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Passenger Ground & Sea Transportation

Waymo will launch autonomous ride hailing in Dallas, Texas next year

Alphabet Waymo announced on Monday that it would launch its autonomous ride-hailing services in Dallas by 2026. This will accelerate its U.S. growth as Tesla, the electric vehicle manufacturer, pushes its newly launched robotaxi service. Waymo, after years of cautious expansion, has recently accelerated its pace. It is now launching in more cities, through partnerships with ride hailing platforms and fleet operators. Waymo announced in a blog that it will be operating in Dallas through a multi-year partnership between the car rental company Avis and Budget Group. Avis will manage fleet operations including maintenance, depot infrastructure and depot management. Waymo...

Passenger Transportation Services

Russia claims that Volgograd's railway power supply was disrupted following the drone attack by Ukraine.

The Volgograd administration said that falling debris from destroyed Ukrainian drones has disrupted rail power supply in a part of the Volgograd Region. The administration, citing Governor Andrei Bocharov, said that there were no injuries in the attack by the Ukrainians. Rosaviatsia, the Russian civil aviation authority, announced on Telegram on Sunday that flights had been suspended at the airport of Volgograd. Volgograd is the administrative center of the Volgograd Region. It was not immediately apparent the extent of damage or the scale of this attack. According to Telegram posts from regional officials, air raid alerts have been issued in...

Transport Infrastructure

US Transport chief on California high speed rail: "We have to stop it"

U.S. Transportation secretary Sean Duffy is confident that the administration will win any lawsuits challenging the department's decisions to rescind the $4 billion of U.S. Government funding for California's High-Speed Rail Project. "I wish that it had gone to California. We supported the California project but it will cost more than $130 billion, and there is no funding plan or timeline for completion. Duffy told reporters in front of the department's HQ that "we have to pull out the plug". California High-Speed Rail System (California High-Speed Rail System) is a two-phase 800-mile (1,287-km) system that will connect San Francisco with...

Passenger Ground & Sea Transportation

Waymo extends coverage to Austin, Texas as the robotaxi competition heats-up

Alphabet Waymo, the company's self driving unit, announced on Thursday that it was expanding its service area in Austin, Texas to 90 square mile from 37 square mile earlier. The software giant is trying to protect its position as the top provider in the city against rivals like Tesla. The company announced that Waymo will cover Crestview, Windsor Park Sunset Valley, Franklin Park and other neighborhoods in Austin. Waymo, which has been slowly expanding its self driving taxi service across the U.S. over the past few years, is now widely regarded as the leader in this space. It has around...

Transport Infrastructure

Trump cancels US funding of $4 billion for California High-Speed Rail

The U.S. president Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the Transportation Department will revoke $4 billion of U.S. Government funding for California's High-Speed Rail Project. The Department said that there is no viable way forward for California High-Speed Rail and was considering clawing back any additional funding for the project. Last month, the Federal Railroad Administration released a 315 page report citing missed timelines, budget shortages and questionable projections of ridership. California has not allocated the $7 billion additional funding required to build a 171-mile initial segment between Merced, California and Bakersfield. California High-Speed Rail System (California High-Speed Rail System)...

Transport Infrastructure

Alstom wins 2 billion euro deal from New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Alstom, a French train manufacturer, announced on Friday that it received a $2.45 billion order from the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority for M-9A railcars to be supplied to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad. Alstom announced that the contract, which MTA announced in June, would be booked during the second quarter 2025/26 fiscal years. MTA announced last month that Alstom pilot railcars would be delivered by 2029, and will enter service on Long Island Rail Road as passenger cars in 2030. It added that all 316 railcars included in this order would be delivered by the...

Passenger Transportation Services

Lyft asks drivers to provide strategic input on robotaxi rollout

Lyft launched its first ever Driver Autonomous Forum, an initiative that aims to involve seasoned drivers as they begin to integrate robotaxis in its ride-hailing services. This move is in response to the continued disruption of the ride-hailing market by self-driving cars. Robotaxis promises increased efficiency and lower cost, but they also threaten gig workers whose income is based on platforms such as Lyft or Uber. Experts and analysts have warned that robotaxis, if not implemented in a phased manner and with caution, could result in the displacement of large sections of the workforce. Tesla has recently used a few...

Passenger Ground & Sea Transportation

Heat warnings issued in the East and Midwest of the US

On Monday, tens of millions of Americans were forced to endure record heat in the Northeast and Midwest of the United States. This caused electricity supply disruptions and train travel. In many parts of the United States, heat warnings began on the weekend and will continue into the coming week. East Coast officials warned of conditions "feeling" like 110 degrees Fahrenheit in many places as heat and humidity combine. National Weather Service warns that the nighttime temperatures will not provide much relief from the "oppressive" heat, with temperatures forecast to be in the 70s or even 80s at night for...

Passenger Transportation Services

Mexican authorities uncover a clandestine mini refinery as part of their crackdown on illegal hydrocarbon traffic

Mexican authorities discovered this week a clandestine micro-refinery, as well as a half million barrels worth of crude oil that they believe were stolen from Mexico's pipelines. The government is cracking down on illegal imports of huachicol (illegal crude oil, refined products, and other goods), a practice which generates significant losses for the state energy company Pemex as well as the government. Authorities have linked Pemex and organized crime to illegal trade. Was unable to reach the owners of the clandestine refining plant. On Wednesday, Omar Garcia Harfuch, the Minister of Security for Homeland Security said that "a clandestine operations...

Ground Freight & Logistics

US may cancel $4 billion in funding for California High-Speed Rail if it does not see a viable route.

The Trump Administration said on Wednesday that there was no viable way forward for California's High-Speed Rail Project and warned it could revoke $4 billion of government funding in the next few weeks. Transportation Department of the United States released a report by Federal Railroad Administration. The report cited missed timelines, budget shortages, and doubtful ridership projections. California's failure to identify $7 billion additional funding required for a first segment between Merced, California and Bakersfield was cited as a key issue. USDOT gave California California until the middle of July to respond, and then the administration can terminate the grants....

Ground Transportation

Financial Times - Friday, June 4,

These are the most popular stories from the Financial Times. These stories have not been verified and we cannot vouch for the accuracy of these reports. Headlines - KKR feared a political risk in the Thames Water Rescue deal UK Serious Fraud Office investigates company who sold solar farms Thurrock Council British Industry Exempted From Trump's Doubling of Steel Tariffs Rachel Reeves, British Finance Minister, will support the Manchester-Liverpool railway link as part of a boost to transport spending Andrew Bailey, Governor of the Bank of England defends UK rules on ringfencing for lenders View the full article Thames Water...

Transport Infrastructure

Seven killed after bridge collapse, train derailment in Russia's Bryansk region bordering Ukraine

Russian authorities announced early Sunday that at least seven people had died and 30 others were hospitalized after "illegal intervention" caused a collapsed bridge and train derailment in the Bryansk region of Russia, which borders Ukraine. Russian Railways announced on Telegram that the train's locomotive, along with several cars, had derailed due to "the collapse of a span-structure of the road bridge in response to an illegal interference with the operation of transportation." Alexander Bogomaz said that two children, including one in a critical condition, were hospitalized. The state-run Russian news agencies cited medics to report that the driver of...

Europe

Integrated Logistics

Police: Three people dead in German train crash

In a police statement, they said that three people died and other were seriously injured in the Sunday derailment of a passenger train in southwest Germany. Police in Stuttgart reported that there were approximately 100 passengers on two carriages when they left the track between Riedlingen und Munderkingen. This is near the border of Germany with France and Switzerland. The train was traveling on a route of approximately 90 km (55 mi) between Sigmaringen to Ulm. Police said that the cause of the accident was still being investigated. The German news agency DPA published a picture of carriages that were...

Passenger Transportation Services

Four companies compete for Croatia's biggest railway project

Four companies have submitted bids to rebuild an 83 km railway in central Croatia and build a new track. This is the largest rail project the country has ever undertaken, estimated at 620 million euro ($725m), according to a state infrastructure company. HZ Infrastruktura announced on its website that the reconstruction of Dugo Selo - Novska will be financed by funds from the European Union. HZ Infrastruktura reported that a consortium consisting of Ashoka Buildcon Ltd., Serneke International Group AB, and Konkan Railway Corp Ltd. offered to complete the work at a cost of 780 million Euros. Afcons Infrastructure Ltd...

Transport Infrastructure

Red Sea insurance increases after deadly Houthi attacks

Industry sources reported on Thursday that the insurance costs for shipping goods across the Red Sea have more than doubled since Yemen's Houthis attacked two ships and sank them, killing four seafarers, after months of calm. The Red Sea is an important waterway for oil, commodities and other goods. However, traffic has declined sharply ever since the Houthi began their attacks on Yemen's coastline in November 2023. This was said to be in solidarity with Palestinians fighting in Gaza by the Iran-aligned Houthi group. Sources familiar with the issue said that war risk premiums had risen from 0.3% to 0.7%,...

Western Europe

Middle East

Transport Infrastructure

Dubai wants to reduce traffic congestion with the 2026 launch of Joby air taxi

Air taxis could soon be available for Dubai commuters to avoid traffic. Joby Aviation has conducted its first test flight in the emirate of its fully electric air taxi this week. This is a significant milestone in the efforts by the city to integrate airborne transportation into existing mobility networks, as early as next. Joby is hoping that its air-taxis can ease the pressure on Dubai's existing ground transportation system and provide travelers with a faster alternative, as Dubai continues to experience increasing congestion. Anthony Khoury said, "We want people to commute differently." The company estimates that a journey from...

Ground Transportation

Keep your distance from Iran when passing through the Hormuz Strait

Shipping sources reported on Wednesday that commercial ships were sailing near Oman, and maritime agencies are advising them to avoid Iran's water around the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict between Israel, and Iran is at risk of escalating. Iran has threatened in the past to close down the Strait of Hormuz in response to Western pressure. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz could affect trade and global oil prices. Ships sailing to Hormuz have taken the latest precaution to reduce risks. They are now sailing near the coast of Oman for most of their journey. The Gulf of Oman...

Passenger Transportation Services

Iran and Israel accuse each other at UN Shipping Agency over sea routes

On Wednesday, Iran and Israel both accused one another of endangering the commercial activity around the Gulf and Red Sea in the UN's Shipping Agency as their military conflict escalated. Iran's delegation said at a meeting of the International Maritime Organization security committee that Israel has recently extended its "unlawful attack" to include petrochemicals and gas infrastructures in Asalouyeh, along Iran's Gulf Coast. Iran's livestreamed statement to delegates of the IMO said that "These actions directly threaten international maritime security as well as the global energy supply chains." If the international community does not take immediate and concrete steps to...

Ground Transportation

Turkey's Pasifik Eurasia, China Railway unit sign rail transport deal

Pasifik Eurasia Lojistik announced that it had signed a railway transportation agreement with a subsidiary China Railway for the launch of cargo train services on a corridor connecting China to Europe via Turkey, bypassing Russia. The initial plan is to operate 10 train services, and eventually 1,000. It is anticipated that the Middle Corridor will see a significant increase in freight volume thanks to the partnership with China's state-owned railway logistics company. The Middle Corridor, a China-Europe freight route that is promoted by the West, includes Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Georgia, as well as Turkey. Fatih Erdogan, Chairman of Pasifik Holding's...

Ground Transportation

Bolsonaro and others are officially accused in the spy agency case

The Brazilian federal police has officially accused former president Jair Bolsonaro of illegally spying on the authorities by the spy agency ABIN during Bolsonaro’s presidency. They have also named his son Carlos Bolsonaro as well as other individuals in a probe. The federal police, without naming names, confirmed the results of the investigation. They detailed the "existence" of a criminal group that was focused on illegally monitoring public authorities and producing fake news using ABINS systems. According to a statement from the federal police, although it has been delivered to the Supreme Court, its final report is still under seal....

Passenger Ground & Sea Transportation

After US-Houthi truce deal, seafarers stuck in Yemen ports are looking for a way out

Sources from maritime unions and maritime sources confirmed on Thursday that 200 seafarers stuck aboard 15 ships for weeks near the port of Ras-Isa in Yemen are now preparing to unload their cargoes and depart thanks to a truce agreement between Houthi militias and the U.S. Officials from the maritime sector said that the threat level for shipping was still high, given the Houthis' declaration that Israeli assets were open to attack, and the associated risks to shipping in general. In the past, ships with no connection to Israel were targeted and there was no guarantee of safe passage. On...

Passenger Ground & Sea Transportation

Head of Albania Orthodox Church dies, devoted mourn

Archbishop Anastasios, head of the Orthodox Church of Albania, died at a hospital in Athens at the age of 95 on Saturday, the church announced. Anastasios played a crucial role in reviving the church in Albania, an independent branch of the Eastern Orthodox Church, after being chosen to lead it in 1992 following the fall of the communist routine which had actually ruled the Muslim-majority nation for decades. Anastasios was admitted to a health center in Tirana with influenza in early December however his condition shabby and he was airlifted to Athens to be dealt with at Evangelismos Health center....

Ground Transportation

German car provider looks for US nod to deploy self-governing buses on US roads

A subsidiary of a German vehicle provider has asked U.S. car safety regulators for approval to deploy up to 2,500 self-governing electrical buses each year that are operated without steering wheels and other human controls, a. U.S. company said Thursday. HOLON, a system of German vehicle provider Benteler Group,. asked the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for an. exemption from federal auto security standards for its automated. electrical bus that does not have pedals, manual turn signals or. mirrors needed by a human motorist. NHTSA stated it will accept public discuss the petition. till early January. The petition, which will...

Passenger Transportation Services

A minimum of 12 killed, 33 injured in bus accident in Egypt, health ministry says

At least 12 individuals were eliminated and 33 injured in Egypt on Monday after a bus overturned on a. highway linking Cairo to the Red Sea coast, the Egyptian. health ministry said. It said in a declaration that 28 ambulances were sent out to the. scene of the accident which occurred on Al-Galala highway. linking Cairo to Red Sea coastal towns including Ain Sokhna. Domestic media consisting of the state-owned Al-Ahram paper. reported the mishap included trainees from Galala university. located in Galala city, one of the government's national. tasks in the Suez governorate. The independently owned pro-state Sada al-Balad...

Ground Transportation

Ship reports little arms fire off Eritrea, says Ambrey

A merchant vessel reported being approached with making use of small arms fire in waters 92 nautical miles northeast of Eritrea's Massawa port in Red Sea waters adjacent to Yemen's coast, British maritime security company Ambrey said on Thursday. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) stated quickly after that it received a sighting report of a little boat with armed persons onboard, running in close proximity to a. small coastal truck, approximately 95 nautical miles. northeast of Massawa. Authorities are examining, UKMTO's advisory note added. No group has actually yet claimed the attack. The Iran-aligned Houthi militants have launched repeated....

Passenger Marine Transportation

Sources say that Iran's oil is now being exported to new countries.

According to data and shipping sources, Iran has sent small amounts of crude oil to destinations like Bangladesh and Oman. This is the latest indication that Tehran wants to maintain its output near to its highest level in five years. Iran's main revenue source is oil sales. The country has been trying to find ways to avoid U.S. sanctions imposed by former President Donald Trump in 2018 on Tehran's nuclear program. Iran is not subject to the output quotas of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. It is aiming at maximising production and exports. According to the semiofficial Mehr News...