January 2007 in rail transport

2006, 2007, 2008

This article lists events related to rail transport that occurred in January 2007.

[edit] Events

- The first public trains of Taiwan High Speed Rail operate between Taipei and Kaohsiung, a 216 mi (348 km) journey, in 90 minutes. Although some relatively minor problems still remain, such as ticket machines not accepting credit cards or returning the incorrect change, the trains operated on schedule. It is expected that as service is increased along the line, ridership on parallel airline routes will decrease, so air carriers have been both purchasing equity in the rail line and expanding their service areas.^[1]

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Subway train derails in Washington, D.C.

- A Washington Metro train derails near downtown Washington, D.C., sending 16 people to the hospital and prompting the rescue of 60 people from a tunnel. At least one person had a serious but not life-threatening injury. The accident happened at about 3:45 p.m. near the underground Mount Vernon Square station. Part of the six-car train, consisting of 5000-Series cars, had pulled into the station when the fifth car left the track and hit the tunnel wall. Initial investigations indicate that the switch used to route trains between the two tracks at the station may have contributed to the accident.^[2]

- Railway Age Magazine selects Bill Wimmer, Vice President Engineering for Union Pacific Railroad to receive the 2007 award for Railroader of the Year. The award is just the latest achievement in a railroading career that has so far spanned 50 years. In making the announcement, William C. Vantuono, Railway Age editor, stated "Union Pacific is the gold standard in railroad engineering, largely due to the efforts of Vice President Engineering Bill Wimmer."^[3]

- A train operated by CSX Transportation derails in Brooks, Kentucky. Among its cargo was butadiene, a highly flammable compound used in the manufacture of rubber. The subsequent fire and smoke led the Federal Aviation Administration to temporarily order a suspension of flights within a one nautical mile radius of the accident scene, a restriction that has affected many flights to and from Louisville International Airport.^[4]

- The suburban rail network of Melbourne, Australia is thrown into chaos as much of the fleet of new Siemens Electric Multiple Unit trains are withdrawn from service after a number of incidents of brake failure. In one test designed to simulate slippery track conditions, a Siemens train was found to be incapable of stopping using the normal or emergency braking systems, with the driver having to resort to activation of the park brake.^[5]