway operator SOFSE was not able to send a replacement railcar from existing spare rolling-stock at Paraná to reinstate this important service.
(Source: Volta o Trem 14-3)

Chile

Rancagua Express

Apart of the already existing Alstom-built 39 XTrapolis EMU’s for Valparaíso’s MERVAL and the Santiago-Rancagua Rancagua Express state railways EFE ordered another 12 identical trains, 8 for MERVAL and 4 for Rancagua Express, which may be delivered in 2015.
(Source: Volta o Trem 14-3)

Earthquakes

The heavy earthquakes of the first days in April 2014 in the North of Chile not only damaged heavily the access roads to Iquique, also the mostly unused railway down to the city of Iquique has been declared as no longer in useable conditions.
(Source: Volta o Trem 14-3)

Mexico

Ocoyoacac - Cuajimalpa

The Mexican Secretary for Communication and Transport invited Tenders for construction of the 4,6 km long tunnel between Ocoyoacac and Cuajimalpa early April 2014. The planned passenger train line México City – Toluca will pass through this tunnel. Earlier on construction of the 36 km long section from Zinacantepec (in Toluca) to the tunnel was called for tenders and the remaining section of 18 km from the tunnel to the Observatório station at México City will follow soon. The entire line follows mostly the existing line but will be doble tracked and electrified. Four intermediate stations will be built and opening is planned for 2017.
(Source: Volta o Trem 14-3)

27.03.2014

Argentina

Suburban and local traffic

The Mitre and San Martín suburban lines in and around Buenos Aires have been re-grouped in the new company Corredores Ferroviarios S.A. (COFESA). This is in fact a proper privatisation as the only shareholder of COFESA is the Grupo Roggio. The Grupo Roggio also owns Metrovías, operator of the standard-gauge suburban line from Federico Lacroze station to General Lemos, the Subte (Underground) network and the Premetro line P.
The Grupo Roggio, headed by Benito Roggio, has other business activities in fields like tourism, construction, refuse collection, water supply, sewage, technology, IT and more.
(Source: COFESA)

Universidad Católica

On 17th February 2014 the state railway SOFSE opened the new halt Universidad Católica east of Salta on the Salta - Güemes line. That stop had been promised to students since the introduction of local trains on the line. As currently no additional rolling stock is available, the timetable just offers 2 round-trips Monday to Friday (one on Saturdays) and the trains are usually 100% full as SOFSE doesn't allow standees. An improvement will only be possible once SOFSE has refurbished another DMU and transfers it from Resistencia (Chaco) to Salta.
(Source: Radio Salta)

La Plata – Avellaneda

The new Secretary for Planning and Public Services of the Buenos Aires province, Mr Franco La Porta, has annonced the reconstruction and reopening of the metre-gauge line La Plata – Avellaneda, closed in 1977. The track alignment, built over at a couple of locations and with the tracks partially dismantled, had been transferred in 1993 to Ferrobaires, but they have so far failed to produce any viable project. The first stage should be the line from the Estación Provincial on the outskirts of the town to the station San Francisco Solano in the southwest of Quilmes municipality at a cost of about US$ 40 Mio. The second stage of the line – overall length 51 km – between San Francisco Solano and Avellaneda will be more difficult because many squatters have settled on the track and erected their dwellings. Estimated passenger demand, once the line is fully operational, is 18 Mio journeys per year. However, the project is being criticised from many parts because the line doesn't reach the city centres at either end of the line, neither La Plata nor Buenos Aires. It remains to be seen if this project will be realised.
(Source: La Nación)

Buenos Aires - Junín

Ferrobaires resumed traffic on its Buenos Aires to Junín line on 3rd February 2014 after an interruption of exactly two months. However, services operated just twice a week instead of 6 journeys per week before. Even that was very short-lived: only three weeks later, services were cancelled again after the only available locomotive for this train became defective. Apparently, the Junín – Alberdi section has been abandoned altogether and it is doubtful if Ferrobaires has the resources to operate that line permanently.
(Source: Ferrobaires, Fahrplancenter)

Buenos Aires Once - Lincoln

In mid-February, Ferrobaires terminated its services from Buenos Aires Once and Lincoln after several temporary interruptions in the recent past. The company is struggling to maintain service from Buenos Aires Once to Bragado and Pehuajó. The state railway SOFSE now offers train service to Lincoln and onwards to Realicó, once a week.
(Source: Ferrobaires, Fahrplancenter)

Buenos Aires Retiro - Rosario

The Minister of Transport, Mr Florencio Randazzo, has announced that the new long-distance service from Buenos Aires Retiro and Rosario will start during 2015. Track renewal work is expected to be completed in the first six months of 2015. In a first phase, trains will terminate at the Rosario Sur/Apeadero Groenewold halt. After that, the dwellers in the shantytowns along the track alignment through the city will be relocated so that, at a later stage, trains can again reach the current station Rosario Norte. In the meantime, plans to re-use the Rosario Central Córdoba station have been abandoned.
(Source: Agencia Rieles)

Infrastructure

On the San Martín suburban line, the third stage of platform heightening works has begun so that the platforms can accommodate the new trains. Currently, the chinese-built trains can only serve Buenos Aires Retiro, Villa del Parque, Devoto, Saenz Peña, José C. Paz, Sol y Verde, Presidente Derqui, Villa Astolfi and Pilar.
Track renovation on the Mitre line has now reached suburban traffic from Buenos Aires. At present, timetables on the electrified lines remain unchanged, but as per 17th March 2014 timetables were drastically reduced on the diesel-operated lines Villa Ballester – Zárate and Victoria – Matheu – Capilla del Señor in order to facilitate track works. It has, however, not been communicated for how long these reductions will be in place.
(Source: COFESA)

Brazil

Paraíba

The city of João Pessoa in the Paraíba state has been allocated BRR 566 Mio from a fund created for improvements of local traffic in seven cities in the centre and north of Brasil. The total amount available from this fund in 2014 is BRR 3,8 billions. The city will spend this money in upgrading its public transport system, investing BRR 166 Mio in the suburban line operated by CBTU. This will be in addition to the BRR 70 Mio which have been provided for the purchase of 8 new VLT (diesel trainsets) from Bom Sinal. The new investment will allow for construction of 4 additional stations in the Santa Rita, João Pessoa and Cabedelo municipalities, the relocation of Bayeux and Jacaré stations to better suitable locations, track renewal, fencing of the line and improvements of level crossings in order to enhance safety. These works, taking place until late 2015, will modernise the line, increase its productivity and double the daily demand to 30'000 passenger journeys. Other measures include improvements of the urban bus system, leading to a better integration with the railway and the erection of several rail/bus interchanges.
(Source: CBTU)

Alagoas

In February 2014, president Dilma Rousseff granted BRR 400 Mio from the “Program to accelerate growth” (PAC2) to the Alagoas state, a sum which never in the past had been made available to that relatively small federal state in the northeast of Brazil. The money is destined to improvements of public transport in the Alagoas municipalities. One of the beneficiaries will be the CBTU suburban line of Maceió, receiving BRR 206,5 Mio. The money will be used for further securing the track to avoid flood damage in the Satuba municipality. In the past ten years, the line was severely disrupted there on four occasions. Also, overbridges will be built for 4 heavily transited roads, and another 23 level crossings will be fitted with barriers or flashing lights. 13 stations will be integrally modernised, and construction of the new line to Mangabeiras with 4 stations will finally commence.
(Source: CBTU, Fahrplancenter archive)

Rio Grande do Norte

The municipality of São Gonçalo do Amarante outside of Natal is currently the town with highest level of economic growth in the Rio Grande do Norte state. In the near future, the new airport of the Natal region will be built within the boundaries of that same municipality. Recently, the suburban train operator CBTU, the city of Natal and the municipality of São Gonçalo do Amarante have agreed to build a new railway line from Natal to São Gonçalo while the new airport is under construction. That line will serve two purposes, one of it providing access to the airport and the other establishing suburban traffic to Natal. The track alignment has been reserved in the local planning schemes.
(Source: CBTU)

Minas Gerais

The Metrô of Belo Horizonte experienced in 2013 a growth of its passenger numbers of 13,5% over the previous year; that's an increase of about 7 Mio passenger journeys. In total, 57,4 Mio passengers used the single metro line of the city which spans from Eldorado (Contagem municipality, in the west) via Gamaleira, Calafate, the centre of Belo Horizonte, Santa Inês and São Gabriel to Villarinho in the north.
(Source: CBTU)

Cuba

Habana - San Antonio de los Baños

More and more of the new russian railcars are in daily service. Press reports mention a number of currently 7 round-trips between Habana and San Antonio de los Baños, although it is being criticised that the single units which offer just 45 seats can't cope with demand during busy traffic periods. For unknown reasons, the state railway company UFC doesn't allow any standees to be carried in the new railcars (there is no such rule in older vehicles!). Before the introduction of railcars on the line to San Antonio de los Baños there were only 4 round-trips per day, but those were worked with locomotives and carriages and had a capacity of about 200 passengers per journey.
(Source: juventudrebelde.cu)

Habana – Holguin

After a number of protests in the Holguín province which called for the re-introduction of the passenger train Habana – Holguín, withdrawn some 10 years ago, the ministry of transport has announced on all available channels that yet in 2014 the first long-distance passenger carriages will be imported and that, among others, this service will be re-instated. Habana is still keeping a low profile about the origin of the new carriages. The only information that has leaked through is that a number of 240 coaches will be supplied, 40 more than originally planned. People from Holguín have, however, made clear that they will remain vigilant until the new service operates.
(Source: Granma)

Vehicles

Construction of the new railcars started at Cárdenas workshops in February 2014, and russian technicians are currently in Cuba to train local staff. The workshops at Cárdenas were extended and upgraded for that purpose to the tune of 3,8 Mio Pesos.
(Source: TV Yumuri)

Those diesel railcars of the Dm11 class which are still extant (originally built by Alsthom for Finland) are being converted at Caibarién into coaching stock. They are fitted with bogies, sourced from ex-DB and ex-DR (FRG and GDR) coaches, and traditional shackle couplings for connection to locomotives. The windows are being converted as well so that the coaches can be used without working air-condition. There will also be new seating fitted, allowing for a higher capacity per vehicle.
(Source: Vanguardia)

Infrastructure

On 27th January 2014, the first part of the new port at Mariel, west of Habana, became operational. This includes the container terminal, and a part of the container traffic has already been diverted to Mariel from Habana port.
At that occasion, a number of details regarding the new railway line, due to open during 2014, became known. The double-track line starts at the Enlace Gas (close to Habana Central Station), uses the existing line to Almendares and continues from there to Guanajay on the closed line which has been rebuilt for that purpose. From Guanajay to Mariel, a newly built line will bring trains to the port. Freight trains will consist of 30 wagons each, and passenger services will be worked by 3-piece railcars (Muromteplovoz, assembled in Cuba). In a second stage, the line will be fitted with a GSM-R communication system and modern signalling. The brazilian contractor Odebrecht has a key role in the construction of both the port and the railway line, reason enough for the brazilian president Dilma Rousseff to visit the construction sites in January 2014.
(Source: Granma and other cuban media)

Mexico

Infrastructure

The House of Representatives of the mexican parliament has passed a law which changes the concessions of the private railway operators in Mexico. The law intends to establish a cap to track access fees and to guarantee open access to any train operator. Also, the private freight train operators should not be able to block the introduction of passenger trains (whether state-run or private) on the lines concessioned to them. The new law, which has the support of state president Nieto, is being strongly opposed by the two major, US-dominated railway companies Ferromex and KCSM because both of them have invested huge sums in the improvement of their respective trunk lines; they also have almost a monopoly for freight transport in the areas served. The two companies are currently lobbying the Senate and try to convince the members of the upper house to not pass the law or at least introduce major changes in it. At this moment, the outcome is still open.
(Source: Various newspapers and The Economist)

Panama

Ciudad de Panamá

On 5th April 2014, Ciudad de Panamá's first underground line will be opened. Until then, frequent trial runs with invited guests (150 persons per journey) are taking place. Comments to the new means of transport are very positive or even enthusiastic.
(Source: Entorno Inteligente)

Paraguay

Asunción - Luque - Ypacaraí

The state railway FEPASA and the paraguayan government are currently promoting construction of a Tram-Train type suburban railway from Asunción to Luque and Ypacaraí. The line should start as a tramway within Asunción, then use the centre divider of the new motorway Ñu Guasu and finally follow the current track alignment eastbound to Ypacaraí. Overall cost for the electrified line is estimated at US$ 240 to 250 Mio and it appears that South Corea is interested in participating in the project.
(Source: Entorno Inteligente)

Uruguay

Freight traffic

The state administration for fuel, alcohol and cement (ANCAP) has spent US$ 3,75 Mio for the purchase of 22 tank wagons and the transport of liquid fuels from Montevideo to their tank farms located at Durazno and Treinta y Tres. The wagons, manufactured in Brazil, are in operation for a few months now, but there are some reports about leaks. It is, however, unknown if this is due to manufacturing faults or to problems on the spot.
(Source: Trenesdeluruguay)

01.03.2014

Argentina

Ferrobaires

Ferrobaires suspended definitively its passenger train between Buenos Aires Once and Lincoln February 14. This line continues to be served by the SOFSE train
February 26, Ferrobaires was withdrawing again the Buenos Aires Retiro – Junin passenger train, for the second time in a short period. The locomotive used on this train is out of order.
(Source: Volta o Trem 14-2)

Suburban railways of Buenos Aires

The renationalized suburban railways of Buenos Aires (operated by UGOFE’s) have again been privatized by transfering them to the remaining two concessionaires Ferrovias and Metrovias. This step includes also the services from Buenos Aires to Rosario and from Buenos Aires to Alvear.
(Source: Volta o Trem 14-2)

Universidad Católica de Salta

February 17, 2014 SOFSE opened the long awaited train halt Universidad Católica de Salta between Güemes and Salta.
(Source: Volta o Trem 14-2)

Chile

Santiago-Nós-Rancagua

Because of heavy works for the new suburban train services between Santiago, Nós and Rancagua all train services (long distance and suburban) will be heavily reduced from March 4, 2014 on, leaving just a few services in the morning and evening rush hours.
(Source: Volta o Trem 14-2)

Mexico

Ciudad de México - Querétaro

The new passenger rail line from Ciudad de México to Querétaro may be built for a maximum speed of 300 km/h. The governments plan indicates a journey of 63 minutes for the more than 200 km long line. To speed up the project the city of Querétaro may get first a station in the Eastern outskirts, follwed later by another more centrally located station. The estimated number of daily passengers may reach 11'200. Against first plans no intermediate stations may be built.
(Source: Volta o Trem 14-2)

Peru

Tren Macho

Heavy floods and landslides on the Tren Macho line between Huancayo and Huancavelica caused during heavy rainfalls on January 20/21, 2014 are heavier than expected. 480 metres of track are completely destroyed. There is no date for the reopening of the line.
(Source: Volta o Trem 14-2)

Uruguay

Montevideos Central station

Today, March 1, 2014 Uruguayans will remember the closure of Montevideos Central station 11 years ago and a German TV crew, which is currently producing a documentary about Uruguayan railways will participate on this event.
(Source: Volta o Trem 14-2)

06.02.2014

Argentina

Tren Patagonico

During January 2014 Tren Patagonico reintroduced a twice weekly service between San Carlos de Bariloche and Ingeniero G. Jacobacci, using the ex-Renfe TER DMU.
(Source: Volta o Trem 14-1)

Ferrobaires

On February 3, 2014 Ferrobaires reinstated a limited twice weekly passenger service between Buenos Aires and Junín, the section from Junín to Alberdí remains without traffic.
(Source: Volta o Trem 14-1)

Brazil

Rio de Janeiro

Alstom commenced with the building of a work to produce tramways for Rio de Janeiro at Taubaté.
(Source: Volta o Trem 14-1)

Santos

After a longer interruption works regained speed on the new tramway at Santos and in July first test runs are expected.
(Source: Volta o Trem 14-1)

Bom Sinal/Voith Turbo

Bom Sinal contracted Voith Turbo for the delivery of tractionsystems, couplings, bogies etc. for new railcars which will run at Natal and João Pessoa.
(Source: Volta o Trem 14-1)

São Luis

The new light rail system of São Luis in Maranhão state will use part of the existing ex-RFFSA line South of the city for a suburban service between Tirirical and Estiva. The already delivered two railcars built by Bom Sinal will run on this line after some repairs have been carried out. This solution was taken after the building of two new lines across the city was stopped due to financial concerns and the already partly built line to Anjo da Guarda was lifted again. The two railcars are stored in a workshop of Transnordestina.
(Source: Volta o Trem 14-1)

Porto Alegre

Trensurb of Porto Alegre started tests on the newest built section in Novo Hamburgo municipality on January 22, 2014.
(Source: Volta o Trem 14-1)

Mexico

México – Toluca

Construction of the electric suburban railway from Ciudad de México to Toluca may be announced soon. The line may be suitable for speeds up to 160 km/h and the rolling-stock may be able to run also on tracks of the underground railway in the capital. In a second phase building of Merida-Cancún railway may be called for tender.
(Source: Volta o Trem 14-1)

Peru

Tren Macho

Because of heavy floods Tren Macho between Huancayo and Huancavelica is suspended for an undetermined time.
(Source: Volta o Trem 14-1)

Uruguay

Montevideo General Artigas main station

The Ministry of Transport and the Banco Hypotecario will maintain the building of the old Montevideo General Artigas main station. No mention to use it again as a railway station.
(Source: Volta o Trem 14-1)

13.01.2014

Argentina

Passenger traffic

The argentinian railway system is dilapidating faster than it can be refurbished. Ferrobaires withdrew its services from Buenos Aires to Junín, Alberdi, Bragado, Lincoln, Carlos Casares and Pehuajó at the start of December because the locomotives didn't meet the safety standards anymore. The trains to Bragado, Lincoln and Pehuajó resumed operations at the end of 2013 based on the initiative of the state administrator of Ferrobaires. It has been reported, however, that the train of Saturday 28th December 2013 was cancelled due to unavailability of a locomotive. Since November, the state railway SOFSE operates a weekly train from Buenos Aires (Once) and Bragado with a set of new chinese-built coaches. At Bragado, SOFSE offers a connecting service with a brand-new Materfer railcar to Realicó. That train is scheduled to run late evening/overnight, but at the end of 2013 it ran also on noon time. One of those additional services derailed due to heat deformation of the track; a result of the extremely hot weather at the time.

Right at the beginning of the summer season, Tren Patagónico had to cancel its weekly train from Viedma to San Carlos de Bariloche in December 2013, allegedly due to problems with the locomotives and the infrastructure. As the trains were fully booked until February 2014, all fares had to be reimbursed to the customers. Bad planning seems to be the reason for this desaster as the company failed to execute impending work in November. It is also reported that the Rio Negro province withheld a part of the funds pledged for the train.
At present, it is unclear when operations will be resumed. Some sources have indicated that it may only happen in March 2014. Early in January, some changes happened at senior management level of Tren Patagónico.

SOFSE Belgrano Sur have completely overhauled the CML number 1 which is a 2-piece light railcar built in the 1980ies. It was stored during two years. The vehicle was transferred by road to the Buenos Aires Retiro/Belgrano Norte station and it will travel under its own power from there to Resistencia to replace an Apolo railcar. That Apolo railcar will, in its turn, be transferred to Guemes with the aim to increase timetables between Salta and Guemes. At present, only one Apolo railcar is based at Salta for local traffic.

Ferrocentral have resumed through traffic from Córdoba (Rodríguez del Busto station) to Cosquín after the line was disrupted for a considerable period due to track repair works.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Infrastructure

Theft of rails near Pilar severed the standard-gauge Urquiza network from the Buenos Aires area. This led to the closure of the remaining minimal freight traffic.

Repair work on the Buenos Aires – Rosario line has started, although at a rather slow pace. There is still no decision about where the passenger station in Rosario will be. The state declared that it will resume passenger traffic on this route only when a new railway station is available. The current terminal Rosario Norte has been ruled out because the trains have to cross a number of slums. However, the same applies to all alternatives in discussion (Rosario Oeste, Rosario Sur, Rosario CC) and the problems with stone throwing remain without solution.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Freight traffic

Belgrano Cargas have resumed transport of wine. That product hasn't been transported by rail since the end of Ferrocarriles Argentinos.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Brazil

Rio de Janeiro

The SuperVía suburban railway company is rejuvenating its fleet. In December 2013 delivery of the first suburban coaches started out of a total of 80 built by Alstom Brasil. The new coaches have air-condition, automatic door interlock and internal CCTV. Each trainset composed of those coaches will have a capacity of up to 2600 passengers per journey. New workshops/depot were built near Deodoro station for that purpose; they are part of the 280 Mio BRR worth order.
Delivery of a further 240 new coaches built in China will start in April 2014. Some prototype vehicles are already in operation.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Rio de Janeiro/Santa Teresa tramway

The repair and refurbishment works on the „Bonde“, the Santa Teresa Tramway, are finally under way. Since November 2013, special tramway rails are being laid over a distance of 10 km, replacing thereby the provisional rails partly in place. The firm T'Trans is currently building 14 new tramcars which are very similar to the heritage vehicles. Overhead lines, rectifier, stops and workshops are all under refurbishement, too.
Operations are scheduled to start at the end of March 2014 on the Arcos – Praça Odylo Costa Neto section with the Praça Odylo Costa Neto – Dois Irmãos section following in June 2014. In the second half of the year, the Dois Irmãos – Silvestre line is expected to re-open as well as the currently closed line Carioca – Francisco Muratori.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Brasília – Luziânia

The Ministry of Transport initiated the detail planning for the regional traffic between Brasília and Luziânia.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Porto Alegre

The second Aeromóvel A200 set with a capacity of 300 passengers has been received at the end of November 2013. Testing started shortly before Christmas, and the set is expected to enter regular traffic some 3 months later. The currently used A100 vehicle, about half the size, will then serve as the spare vehicle.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Goiânia

Construction of a LRT line in Goiânia has been awarded to Odebrecht Transportation. The contract with a value of 1,3 billion BRR includes construction of 13,6 km long tramway line with 12 stops in Avenida Anhanguera. Only 2 tramways, each 33 metres long and with a capacity of 600 passengers, will travel on the line. Construction will start in 2014.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Freight traffic

The biggest concessionaire ALL (América Latina Logística) could face its dissolution in 2014. It was already forced to cease its operations in Argentina, but throughout 2013 problems also increased in Brasil. There are numerous complaints from customers alleging that ALL failed to transport the contracted quantities of freight, or they weren't delivered on time. The government, on the other hand, criticizes that ALL failed to repair and re-open a number of lines or completed the work only with a major delay, although federal funding was provided at various stages. Repair work on some lines in the Rio Grande do Sul state weren't completed like those to Santa Rosa and São Borja. It didn't happen in Mato Grosso do Sul either where works between Aquidauana and Corumbá are still awaiting completion, despite federal funding available for this, too. The same applies to the Marília – Panorama line which operated precariously over a short period of time and has now closed again due to technical reasons.
Some figures released by ANTT (land transport authority) prove how insufficiently infrastructure maintenance is done. The heavily frequented line from Araraquara to Santa Fé do Sul (436 km) suffered a total of 79 accidents in the period from January 2012 to October 2013, of which 20 are considered as „serious“ with people injured or fatalities. This is compared with MRS Logística who operate a network of about four times the length of the aforementioned line, with many of its lines running through densely populated areas and with even heavier traffic. Within the same period of time, MRS suffered a total of just 9 accidents, of which 2 are counted as serious!
ALL tries to palliate the situation, mentions some minor problems with a few customers and points out that the value of their shares at the stock exchange plummeted from 23.00 BRR to just 8.00 BRR, leading to a temporary financial shortfall.

The freight concessionaire Transnordestina Logística TL, controlled by the Companhía Siderugica Nacional CSN, was split into two operations with the consent of its shareholders.
What is called Malha (network) 1 will include the metre-gauge lines São Luis – Teresina – Fortaleza – Mucuripe, Arrojado – Itabaiana – Recife, Itabaiana – Paula Cavalcante – João Pessoa – Cabedelo and Paula Cavalcante – Natal – Macau (it is noted that the lines from Itabaiana northbound to Macau don't have any traffic at all with the exception of the CBTU suburban trains of João Pessoa and Natal. These lines may be devolved to the federal government in the medium term). Malha 1 will operate under the name FTL (Ferrovía Transnordestina Logística).
The current name will be kept for Malha 2, which includes the broad-gauge lines Missão Velha – Salgueiro – Trindade – Eliseo Martins, Salgueiro – Porto de Suape and Missão Velha – Porto de Pecém. Only the last mentioned line is currently in operation (most of it in mixed gauge 1600 mm/1000 mm) while the others are at different stages of construction.
There is no mention at all of the lines from Recife southbound to Propriá (border to Sergipe state), Missão Velha – Juazeiro do Norte (Connection to the Cariri local train) and the old, now closed line Jaboatão – Salgueiro whose eastern section from Jaboatão to Caruarú is on the aim of CBTU for regional traffic.
The purpose of this move is to prevent monies reserved for the construction of new lines from flowing to the old metre-gauge lines. At the same time, Taquari Participações together with CSN were able to expand the capital base for Malha 2 to 193,449 Mio shares.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Infrastructure

After an extended break, the state railway construction firm Valec resumed works on the FIOL (Ferrovía de Integração Oeste Leste) in the south of Bahia state. This line will have an overall length of 1022 km, of which works on a 500 km long section between Ilhéus and Caetité have been released. However, issues arised with the construction firm for the first 125 km stretch, and the works have to be re-advertised. Earth works on the remaining 375 km have hugely progressed. Environment impact certificates were issued in November 2013 for the further 522 km and a number of construction lots were awarded until early December 2013, including the 2,9 km long bridge across the Rio São Francisco in the Bom Jesús de Lapa municipality. This is the biggest single structure of the line, costing some 135 Mio BRR alone.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Colombia

New FARC attacks

The El Cerrejón coal railway in the northeastern province La Guajira suffered two bomb attacks from FARC rebels in October 2013. On the 13th October, 43 wagons were distroyed near Uribia at km 92 of this 150 km long line. The second incident happened ten days later on 23rd October only 15 km outside of Puerto Bolívar. At that occasion, 7 wagons of a 123 wagons long train were distroyed. On both occasions, laden trains running to the port of exportation Puerto Bolívar were targeted.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Cuba

Passenger traffic

Within the context of a railway revival in Cuba, delivery and commissioning of russian diesel railcars has started. Some 50 units will be built and delivered from the manufacturer Muromteplovoz in Russia while the remaining units will be shipped as kits; they will be assembled at Cardenas. Construction work for the new workshops at Cardenas is also under way so that the facility can assemble the units. The first three-piece unit of the class went into traffic on 9th December on the line La Habana – San José de Lajas and it is expected that they will shortly run between La Habana, Rincón and San Antonio de los Baños. Railway experts believe that with the partial opening of the new line La Habana – Guanajay – Mariel Puerto those railcars will operate there from the end of January/early February 2014.
After a considerable period of uncertainty regarding the question whether long-distance passenger traffic will be promoted again, some news about government plans have leaked out. It is envisaged to purchase a fleet of 240 long-distance carriages, consisting of coaches and dining cars. If sleeping cars or couchette cars will also be part of the order is still unclear. The new fleet will definitely feature air-conditioning. The name of the manufacturer has not been revealed yet, but it is assumed that chinese firms who already delivered locomotives to Cuba in the recent past will provide them. Earlier reports spoke of only 200 carriages.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Mexico

Infrastructure

The devastating rainfall at the Gulf coast, caused by the tropical storm „Ingrid“ in mid-September 2013, and hurricane „Manuel“ at the Pacific coast didn't just distroy many important road connections but also affected the railway network. First-hand information told that the line Morelia – Lázaro Cárdenas of KCSM, which usually sees some 10 to 12 freight trains per day, was washed out or disrupted by landslides at over 20 locations. Repair work started immediately, and traffic slowly resumed.
The line Guadalajara – Manzanillo was heavily damaged near Sayula by flooding.
The Ferromex line Monterrey – Tampico was destroyed near Atenquique by landslides. Ferromex could, however, assure that the „Chepe“ passenger train between Chihuahua and Los Mochis wasn't cancelled at any time, although there was heavy rainfall in the Los Mochis area.

For the first time in many years, repair work is carried out on the freight line Coatzacoalcos – Mérida, as freight trains derailed on multiple occasions, particularly in the Mérida area. A major quantity of sleepers and rails has been delivered to Campeche (173 km from Mérida). These track materials will be used first for the repair of the Mérida – Campeche section, followed by sections of line westbound to Tenosique. It is hoped that those repairs will contribute to considerably increase freight tonnage from and to Yucatán and make the line attractive enough to be concessioned again.
During 2013, the government has repaired the railway line through Chiapas state from Ixtepec to Tapachula on its full length. It had been destroyed by Hurricane „Stan“ some years ago at several places. At this occasion, an avoiding line around the city of Tapachula has been built, eliminating the crossing of the city centre which partially was in tramway style. The new line will also connect to an upgraded port between Tapachula and Ciudad Hidalgo. Freight traffic to Ciudad Hidalgo near the border with Guatemala will also be possible. The mexican petrol firm Pemex even requests the reconstruction of the track to the storage tanks in Tecún Umán, already in Guatemala. That facility used to be a freight customer in the past and was the reason for the double-gauge track across the international bridge. However, no negotiations between the two countries about the matter have taken place yet. It would be necessary to build a new bridge across the river which forms the border, as the old one was damaged too much by the hurricane.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Long-distance passenger trains again?

More and more details are being revealed by the state president Enrique Peña Nieto about his plans to build new passenger lines. In November 2013 it was announced that a maximum of 100 billion mexican Pesos would be spent. The focus is now on three lines, as opposed to plans of former governments.
Ciudad de México – Querétaro, 235 km: this will be a newly built line, as the freight concessionaire KCSdeM „won't tolerate any passenger trains“ on its line, according to declarations from the executive level of that railway operator. Maximum line speed will be 240 kph – the only high-speed line of the three planned, and a daily number of 12'000 passengers is expected. The trains will use the existing suburban line from the Central Station to Huehuetoca (44 km) and then use the new line. At a later stage, the line could be extended towards the north and the northwest which proves that projects for passenger train lines to Guadalajara and San Luís Potosí are not entirely forgotten and ruled out.
Ciudad de México – Toluca, 75 km: This line will partly use the existing but unused line linking the two cities (again KCSdeM being the concessionaire). It will rather be suburban-style and be operated with electric trainsets able to use the metro network of the capital city. Trains would therefore start at the Metro station „Observatorio“ and not at the central station. Frequent trains should carry some 250'000 passengers daily.
There have already been numerous calls in the past to build the third line which will connect Mérida and Cancún, about 325 km apart. Maximum speed will be just 160 kph as the line will also be available to freight trains. The existing line from Mérida to Valladolid will be used for the first 160 km; that section will be integrally relaid and partially re-aligned. At present, freight trains are running to Valladolid, carrying mainly liquid fuels, but the cement manufacturer CEMEX is planning to build a cement factory at the line. On top of it, the new line will also facilitate transport of agricultural products and generally impulse agriculture. The line will, therefore, have an importance which stretches far beyond local transport and tourism.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

02.01.2014

Argentina

Tren Patagonico

Tren Patagonico suspended train services „Just in time for the Summer season“ between Viedma and San Carlos de Bariloche from mid-december 2013 on. This suspension may be until about March 2014. Because all seats and beds have been sold until February 2014 the company had to pay back the money to all passengers!
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-8)

Bolivia

Tupiza-Villazón

November 8, 2013 FCA resumed passenger train services to Villazón. The services have been withdrawn for more than a year because a bridge had to be repaired after it collapsed.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-8)

Brazil

Maceió - Lourenço de Albuquerque

With the exception of one service in each direction all trains between Maceió and Lourenço de Albuquerque are now operated with new Bom Sinal-built DMU’s. Monday to Friday there are now 10 and Saturday 5 services in each direction.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-8)

Rio de Janeiro - São Paulo - Campinas

Despie the great delais on the project for a high-speed railway between Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Campinas the Federal government keeps this project atop on the agenda, because construction of a new highway or more airports would be more expensive than the railway.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-8)

Chile

Expreso Atacama

With the end of the Summer season 2012/2013 the Trans-atacama-Express out of Iquique was suspended and the carriages transferred by road to Arica. At Arica these carria-ges have been used for the 100 year celebrations of the Arica-La Paz Railway in May 2013, since then these carriages have no more been in use.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-8)

Valdivia – Antilhue

For security reasons the steam train „El Valdiviano“(Valdivia – Antilhue) has been withdrawn.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-8)

Cuba

Beginning of Operation of DMUs

Of the new Muromteplovoz-built railcars two single and two triple DMU’s have been put on UFC tracks early December 2013. From 9 December on a three-coach DMU has been put into operation between Habana, San José and Güines and others underwent test runs between Habana and San Antonio de los Baños.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-8)

08.12.2013

Argentina

Tren Patagonico

Mid November Tren Patagonico brought the TER DMU (ex-Renfe) back into service, running a weekly service between Viedma and San Carlo de Bariloche and a local service between San Carlos de Bariloche and Ing. G. Jacobacci, but only one week later these new services have again been withdrawn for unclear reasons.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-7)

Buenos Aires-Junin-Alberdí and Buenos Aires-Bragado-Lincoln/Pehuajó

December 1 Ferrobaires suspended the Buenos Aires-Junín-Alberdí and Buenos Aires-Bragado-Lincoln/Pehuajó passen-ger trains because the locomotives in service apparently no longer met the saftey requirements of the Secretariat of Transport.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-7)

Fiesta del Tren a Vapor

The „Old Patagonia Express“ (La Trochita) celebrates again the Steam Train Festival in 2014. Trains will run between El Maitén and Ñorquincó on February 14, 15 & 16, 2014.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-7)

Brazil

Metro Teresina-Timón

The Urban Train of Teresina will be extended to the neigh-boring town of Timón in Maranhão state. The extension has now been incorporated into the national plan for regional train services. The opening date has not yet been fixed.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-7)

Chile

Tacna-Arica

Cement producer Gloria is building a cement plant at the Tacna economic free zone and wants to rehabilitate the railway Tacna-Arica by 2015 to export cement to Chile using the port of Arica.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-7)

Peru

Lima-Huancayo

On a provisorial basis departure dates for 2014 of the Lima-Huancayo tourist train have been published (subject to confirmation):
From Lima: 4/17, 6/27, 7/26, 8/29, 10/5 and 10/31
From Huancayo: 4/20, 6/30, 7/29, 9/1, 10/8 and 11/3
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-7)

Tacna-Arica

Cement producer Gloria is building a cement plant at the Tacna economic free zone and wants to rehabilitate the railway Tacna-Arica by 2015 to export cement to Chile using the port of Arica.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-7)

Metro Wanka Tambo-Huancayo-Chilca

Still not completely finished Metro Wanka got permission for regular operation between Tambo, Huancayo and Chilca from the Transport Ministry on November 17. Sources at Ferrocarril Central are giving the first quarter of 2014 for initiating operations.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-7)

20.10.2013

Argentina

Buenos Aires Once - Bragado - Realicó

SOFSE introduced a new weekly train between Buenos Aires Once and Realicó on October 18, 2013. Between Once station and Bragado a new set of Chinese-built coaches and locomotive is running, at Bragado passengers have to change into a new Materfer-built two coaches DMU to proceed the trip to Realicó. Departure from Once is Friday and from Realicó Sunday and passengers have to change in both directions in the middle of the night at Bragado (between 1.00 and 2.00 a.m.)
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-6)

Breaking Problmes

October 19, 2013 a suburban train of the Sarmiento Line passend again a stop block and 99 passengers have been injured. This time it was a refurbished train with braking problems.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-6)

Buenos Aires Mitre – Rosario

Refurbishment of the Buenos Aires Mitre – Rosario line has commenced. At Rosario a new emplacement for the station for services to Buenos Aires is still sought, the nice station building of the former Central Córdoba Railway could perhaps became this new station.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-6)

Chile

Santiago – Nós – Rancagua

The first of 24 EMU’s arrived at the port of San Antonio on October 19, 2013. The trains for the the Santiago – Nós – Rancagua suburban line are built by Alstom of Spain and the remaining 23 trains may arrive until end-November 2013.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-6)

Talca - Constitución

After refurbishing some sections of track between Talca and Constitución journey times have been reduced by roughly 15 min.
During Summer months an additional train will run again between Talca and González Bastias.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-6)

Honduras

Railway Museum

The railway museum at El Progreso is nearly complete. The city got a credit over 8mio. Lempiras from the World Bank to build it.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-6)

Financial Problems

State Railways FNH are selling more and more rails, bridges etc. to easen financial problems. At Búfalo, Choloma and Villanueva such material was extracted officially, but this caused that steadily more illegals are doing the same without permission. The state pays less than 20% of the funds needed by the railway alone to pay pensions.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-6)

Venezuela

Caracas – Cúa

To increase the number of train services between Caracas and Cúa 13 new EMU’s will be delivered from Japan during 2014.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-6)

23.09.2013

Argentina

Cars from Mdrid for Buenso Aires

The subway of Buenos Aires has decided to purchase a substantial fleet of second-hand trainsets from Madrid. This has been heavily criticised after it became evident that they are in a deteriorated condition and that a costly adaptation to the technical parameters of the Buenos Aires system is needed.
(Source: Cronica ferroviaria)

Retiro – Pilar

Im September 2013 hat der Ausbau der Bahnstationen an der San Martin S-Bahn Strecke Retiro – Pilar begonnen. Die Bahnsteige werden erhöht, damit die neuen chinesischen Zugskompositionen eingesetzt werden können.
(Source: Cronica ferroviaria)

Transfer to SOFSE

After the Tren de la Costa, the suburban railway systems Belgrano Sur, Roca, San Martín, Mitre and Sarmiento were also transferred to the state railway operator SOFSE.
(Source: Cronica ferroviaria)

Credit from BID

The Interamerican Bank for Development BID has established a credit line of up to 1,2 billion USD for Argentina. This should enable the state to upgrade the suburban network in and around Buenos Aires. The first step will be the electrification of the Buenos Aires (Plaza Constitución) to La Plata line, a matter which is already pending for decades.
(Source: Cronica ferroviaria)

Buenos Aires - Rosario

The daily round-trip from Buenos Aires to Rosario has been cancelled in connection with the impending track repair and upgrade. In the end that train ran only occasionally, and it took 8 hours to cover the 300 km which separate the two cities.
(Source: FLB correspondents)

Buenos Aires - San Carlos de Bariloche

A test train consisting of brand-new chinese vehicles (diesel locomotive and coaches) travelled from Buenos Aires to San Carlos de Bariloche early in September. It was noted that a 70 km long section of track south of Bahía Blanca needs repair before SOFSE can offer regular train service on this route.
(Source: Cronica ferroviaria)

Brazil

Infrastructure

The federal government is currently creating a Federal Railway Administration which will integrate the current state railway infrastructure agency Valec. This body will be responsible for the construction of new railway lines which may be used by the state and by third-party operators. Also, all those lines devolved to the state by the current concessionaires will be transferred to the new entity. Some of the planned regional services may as well be operated by this federal agency if no other operator can be found.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária, Valec)

No Closure

The planned closure of the metre-gauge lines in the Bahía state by the operator FCA has been averted. The state president Dilma Rousseff herself has guaranteed that those lines will be kept operational after protests from the Bahía state authorities.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária)

Sobral

The modern urban railway of Sobral in the Ceará state is taking shape. The south line Cohab II – Sumaré, which shares a section of the Fortaleza – Teresina main line with freight trains, is nearly complete and test runs will start in September 2013. All 11 stations along the route are complete as well as track renewal. Level crossing protection is in place and technical testing is under way. The north line is essentially complete between Cohab III and Grendene, only the section beyond Grendene to the future workshops has not been built yet. The trackbed of the former line to Camocim will be used for this, however, 12 private dwellings have to be removed. Nine of those buildings have already been acquired and the residents moved out, while compensations are being negotiated for the remaining three buildings. Three diesel multiple units, out of five, were already delivered by Bom Sinal and loading gauge trials have been conducted. Staff training is also ongoing.
(Source: Metrofor, Metro Sobral, Revista Ferroviária)

Porto Alegre

On 10th August 2013, the first line of the Aeromóvel, a system invented and developed in this city, was inaugurated. The current, first vehicle numbered A-100 with a capacity of 150 passengers carried 12'302 passengers in its first 10 days of operation between the “Aeroporto” station of the suburban railway and Terminal 1 of the Porto Alegre International Airport. At this time, the service operates from Monday to Friday between 10:00 and 16:00 hours. At the end of September, a second, bigger vehicle A-200 with a capacity of 300 passengers will be delivered and from November 2013 on, the line will operate automatically from 05:30 and 23:20 hours.
The local council of Canoas, north of Porto Alegre, has suggested to connect the town centre and their suburban railway station with an Aeromóvel line to improve access to the Trensurb system.

(Source: Trensurb)

São Paulo

Construction of CPTM Line 13, linking the Engenheiro Goulart station with the international airport of Guarulhos, begun on 16th September 2013. Construction time is expected to last 18 months. The line will be mostly elevated to cross the Tietê river and the Ayrton Senna and Dutra motorways. The only intermediate station, called Guarulhos-Cecap, will serve the centre of that city. The new line will terminate at the Terminal 4 of the airport, from where the airport administration will build a link line to the other terminals. It is, however, not yet decided if this will be a tramway/light rail or a monorail. The São Paulo state will spend some 2,1 billion BRR for this project.
(Source: Revista Ferroviaria)

The suburban railway operator of São Paulo, CPTM, has ordered 65 8-car trains which will be delivered in two batches, one of them manufactured by CAF do Brasil and the other by Hyundai Rotem.
(Source: Revista Ferroviaria)

Rio de Janeiro

The suburban railway operator SuperVia is finally upgrading the most heavily used section of their system between Central (Dom Pedro II) and Deodoro with ATP (Automatic Train Protection) system. This became very urgent after a dramatic increase of accidents on this line, for example trains crashing into other, broken down trains occupying the track.
(Source: Revista Ferroviaria)

Caruarú

The city of Caruarú in the Pernambuco state has published plans for a funicular line from the city centre to the upper neighbourhoods. It is hoped that private firms will participate in the construction.
(Source: Revista Ferroviaria)

Campinas

The city of Campinas (São Paulo state), which counts over 2 Mio inhabitants, is planning the construction of a “light metro” or tramway to ease transport problems. Help from the federal government has been requested for this purpose. The reply came directly from the state president Rousseff saying that the state will assist and support planning.
Campinas undertook the construction of an urban railway some 30 years ago, at that time with the support of FEPASA (former São Paulo state railway company). That railway, however, operated only for a short period of time. The line used the trackbed of a former, dismantled railway line which generously avoided all centres of population and, on top of it, the project was never fully completed due to lack of funds.
Source: Revista Ferroviaria, Fahrplancenter

(Source: Revista Ferroviaria, Fahrplancenter)

Freight traffic

Even before the nearly completed north-south railway (Ferrovía Norte-Sul) from Açailândia to Anápolis becomes operational, the detailed planning of its extension in south-southwesterly direction has already started. It is to be extended from Ouro Verde (Goiás state) to Estrela d'Oeste (São Paulo state). It will then continue from Estrela d'Oeste to Dourados in the Mato Grosso do Sul state. Further, a line will connect Maracajú in Mato Grosso do Sul eastbound via Lapa to the port of Paranaguá. Another route will start at Uruaçú in Goiás state and reach Campos in the Rio de Janeiro state. All those lines have been included into the programme for the development of infrastructure and logistics (PIL).
(Source: Revista Ferroviaria, Valec)

Chile

Regional traffic

The upgrade of the Santiago – Nós – Rancagua route is under way. The timetables of Metrotren and TerraSur were considerably reduced in order to facilitate the works. On the Alameda to San Bernardo section, the new stations of Espejo, Lo Blanco and Freire are being built as well as the third and fourth line. The Pedro Aguirre Cerda station will be relocated to a new spot a few hundred metres away where it will establish a connection to the new Metro line 6, also under construction. The numerous level crossings between Alameda and Nós will be replaced by over- and underbridges. Twelve new electric trainsets will be delivered by Alstom within the next 3 months and test runs are scheduled to take place in December 2013. It is expected that the new system will become operational in April/May 2014. Train frequency between Alameda and Nós will be one train per direction every 8 minutes, this being increased to a train every 3 minutes in peak periods. Trains from Santiago to Rancagua will run every 30 minutes (every 15 minutes in peak period). Travel time from Santiago to Rancagua will be reduced from 80 to 50 minutes, and the number of passengers should increase to 23 Mio annually (after 4 years of new service). The current fleet of trains will be transferred to Concepción and integrated into the Biotren fleet. The extension of its south line (Concepción – San Pedro) to Coronel requires more trainsets than are currently available.
(Source: EFE, TMS)

Talca – Constitución

The state railway EFE has overhauled and integrally renovated 2 railbuses which were returned to the metre-gauge line in August 2013. These are Ferrostaal railbuses which operate for a long time on this line; it is not their first major overhaul. A third railbus, also renovated, will enter service in September/October 2013. The railbuses got new engines. At the same time, infrastructure upgrades worth 4 billions CHP (about 6 Mio. Euros) are taking place.
(Source: EFE)

Arica – La Paz

The Arica – La Paz railway organised two public excursions for the local population in May and June 2013. Trains ran from Arica to Poconchile and consisted of the few, now historical, passenger coaches which are based at the Chinchorro depot/workshops.
(Source: EFE)

Freight traffic

The Chilean state Railway EFE has advertised for bids to purchase two diesel-electric locomotives for freight trains on the Arica – La Paz railway (FCALP). After the Bolivian government refused to accept the Port Authority of Arica as operator of the line – although that entity owns the concession - , it is expected that EFE will operate it, at least temporarily.
(Source: EFE)

Colombia

Infrastructure

In September 2013, the national infrastructure agency ANI will announce those firms which will participate in the repair of the central railway network, in which 16 firms expressed their interest. This network includes the lines along the Río Magdalena, from Bogotá and La Dorada to the south and from Bogotá to the northeast. 126 sections totalling 875 km of track should be repaired on the lines La Dorada – Chiriguaná and Facatativá – Bogotá – Belencito. At Belencito, a loading terminal for coal from the area will be built and this will be carried over 1322 km via Bogotá and Barrancabermeja to Santa Marta. It was said that this route is the most sensible way as the planned Carare line won't be built for a long time. The Ibagué region will be re-connected to the line to Chiriguaná – Santa Marta, and the subject of constructing the 177 km long line Buenos Aires – Ibagué – Armenia – La Tebaida has been brought up again. This project is nearly 100 years old and would include a tunnel underneath the western Cordillera. Several attempts to build that tunnel failed in the past due to lack of funding.
(Source: portafolio.com)

Costa Rica

Infrastructure

Interest in the Central American countries for the Feristsa project has grown after freight traffic resumed between Ixtepec and Tapachula. Guatemala announced that it would promote the project of a rail link between Mexico and Panamá along with the Spanish state railway Renfe. A number of private Spanish firms also expressed their interest in the matter.
(Source: dif. Mexican Newspapers; La Nación (Honduras))

Cuba

Rolling Stock

The state railway UFC is acquiring 300 diesel railcars of the SV-10 type for local traffic from the Russian manufacturer Muromteplovoz. The robust vehicles are based on staff transport units in use by the Russian railway RZD. Delivery of the first 17 units will take place shortly; they will run between La Habana and Artemisa and, once the new line is complete in early 2014, between La Habana and the port of Mariel. The remaining 283 units will be shipped as kits to Cuba and then assembled at Cardenas. In order to guarantee a swift assembly of the vehicles and later their proper maintenance, a number of Cuban engineers and fitters participate in the manufacturing at the Muromteplovoz factory.
The new units consist of 2 cars, the power car has a 240 PS Yamz diesel engine. Maximum speed is 100 km/h while seating capacity will be 45 in the power car and 48 in the control car, both in a 2+3 configuration with hard plastic seats. The four-wheel power car weighs 22 tons, while the control car weighs 15 tonnes. This ensures that the new units can run on all lines in Cuba.
Cuba will also purchase new carriages from China for long-distance trains, however, both parties keep a low profile in this regard. An announcement just speaks of “improvements in long-distance traffic during 2014”.

(Source: Muromteplovoz; Cubanrailways)

Ecuador

Cuenca

At the end of June 2013, the Mayor of Cuenca signed a contract to build a 10,5 km long tramway. The line will count 27 stops, and opening is expected in 2015. The order with a total value of 142,6 Mio US Dollars includes delivery of 14 low-level trams of the Alstom Citadis type. Power will be supplied by an underground cable running in between the rails and collected via a groove (same system used in Bordeaux, France). This will make Cuenca the first city in Latin America with such a system. Some preliminary works like relocation of utilities and the building of the workshops have already started and will be executed by the Tranvía Cuatro Ríos de Cuenca consortium, while French firms are in charge of track laying, electrification and delivery of rolling stock.
(Source: Railway Gazette International)

El Salvador

Infrastructure

Interest in the Central American countries for the Feristsa project has grown after freight traffic resumed between Ixtepec and Tapachula. Guatemala announced that it would promote the project of a rail link between Mexico and Panamá along with the Spanish state railway Renfe. A number of private Spanish firms also expressed their interest in the matter.
(Source: dif. Mexican Newspapers; La Nación (Honduras))

Guatemala

Infrastructure

Interest in the Central American countries for the Feristsa project has grown after freight traffic resumed between Ixtepec and Tapachula. Guatemala announced that it would promote the project of a rail link between Mexico and Panamá along with the Spanish state railway Renfe. A number of private Spanish firms also expressed their interest in the matter.
(Source: dif. Mexican Newspapers; La Nación (Honduras))

Honduras

San Pedro Sula

The days of the San Pedro Sula local train seem to be counted. The condition of the vehicles is reported as being extremely poor, and this applies also to the track between the railway station and the urban bus terminal. The railway is struggling to even pay for diesel fuel. Timetables were reduced to 3 runs per weekday. As a result, each train is used by an average of just 10 passengers. Media reports from Honduras suggest that it is merely a matter of days or weeks until traffic ceases.
(Source: La Nación)

Freight traffic

The government of state president Pepe Lobo is optimistic about shortly closing a deal with China about building of a railway link between Isla de Amapala on the Pacific Ocean (near Jícaro Galán) and Puerto Castilla on the Atlantic Ocean. The project has the support of several Chinese firms, and it is planned that ships with a loading capacity of 300'000 tonnes could transfer their load directly onto trains. Containers would be sorted per destinations at the arrival port so that they can be loaded altogether onto one ship to the respective destination at the departure port.
(Source: La Nación)

Infrastructure

Interest in the Central American countries for the Feristsa project has grown after freight traffic resumed between Ixtepec and Tapachula. Guatemala announced that it would promote the project of a rail link between Mexico and Panamá along with the Spanish state railway Renfe. A number of private Spanish firms also expressed their interest in the matter.
(Source: dif. Mexican Newspapers; La Nación (Honduras))

Mexico

Long-distance traffic

During a public meeting about communication and transport which took place at the end of June, state president Enrique Peña Nieto declared that it is the duty of the state to improve the transport infrastructure. The government will provide funding to the tune of 310 Billion Pesos, still in 2013, to upgrade ports and construction of long-distance passenger lines.
The ports of Lázaro Cárdenas, Manzanillo and Veracruz, all served by railway lines, will be integrally upgraded and their handling capacity increased.
The government then urges construction of three passenger railway lines:
Ciudad de México – Querétaro, by upgrading the existing tracks
Ciudad de México – Toluca, by partly upgrading the existing line and partly rebuilding it on a new alignment.
Tren Transpeninsular Yucatán – Quintana Roo, from Mérida to Chetumal and Cancún, newly built line. The detail project of this line was to be published in July 2013, however, opposition against this project is particularly strong among the population of Mérida.
(Source: dif. Mexican Newspapers)

Infrastructure

Interest in the Central American countries for the Feristsa project has grown after freight traffic resumed between Ixtepec and Tapachula. Guatemala announced that it would promote the project of a rail link between Mexico and Panamá along with the Spanish state railway Renfe. A number of private Spanish firms also expressed their interest in the matter.
(Source: dif. Mexican Newspapers; La Nación (Honduras))

Nicaragua

Infrastructure

Interest in the Central American countries for the Feristsa project has grown after freight traffic resumed between Ixtepec and Tapachula. Guatemala announced that it would promote the project of a rail link between Mexico and Panamá along with the Spanish state railway Renfe. A number of private Spanish firms also expressed their interest in the matter.
(Source: dif. Mexican Newspapers; La Nación (Honduras))

Panama

Infrastructure

Interest in the Central American countries for the Feristsa project has grown after freight traffic resumed between Ixtepec and Tapachula. Guatemala announced that it would promote the project of a rail link between Mexico and Panamá along with the Spanish state railway Renfe. A number of private Spanish firms also expressed their interest in the matter.
(Source: dif. Mexican Newspapers; La Nación (Honduras))

Uruguay

Montevideo - Las Piedras

Increased local traffic started on 19th September 2013 between Montevideo and Las Piedras with the recently purchased second-hand Y1 railcars from Sweden. The new timetable offers 8 round-trips on weekdays. The existing, locomotive-hauled trains will keep running two daily round-trips between Montevideo and 25 de Agosto and another two round-trips between Montevideo and Progreso.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Trenes del Uruguay

The cooperative Trenes del Uruguay has released an appeal for donations to purchase a Budd diesel railcar from the USA. It can be viewed at http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/project-to-restore-passenger-train-service-between-montevideo-and-minas/x/4621214 or at http://www.aiffla.com/TDU5.html.
(Source: TDU)

Servicios Logísticos Ferroviarios SLF

Servicios Logísticos Ferroviarios SLF is the name of the new freight train operator which has been created by the state railway administration AFE and the National Railway Transport Authority DNTF.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

21.09.2013

Argentina

SOFSE

Currently renationalization of passenger train companies is in full swing. During September FerroCentral with its services from Buenos Aires to Córdoba and Tucumán and the Tren de las Sierras at Córdoba have been incorporated into SOFSE. Discussions have also been held to integrate UEFER, out of Paraná in Entre Rios, into SOFSE.
Early September a test train completely made up by new chi-nese built coaches and locomotive travelled all the line from Buenos Aires to San Carlos de Bariloche. It was discovered that a 70 km section south of Bahía Blanca has to be rebuilt to start regular services over this line.
Within the next few days reconstruction of the Buenos Aires – Rosario main line may begin. These works will be executed directly by the Transport ministry.
SOFSE plans to introduce its own passenger service on Fridays and Sundays between Buenos Aires Once and Bragado using chinese-built coaches.
The local passenger train Buenos Aires – Rosario with intermediate stops has been withdrawn.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-5)

Brazil

Meter Gauge

State president Rousseff guaranteed that the metre gauge lines within Bahía state wouldn’t be closed to traffic.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-5)

Cuba

300 railcars

UFC ordered 300 type SV-10 railcars from the Russian builder Muromteplovoz for local and regional traffic. The first 17 railcars are on their way to Cuba and may first be used between Habana and Artemisa and on the new line to the Port of Mariel, which is under construction. The remaining railcars will be delivered as kits to be assembled at Cardenas.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-5)

Ecuador

Ibarra – Otavalo

State railways FEEP informs that reconstruction of the 27 km long line between Ibarra and Otavalo is going ahead as planned and that passenger traffic may start in the second half of 2014. The investment for this line is US$14mio.
During vacational seasons FEEP is now offering free transport of bicycles between Quito and Machachi.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-5)

Uruguay

Montevideo - Las Piedras

On 19 September AFE commenced with local services bet-ween Montevideo and Las Piedras using the Swedish railcars Y1, there are 7 train pairs Monday-Friday and 5 on Saturdays. The existing services to Progreso and 25 de Agosto remain nearly unchanged.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-5)

Montevideo - Minas

The cooperative Trenes del Uruguay started a donation cam-paign to buy an operational Budd railcar from the USA. Details can be found at http://www.aiffla.com/TDU5.html. The railcar may help to start passenger services between Montevideo and Minas.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-5)

25.08.2013

Argentina

Buenos Aires suburban lines

Buenos Aires suburban lines San Martin, Roca and Belgrano Sur operated by UGOFE have been transferred to state rail-ways operator SOFSE. The news does not state if the infrastructure of these lines will be transferred to infrastructure authority Adif.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-4)

Subte buys Scrap

Buenos Aires Metro Subte buys for the second time second-hand trains from Metro Madrid for Line B. This despite the bad experience with a first delivery in 2011 of trains close to the state of scrap. The Madrid trains must also be rebuilt at high costs for the conditions at Buenos Aires, for example the change from overhead to thrid-rail electric supply.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-4)

Bolivia

Arica – La Paz

Over a year ago the Andean Railway company reintroduced a passenger service between Viacha and Charaña on the Bolivian section of the Arica – La Paz Railway. A home-built railbus is running three times a week in each direction.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-4)

Atocha - Villazón

End 2013 the line to Villazón will be back in operation. Train services South of Atocha have been suspended due to a damaged bridge.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-4)

Brazil

FCA Meter Gauge

FCA metre gauge lines in the North of Minas Gerais, in Bahía & Sergipe states may be closed to all traffic and later replaced by a new broad-gauge line from Belo Horizonte to the Northeast.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-4)

Chile

Santiago - Chillán

The number of trains between Santiago and Chillán was re-duced August 1, 2013 to two daily round-trips. All other ser-vices out of Santiago Alameda station have also been redu-ced due to construction works between Santiago and Nós.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-4)

Mexico

Ixtepec und Tapachula

The Ixtepec – Tapachula line has been reopenend through-out for freight traffic.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-4)

Paraguay

FEPASA forgotten

The new Paraguayan government is forgetting the state rail-way FEPASA. No new director has been appointed. Freight traffic from Encarnación to Argentina decreased from 20’000 tonnes in 2012 to only 9000 tonnes during the first 7 months of 2013.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-4)

Uruguay

Montevideo - Las Piedras

The 5 Y1 railcars from Sweden (Fiat/Kalmar 1979/1981) have been repainted and tested. It is planned to introduce them between Montevideo and Las Piedras from September 19, 2013 on.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-4)

Venezuela

Barquisimeto – Yaritagua

Opening of the Barquisimeto – Yaritagua section may be delayed by another 12 to 18 months. The La Ruega bridge should be replaced and at Yaritagua new station tracks should be laid during this time. Ende 2013 a track machine may be transferred from Caracas to Yaritagua to speed up rehabilitation works.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-4)

16.06.2013

Argentina

Local traffic San Martin

The chinese manufacturer China Southern Railway Industries delivered until the end of April 2013 all 24 new diesel locomotives and 60 of the 160 ordered new passenger coaches to the port of Buenos Aires. All vehicles are destined for the San Martín suburban line Retiro – Pilar. The remaining 100 coaches will follow until early 2014. As the platforms on the San Martín line are not high enough to accommodate the new fleet, they need adapted at all 20 stations of the route. These works are due to start “in a few months”. Therefore, the Minister of Interior and Transport, Mr Florencio Randazzo, has decided that the new vehicles will be used during peak hours on the Mitre suburban line, until further notice.
(Source: La Nación)

La Plata

In La Plata, the 4,6 km long “Tren Universitario” started operations on the 26th April 2013. Light railbuses from TecnoTren run at fixed intervals Monday to Friday from 0730 until 2230 and on Saturdays from 0730 until 1330 over this line which connects the La Plata railway station (suburban trains from Buenos Aires) with 4 stops at various faculties, the stop at Diagonal 73 and the outpatient's clinic. Purpose-built stops were erected. The line is also occasionally being used by freight trains; and the travel time of the university train is about 25 minutes. The lightweight railbuses suffer, however, from frequent problems caused by the poorly maintained tracks, leading repeatedly to cancellations.
(Source: own research)

Paraná

At Paraná, the number of journeys on the suburban line to Oro Verde has been reduced from 3 to 2 daily round-trips, while traffic on the route to Colonia Avellaneda was reduced from 7 to 5 round-trips. The trains prove to be very popular, but the number of serviceable TecnoTren light railbuses was reduced considerably after several derailments, particularly on the route to Colonia Avellaneda. Despite of well-known problems with infrastructure (worn turnouts, flooded tracks in rainy periods, much rubbish on the tracks), nothing is being done to remedy the situation.
(Source: UEFER)

Transport politics

The worsening situation in Argentina's railway sector, particularly in passenger transport, force the state to re-nationalise more and more railway lines and networks.
After the suburban systems Mitre, Sarmiento, San Martín, Roca and Belgrano Sur, which were re-organised as “UGO” (state-supported emergency operators), also the Tren de la Costa (Maipú – Delta) was nationalised and transferred to the state-owned operator SOFSE.
At the end of May 2013, the more than 10'000 km long metre-gauge network Belgrano Cargas was re-nationalised under the name of Belgrano Cargas y Logística S.A. Belgrano Cargas is one of the most important networks of Argentina as it provides connections to Bolivia and Chile and opens up 14 provinces of the country. It was noted that just 400 km of that big network are in technically good condition. Shareholders of Belgrano Cargas are the state agencies ADIF (rail infrastructure), SOFSE (train operator) and AGP (port authority).
Currently (mid-June 2013) the procedure to re-nationalise the two networks of San Martín (broad gauge) and Urquiza/Mesopotámico (standard gauge) is under way. Both networks are operated by the brazilian company ALL (América Latina Logística), and the government stresses that ALL didn't comply with the obligations of the concession contract. ALL, however, is seeking legal action against the revocation of concession. The government plans to integrate the San Martín and Urquiza routes into the aforementioned Belgrano Cargas.
After Tren Patagónico (Viedma – San Carlos de Bariloche) had claimed huge support from the state to repair the track and to provide passenger coaches, negotiations between the Rio Negro province and the federal government have started and things seem to move towards re-nationalisation. The state railway SOFSE is already planning to operate a direct train Buenos Aires – San Carlos de Bariloche with the new fleet currently being delivered from China.
(Source: La Nación, Clarín, local sources)

Long-distance traffic

The new vehicles ordered from China Northern Railway at Dalian are currently being delivered to the state railway SOFSE. Some details of the fleet have been known.
The fleet comprises (all vehicles for 1675 mm broad gauge) 20 diesel locomotives and 220 passenger carriages including 20 sleeping cars, 20 dining cars and 20 car-carrying coaches. The locomotives have an output of 2200 kW and will be built in a variant for 120 km per hour and a variant for 160 km per hour. Delivery of the entire fleet should be complete by the end of 2013. It is planned to formate 10 to 20 rakes to cover long-distance services to Córdoba, Tucumán, San Carlos de Bariloche and Bahía Blanca.
The track upgrade on the Buenos Aires – Rosario route has been advertised; it is, however, yet unknown when the Mar del Plata route will follow.
(Source: various sources)

Brazil

TAV

After it had been clarified that the brazilian state will build the high-speed line (TAV) Rio de Janeiro – São Paulo – Campinas, eight syndicates expressed their interest to provide the trains and operate the route. Four syndicates are multinational and the remaining four are from France, Spain, Belgium and Italy. Spanish firms are also represented in the multinational syndicates. The offer with the lowest price came from the french Egis group. Egis already operates the Campinas Viracopos airport which, during its upgrade, was prepared for accommodating a railway station.
(Source: O Globo)

Trem Pé Vermelho

The project for a passenger train service over the 152 km long line from Maringá to Londrina was presented in May 2013 to the public in the 13 municipalities affected. The route should in fact start at Paiçandú and connect the towns of Maringá, Sarandi, Marialva, Mandaguari, Jandaia do Sul, Cambira, Apucaraná, Arapongas, Rolândia, Cambé, Londrina and Ibiporã. The overall population counts about 2 Mio people. At present, several of those towns are served just once a day by bus although the demand for transport exceeds that offer by far. The government envisages a Public Private Partnership to carry out the project.
(Source: O Diário)

Brasília – Goiânia

The planning of the Brasília – Goiânia route has achieved significant progress. It has been decided that Alexânia and Anápolis will be intermediate stations. Maximum speed will be 180 km/hour and it is still debated if diesel railcars or electric trains will be used. Outside peak hours the line will also be available for freight trains. Travel time for passenger trains will range from 65 to 75 minutes. Construction work is due to start before the end of 2015, however, no opening date is known yet.
(Source: Diário da Manhã)

Brasília – Luziânia

This route of about 60 km length will use the existing freight line of FCA and serve the Bernardo Saião station in Brasília. The detail planning, currently under way, comprises the construction of new halts and the upgrade of existing stations. Some passing loops are also required. 4-car diesel railcars with a capacity of 900 people per unit will run at a maximum speed of 110 km/hour with travel times ranging from 45 to 60 minutes, depending of the number of intermediate stops. Today, some 600'000 people commute from Luziânia and the intermediate towns to Brasília for work or study and it is expected that some 40'000 to 45'000 will use the train. Detail planning is due to be completed by the end of 2013, the works will be awarded during 2014 and the first trains should run 24 months after the start of construction work.
The demand of the Luziânia local government to extend the route within the boundaries of the municipality, away from the existing railway line, will not be met at this time. The Ministry for Transport will watch how traffic developes first and decide later.
(Source: Diário da Manhã)

Salvador

The government of the Bahía state has advertised the extension of the Metro under a Public Private Partnership scheme. The plans envisages the following steps:
Completion of line 1 between Lapa and Acesso Norte
Extension of stage 2 of line 1 to Pirajá and construction of the line from Águas Claras to Cajazeiras.
Construction of line 2 from Avenida Bonocô to Lauro de Freitas.
The entire network is due to be completed by December 2016.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária)

Fortaleza

Construction of the urban railway line Mucuripe – Parangaba in Fortaleza will suffer a delay, because at least 51 families could not yet be relocated. Some of the affected families are living in second generation on railway land. Substitute apartments were offered to them, however they were refused because they are located in other neighbourhoods of the city. A meeting of affected residents produced an alternative proposal for the construction of homes close to the existing houses, but those plans need scrutinised by the city's authorities. It is still hoped that the line can be opened for the football World Cup 2014, although in early June 2013 only 30% of the works are completed.
(Source: Revista Ferroviaria)

Recife

According to media reports, the Metro “Metrorec” is still not ready for the football World Cup 2014. For example, multilingual signage at stations is missing. The Joana Bezerra station is considered dangerous, because motorcycles and even horses are “parked” at entrance doors. It is told that the Cosme e Damião station, close to the Arena Pernambuco which is one of the venues of the World Cup, is lacking any signage apart of the signs showing the direction of trains. On top of it, the station may be too small to accommodate the crowds after the matches as the Arena Pernambuco can host 46'500 people. Furthermore, the planned shuttle bus line between station and arena has not yet been established; not even a stop for it exists, sources told.
(Source: Lance!NET)

Campos do Jordão

Repair and upgrade work at the mountain section between Piracuama and Santo Antônio do Pinhal are still ongoing after the derailment of a railcar near Santo Antônio do Pinhal in November 2012. The accident caused the death of 3 people, and a further 41 were injured. Train service is currently limited to the Pindamonhangaba – Piracuama and Santo Antônio do Pinhal – Campos do Jordão sections. The investigation of the accident is still ongoing, and sources at CPTM, which is in charge of the upgrade work, are unable to tell when operations will be resumed.
(Source: G1 – Vale do Paraíba)

Santos

With some delay, the construction work on the new city railway from Santos to São Vicente started on 29th May 2013. The 9,5 km long line will have 11 stops and electric overhead lines. It will, therefore, be the first modern tramway in Brazil. The fact that the line will be built on the track alignment of the former coast railway Santos – Peruíbe simplifies the construction process considerably and the works are due to be completed within 12 months according to most recent plans. Construction started simultaneously from both terminals. 22 seven-car trains will operate on the line.
A number of legal and technical issues have delayed the start of construction work on the line leading from Conselheiro Nébias (on the aforementioned line) to Valongo in Santos. It was originally planned to open this 6 km long line first. Work will now start from Valongo in September 2013 and the line with its 9 stops is due to be ready for operations a bit over a year afterwards.
(Source: G1 – Santos)

Paranapiacaba

Village and station of Paranapiacaba are to be renovated and preserved for future generations within the scope of a federal programme for the conservation and renovation of historic sites and places. The project includes all railway buildings and the tracks not used by MRS Logística, but not the stored “Locobreques” of the former rope railway to Santos.
The local government of the Santo André municipality were annoyed by the decision of the federal government as no previous consultation took place. The society for the preservation of railway heritage, ABPF, on the other hand, adopted a wait-and-see policy. ABPF operate a heritage train on weekends over a short stretch of line at Paranapiacaba, consisting of a fireless locomotive and a passenger carriage.
(Source: Diário de São Paulo)

Ferrovía do Frango

The Ferrovía do Frango railway project (“poultry railway” as frozen poultry meat is expected to be hauled to the ports) was introduced to the public at the beginning of June 2013. The 862 km long line will connect Dionísio Cerqueira and the port of Itajaí via Chapecó, Herval d'Oeste and Santa Cecília, crossing the Santa Catarina state in west-east direction. Representatives of the towns in the north of Santa Catarina demand, however, a different route which would include existing lines. According to the local government of Joinville, about 1,5 billion BRR could be saved if it was built from Joaçaba to Porto União da Vitória and from there used the already existing line via Mafra and Joinville to the port of São Francisco do Sul. The federal government has since agreed to negotiate the final alignment with the local authorities.
The first plans for the Ferrovía do Frango (also “Ferrofrango”) originate from the late 1980ies, elaborated by the federal railway RFFSA.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária)

Juiz de Fora 

The federal ministry of transport provides 14 Mio BRR to build an avoiding line around the city of Juiz de Fora. Freight trains on the main line Rio de Janeiro – Belo Horizonte could then avoid crossing the city centre of Juiz de Fora with its many level crossings.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária)

São Francisco do Sul and Itajaí

The ports of São Francisco do Sul and Itajaí are investing heavily to attract more freight. Both count on increased rail traffic but Itajaí, however, doesn't even have a rail connection yet! The port authority of Itajaí decided that all construction work has to be carried out in a way which would allow the accommodation of railway track at any time.
(Source: Diário de Santa Catarina)

Lençóis Paulista

The ALL railway company is planning to build an avoiding line around the city of Lençóis Paulista to eliminate the numerous level crossing in the centre. Measures like this are becoming more and more urgent as rail freight traffic is strongly increasing with the ensuing noise pollution and accident risk that affects the towns and cities.
(Source: Jornal Tribuna)

Rail industry

There is an urgent need in Brazil for a rail production facility, based on the big demand of rails for new lines and track upgrades with a prospect of exporting rails to other countries in South America. Several firms have offered to build such a factory in the Minas Gerais state, but as the federal government will part-fund the construction they proposed to build such a facility in co-operation with the Grupo Vetorial in the Mato Grosso do Sul state. The centre-west region will see several new lines in the years to come, and existing lines need urgent upgrades. It is the view of the federal government that even two plants could exist at the same time.
(Source: A Crítica)

Chile

Local traffic EFE

The chilean state railway EFE has sold a second issue of bonds to raise funds for investments in suburban traffic. This time, 379 bonds for a total value of 93 Mio USD were sold, and the annual interest rate is 3,45%. Demand for the bonds exceeded three times the number of available bonds, that big are confidence and interest in the railway!
With those funds and a sum of 372 Mio USD allocated in December 2012, the following local traffic projects will be carried out:
Upgrade of the Santiago – Rancagua line and purchase of 12 Alstom Xtrapolis EMU until end of 2014.
Purchase of 8 additional EMU for MERVAL (Valparaiso – Limache)
From 2014 upgrade of the “Biotren” suburban line San Pedro – Coronel in the southern part of the Concepción metropolitan area, with 39,8 km of new double track and electrification.
In 2014 the upgrade of the 61 km long line Santiago – Melipilla will start. The line will serve 11 stations and 22 new EMU will be purchased. The state president Sebastián Piñera has allocated funds to the tune of 591 Mio USD for this project. It includes the modernisation of all level crossings along the line or their replacement by over- or underbridges. The stations of Maipú, Padre Hurtado, Talagante, Peñaflor and Melipilla will be renovated.

(Source: El Mercurio and La Tercera)

Regional traffic Temuco

The chilean government has confirmed that the planning process is still ongoing to resume regional traffic from Temuco southwards (Osorno, Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt). Again, diesel railcars will cover the route.
(Source: La Tercera)

Santiago - Temuco

TMS, operator of the long-distance trains Santiago – Chillán, is running an increased number of overnight trains from Santiago to Temuco. In the first 5 months of 2013, the train operated four times during the summer holiday season and on public holidays. As all trains south of Chillán are hauled by diesel locomotives which are unable to generate head-end power for the ex-Renfe carriages, a car-conveying coach has been converted into a generator van.
(Source: TMS)

Costa Rica

San José - Cartago

On 17th May 2013, the state railway Incofer resumed passenger traffic between San José and Cartago. The 20 km long line serves the San José Atlántico, Universidad de Costa Rica, Universidad Latina de San Pedro, Freses de Curridabat (2 stops), Tres Rios and Cartago stations. Travel time is about 40 minutes. The opening ceremony was attended by the state president Laura Chinchilla Miranda and the Managing Director of Incofer, Miguel Carabaguíaz.
Trains are worked by Apolo railcars (ex-FEVE Spain) and leave Cartago every 30 minutes starting at 0530 in the morning (8 departures) and from San José starting at 0620 (4 departures). Afternoon services begin from San José at 1530 (8 departures) and in the opposite direction there are 4 departures beginning at 1620. Frequency is again every 30 minutes. This timetable is operated Monday to Friday, but additional services on weekends are also offered. It is planned to add direct trains from Heredia to Cartago.
Weekday fare is 550 Colones for a single ticket, however, on weekends 2000 Colones for a return trip are charged.
The city of Cartago, who co-financed construction of the entirely new railway station, hopes that the line can be extended soon by one kilometre to the Los Angeles cathedral as traffic demand to that site is heavy, particularly on weekends. A further desired step is the extension of passenger traffic to the neighbour town of Paraíso.
(Source: La Nación)

Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo

On 1st April 2013, Metro line 2 opened for traffic (12,8 km long from María Montez to Eduardo Brito with a total of 14 stations). This new line in east-westerly direction connects at Pablo Duarte station with the north-south line 1. Fifteen 3-car trains from Alstom operate on the line.
(Source: IRJ)

Ecuador

Quito - Durán

The “Tren Crucero” started operations as planned at the beginning of June 2013 and the comments about it are simply overwhelming. Lonely Planet has ranked the train among the “five best railway journeys of the world”. The first round-trip passed without any problems and on schedule. The number of bookings meets the expectations of the operator.
(Source: Financial Times, Lonely Planet and other sources)

Ibarra – Salinas

A mudslide interrupted the Ibarra – Salinas line in April 2013. Contrary to the past, repair work started immediately, and only three weeks later, traffic was resumed. During 2012, more than 17'000 passengers used this service.
(Source: Gerencia Regional Norte FEEP)

Ibarra – Otavalo

he reconstruction of the Ibarra – Otavalo line is running to plan, as the local media and the railway operator FEEP report. On 96% of the 27 km long line, the original track alignment will be used and new tracks laid. The remaining 4% are partly blocked by illegal settlements. Some of the squatters were compensated with alternative space and in some occasions the line will be re-routed. Renovation and upgrade of the San Antonio, Andrade Marín, San Roque and Otavalo stations was awarded to local architects.
(Source: La Hora – Nacional)

Peru

Huancayo

Although the “Metro Wanka” is being further delayed – fencing of the line and installation of barriers at 18 level crossings are still outstanding – planning has already moved one step further. The next stage will include regional traffic on the 42 km long Huancayo – Jauja line, also operated by the danish Y railcars (they are titled as “supermodern” in Huancayo!). That line will gain even more importance because the regional airport Jauja Francisco Carlé is to be upgraded within the scope of a National Development Plan. The new airport will have its own railway station served by the future regional line.
(Source: Metro Wanka)

Venezuela

Yaritagua

Construction of new railway line is due to continue under the new state president Maduro. The state railway IFE reported that the Yaritagua station has now been completed and is ready for operations. It is expected that the first trains from Barquisimeto to Yaritagua will run at some point in 2014 as infrastructure work is now complete. A staff training programme started at the end of May 2013 to prepare train crews for operating the new chinese diesel railcars. Some trains will reach Yaritagua and the local population has been warned against trespassing on the railway tracks.
(Source: IFE)

10.06.2013

Argentina

Nationalization

he argentine Government startet nationalization of some railway companies: Juni 7, 2013 Tren de la Costa was incorporated into SOFSE. Very soon the ALL concessions (Urquiza 1435 mm gauge and San Martín 1675 mm gauge) will be incorporated into state owned Belgrano Cargas. Furthermore there are plans to renationalize Tren Patagonico (Viedma-San Carlos de Bariloche)
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-3)

Delivery from China

The first 17 of 220 long-distance passenger coaches and some diesel locomotives for long-distance passenger trains have already been delivered from China to SOFSE.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-3)

Buenos Aires - Rosario

The line from Buenos Aires to Rosario will now be rehabilitated.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-3)

Bolivia

Freight Wagons

Former FEVE of Spain sold 80 flat wagons to Empresa Ferroviaria Oriental in Bolivia. The wagons will arrive at the port of Arica and from there be coneyed by rail over the Arica-Viacha-Antofagasta-Socompa-Güemes-Santa Cruz de la Sierra line.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-3)

Chile

Santiago-Melipilla

2014 will see the start of upgrading of the 61 km Santiago-Melipilla line, which will open 2016 as a new suburban line. State president Piñera allowed US$591mio. for these works.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-3)

Costa Rica

San José-Cartago

May 17, 2013 passenger service between San José and Cartago have been reinstated. Within a few days the new service run by ex-FEVE Apolo railcars has been well received by passengers and additional services had to be introduced, trains run ever 30 min. Early morning and in the evening. Within Cartago the line should be lengthened by 1 km to the Los Angeles church.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-3)

Uruguay

Y1

The frist 3 Y1 railcars arrived from Sweden, the other two will follow shortly. In contrast to earlier announcements passen-ger traffic to Florida and Victor Sudriers will not be reinstated, the railcars may only operate services from Montevideo to Colón and Progreso.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-3)

10.03.2013

Argentina

Urban traffic

At the start of January 2013, the owner of the Buenos Aires subway system (SBASE) closed Line A for traffic. Allegedly, the trainsets which were delivered in 1913 by the belgian firm La Brugeoise, were considered “unsafe”. However, the technicians of the subway have a completely different opinion about it as they knew them thoroughly; some units having been completely refurbished in recent years. Line A is due to re-open about mid- to end of March of the current year and will feature new EMU's purchased from China. It has been reported that the first units were running for testing and crew training at the end of January. During those runs, the trains appear to frequently have come in contact with platform edges. Technicians from China arrived along with the trains, but they didn't have any knowledge of Spanish. Local subway staff say that the manuals are very imprecise and extremely poorly translated into Spanish. In the meantime, people along Line A have to cope with overcrowded buses as only on two short sections along the route bus schedules were improved during rush hours.
In January, an initiative supported by over 50 organisations from Buenos Aires requested that the Brugeoise fleet (or part of it) be listed as historical monument and also that the entire Line A – the first subway line in Latin America – be listed as Unesco world cultural heritage. It seems that SBASE doesn't appreciate those plans as most of the heritage fleet is dumped in the open without guarding. Precious parts disappear from the coaches day by day. The government of the City of Buenos Aires are not interested in those preservation plans either. Shortly after closure of Line A, the Mayor of the city and a councillor reportedly voiced the opinion that traffic didn't collapse without the subway and that the entire system could be scrapped!

(Source: enelSubte.com and others)

Suburban traffic

The first diesel locomotives for the San Martin line (Buenos Aires – Pilar) arrived from China at the end of January.
In order to replace the ageing commuter fleet of the Sarmiento and Mitre lines, the federal government ordered 400 electric coaches from China Southern. 220 coaches will be assigned to the Sarmiento line and the remaining 180 to the Mitre lines. The first 100 coaches are expected to arrive from July 2013 and delivery of the fleet is due to be completed until June 2014. The value of the purchase is 1265 Mio USD with China financing 85% of the total price by a loan over 10 years.
(Source: La Nación)

Long-distance passenger traffic

At the end of January 2013, Ferrobaires withdrew the train featuring standard class coaches and running from Buenos Aires to Mar del Plata. With this, most intermediate stations lost their service, and parcel service was also cancelled as it was carried on this train. This happened during the main travel season of the year! The technical condition of the coaches didn't allow any further use. Only 2 weeks before cancellation, the route of that train was extended once a week from Mar del Plata to Miramar. The mayor of the seaside resort of Miramar had campaigned for the extension of the service.
With this, only the following services between Buenos Aires and Mar del Plata operate:
“El Marplatense” - Superpullman, twice a week
Trains 315/316 – First class and Pullman only, three times per week
Never in the history this line had such a minimal service.
Addenda: after a couple of weeks, Trains 315/316 were extended to Miramar once a week, again after pressure from Miramar.

Ferrobaires withdrew passenger service between Carlos Casares and Pehuajó due to flooding which had reached the track alignment. A few weeks later, freight traffic resumed, but passenger trains haven't returned to that section (yet?).
(Source: Ferrobaires and others)

Bolivia

Empresa Ferroviaria Andina SA

All trains south of Atocha were withdrawn effective 30th January 2013. This affects the trains “Wara Wara del Sur” and “Expreso del Sur” which keep running between Oruro, Uyuni and Atocha.
The tourist train from El Alto to Guaquí will run monthly in 2013, operating on the second Sunday of each month with a departure time of 0800 from El Alto. The train has stopovers in both Tiwanacu and Guaquí.
(Source: Empresa Ferroviaria Andina SA)

Empresa Ferroviaria Oriental SA

Train service on the eastern network has been slightly reduced. The following services are currently operated:
Santa Cruz de la Sierra – Quijarro Local train, 3 times per week
Santa Cruz de la Sierra – Quijarro Rápido, 3 times per week
Santa Cruz de la Sierra – Quijarro, Ferrobus, 3 times per week
Santa Cruz de la Sierra – Yacuíba, Mixto, once a week
(Source: Empresa Ferroviaria Oriental SA)

Brazil

Cuiabá

On 08th January 2013, the federal government has released the sum of 727 Mio Reais for the construction of the 22,3 km long light railway Cuiabá – Várzea Grande. This is the second payment to that scheme which is due to be operative in 2014, right on time for the Football World Cup. Five sections will be elevated, and another four will be built in cuttings. Three bridges will also be needed. A train will carry 400 passengers and a peak-time frequency of 4 minutes is envisaged. An independent body is supervising the investment and so far, no corruption has been detected.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária)

Fortaleza

The Metrofor south line from Fortaleza Central station to Pacatuba should have opened for traffic in December 2012 with a delay of 2 ½ years. However, a further delay of 6 months is impending. The contractor who is to build the stations of José de Alencar and Chico da Silva has delayed the works and will hand over those stations in March 2013 at the earliest. The delay occurred because that contractor at one time stopped all works due to safety concerns because the overhead lines were already switched in and electric trains started running for testing and crew training.
Only after the definitive start of commercial operations the stations of Juscelino Kubitschek and Padre Cícero will be opened as works there are at an early stage (about 20% completed). Opening is expected during 2014.
(Source: various newspapers)

Maceió

In the first week of January 2013, CBTU Maceió took delivery of its eighth DMU supplied by Bom Sinal. After a testing period of 4 weeks, this DMU will start revenue service. Together with the 2 old loco-hauled rakes CBTU Maceió now operates a fleet of 10 units and plans to introduce a completely new timetable in order to offer considerably more services on the Maceió – Lourenço de Albuquerque line.
(Source: CBTU)

Porto Alegre

An amount of 2,4 billion Reais will be spent in Porto Alegre for the construction of a subway system with works starting in March 2013. A public consultation held in the Rio Grande do Sul state and supported by the local media showed that this project is one of the three most urgent infrastructure projects in the state. Twelve contractors, all from the Rio Grande do Sul state, will build the 14,88 km long line which will connect the city centre with the northern suburbs. The supplier of the rolling stock has not yet been chosen. Construction will follow the cut-and-cover method (a cutting which later will be covered), which would require only 3 to 6 months to complete. It is envisaged to open the line in 2017 at the latest.
(Source: various newspapers)

High-speed line

At the beginning of February 2013, the Brazilian government announced that the high-speed line linking Rio de Janeiro with São Paulo and Campinas will be built under any circumstances. During a long time it was hoped that the private sector would handle construction of the infrastructure, but this didn't occur. Now the government will directly take care of that. The government is still seeking expressions of interest for the supply of rolling stock and for operating the line with suitable candidates likely to be found. The evaluation of systems (TGV, ICE, Shinkansen or others) will last until August; the decision is then to be made in September 2013.
As already several contractors have been selected for the various stages of the project, the start of construction is expected in the second half of 2014. Land acquisition is already ongoing since 2012.
There seems to be no alternative to the high-speed line as, to catch up with the increasing passenger volume in this corridor at least two more motorways and two or three additional airports would be required. The overall cost for these would, however, be significantly higher than those of the proposed rail link.
(Source: Revista Ferroviária)

Tourist trains

Serra Verde Express, operator of the Curitiba – Paranaguá, Trem do Pantanal and Viana – Araguaia trains, will start operating three more services during 2013 and 2014:
The “Trem dos Mares Costa Verde” will connect Itacuruçá and Praia de Santo Antonio in Mangaratiba from July 2013. The line runs over 18 km along the coast southwest of Rio de Janeiro on the 1600 mm (5 ft 3 in) network. A Budd diesel railcar will be rostered to cover the services.
Also in July 2013, a tourist train will commence between Mairinque and São Roque. The line is 12 km long and part of the metre-gauge former Sorocabana railway. Theme of the train is the wine production in the São Roque area.
About 2014 operations are expected to commence on the 70 km long metre-gauge line linking Barra Mansa and Angra dos Reis. Passenger coaches will be refurbished during this year, and negotiations with FCA, concessionaire of the line, regarding track access and the lease of a diesel locomotive have already started. Within the next 10 to 12 months track repairs have to be carried out on the line which counts with a huge number of bridges and tunnels. The municipality of Angra dos Reis is eagerly awaiting the return of the train because until the mid-1990ies the federal railway RFFSA operated the tourist train “Trem da Mata Atlántica” between Angra dos Reis and Lídice until privatisation terminated with it. The line starts in the Paraíba valley, crosses the Serra do Mar and terminates at the Atlantic coast.
Passenger potential for the three lines is high as the lines to Mangaratiba and Angra dos Reis are within excursion distance from Rio de Janeiro, while the line to São Roque is close to São Paulo.
(Source: Revista Ferroviaria and others)

Freight traffic

The swiss manufacturer Stadler delivered at the end of January 2013 another two electric cogwheel locomotives to the operator MRS. Those broad-gauge (1600 mm/5 ft 3 in) locomotives will, like the identical ones delivered in 2012 and currently under testing, be running on the cogwheel section of the São Paulo – Santos line below Paranapiacaba.
(Source: various)

Fares

To keep public transport fares for bus and rail at a low level, state president Dilma Rousseff wants to lower taxes for the operators of public transport.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-2)

Chile

Tourist train Valdivia – Antilhue 

The tourist train Valdivia – Antilhue could not operate during the 2012/2013 summer season because the authorities closed the line due to bad track condition.
(Source: Tren Rodante and others)

Temuco

The government has requested a study from the state railway EFE about re-opening of the line south of Temuco (Osorno or Puerto Varas) for passenger service. EFE has to calculate the cost of track repair and level crossings and the government will make its decision based on those figures.
(Source: EFE)

Arica – Visviri

At the end of January 2013 the first test run on the Arica – Visviri line took place with a freight train of 12 wagons. The 206 km long line has been refurbished for 45 Mio USD from the state railway EFE's budget. The line was closed for 8 years. Currently, the Port Authority of Arica holds the concession and they are looking for a business partner to operate it.
Media in Chile criticize that the bolivian section between Charaña and Viacha is still in bad condition which prevents the line from being an efficient transport route.
(Source: various)

Costa Rica

Excursion Trains

Incofer will commence scheduled local passenger service between San José and Cartago during the second half of February 2013.
During January and the first half of February 2013 the railway operated excursion trains on weekends from San José to Alajuela and Tres Rios near Cartago. Coaches of the tourist train “Tren a la Tica” were used. The tickets were sold at an accessible price for anyone (1000 Colones, about € 1,50) and, although travel times were only 45 to 50 minutes each way, local food was offered to the passengers.
Addenda: Opening of the San José – Cartago route has been deferred until April 2013 because works at Cartago station could not yet be completed as planned.
(Source: Nación)

Ecuador

Ibarra - Otavalo

The state railway FEEP presented plans to rebuild and reopen the 27 kilometres long line from Ibarra to Otavalo to the municipalities along the line on 9th and 10th February 2013.
Those plans are already very detailed and include refurbishment or reconstruction of the stations at Otavalo, Andrade Marín, San Roque and San Rafael as well as the partly refurbished station at Ibarra. Works will commence in the next couple of months and operations are scheduled to start in 2014.

FEEP run more and more trains for schoolchildren and underprivileged residents of the communities along the railway. These are run as special services and are very well frequented. In 2012 numerous trains operated from Durán, Quito and Riobamba, while in January 2013 services between Ibarra and Salinas were offered, followed by runs from Ambato to Cevallos the next month. The purpose of those events is to explain the importance of the railway for the communities served, familiarise young people with the railway and to help preventing vandalism.
(Source: FEEP)

Jamaica

Spanish Town - Linstead

After a bit over a year, Jamaica Railway Corporation ceased operation of the passenger train between Spanish Town and Linstead in August 2012. Until December it was hoped to continue that service, however, this didn't materialise.
The reasons for this negative development are various:
The closed highway through the gorge near Bog Walk has reopened, leading to increased competition from the bus sector. On the other hand the government didn't keep their promise to rebuild and reopen the line from Spanish Town to the capital Kingston, the cause being the disastrous financial situation of the state. This makes it impossible to further subsidise rail operations. The limited train service, despite very high demand, produced a loss of JM$ 24 Mio (about € 187'000) per year. The state is forced to close or to get rid of all operations which run at a deficit. A rail service from Linstead through to Kingston could have covered its costs.
The government offers the possibility to the private sector to take over the railway and to operate it without state subsidies.
(Source: Jamaica Gleaner)

Peru

Huancayo 

The new urban railway in the city of Huancayo, to be marketed under the brand of “Metro Wanka” and due to commence service in March 2013, will be delayed. The track repairs within the city only started in March 2013; heavy plant has been transferred to Huancayo for this.
There is still a number of agreements involving the city of Huancayo which need signed. Intermediate stops and its platforms have not been built yet, and the city government requests securing some well-frequented level crossings with automatic barriers. That equipment hadn't been sourced yet at the beginning of March. On top of it, the city of Huancayo insists on establishing a separate stopping point for the urban railway at the current railway station in order to separate passenger flows of tourist trains from those of the urban railway.
(Source: Metro Wanka)

Trinidad & Tobago

Port-of-Spain

The urban railway of Port-of-Spain will not be built as swiftly as planned. Although some preparatory work (land acquisition, relocation of utilities etc.) has already been carried out with government funds, the project has been stopped until further notice. As a consequence of the international finance and debt crisis, the country currently does not have access to the needed loans. This caused the French contractors and providers of rolling stock and electrical equipment who were selected to carry out the works, to withdraw from the project. At this time the government hopes, in light of the already accomplished preparatory works, to find interested parties who would not only build the system but who would also achieve funding of the works.

Although very little remains of the former railway in Trinidad, yet every year there is an important and memorable moment in the life of the few railway enthusiasts of the country. Always on the 30th of August at 1712 hours, a minute of silence is observed in order to commemorate the last departure of a passenger train from Port-of-Spain to San Fernando in 1965.
(Source: The Trinidad Guardian)

Uruguay

Melo

The state railway AFE started in February 2013 dismantling the tracks at Melo station. Melo hasn't been served by freight trains for a long time, and a few years back, a stretch of several hundred metres just south of the city was converted into a footpath with benches and lanterns. However, with the lifting of tracks in the station yard the future of railways in Melo has been lost forever.
(Source: various)

Venezuela

Mourning Period

During the mourning period about the late president Chavez passengers can use the suburban trains between Caracas and Cúa for free.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-2)

10.02.2013

Argentina

Buenos Aires - Mar del Plata

Ferrobaires supended the daily second-class train between Buenos Aires and Mar del Plata during the main travel season due to the bad condition of the coaches. This left this important line with just 5 weekly services. Never in the history of this line train services have been such reduced.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-1)

Carlos Casares – Pehuajó

After some floodings Ferrobaires suspended the Carlos Casares – Pehuajó passenger train, even after reopening of the line for freight trains, the passenger train didn’t went back.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-1)

San Martin suburban line

The first two Chinese-built diesel locomotives for the Buenos Aires San Martin suburban line arrived in Argentina.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-1)

Bolivia

Tupiza - Villazón

Empresa Ferroviaria Andina suspended all trains between Tupiza and Villazón from January 30, 2013 on. The reason for this step is unkonwn.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-1)

Brazil

Serra Verde Express

Serra Verde Expresso, operator of tourist trains, like Curitiba-Paranaguá, will start with three more services. Mid-2013 will see the start of a railcar service between Itacuruçá and Mangaratiba (18 km) near Rio de Janeiro. End-2013 a service similar to this from Curitiba may start on the 70 km Barra Mansa – Angra dos Reis line and July 2013 may see the start of a tourist train between Mairinque and São Roque a 12 km long line west of São Paulo.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-1)

Chile

Tacna - Arica

The Tacna – Arica Railway will be rebuilt and put again in service by the local government of Tacna with some financial help from the Peruvian government. Sources are indicating that some elements of the study for rehabilitation of this railway, done by FLB-Member David Sorg will help for the re-development of the line.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-1)

Peru

Tacna - Arica

The Tacna – Arica Railway will be rebuilt and put again in service by the local government of Tacna with some financial help from the Peruvian government. Sources are indicating that some elements of the study for rehabilitation of this railway, done by FLB-Member David Sorg will help for the re-development of the line.
(Source: Volta o Trem 17-1)

17.01.2013

Argentina

Freight traffic

A free trade area is planned at General Pico (La Pampa province), and this should trigger the re-activation of the railway line from Realicó to General Pico. La Pampa province hopes that this move would also lead to the extension of the weekly SOFSE Lincoln – Realicó passenger service to General Pico. The existing lines from Olascoaga and Pehuajó to La Pampa still suffer from flood damage and their repair hasn't even been discussed.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Long distance passenger traffic

The federal government has announced that it will repair the infrastructure of the Buenos Aires – Rosario and Buenos Aires – Mar del Plata lines. Reports suggest that a new track could be laid parallel to the existing double track line in the case of the Rosario route.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Materfer delivered a fifth new railcar for the weekly Paraná – Concepción del Uruguay service. All new railcars operated by the Entre Rios province rail operator UEFER were paid for by the federal government. Despite the more than sufficient number of units for the scheduled services offered, all passenger trains within Entre Rios won't run during January 2013 in order to facilitate maintenance of rolling stock.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Regional traffic

Contrary to repeated announcements, the “Tren Expreso Regional Puntano” didn't start operations neither in October nor in November 2012. A new starting date hasn't been given as yet. That service with the marvellous name is supposed to connect the cities of Justo Daract and Villa Mercedes and will consist of a single railcar.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

The Los Amores – Cacuí railcar service in the Chaco province has recently been extended to the Resistencia railway station on weekdays.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

The Resistencia station building has been fully refurbished.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Brazil

Freight traffic

Since November 2012, an environmental impact study is being prepared about the construction of a new freight railway leading from the port of Paranaguá to the west, bypassing the metropolitan area of Curitiba. The study is funded by both the Paraná state and the federal government.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Ferronorte

Track laying on the section to Rondonópolis is well progressed. The last remaining 80 km to Rondonópolis are nearly complete and traffic is expected to start during 2013.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

The federal government has also decided to further continue construction towards Cuiabá, starting in 2014.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Transnordestina

Industrial action and problems with land expropriations cause an increase of construction costs for the Salgueiro – Suape and Pecém – Salgueiro – Eliseo Martins lines. The opening of the lines, originally scheduled for the end of 2012, has been postponed until 2015.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Cacequí – Santana do Livramento

The refurbishement of the Cacequí – Santana do Livramento line has been completed with a minor delay. It is now possible to resume international rail freight traffic between Brasil and Uruguay.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Vehicles

In 2012, EMD opened a new plant at Sete Lagoas (Minas Gerais state). During the year, the first 21 locomotives for Eldorado Celulose were built. VLI (Valor da Logistica Integrada) has also ordered 14 locomotives of the same SD70Aces type.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Passenger traffic – long distance

The Vale mining group has ordered 100 new passenger carriages from Arad in Romania for a total cost of 100 Mio Euros. The first 28 carriages will be delivered in January 2013 and will go to the Estrada de Ferro Carajás. It is, however, not yet clear if the new coaches will replace the current rake – running three round-trips a week between São Luis and Parauapebas – or if the timetable will be increased to a daily running.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

According to the manufacturer, 96 passenger carriages, 2 generator vans and 2 luggage vans will be built for Vale. The fleet of 96 passenger coaches will consist of first class as well as standard class carriages. As track gauges of both 1600 mm and 1000 mm are mentioned, it is believed that part of the fleet will go the Estrada de Ferro Vitória a Minas (Vitória – Belo Horizonte). Delivery of the vehicles will stretch until 2015.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

São Paulo

The construction of the CPTM suburban line 13 to the Guarulhos/Cumbica International Airport is facing huge criticism because it has been decided to establish its terminus at Terminal 4 of the airport, apparently in order to separate it from the planned high speed line Rio de Janeiro – São Paulo, which will also call at the airport. A free bus shuttle should transfer passengers from Terminal 4 to the significantly busier Terminals 1 and 2 and vice-versa. CPTM line 13 will branch off at Engenheiro Goulart station from line 12 and reach the airport mostly on an elevated alignment. The total cost is estimated at 1,2 billion Reais, and a fleet of 8 new trains will be ordered for the new branch.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Brasília

The set-up of a local train service from Brasília Estação Rodoferroviária via Bernardo Saião and Jardim Ingá to Luziânia has been advertised in December 2012 by ANTT, the federal authority for land transport. It would use the existing metre gauge line which also sees the FCA freight trains. Some sections will be doubled in order to accommodate timetable needs, and a short branch line will connect the city centre of Luziânia. At a later stage, it is planned to extend the line within Brasília to Asa Norte. The passenger trains will be diesel powered.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

ABPF

The brazilian federation of heritage railways ABPF has joined forces with the land transport authority ANTT in order to prepare a nationwide inventory of railway lines, buildings and vehicles of all sorts. It has been discovered that the state railway companies RFFSA and FEPASA had incomplete inventories and ceased to update their respective records when they went out of business.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Guararema – Luis Carlos

The fully refurbished steam locomotive 353, along with passenger carriages 288, 289 and 1089 were transferred at the end of September from São Paulo Moóca via Manoel Feio to their new area of action, which is a section of the São Paulo – Rio de Janeiro line. The set was hauled by an MRS diesel locomotive.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Chile

Passenger traffic

Trenes Metropolitanos of Santiago has now fully taken over the long-distance traffic from TerraSur. Even the TerraSur website was deleted.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

The “Expreso Maule”, which ran for a short period on a daily basis between Santiago and Talca, has now resumed its operation, and the route has been extended from Santiago to Linares, south of Talca.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

A new Sunday service has been introduced on the metre-gauge line Talca – Constitución; it will operate during the summer months. A railbus will do a round-trip from Talca to González Bastias and back with stops at Corinto and Curtiduría. This service will run until early March in order to meet the high demand during the summer months.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Tacna – Arica

The government of the Tacna province is finally providing 6 Mio Nuevos Soles (over 2,2 Mio USD) for track repairs on the 62 km long line from Tacna to Arica (Chile). Also, the Toshiba railcar of the Huancayo – Huancavelica line is supposed to be transferred to Tacna in order to have a “more modern” vehicle available for service.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Costa Rica

Local traffic

Train service on the suburban line between Curridabat and Cartago, east of the capital San José, will start in January 2013, thus suffering a delay of about 3 months.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Ecuador

Passenger traffic

Through traffic between Durán (Guayaquil) and Quito will start on 4th June 2013. On this date, the first “Tren Crucero” will run over the full length of 445 km in public service.
The cruise train will cover the entire line in 4 days and the passengers will have opportunities for sightseeing en route. Hotel accommodation and meals will be included in the package. The set consists of 4 carriages; it will be hauled by a diesel locomotive between Quito and Riobamba, while on the spectacular part of the line between Riombamba and Durán, the train will be steam-powered by a refurbished steam locomotive (No. 17, according to initial reports).
The train can accommodate a total of 54 passengers; it will be possible to book part-journeys of one, two or three days. Package prices therefore range from USD 236 up to USD 1270 for the entire journey. Departures from Quito are scheduled for 4th and 16th of June, 2nd, 16th and 30th of July, 13th and 27th of August, 3rd, 17th and 31st of December 2013. The return journeys from Durán will start 5 days after the mentioned dates.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Mexico

Freight traffic

The reconstruction of the Ixtepec – Tapachula line in the federal state of Chiapas is finally making good progress. That line and most of its numerous bridges were destroyed by hurricane “Stan” in 2005. Freight trains are running over almost the full length of the line, and there are sections which see 3 trains per week and direction. In Tapachula, the line will be built on an entirely new alignment and will reach the city from the south instead from the west as originally. A new bridge across Rio Coatán is already in place, but problems with land expropriations caused delays to the construction of the accesses to the new bridge.
The reconstruction of the line will also help to expand the Pacific port of Puerto Chiapas/Puerto Madero near Tapachula.
Freight trains of the Tapachula – Ixtepec line are heavily frequented by migrant workers travelling from their homes in Central America to North America. Assaults on those “passengers” are almost the order of the day.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Paraguay

Freight traffic

The project of building a new railway system through the south of Paraguay is taking more and more shape. The 530 km long line will start at Presidente Franco at the brasilian border, then go to Curupayty and later to Resistencia in Argentina. The metre-gauge system will connect the most productive region of the country. The project was first presented by the south-corean cooperation agency Koica. In the meantime, the international group Rio Tinto has demonstrated great interest in it, as Rio Tinto has plans to build an aluminium plant in the catchment area of the line. Favourable political signals are coming from Brazil, because a metre-gauge connection from the brazilian Atlantic coast via Paraguay to Argentina is on the “wish list” for a long time already.
The paraguayan state railway FEPASA seems to clearly prefer that scheme, which puts the execution of the Asunción – Encarnación rebuilding project in doubt, particularly since the budgeted costs appear to keep rising even before the first sod is cut. This project is proposed and promoted by a swiss-austrian-german syndicate.

(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Peru

Tacna – Arica

The government of the Tacna province is finally providing 6 Mio Nuevos Soles (over 2,2 Mio USD) for track repairs on the 62 km long line from Tacna to Arica (Chile). Also, the Toshiba railcar of the Huancayo – Huancavelica line is supposed to be transferred to Tacna in order to have a “more modern” vehicle available for service.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Ferrocarril Central

The operator of the central railway system has decided to use the second-hand railbuses of the Y type (Lynetter), which were purchased in Denmark, for an urban/suburban traffic at Huancayo. A frequent service under the “Metro Wanka” brand is expected to remove up to 10'000 car journeys per day from the streets. Traffic should start in March 2013, and the fare is quoted between 0,90 and 1,00 Nuevos Soles.
Ferrocarril Central is also planning to introduce regional traffic with “Lynetter” units on the sections Huancayo – Jauja, Huancayo – La Oroya and La Oroya – Cerro de Pasco. Public runs were offered on 21st and 22nd December 2012 between Huancayo and Jauja.

(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Uruguay

Passenger traffic

Some pressure from the Departamento Florida seems to have slightly changed the views about passenger traffic. However, instead of the proposed repair of the existing Fiat passenger carriages, the state railway AFE purchased 5 second-hand Fiat/Kalmar diesel railcars in Sweden for a total value of 1,3 Mio USD. The railcars are due to arrive soon in Uruguay and they should cover the existing services between Montevideo and 25 de Agosto as well as the resumption of services on the Montevideo – Florida and Montevideo – Victor Sudriers lines. Although the purchase of passenger rolling stock is welcome, it is not the full solution, simply because one of those railcars does not even have the capacity of a Fiat passenger coach. The existing service to 25 de Agosto is suffering from a lack of capacity.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Freight traffic

2 diesel locomotives and 40 freight wagons will be acquired for a total value of about 10 Mio USD, as there is a prospect of hauling major quantities of stone to the port of Montevideo.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Infrastructure

According to latest news, the track upgrade on the Chamberlain – Salto line is supposed to start during 2013.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

Venezuela

Passenger traffic

The start of passenger service from Barquisimeto to Yaritagua, originally announced for December 2012, has been postponed until further notice. Some of the road overbridges along the line are still under construction and were not completed on time.
(Source: Fahrplancenter)

23.12.2012

Argentina

Buenos Aires - Rosario & Buenos Aires - Mar del Plata

The Argentine government finally decided to rehabilitate the main lines from Buenos Aires to Rosario and Mar del Plata and new trains from China may be bought for these two very important main lines.
(Source: Volta o Trem 16-8)

Costa Rica

San José – Cartago

Opening of the San José – Cartago passenger line may be delayed by about two months.
(Source: Volta o Trem 16-8)

Ecuador

Quito - Durán

Ecuadorian Railways begins to operate through trains Quito - Durán from June 2013, a 4-day rail-cruising will be available from about US$ 950 on.
(Source: Volta o Trem 16-8)

Mexico

Coatzcoalcos - Mérida

According to local newspapers State president Calderón, at the end of its term, wanted to dismantle the Coatzacoalcos – Mérida line and stopped rehabilitation of the Mérida – Progreso line, because of the rundown infrastructure and the low traffic density. But dismantling took not place. Until the end of 2012 the lines to Yucatán and Tapachula may get a new operator, currently FerroSur is operating the lines on behalf of state-owned Ferrocarril del Istmo de Tehuantepec FIT. Currently freight trains operate 2 to 3 times per week between Ixtepec and Tapachula; about weekly Veracruz - Coatzacoalcos and Coatzacoalcos – Mérida, with some others on shorter sections and nearly daily between Mérida and Valladolid. Petroleum products and cement are the main comodities on the branch line to Valladolid.
Newly elected president Nieto has another railway policy. He asked the state secretary for transport SCT to invite bids for concessions for the following passenger train operations: México – Querétaro using the existing line, no TGV-Project; México – Toluca; a new line from Yucatán to Quintana Roo state, and expansion of the urban railways of Guadalajara and Monterrey.

(Source: Volta o Trem 16-8)

Peru

Metro Wanka

Urban Rail company Metro Wanka at Huancayo will begin operations in March 2013 using the Danish railbusses impor-ted recently second-hand. December 21 & 22 Ferrocarril Central operated public trips with the Danish railcars bet-ween Huancayo and Jauja and there are plans to establish a regional line between these two cities.
(Source: Volta o Trem 16-8)

Uruguay

AFE

AFE buys 5 Y1 railcars from Sweden (built 1979-1981 by Fiat/Kalmar) to rehabilitate passenger services to Florida and Victor Sudriers. Pression from the local government at Flo-rida helped for this decision. On the other side the planned refurbishment of the Fiat coaches has been stopped.
(Source: Volta o Trem 16-8)

04.11.2012

Argentina

Ceaseation of Talgo Trains

SOFSE has to cease the operation of its Talgo trains between Buenos Aires and Mar del Plata for the high maintenance costs of the trains.
(Source: Volta o Trem 16-7)

Journy Time Extension

Between Presidencia Roque Sáenz Peña and Chorotis journey times of the railcar service had to be extended by more than 30 minutes due to bad track condition.
(Source: Volta o Trem 16-7)

Inundation

Train services between Linclon and Realicó have been suspended for an unknown period due to inundation of the line.
(Source: Volta o Trem 16-7)

Brazil

Tourist Train

Plans for a new tourist train to Mangaratiba on the coast near Rio de Janeiro have been presented.
(Source: Volta o Trem 16-7)

Track Redevelopement

Rehabilitation of the international line Brazil-Uruguay reached the border station of Santana do Livramento.
(Source: Volta o Trem 16-7)

Derailation

A railcar of the Pindamonhangaba – Campos do Jordão electric interurban line derailed near Santo Antônio do Pinhal because of braking problems Saturday November 3, 2012, causing the death of 3 people and 42 have been injured.
(Source: Volta o Trem 16-7)

Build of tramcars

Bom Sinal may build the new electric tramcars for the new tramway in the city of Foz do Iguaçú. A novelty for Brazil.
(Source: Volta o Trem 16-7)

Uruguay

Track Redevelopement

Removal of vegetation on the line from Algorta to Fray Bentos is currently under way, apparently to present the bad infrastructure to a Brazilian company who may repair the line.
(Source: Volta o Trem 16-7)

Rehabilitation of the international line Brazil-Uruguay reached the border station of Santana do Livramento.
(Source: Volta o Trem 16-7)

12.10.2012

Argentina

Tranvía del Este

Tranvía del Este tram line in Buenos Aires ceased operation definitively October 11, 2012. Services operated on an experimental base since 25 July 2007.
(Source: Volta o Trem 16-6)

Bolivia

Cochabamba

The city of Cochabamba plans to relocate the main railway station and to put a suburban train service into operation.
(Source: Volta o Trem 16-6)

Chile

Tacna-Arica

This train ceased to run after a construction engine destroyed a section of track. The construction company is not willing to repair the damage.
(Source: Volta o Trem 16-6)

Ecuador

New Trains

October 2012 saw the introduction of two new trains in Ecuador. Thursday to Sunday a railcar runs from Riobamba to Urbina, the heighest station of the network and also Thursday to Sunday a train runs from Riobamba to Colta on the shores of Colta Lake.
(Source: Volta o Trem 16-6)

Mexico

Tarahumara/Chepe

The local train Tarahumara is no longer running. To replace this service tourist train Chepe has now second class coaches attached four times a week.
(Source: Volta o Trem 16-6)

Mérida – Progreso

The freight only line Mérida – Progreso is currently under-going some refurbishment.
(Source: Volta o Trem 16-6)

Peru

Tacna-Arica

This train ceased to run after a construction engine destroyed a section of track. The construction company is not willing to repair the damage.
(Source: Volta o Trem 16-6)

Exhibition 100 Years Lima Desamparados Station

Koki Zelaya’s exhibition at Desamparados station at Lima, which has been supported by FLB and some of FLB’s members is well visited and will close October 19. Unfortunately Ferrocarril Central has not granted the assured financial support, leaving Koki with partly unpaid bills. One week after opening the exhibition unfortunately Koki’s father, Don Telmo Zelaya Revolledo, died leaving the family without any support, worsing the entire situation a lot. Fahrplancenter did again some financial help, but it would surely be a theme on the next FLB meeting on October 27th. Thank you for your attention and help in the name of Koki Zelaya.
(Source: Volta o Trem 16-6)

Venezuela

New railway line

First test runs took place on a section of the line Puerto Cabello - Encruzijada which is under construction.
(Source: Volta o Trem 16-6)

Existing Railway

IFE announced that passenger train services between Barquisimeto and Yaritagua may now definitively start end-december 2012.
(Source: Volta o Trem 16-6)

02.09.2012

Argentina

Suburban Traffic

After the devastating train accident at Once railway station in Buenos Aires, which killed 51 persons and injured over 700, and the subsequent intensive investigations, the licence of the train operator TBA (Trenes de Buenos Aires) was finally revoked. Operation of the TBA lines was handed over to another UGOFE, formed by Metrovías and Ferrovías.
Remedial work has started eventually; extensive repair work on the Once – Moreno line has begun.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents; Satelite Ferroviario; Rieles Latinoamericanos; Crónica Ferroviaria)

TBA

Following revocation of the licence of Trenes de Buenos Aires (see Suburban traffic), the Pilar to Apostoles and Pilar to Paysandú (Uruguay) services were withdrawn without any substitution services. Those trains were operated by Wadloper multiple railcars ex NS. The Buenos Aires/Retiro to Rosario service is now operated by UGOFE.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents; Satelite Ferroviario; Rieles Latinoamericanos; Crónica Ferroviaria)

SOFSE

On 2nd July and after several delays, the public passenger train operator SOFSE started passenger services between Salta and Güemes. An „Apolo“ DMU ex FEVE (Spain) is being used. The new service has proved to be very successful right from the beginning and tickets are usually sold out the previous day. Therefore, a second round-trip (Monday to Friday) has been introduced in August, along with a round-trip on Saturdays.
SOFSE has started rehabilitation work on the railcars used on regional services in the Chaco province. For this, the vehicles are transferred by road to the Laguna Paiva workshops near Santa Fe.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents; Satelite Ferroviario; Rieles Latinoamericanos; Crónica Ferroviaria)

SOFSE/Ferrobaires

The line Buenos Aires – Mar del Plata, currently used by both operators, is in such a bad condition that even for the Talgo trains of SOFSE travel time from end to end had to be extended to about 6 hrs. As a consequence, SOFSE reduced its offer to one train per week during August. Ferrobaires alone is responsible for the infrastructure on this line.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents; Satelite Ferroviario; Rieles Latinoamericanos; Crónica Ferroviaria)

Justo Daract – Villa Mercedes

A local initiative will operate local services between Justo Daract and Villa Mercedes from October 2012, using a railcar. Justo Daract is located at kilometer post 654 of the Buenos Aires – Mendoza main line. The plans also include re-activation of a section of the former branch line to Villa Dolores (Villa Mercedes to La Toma, 79 km) for freight and passenger traffic and, at a later stage, the 99 km section Mercedes – San Luis. This would invalidate the plans of San Luis city to dismantle the railway tracks within its jurisdiction and use the space for construction of an expressway.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents; Satelite Ferroviario; Rieles Latinoamericanos; Crónica Ferroviaria)

Freight traffic

Freight traffic between Encarnación and Posadas (Argentina) has been resumed in June 2012. During the first week, already 500 tonnes were carried.
According to information from the railway administration in Asunción, a full reconstruction of the line Encarnación – Asunción seems to be more and more unlikely. It is intended to focus on the section Encarnación – Ruta VI – Fram – General Artigas.
(Source: EntornoInteligente; FEPASA; local newspapers)

Brazil

Cuiabá

Based on a court order dated 17 August 2012, construction work on the planned urban railway (VLT) of Cuiabá has been resumed. It is hoped that the first line can be completed within 640 days. The preparation work had to be interrupted after a fact-finding committee considered a Bus Rapid Transit system (BRT) to be more economic. The overall cost for the urban railway will be 1,477 billions of Reais, while the BRT system would have cost 323,89 millions of Reais. The 40 trains of the Urbos type for the 23 km long network will be built by CAF in Spain; delivery is expected to start in October 2014.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

Foz do Iguaçú

As a big flow of visitors is expected to visit the Iguaçú waterfalls during the football World Cup 2014 and the Olympic games 2016, the city of Foz do Iguaçú has suggested the construction of a 40 km long urban railway VLT to connect the National park at the waterfalls via the city centre with the University for Latin American integration. The final project should be presented by the end of August 2012. The railway will be built in two stages; funding will be requested from the federal treasury.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

Natal and João Pessoa

CBTU have ordered a total of 20 diesel multiple railcars from Bom Sinal. 12 trains will go to Natal and the other 8 to João Pessoa.
On the Natal network, the first new lightweight units will cover the line Natal – Estremoz, while they will also cover the routes Natal – Parnamirim and Natal – Ceará Mirim at a later stage.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

Recife

The first lightweight diesel railcars built by Bom Sinal have been delivered and are currently undergoing testing. They will gradually take over from the old trains composed by locomotives and carriages. The first line to receive the new railcars is Cajueiro Seco – Cabo and then Cajueiro Seco – Camaragibe.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

Rio de Janeiro

The suburban train operator SuperVía has received delivery of the first electric multiple units built in China. The fact that the trains have been built according to north american AAR standards – the manufacturer proudly mentions it! - causes the need to increase station platform heights and their widening.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

The metro of Rio de Janeiro have also received their first China-built trains. As those trains exceed the current loading gauge, the tunnels have to be widenend by a few centimetres.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

The metre-gauge suburban line to Guapimirim, operated by the „Central“ company with diesel traction, will finally be refurbished. Rolling stock will be integrally renovated in order to enhance passenger comfort.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

São Paulo

The government of São Paulo state is negotiating construction of the Ferroanel (ring railway) with the federal governemnt, as this project is pivotal for the development of the entire railway system in the São Paulo metropolitan area. The ring railway will follow the alignment of the motorway ring around the metropolis and relieve the city centre from freight traffic, which in its turn would enable improvements of passenger train services. Freight trains could run via the ring railway 24/7; currently the dense suburban train traffic only leaves the night hours for freight trains to cross the city. This improvement would save about 2 Mio of lorry journeys per year transiting São Paulo.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

MRS Logística is planning to build new central workshops for diesel locomotives a Paraíba do Sul (Rio de Janeiro state).
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

The government of São Paulo state is putting the federal government under pressure in order to finally build the ring railway, so that the suburban railway CPTM can be extended and improved. The railway lines in the city centre will be shifted to a subterranean alignment which will also accommodate the planned regional lines. Those are as follows:
São Paulo – Jundiaí – Campinas (first section to be built until Jundiaí)
São Paulo – São Roque – Sorocaba
São Paulo – ABC – Santos
São Paulo – Guarulhos – São José dos Campos (this line will later be integrated into the high-speed corridor Río de Janeiro – São Paulo – Campinas).
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

Minas Gerais

A new steam-hauled vintage train service started on 21 July 2012, connecting the city of Rio Acima with the suburb of Bairro Labareda. Its commercial name is „Trem das Cachoeiras“ (Train of the waterfalls), as the 3,5 km long line is passing several waterfalls. The train runs up to 7 times on Saturdays and Sundays.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

São Paulo

Feverish activity is going on between Guararema and Luiz Carlos, a section of the old main line Rio de Janeiro – São Paulo. Both station buildings are being refurbished, and a new locomotive shed is under construction.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro state, along with the municipalities of Magé and Petrópolis, are planning to rebuild the railway line from Guapimirim to Petrópolis. It was part of the first railway line of Brazil. The alignment is still completely extant, however, at some spots residents have to move their buildings or relocate altogether as they are too close to the line. In the Magé municipality those works are already under way.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

Colombia

Freight traffic

Ferrocarril del Pacífico S.A.S., the third train operating company for the Pacific network since 1998, has resumed freight traffic to the port of Buenaventura on 1st August 2012 after an interruption of about 10 months. It is expected to carry some 5000 tonnes of freight in the first month; and until the end of the current year a volume of 25\'000 tonnes should be reached. The operator is to spend US$ 16 Mio for the repair of track and structures, supported by the national infrastructure authority ANI.
(Source: La República)

Infrastructure

The national infrastructure authority ANI has advertised in August 2012 for tenders in order to refurbish the main line in the Rio Magdalena valley between Chiriguaná and La Dorada. Work is expected to take 12 months. Within the same timeframe, the line La Dorada – Bogotá – Belencito should also be refurbished. This should attract new operators for freight traffic by rail.
(Source: La República)

Costa Rica

Incofer

On 23rd May 2012 the public railway company of Costa Rica, Incofer, signed a further contract with the spanish railway company FEVE about the purchase of 6 diesel multiple railcars of the Apolo type. The value of the transaction is 4,5 Mio Euros and includes re-gauging and overhaul of the 2-piece sets. Delivery will take place in October 2012 in order to re-open the 23 km long line from San José to Cartago before the end of the year. Infrastructure work on that stretch is nearly complete. With the latest batch, Incofer will operate 14 Apolo units.
(Source: Nación, San José)

Cuba

Regional traffic

Heavy rainfall around the 9th of June 2012 disrupted the railway line from Trinidad to Meyer at more than 12 places, with severe damage resulting. Over 1500 m³ of material, mostly stones, had to be carried to a number of spots with difficult access in order to repair the line. Heavy plant and ballast wagons had to be sourced from other parts of the country and brought by road to this isolated line. According to the cuban newspaper Granma the cost of this operation rose to an amount of 568'000 Cuban Pesos. On 21st of August the line Meyer – Trinidad – Casilda was operated throughout by a small railcar. The traffic to Meyer is considered to be indispensable as the minor villages along the line are not connected to the road network.
(Source: Granma)

The state railway UFC has resumed regional traffic between Santiago de Cuba and Antilla in mid-2012 after an interruption of 7 years. A full rebuild of a bridge between Herrera and Antilla, which had been distroyed by a hurricane, was required for this. The train runs Monday to Saturday and consists of renovated Taino carriages. Press reports (Granma and others) indicate that this re-activation is part of the strategy of the cuban railways to impulse and strengthen regional traffic.
(Source: Granma)

According to the party newspaper Granma, the province of Ciego de Avila is among the most actives in the field of re-activation of regional train connections. Some of the new services run on tracks which formerly belonged to the sugar ministry MINAZ. Those lines have now been integrated into the state railway UFC. By request of the province, the following services have been added or re-activated, in addition to the existing ones: Morón – Perea, Morón – Ciego de Avila – Silveira, Ciego de Avila – Limones Palmero, Ciego de Avila – Baragua. The railcar service Morón – Punta Alegre will be converted to a train with locomotive and carriage in order to increase capacity. Currently, a locomotive is under repair for this purpose.
(Source: Granma)

Ecuador

Ferrocarriles del Ecuador

The rehabilitation of the Quito – Durán railway line is progressing rapidly. It is expected that through traffic can resume during 2013. Among other ideas, it is planned to operate a regular steam-hauled tourist train over the full length of the line.
The „Tren de la Dulzura“ will start operations at the end of 2012; it will connect Durán and Bucay.
(Source: Ferrocarriles del Ecuador)

El Salvador

FENADESAL

The spanish railway company FEVE hopes to close a deal with the public railway FENADESAL envisaging improvement of suburban traffic around San Salvador. Currently, only a limited service on weekdays connects San Salvador and Apopa. Both parties consider the reactivation of the San Salvador – Soyapango line as useful. This would, however, require a comprehensive rehabilitation of the infrastructure. FEVE also sees this as a chance to sell more Apolo trainsets. Experts from outside FEVE are wondering where those trains should come from as FEVE has now sold almost their entire Apolo fleet to Costa Rica and Argentina.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents, FEVE)

Guatemala

Suburban Traffic

The spanish operator FEVE has reached an agreement with the state railway administration FEGUA about the creation of a suburban train system in and around the capital Ciudad de Guatemala. FEVE intends to support FEGUA with the overhaul of existing diesel locomotives and passenger carriages. The network will be operated in two sections. Line 1 will start at the Central station northbound, across the famous Viaducto Las Vacas and reach the north bus terminal; 12 intermediate stops on 12 km route length. Line 2 will also originate at the Central station, then head southbound as far as the Puente Justo Rufino Barrios; 10 km route length with just 3 intermediate stations. In a second stage, it is hoped that second-hand diesel railcars of the Apolo type can be sourced for this traffic. FEGUA claims that the infrastructure is in good condition and only the wooden sleepers would need to be replaced by concrete sleepers.
(Source: Siglo XXI-Guatemala)

Mexico

Ciudad de México

The Metro of Ciudad de México will start services on the first section of Line 12 from Tlahuac to Atlalilco at the end of August 2012. The inhabitants of the city could use the line since July 2012 free of cost on weekends as a preliminary operation.
The continuation of Line 12 from Atlalilco to Mixcoac should be open for traffic in November 2012.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

Quintana Roo

The federal state Quintana Roo has resumed its project of rail-based regional traffic and has reached an agreement with spanish rail operator FEVE about the detailed planning. It is envisaged to build a low-cost „Tram-Train“ linking the cities of Cancún, Cozumel, Solidaridad, Benito Juárez, Isla Mujeres and Tulum and also providing local traffic within those cities. The region at the Quintana Roo coast is one of the most important tourist destination of México with an advanced degree of modernisation. A solution of transport problems for tourists and local people is therefore crucial.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

Passenger traffic

The new state president Enrique Peña Nieto has addressed the issue of long distance passenger traffic after his election to the supreme post. He suggests to reduce the project of a high-speed railway line Ciudad de México – Guadalajara to a line Ciudad de México – Querétaro and to postpone the continuation to Guadalajara to a later stage. With this, provision of funding for the high-speed rail scheme should be easier, Mr. Peña Nieto said.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

Paraguay

Freight traffic

Freight traffic between Encarnación and Posadas (Argentina) has been resumed in June 2012. During the first week, already 500 tonnes were carried.
According to information from the railway administration in Asunción, a full reconstruction of the line Encarnación – Asunción seems to be more and more unlikely. It is intended to focus on the section Encarnación – Ruta VI – Fram – General Artigas.
(Source: EntornoInteligente; FEPASA; local newspapers)

Peru

Ferrocarril Central

The popular tourist train Lima – Huancayo will, despite steady demand, only operate 6 round trips in 2013. A reason for this severe reduction of the offer has not been revealed.
The dates are:
Departing Lima 28th March, 29th June, 26th July, 30th August, 5th October and 1st November.
Departing Huancayo: 31st march, 1st and 29th July, 1st September, 8th October and 4th November.
All trains will run during daytime.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

Tren Macho

The passenger train Huancayo – Huancavelica is running again. It departs Huancayo on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 06.30 hrs; the departures from Huancavelica take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 06.30 hrs. At present, only one locomotive is in operating condition.
The government is preparing legislation to secure the long-term existence of this train which is socially very important for the region. Voices in the government environment talk about an extension of the line past Huancavelica via Lachoc and Castrovirreina to Pisco at the Pacific coast. In the past, the track had already stretched as far as Lachoc; and the project to Pisco dates back to the 1920ies.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

Infrastructure

In spring 2012 a project for a standard gauge railway link from Piura to Lambayeque in northern Perú was presented. The line should carry freight and passengers; it could be the first stage of the long-awaited coast railway between northern and southern Perú.
On the other hand, a number of ministers have requested the construction of a high-speed line along the coast.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

Uruguay

Passenger traffic

At the end of May 2012, the state railway AFE withdrew passenger services to Victor Sudriers, Florida and San José. Services were reduced to two round-trips Monday to Friday between 25 de Agosto and Montevideo, supplemented by two round trips Monday to Friday between Montevideo and Progreso.
The Brill railcars are not available anymore as AFE considers them to be unsafe for carrying passengers. The two remaining Uerdinger railbuses are still used for special excursions.
AFE has advertised for spare parts for the Fiat passenger carriages and the Alsthom locomotives; both types of vehicles dating back to the first half of the 1960ies.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)

Infrastructure

Finalisation of the track upgrade works between Pintado and Rivera has been delayed as a number of flaws was detected.
Track repair and upgrade has started on the Chamberlain – Tres Arboles section, one of the most run-down stretches of the network in operation
Near La Paloma, track has been dismantled in order to build an access road to the La Paloma port. That road will be used for hauling pulp wood from the Rocha area to La Paloma port. From that point, the pulp wood will be shipped – an estimated volume of 1,8 Mio tonnes per year – to Fray Bentos. Seemingly, nobody thought about using the existing rail link Rocha – Victor Sudriers – 25 de Agosto – San José – Fray Bentos for this flow of traffic and to repair and re-open those lines.
Railway authorities insist on repairing the Montevideo – Rio Branco line (457 km), however, such measures are much more urgent on other lines.
(Source: Fahrplancenter correspondents)