Hitachi Rail, Seville Port, Spain: Signaling, Rail Infrastructure

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Introduction

Hitachi Rail is set to adapt the signaling and telecommunications systems at the Port of Seville in Spain for a new direct freight-rail line, as per a contract awarded by the Spanish Railway Infrastructure Administrator. Concurrently, Keolis Commuter Services’ Kay O’Neil received the Champion of Commuter Rail award from the Commuter Rail Coalition at its annual meeting held in Washington, D.C., from November 3–5.

Port of Seville Signaling Upgrade

Hitachi Rail has been contracted to modify the signaling and telecommunications systems at the Port of Seville to facilitate a new direct access freight-rail line. The current setup requires freight trains to maneuver through reversals and passings at stations within the Seville commuter-rail network. The new line aims to establish a dedicated freight-only access point to the port.

Infrastructure Enhancements

The project scope includes the installation of new track circuits, axle counters, and electromechanical point machines, among other components. Hitachi Rail will also upgrade the traffic control systems in the port’s local operations center and the centralized traffic control center located at Seville Santa Justa train station.

Contract Details

The value of the contract between Hitachi Rail and the Spanish Railway Infrastructure Administrator was not disclosed.

Champion of Commuter Rail Award

Kay O’Neil of Keolis Commuter Services was recognized as a Champion of Commuter Rail by the Commuter Rail Coalition. The award ceremony took place during the Commuter Rail Coalition’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C., from November 3–5. O’Neil was presented with the Doty Award, which is named after Robert Doty.

O’Neil’s Career

Kay O’Neil has been a key figure in public transportation, with significant contributions in Boston and internationally. She began her career in the rail industry in the 1970s, holding positions at the Boston & Maine Railroad and the MBTA. O’Neil later established KKO and Associates, a consulting firm specializing in software solutions for commuter railroads globally, including those in Boston, New York, Miami, and Chicago.

Conclusion

Hitachi Rail is undertaking signaling and telecommunications upgrades at the Port of Seville, while Kay O’Neil of Keolis Commuter Services has been honored with the Champion of Commuter Rail award.

Company Summary

Hitachi Rail: Hitachi Rail has been contracted to adapt the signaling and telecommunications systems at the Port of Seville for a new direct access freight-rail line.

Keolis Commuter Services: Keolis is the operations and maintenance partner for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). Kay O’Neil of Keolis Commuter Services was awarded Champion of Commuter Rail by the Commuter Rail Coalition.

Boston & Maine Railroad: Kay O’Neil held roles at the Boston & Maine Railroad in the 1970s.

KKO and Associates: KKO and Associates is a consulting firm that provided software solutions to commuter railroads across the globe, founded by Kay O’Neil.

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA): Kay O’Neil held roles at MBTA in the 1970s and Keolis Commuter Services is the operations and maintenance partner for the MBTA.

Commuter Rail Coalition: The Commuter Rail Coalition held its annual meeting in Washington, D.C., from November 3–5.

Spanish Railway Infrastructure Administrator: The Spanish Railway Infrastructure Administrator awarded the contract to Hitachi Rail.

Technology

Track circuits: Hitachi Rail will install new track circuits at the Port of Seville.

Axle counters: Hitachi Rail will install axle counters at the Port of Seville.

Electromechanical point machines: Hitachi Rail will install electromechanical point machines at the Port of Seville.

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