Company A/S Passenger has attributed the new tender of electrical trains to CAF, a Spanish company, the wining model is CIVITY. It is a huge blow to RVR-Bombardier association and also for Latvia in general. For RVR because it is their main activity. Ok, they lost the tram tender because they were not manufacturing trams for a while, but Electrical trains is their speciality. Money goes away of Latvia again and is not spent for local salaries, so lowering again the balance of Latvia and lowering the income. Maybe RVR did not do the right thing to be competitive, they did not hire designers to change the company products, image and strategy?

I don't have answers, the fact is there. My question now is "Will RVR close or partnership with Bombardier will survive and work for other products for Eastern market?"

There is still the big market of high speed train for the Baltics. One day Berlin-Warsaw-Moscow will be connected and also Warsaw- Riga-Tallinn-St-Petersburg. Western european gauge will reach Kaunas soon too. There is need to revive standard connections between Riga, Kaunas, Vilnius and Tallinn...

You can read the full article on db.lv here (http://www.db.lv/razosana/transports-logistika/vilcienu-konkursa-gardo-kumosu-iegust-spani-243252)

Here are pictures of the new exterior and interior. Sure, the quality, the practicality, the design, the service is there!
Source of images: www.db.lv, probably CAF and Vitālijs Stīpnieks, Dienas Mediji

http://www.db.lv/uploads/ck/images/civity(1).jpg
http://www.db.lv/uploads/thumbnails/scale_705x470/article/0025/243252/281051_ORIGINAL_1313746194.jpg.jpg
http://www.db.lv/uploads/ck/images/civity1(2).jpg
http://www.db.lv/uploads/ck/images/civity2.jpg
http://www.db.lv/uploads/ck/images/civity3.jpg
http://www.db.lv/uploads/ck/images/civity4.jpg
http://www.db.lv/uploads/ck/images/civity5.jpg
http://www.db.lv/uploads/ck/images/civity6.jpg
http://www.db.lv/uploads/ck/images/civity7.jpg
http://www.db.lv/uploads/ck/images/civity8.jpg
http://www.db.lv/uploads/ck/images/civity9.jpg

Only, small reward is that RVR will be subcontractor of CAF. For which amount, I don't know. You can read the full article extracted from RVR website:

http://www.rvr.lv (still very poor website for RVR and not updated, sorry, the press release is not in english, use google translator if you wish)

AS „Rīgas Vagonbūves rūpnīca” paziņojums masu medijiem
Rīga, 2011. gada 29. jūnijā

RVR tika piespiesta izstāties no „Pasažieru vilciena” rīkotā konkursa. Uzņēmums zaudējis apmēram pusmiljonu eiro

Papildus noteikumi, kas tika izvirzīti AS „Pasažieru vilciens” rīkotajā konkursā par elektro- un dīzeļvilcienu piegādi, neļāva RVR tajā piedalīties kā pilntiesīgam dalībniekam (ģenerāluzņēmējam). RVR ir spiesta izstāties no konkursa un pieņemt „Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, S.A.” (CAF) piedāvājumu kļūt par tā apakšuzņēmēju.

Atbilstoši AS „Pasažieru vilciens” rīkotā konkursa kvalifikācijas posma sākotnējiem noteikumiem, RVR iesniedza pieteikumu dalībai konkursā par elektro- un dīzeļvilcienu piegādi sadarbībā ar „Bombardier Transportation” (RVR kā ģenerāluzņēmējs, BT kā apakšuzņēmējs). Abi uzņēmumi noslēdza sadarbības līgumu un uzņēmās savstarpējas saistības.

Šis līgums nodrošināja uz eksportu orientētas vilcienu ražotnes izveidi Latvijā. „Bombardier” tai garantēja investīcijas, mūsdienu tehnoloģiju pārnesi, iekārtu piegādi, kvalitātes kontroli un personāla apmācību.

Pēc tam, kad noslēdzās kvalifikācijas posms, Pasūtītājs izvirzīja RVR un „Bombardier” tandēmam īpašu papildus prasību par solidāru atbildību. Atbilstoši tai, ja šie uzņēmumi uzvarētu konkursā, apakšuzņēmējam (BT) ģenerāluzņēmēja (RVR) vietā nāktos pilnībā atbildēt Pasūtītājam (PV) par to, vai ģenerāluzņēmējs pilda (nepilda) savas saistības: piegādāt vilcienu sastāvus un apkalpot tos 30 gadu garumā. Šāda prasība, zinot nozares globālo pieredzi, skan pavisam absurdi, turklāt tā diskriminē RVR un nostāda to nevienādās pozīcijās attiecībā pret citiem konkursa dalībniekiem. Turklāt šāda prasība nav izvirzīta nevienam citam konkursa dalībniekam, jo neviena cita dalībnieka apakšuzņēmējiem nav jāuzņemas solidāra atbildība par ģenerāluzņēmēju.


Ņemot vērā to, ka konkursa pirmā posma noteikumi neparedzēja šāda veida prasības apakšuzņēmējiem, RVR un BT slēgtais līgums par sadarbību paredzēja klasisku atbildības sadali ķēdē „apakšuzņēmējs (BT) – ģenerāluzņēmējs (RVR) – Pasūtītājs (PV)”.

RVR vairakkārt iesniedza sūdzības Iepirkumu uzraudzības birojā, lūdzot novērst šo un arī citas pretrunas vai neprecizitātes konkursa nolikumā, kas apdraud godīgas konkurences principus. Tomēr lielākā daļa RVR pretenziju netika apmierinātas.

6. maijā, kad no IUB tika saņemts pēdējais oficiālais atteikums, kļuva skaidrs, ka RVR faktiski tiek dzīta strupceļā. „Bombardier” tam izvirzīto PV prasību par solidāru atbildību novērtēja kā neadekvātu, jo tā neatbilda šī konkursa sākotnējiem noteikumiem, kā arī konkursu rīkošanas starptautiskajai praksei.

Tādā veidā „palēninātas iedarbības mīna”, ko jau sarūpēja iepriekšējā PV valde, beidzot „detonēja”. Notika tas, ko tik uzstājīgi centās panākt viens no konkursa dalībniekiem – „Stadler”, vairākkārt pieprasot nepielaist RVR līdzdalībai konkursā. RVR ir spiesta to pamest ģenerāluzņēmēja statusā, jo tā apakšuzņēmējs „Bombardier” nevēlas pildīt PV absurdās prasības.

Rezultātā Latvija ir zaudējusi nopietnu kapitāla un tehnoloģiju investoru. Rīgā netiks uzcelta RVR un „Bombardier” kopējā rūpnīca. RVR zaudējumi, ko radīja piespiedu atteikšanās no dalības konkursā kopā ar BT, pēc provizoriskiem aprēķiniem, ir apmēram pusmiljons eiro lieli.

Nokļūstot šādā sarežģītā situācijā, RVR pieņēma cita konkursa dalībnieka – spāņu uzņēmuma „Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, S.A.” (CAF) izteikto sadarbības piedāvājumu, piekrītot kļūt par tā apakšuzņēmēju.


Paziņojumu sagatavoja RVR preses dienests
29243077
rvr.info@inbox.lv

With all these new trains coming into our railway, does that mean that our railroad network and stations with their respective stops are going to get renovated just like in Estonia?

^^. Of course. Sooner or later they'll have to do that. Other way the height between platform and vehicle floor will be too large. As you can see there is no steps under the door in the vehicle.

Technical Characteristics
DIMENSIONS

:: Cab car length:21.500 mm
:: Intermediate car length: 16.200 mm
:: Carbody width: 2.880 mm
:: Minimun floor height: 600 mm
:: Train height: 4.300 mm
:: New wheel diameter: 850 mm


Our platforms' height sometimes even 0 mm (from the top of the rail). So 60 cm is too high for a step.

^^ Any idea when they will start doing that? Because no way people can use these trains without raised platforms. Old grannies having to jump up 60 cm :lol:

Pasažieru Vilciens has 145 stop in Latvia. Where will they get the money to reconstruct all of them?

The trains look great by the way :banana:

Only, small reward is that RVR will be subcontractor of CAF. For which amount, I don't know. You can read the full article extracted from RVR website:



The reward is that we get brand new, modern, awesome, fast, quiet trains, instead of the 50 year old cattle cars we now have. RVR can go screw themselves for all I care. They have never made a modern train and they wanted to participate in this as a main contractor? They don't even have drawings for such a train. If their partnership with Bombardier is so promising, they can continue it without the Pasažieru Vilciens contract. I don't see why tiny little Latvia screws up their business plans so much. I just hope EU does not take away the 100 million LVL they plan to give us for the trains because of this.

Better CAF in an honest way than RVR through lies and bribes, IMO.

Lol @ you all, RVR will built most of those CAF trains. And, as I said like 50 times already, whole contest was under risk several times because of PV's illegitimate wish to gain Stadler's win.

^^

Stadler was the best choice.

Better CAF in an honest way than RVR through lies and bribes, IMO.

What? :lol: RVR junkyard (literary) does not have enough money for bribes.

Interesting that the floor height is 600mm while the platform height standard is 550mm so there still will be 5 cm step?

Interesting that the floor height is 600mm while the platform height standard is 550mm so there still will be 5 cm step?
That's normal. All Stadler FLIRT trains have a low-floor height of 600mm, for example.

Congratulations! :) Atleast you now have some clarity about your new trains (dare we say that it's no surprise that CAF won?)

Pasažieru Vilciens has 145 stop in Latvia. Where will they get the money to reconstruct all of them?
Our stations & station platforms reconstruction is largely funded by EU,so I think same applies for Latvia - shared funding by local railway companies and EU.
It doesn't necessarily mean that all stations will be instantly rebuilt. Just think of the scale of this task ;) For example,about 110 stations get new platforms here,but this doesn't cover all stations in Estonia. Some of them will be rebuilt later.
The reward is that we get brand new, modern, awesome, fast, quiet trains, instead of the 50 year old cattle cars we now have. RVR can go screw themselves for all I care. They have never made a modern train and they wanted to participate in this as a main contractor? They don't even have drawings for such a train. If their partnership with Bombardier is so promising, they can continue it without the Pasažieru Vilciens contract. I don't see why tiny little Latvia screws up their business plans so much. I just hope EU does not take away the 100 million LVL they plan to give us for the trains because of this.
I totally agree with you. Getting new,modern passenger trains to Latvia is more important than trying to resurrect smth,which has been long dead.
Lol @ you all, RVR will built most of those CAF trains. And, as I said like 50 times already, whole contest was under risk several times because of PV's illegitimate wish to gain Stadler's win.
I thought it was the RVR who stirred up trouble and was trying to derail the procurement. Stadler simply got fed up with all the BS and that's why they filed a complaints.
So,in a way they got what they wanted. Imho,RVR will assemble trains,but CAF will build them in Spain.

Btw,I hope that there won't be any issues with CAF trains. They lost here,because their offer didn't meet final train specifications and some of those specifications were related to suitability to Northern European climate & overall weather proofness of trains :shifty:

Tin_Can, как вам ваши новые поезда, нравятся?! И подорожали ли билеты из-за этого?

Tin_Can, как вам ваши новые поезда, нравятся?! И подорожали ли билеты из-за этого?
I hope you don't mind,if I give my answer in English. My Russian is bit too rusty :P

It's hard to say anything about our new trains right now (we get our first new train in next year) - details are really sketchy and right now we basically only know that we get Stadlers and we know how they will look like (I mean the livery) Not exactly smth,what you can build your opinion upon ;)
Anyway,I personally like them already :D As they will be based on Stadler Flirts used in Finland and these are really sexy trains :drool:

And no,ticket prices aren't affected by train purchase. Here train tickets are (and most likely will remain) one of most stable public transportation tickets in terms of cost.

More pics from here (http://forum.myriga.info/index.php?s=&showtopic=2742&view=findpost&p=74860):

http://forum.myriga.info/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=27877
http://forum.myriga.info/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=27878
http://forum.myriga.info/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=27879
http://forum.myriga.info/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=27880
http://forum.myriga.info/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=27881

I hope you don't mind,if I give my answer in English. My Russian is bit too rusty :P


Clearly, I understand that English is easier :)
I thought that the new cars you have there ... nothing comparable in the real soon! ;)

The passenger train project envisages rebuilding of platforms in train stops as well. "All inclusive" project.

Regarding RVR - they were hopeless as main contractors, unfortunately. They (and we in general) should be lucky as hell that they were contracted by CAF to make bodies for trains. Thus the company still will has a choice to survive.

Looks like Lithuania is the only Baltic country that's buying different types of trains in small numbers at a time. Latvia and Estonia have both opted for large bids. Estonia will receive 38 trains and Latvia....how many trains does this bid include? Sorry, if this has been said before.

Anyways, I'm glad that someone other than Stadler won in Latvia because now there will be some difference in rolling stock among the Baltics. :D

34 EMU's and 7 DMU's. Maybe someone know the size of current PV fleet? Can't find on their website.

34 EMU's and 7 DMU's. Maybe someone know the size of current PV fleet? Can't find on their website.

While the number of new EMU's probably covers Latvian need,the number of DMU's looks really small. Are there any plans of buying more later?

34 EMU's and 7 DMU's. Maybe someone know the size of current PV fleet? Can't find on their website.

131 EMU's and 42 DMU's (according to en.wiki+railfaneurope). Still, most of EMU's are old ER2's, so it might mean that the number also includes those trainsets that are rotting in Zasulauks etc.

I wonder which routes will get those DMUs. Hopefully Rīga - Valmiera will get some :D But obviously they're going to major routes, I see those EMUs going mostly to Jūrmala and Sigulda.

131 EMU's and 42 DMU's (according to en.wiki+railfaneurope). Still, most of EMU's are old ER2's, so it might mean that the number also includes those trainsets that are rotting in Zasulauks etc.

I think this is way too big number. Did a little research on the schedule - it can be done with 12 DMU units.

131 EMU's and 42 DMU's (according to en.wiki+railfaneurope). Still, most of EMU's are old ER2's, so it might mean that the number also includes those trainsets that are rotting in Zasulauks etc.

I red somewhere that in Latvia we have 22 EMU's used by Pasažieru Vilciens.

I red somewhere that in Latvia we have 22 EMU's used by Pasažieru Vilciens.

found answer to this question

27.07.2009 16:42 AS "Pasažieru vilciens" ir 138 elektrovilcienu vagoni un 68 dīzeļvilcienu vagoni. Šobrīd ir izveidoti 24 elektrovilcienu sastāvi un 19 dīzeļvilcienu sastāvi. Vagoni tiek norakstīti tikai pēc maksimālā kalpošanas laika sasniegšanas, tas nenotiek katru gadu.

We had 24 EMU's and 19 DMU's in use at 2009, but in 2010 2 EMU's were token of the line, so we now have 22 EMU's or less.

So 22 EMU's will be replaced with 34 units but 19 DMU with 7 units :| As the new trains will be smaller, I guess we will see extensive coupling of EMUs rather than increase of frequencies. But why so less DMU is still a mystery.

They will buy 16 more DMU's later- http://www.ldz.lv/?object_id=4383
Konkursā plānots iegādāties 34 jaunus elektrovilcienus un 7 dīzeļvilcienus ar ES Kohēzijas fonda līdzfinansējumu, kā arī iegūt cenu vēl 16 dīzeļvilcieniem, lai, ja apstākļi ļaus, līdz 2016.gadam nomainītu arī visu dīzeļvilcienu parku. Iepirkuma priekšmetā ietilpst arī elektrovilcienu un dīzeļvilcienu uzturēšana 30 gadu periodā.

So the price of the 34+7 trains will be 430 million LVL? How much will EU cover? Seems like a lot for Pasažieru Vilciens.

They will buy 16 more DMU's later- http://www.ldz.lv/?object_id=4383

Nice! :okay: Google translator says that additional diesel trains purchase would allow to replace all diesel trains by 2016 (just year later after EMU's & first DMU's arrive)

Btw,has anyone noticed this design flaw (I hope it's not the final layout of the train and is just random 'how it might look' image)? Adding (folding) seats right in front of doors isn't exactly smart thing. Basically,every time train stop,people sitting there need to get up & make room for people entering or exiting the train.
http://forum.myriga.info/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=27881


Oh,and maybe someone could post stuff about new CAF Civity trains to Latvian Railways thread (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1172505) in Railways forum on SSC? I'm sure that this stuff is interesting for outsiders too ;)

Btw,has anyone noticed this design flaw (I hope it's not the final layout of the train and is just random 'how it might look' image)? Adding (folding) seats right in front of doors isn't exactly smart thing. Basically,every time train stop,people sitting there need to get up & make room for people entering or exiting the train.
http://forum.myriga.info/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=27881


This is just a visualization mistake. The PV's tender documentation does not allow the seats in front of doors.

Today, Latvian version of modernized ČME3 left depot, AFAIK, for the first time. Sorry for the lack of illustration. It looks as Lithuanian ones, only painted similar like LDz's international trains. :lol:

BTW how do you like new PV brand style?

The first priority should have been to create developed infrastructure for railways - to make order on perons, to renew signalling systems, to close more than half of stations - e.g. while you are going from Riga-Daugavpils you have to stop some 10 times in stations where there are some 100 people living in. This all slows down journey time. And the main item, you have to make good railways for trains - it doesn't matter what kind of train there will be - e.g. oldest steam one or newest "bullet" train from Japan ... if you have curved railways everywere - there is simply no reason. If you can cross a railway under VEF bridge in Riga or in any other place .... :) and nobody will fee you.. why we need those new trains? To sum up, is again a huge corruption - as always more welcomed, when there are 100 millions.....

Signalling systems are renewed right now, half of stations (less) will be closed and perons will be made as a part of this project. Fencing of railways is step by step done.
Why should you see everything in a bad light?

Signalling systems are renewed right now, half of stations (less) will be closed and perons will be made as a part of this project. Fencing of railways is step by step done.
Why should you see everything in a bad light?

1. where exactly signalling have been proceeded?
2. "step by step" fencing :) isnt it funny ?

Normally, all project starts from planning, designing and only than building. And trains belongs to the last group - building.
This is my own opinion, but until you haven't completed infrastructure - new trains does not make a sense.
Its the same as casual Porsche e.g. cars in Riga center with private numbers - e.g. JANIS, VALDIS etc., and every businessman coming ir Riga is asking - is Riga the richest city in the Europe?

For me, and others logically thinking, priority nr.1 would be establish and develop local railways : Riga to Daugavpils or Ventspils or Rezekne or Liepaja - to have the shorstest period of time, in terms of travelling.
Lets say, if today by diesel train you can reach Daugavpils or Rezekne in 3 hours -> and this is for 210km !!! Is it normally?:)
Will new train, e.g. CAF, Bombardier or Lada Kalina make a sense? Thinking logically - of course not, because by you cannot drive e.g. Ferrari on local motorways without defects.

Talking about curves on tracks on Rīga- Skulte line there is winding section between Vecaķi and Garcims where speed limit is one of the higest on this line- 100km/h and between Kalngale and Garcims stations once i recorded 104 km/h top speed in curve!
And there is high platform (55 cm) already built in Dendrarijs station- http://www.aktivs.org/?drukat=1&zoomzina=291 !

So the price of the 34+7 trains will be 430 million LVL? How much will EU cover? Seems like a lot for Pasažieru Vilciens.

Откуда такая цифра? 140млн. LVL

The modernisation of signalling system:
http://www.ldz.lv/?object_id=4249

And, yes, fencing is done step by step, not in a single campaign. This by far is not the hottest issue for railway. The hottest issues regarding passenger railway is: the aged, slow rolling stock, unsuitable passenger stations, unreasoned number of stations and their location, which is surviving since 1920ies.
These three problems should be solved with EU project - which, by the way, is based on thorough analysis.

First priority is Riga suburban railway network - the only one which can bring profit to railway in short term. Due to bad demography and low purchasing power the medium-range train network will be unprofitable for long time - but if there will be good profits from Riga - Jurmala trains, there will be possibilities to subsidize the unprofitable Riga - Liepaja line and some more.
...jeesh, is there a need to explain all of this?

1. where exactly signalling have been proceeded?

http://ldz.lv/?object_id=4455

LDz sadarbības partneri šajā projektā un darbu izpildītāji ir konsorcijs Thales Rail Signalling Solutions GmbH un SIA Thales Rail Signalling Solutions Baltics (THALES). Projekta pirmā posma ietvaros ar sadarbības partneri THALES paredzēts Daugavpils – Indra, Jelgava – Krustpils un Jelgava – Ventspils posmā kopgarumā 355,8 km pilnībā uzstādīt un modernizēt:

· jaunu centralizācijas sistēmu 32 stacijās (t.sk. optisko un dažādu citu kabeļu izbūve);

· divus satiksmes kontroles centrus Daugavpilī un Jelgavā;

· 781 jaunu signālu;

· 241 pārmiju;

· 83 pārbrauktuvju aprīkojuma elementus.

+ signaling has been recently renewed on Krustpils - Daugavpils and Krustpils - Rēzekne lines. Tracks are in very good condition almost everywhere.

***

Here's ČME3M-4644:

http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/663/cme3m4644.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/822/cme3m4644.jpg/)

Откуда такая цифра? 140млн. LVL

Kā liecina IUB interneta mājaslapā publicētais paziņojums par lēmuma pieņemšanu, līguma summa ir 610 757 053 eiro (429 240 056 lati) bez pievienotās vērtības nodokļa.

Lēmums atzīt CAF par piemērotāko pretendentu pieņemts slēgtā konkursā. Ar CAF tiks slēgti divi piegādes un uzturēšanas līgumi - viens par 436 696 037 eiro (306 909 974 latiem) un otrs - par 174 061 016 eiro (122 330 082 latiem).

http://unity.lv/lv/news/427805/

http://www.db.lv/razosana/transports-logistika/ap-610-miljonu-eiro-vertas-vilcienu-piegades-tiesibas-iegust-spanijas-caf-243336

So which is it?

Talking about curves on tracks on Rīga- Skulte line there is winding section between Vecaķi and Garcims where speed limit is one of the higest on this line- 100km/h and between Kalngale and Garcims stations once i recorded 104 km/h top speed in curve!
And there is high platform (55 cm) already built in Dendrarijs station- http://www.aktivs.org/?drukat=1&zoomzina=291 !

Press reported that renewed Tukums-Riga morning express train will reach 120 km/h in some sections of route.

http://ldz.lv/?object_id=4455

Here's ČME3M-4644:

http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/663/cme3m4644.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/822/cme3m4644.jpg/)

Looks great :cheers: Did they only paint it, or update the engine, electronics also?

Did they only paint it

This is how original looks like, of course they did more than "just paint" to it. :)

http://railway-publish.com/upload/site1/catalog/images/big/p7048805.jpg

News: Railway bridge in Riga will be painted in red colour..

''Remonta laikā Dzelzceļa tiltu Rīgā krāsos sarkanīgu''

Sākts Dzelzceļa tilta pār Daugavu Rīgā remonts un, lai izslēgtu korozijas attīstību, tiek veikta krāsojuma atjaunošana. Patlaban tiek klāta grunts krāsa, tāpēc tilts ir sarkanīgā tonī, informēja VAS "Latvijas Dzelzceļš" (LDz). Pēc grunts krāsas tikšot klāta pelēkā virskrāsa, un tilts atgūs iepriekšējo izskatu: http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/390018-remonta_laika_dzelzcela_tiltu_riga_krasos_sarkanigu

here is night shot (by me)

http://i56.tinypic.com/2r22og0.jpg

News: Railway bridge in Riga will be painted in red colour..

Well, that's not really what it says. :D

Have they actually considered other colors than grey? I think black, white or copper green would be a nice change.

update 30.08.2011

http://i53.tinypic.com/2v3ofbb.jpg

It won't be painted red. It is just the primer, it will later be painted back in to gray.
source (in latvian) (http://aculiecinieks.delfi.lv/news/riga/dzelzcela-tilts-maina-krasu.d?id=40308605)
But I have read somewhere, that the lighting will be changed from blue to red-white-red.

Have they actually considered other colors than grey? I think black, white or copper green would be a nice change.

Oh, I would love copper green. :)

Recently I got surprised by new signs on freight locos. It's clearly written SIA LDZ RITOŠĀ SASTĀVA SERVISS Are they owners of the locos now or what?

W4zN9_jc9d0

Reconstruction of rail part in Torņakalns on Jelgava-Riga line.
http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q420/Ripley9895/IMG_7242.jpg

I found info about modernized ČME3.
AS Latvijas dzelzceļš (LDz) meitasuzņēmums LDz ritošā sastāva serviss (LDzRSS) veicis vērienīgu manevru lokomotīves ČME 3M 4464 modernizāciju, kuras ietvaros tapusi gandrīz no jauna uzbūvēta lokomotīve ar divreiz lielāku jaudu un daudz labākiem ekoloģijas un degvielas patēriņa rādītājiem.
Lokomotīves modernizāciju savam meitasuzņēmumam pasūtījis LDz manevru darbiem Daugavpils šķirošanas uzkalnā, kur jaunā lokomotīve aizstās divas vecās ČME3 lokomotīves.
„Modernizācija un attīstība LDz koncerna uzņēmumos notiek pastāvīgi un strauji. Mēs rūpīgi izvērtējam savas investīcijas un ieguldām tikai tajos projektos, par kuriem esam pārliecināti, ka ar uzviju atgūsim ieguldīto. Šis projekts atmaksāsies ļoti ātri, bet īpaši nozīmīgs tas ir ar to, ka Latvijā pēc vairākiem gadiem gandrīz no jauna ir uzbūvēta lokomotīve. Mēs ar to lepojamies, un šo darbu turpināsim,” gandarīts ir LDz prezidents Uģis Magonis.
LDz RSS valdes loceklis Ivars Rullis atklāj, ka viņa uzņēmums ir saņēmis pasūtījumu nākamo divu gadu laikā modernizēt vēl 13 šādas lokomotīves. „No vecās lokomotīves jaunajā tiek atstātas tikai dažas rāmja daļas, bet kabīne, motors, ģenerators, un citas daļas ir pilnīgi jaunas. Jaunā lokomotīve ir divreiz jaudīgāka un daudz ekonomiskāka, kas ļaus pasūtītājam ievērojami ietaupīt ekspluatējot šo lokomotīvi,” atklāj I.Rullis.
Pagaidām Daugavpils šķirošanas uzkalnā manevru darbiem izmanto divjūgā savienotas ČME3 lokomotīves. Modernizētā ČME3M 4644 lokomotīve atbilst ES prasībām. Tā ir videi draudzīgāka atbilstoši EUROIIIA izmešu normām. Eļļas patēriņš ir par 94% mazāks nekā 2 ČME3 (divjūgā). Savukārt degviela pie jaudas 1550 kW tiks ekonomēta par 53%. Plānots, ka šis projekts atmaksāsies triju gadu laikā.
Koncerns Latvijas dzelzceļš sastāv no valdošā uzņēmuma VAS Latvijas dzelzceļš un piecām meitassabiedrībām – AS LatRailNet, kas veic infrastruktūras maksas noteikšanu un dzelzceļa infrastruktūras jaudas sadali, SIA LDz Cargo, kas nodrošina dzelzceļa kravu pārvadājumus un starptautiskos pasažieru pārvadājumus; infrastruktūras būvniecības un uzturēšanas uzņēmuma SIA LDz Infrastruktūra; ritošā sastāva remonta un uzturēšanas uzņēmuma SIA LDz Ritošā sastāva serviss, kā arī apsardzes uzņēmuma SIA LDz Apsardze.
Sagatavoja LDz Sabiedrisko attiecību daļa

http://www.ldz.lv/?object_id=4770

Some key features of modernized ČME3M over normal ČME3:
2 times more powerful than original;
Compatible with EUROIIIA emissions norm;
Oil consumption is 94% lover than 2 ČME3
At power of 1550 kW fuel consumption is 53% lover than ČME3;


In 2 years time they will modernize 13 ČME3's, and this project is planed to pay off in 3 years time.

Some key features of modernized ČME3M over normal ČME3:
2 times more powerful than original;
Compatible with EUROIIIA emissions norm;
Oil consumption is 94% lover than 2 ČME3
At power of 1550 kW fuel consumption is 53% lover than ČME3;


In 2 years time they will modernize 13 ČME3's, and this project is planed to pay off in 3 years time.

oil consumption 94% lower? what an upgrade oO :banana:

IUB allowed PV to buy new trains!!! http://www.iub.gov.lv/files/lemumi/lem200328.pdf

Due to second track construction project Skrīveri-Krustpils, construction has started of the second bridge over Aiviekste river near Pļaviņas town. When the new bridge will be opened, the old one will have central span changed.
http://www.staburags.lv/portals/vietejas/raksts.html?xml_id=23082

Could somebody update this thread whit newest info about Pasažieru vilciens tender.

When I red some news [i will continue this in Latvian] pilnīgi gribējās pakārt aiz olām tos valdošos politiķus un ziņu autorus, kas bez precīziem skaitļiem vienkārši nomelno šo konkursu!!!

When I red some news [i will continue this in Latvian] pilnīgi gribējās pakārt aiz olām tos valdošos politiķus un ziņu autorus, kas bez precīziem skaitļiem vienkārši nomelno šo konkursu!!!

Skaitļus jau var sazīmēt (http://www.pietiek.com/foto/25112011/valdibas_zinojums_par_pasazieru_vilciena_konkursu_-_publicejam_visu_slepeno_dokumentu/img_0001), bet jēgas maz- tie jau nu ļoti izskatās no gaisa grābti. Bet viss tas sacerējums kopumā daļēji izskatās norakstīts no Stadler sūdzības IUB, kuru, starp citu, atzina par nepamatotu. Atšķirības vien tāda, ka te jau tiešā tekstā stāstīts, cik Stadler vilcieni labi (pieminēti igauņu kā optimālais variants).

Arguments, ka CAF cenšas iesmērēt 3 vagonus par 4 cenu... :lol: :lol::lol:

ČME3M for week now has been working with trains in Šķirotava, mostly B and J yards (right next to Jāņavārti stop). So if someone wants to see it in action, you may find it there.

I've read from business news that Pasažieru Vilciens tender might be cancelled if it's delayed until January (I already knew that before) and that Latvian transportation minister has said that if CAF/RVR contract is cancelled,money will be relocated to other projects,instead of being used for purchasing new passenger trains.
Meanwhile Stadler has signed agreement with Daugavpils Locomotive Repair Plant for "developing products for Latvian market".

:colbert: Imho,all news seemed rather biased,so can someone explain what's really going on around Pasažieru Vilciens tender?

Intresting news from CAF vs Stadler competition.

I quess for maintenance co-operation that could be done with Finland, Latvia, Estonia and Belarus it could be good idea to get Stadlers? Plus the Spanish technology is infamous for poor quality..

http://ldzsa.lv/lat/

http://www.trans-port.com.ua/index.php?newsid=34785

http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/good_for_business/?doc=50487

http://www.baltic-course.com/rus/transport/?doc=52063

http://bizness.delfi.lv/versijas/stadler-lemumu-pienemejiem-vajadzetu-loti-uzmanigi-izvertet-jauno-vilcienu-uzturesanas-izmaksas.d?id=41950080

http://bizness.delfi.lv/versijas/caf-jaunie-vilcieni-as-pasazieru-vilciens-laus-ietaupit-1096-miljonus-eiro.d?id=41956378

2012-01-18 Fima Takes Part in Significant Latvian Railways Projects
http://www.fima.lt/index.php/site_structure/news/55

http://www.verslobanga.lt/lt/spaudai.full/4f167fc1cddfd



Intresting news. It seems cargo capacity will increase big time.

Seems, our new trains will be produced in Riga under "CAF" licence. Yesterday government agreed to this purchase, today court rejected a complaint by "Stadler". "Stadler" still has 10 days to appeal this decision.

Of course, I would have much concern about the quality of this production. But at least the decision has been taken, let's see what comes out of it.

Seems, our new trains will be produced in Riga under "CAF" licence. Yesterday government agreed to this purchase, today court rejected a complaint by "Stadler". "Stadler" still has 10 days to appeal this decision.

Of course, I would have much concern about the quality of this production. But at least the decision has been taken, let's see what comes out of it.

In Finland also there was paid learning lessons from CAF quality. The trams CAF delivered had major winter climate related issues.. ..As well as the Italian Pendolinos..

So there IS actually real fact reasons why some technical devices are more expencive than others :)).

I dont quite understand why Latvia want to go solo with this train tender. All the neighbour countries have given good references from Stadler product.

I dont quite understand why Latvia want to go solo with this train tender.
What's not to understand?
1) Monopoly in the region is not a positive thing. "Others did it" is not a valid argument.
2) We have RVR. Estonia and Lithuania does not have train factory.
This is quite high game for Latvian economics - Stadler certainly did not need to revive our local RVR factory, while CAF agreed to do this. There still is an open question - what will be the quality of trains and whether the factory will really stand on feet. There I have doubts. But wonders happen. Regarding winter - we have engineers which know a lot about building and operating the trains in winter, there shouldn't be worries.
3) In spite of the PR campaign from Stadler, CAF offer (costs per seat etc.) was cheaper than Stadler's offer.

There was dirty game from both sides and from politicians too.

By the way passenger railway in Latvia is 3 times bigger thing than in Lithuania and Estonia.
http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/statistics_explained/index.php?title=File:Rail_passenger_transport,_2008-2010.png&filetimestamp=20111117162314

What's not to understand?

By the way passenger railway in Latvia is 3 times bigger thing than in Lithuania and Estonia.
http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/statistics_explained/index.php?title=File:Rail_passenger_transport,_2008-2010.png&filetimestamp=20111117162314

Pity that list is is only from EU countries. I am curious from Belarus numbers.

But in Finland numbers are bigger than in Latvia. Sweden is even bigger than Finland. ..Hmm.. I wonder what trains Sweden use.. Finland is dedicated into Stadler

By the way passenger railway in Latvia is 3 times bigger thing than in Lithuania and Estonia.
http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/statistics_explained/index.php?title=File:Rail_passenger_transport,_2008-2010.png&filetimestamp=20111117162314

Only because there is Jūrmala-Riga, what is mostly inner urban- line and Riga-Jelgava line, what are actually urban-suburban lines and in Germany would be considered S-bahn.
I really envy Rigians Jūrmala line, wish Naujoji Vilnia-Vilnius-Lentvaris-Trakai would be such a line, going every 15-20 minutes.. But these parts of a city and suburbs are not densely inhabited and road network is OK.

Seems, our new trains will be produced in Riga under "CAF" licence. Yesterday government agreed to this purchase, today court rejected a complaint by "Stadler". "Stadler" still has 10 days to appeal this decision.

Of course, I would have much concern about the quality of this production. But at least the decision has been taken, let's see what comes out of it.
Finally some clarity! :banana: I hope that those 10 days pass without any problems and train order from CAF will be finally carried out.
2) We have RVR. Estonia and Lithuania does not have train factory.
This is quite high game for Latvian economics - Stadler certainly did not need to revive our local RVR factory, while CAF agreed to do this. There still is an open question - what will be the quality of trains and whether the factory will really stand on feet. There I have doubts. But wonders happen. Regarding winter - we have engineers which know a lot about building and operating the trains in winter, there shouldn't be worries.
Ah yes,but will it be cheaper to revive RVR (and we are really talking about grave digging here) or order trains dedicated,already running factories in Europe? ;)
..Hmm.. I wonder what trains Sweden use..
Mainly Alstom (class X40 & X60) & Bombardier (classes X50 to X55) trains.

Mainly Alstom (class X40 & X60) & Bombardier (classes X50 to X55) trains.

Hmm.. What happened to the Bombardier in this Latvia tender? I remember that was the first planned partner?

But I bet same thing will happend in Latvia with CAF as in Helsinki with CAF trams. They just are not designed for nordic enviroment. ..Like Italian Pendolinos..

Atleast Finland bought some Stadlers and NO PROBLEMS from them.. Unlike Pendolino. I think Greece, Italy, Spain etc. should just focus into wine farming and stop building technology..

U know, I realized with time, that quality of material is not the most important issue. What is important is the economics coming back to the area that purchases, specially when it is a small country not earning a lot of money. If material needs to be repaired, it is work for local people, but of course not too many problems. CAF is booming and taking a lot of markets in Europe. They built the last metro cars of Brussels. They are not bad. I wish the best for Latvia.

Pity that list is is only from EU countries. I am curious from Belarus numbers.

But in Finland numbers are bigger than in Latvia. Sweden is even bigger than Finland. ..Hmm.. I wonder what trains Sweden use.. Finland is dedicated into Stadler

Gauge is different in Sweden than Finland. Finland follows Russian standard like Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania but not Poland. Some of the last tenders in Sweden were won by Bombardier (the yellow ones) if I am correct, like the fast train linking Stockholm to its main airport. Correct me if I am wrong...

Good news!

Latvian resignalling goes live 31 January 2012 (http://www.railwaygazette.com/index.php?id=44&no_cache=1&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=14698&cHash=66e5d32603a96416536e21a2df52a310)

LATVIA: National railway holding company LDZ officially unveiled its first fully-computerised signalling and train control system on January 26, marking completion of a seven-year project partially funded by the European Union’s Cohesion Fund.

The resignalling of Latvia’s east-west main line linking Jelgava and Daugavpils is one of the first applications of microprocessor-based train control systems to the 1 520 mm gauge network in the Baltic States, replacing obsolete relay interlockings more than 50 years old, manual level crossings and regional traffic control systems. Total cost of the project was €93m, of which the EU provided €67m, the Latvian government €22m and LDZ the remainder.

Covering a total of 54 stations, the scheme included 1 287 new signals and 4 500 km of cables plus modernisation of 125 level crossings. The whole route is now managed from two control centres at Jelgava and Daugavpils. The work was undertaken by Thales, Bombardier Belam, Systra and Safege Consulting Engineers.

‘The new system will increase the safety of rail operations, and will help us to optimise traffic flows on the east-west corridor, which is one of Latvia’s most important transit routes’, said LDZ President Uģis Magonis. The head of the railway’s project management department Aija Poča added that the work provided ‘a stable platform for future development’, and the ‘diverse experience’ would ‘help in planning and management of future projects of a similar scale.’

Does anyone know what kind of maintenence works Stadler will perform in Latvia, Daugavpils?

Could it be possible that Estonian, Belarusian and ?Lithuanian? Stadlers would be maintained in Latvia?

Stadler and Daugavpils lokomotivju remonta rupnica to cooperate in railroad development projects 20.12.2011.

Today, the Swiss company Stadler Rail Group (Stadler) and locomotive repair factory Daugavpils lokomotivju remonta rupnica (DLRR) signed a letter of intent on cooperation in railroad development projects in Latvia in 2012, according to DLRR's announcement at NASDAQ OMX Riga.

http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/good_for_business/?doc=50487

08.04.2011: Modernization of Latvian Railway


The Latvian Railway Company LDZ (Latvijas Dzelzceļš) as one of the market leaders in the Baltic Area is developing the modernization of its railway network. In the focus of the feasibil-ity study for the further electrification of the railway network being now in the final stage of its elaboration are financial and economic analyses as well as investigations regarding different possibilities for the power supply system to be used. The study commissioned by LDZ is in elaboration by ETC in cooperation with COWI A/S and GRE Gauff Rail Engineering.

Feasibililty study on railway electrification launched

Latvijas Dzelzceļš (LDz) launched a feasibility study on electrification of Latvian railway lines. Within the framework of the study it is planned to assess economic justification of Latvian railway system electrification – costs, potential economic benefits. There will be also determined, in which lines this process should be done primarily and what technical solutions could there be – either to develop existing 3.3 kV DC system or to convert systems according to the most progressive 25 kV AC that is widely used in Europe.

The study is commissioned by the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Latvia, which selected in a tender a consolidation of companies ETC Transport Consultants & COWI Latvia/GRE as a study performer.

“Certainly electrification of lines is the most suitable development scenario in the long term – electric traction is more high-powered, and more economical and environmentally friendly regarding fuel costs. However, these are huge investments, which will justify in a relatively long period of time; therefore we need to consider very carefully whether potential benefits are commensurable with costs,” said LDz Chairman of the Board Uģis Magonis.

Already this summer the consultants will report on the state of infrastructure and within six months it will be reported on one of the most suitable electrification options – DC system improvement, application of a new AC system or coexistence of both systems (keeping old DC system and applying new system). Full report on electrification options :banana:will be available within 15 months:banana:.

Aija Poča, Head of Development Planning and Project Management Division, said that this report is necessary for technical development strategy elaboration on LDz development in the future: “LDz lines electrification is a complex arrangement and it does not involve only railway lines reconstruction, but also purchase of new electric traction and rolling stock. On the basis of this study we will be able to include in the strategy our plans regarding further railway development stages and reconstruction issues.”

Concern Latvijas dzelzce ļš comprises the holding company SJSC Latvijas dzelzceļš and four subsidiaries – LDz Cargo Ltd., a rail freight carrier; LDz infrastruktūra Ltd., a company providing infrastructure construction and maintenance works; LDz ritošā sastāva serviss Ltd., a company providing rolling stock repairs and maintenance works, and LDz Apsardze Ltd., a security company.

http://www.etc-consult.de/wEnglisch/aktuelles/2011_04_08_52346696_meldung.shtml

http://www.etc-consult.de/wEnglisch/aktuelles/2011_04_08_52346696_meldung.shtml


ERR.. How LDZ was thinking to place order of trains before there is even info WHAT TYPE OF trains are recommended to use??

FLASH FROM THE PAST :)

Hi everyone!

Does anyone how companies ETC Transport Consultants & COWI Latvia/GRE are proceeding with the Latvia railway electrification study?

Great news for 160km/h train fans is that BELARUS IS building even at this very moment both North-South and East-west AC network :)

http://translate.google.fi/translate?sl=ru&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=fi&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fforum.railwayz.info%2Fviewtopic.php%3Ff%3D10%26t%3D4%26sid%3D5d58cabe9974f91b4b3f5ab1effd721b%26start%3D700

http://rh.by/by/154/50/4171/?tpl=105

http://translate.google.fi/translate?hl=fi&sl=be&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Frh.by%2Fby%2F154%2F50%2F4171%2F%3Ftpl%3D105


..It seems China has intrest to invest into such project.

..I am quite sure that Latvia too could ask same way like Belarus ask money from China :)

Please please! Could someone really check some real answers into this question. I think its extreamly intresting topic :)

http://www.cowi.com/menu/NewsandMedia/News/generalnews/Pages/cowi-has-sold-its-company-in-latvia.aspx

http://www.baltkonsults.lv/index.php?id=2

EDIT: I quess the study will be available roundish 1.8.2012? Since it will take 15 months and it started 08.04.2011

Does anyone know what kind of maintenence works Stadler will perform in Latvia, Daugavpils?

Could it be possible that Estonian, Belarusian and ?Lithuanian? Stadlers would be maintained in Latvia?

Stadler and Daugavpils lokomotivju remonta rupnica to cooperate in railroad development projects 20.12.2011.

Today, the Swiss company Stadler Rail Group (Stadler) and locomotive repair factory Daugavpils lokomotivju remonta rupnica (DLRR) signed a letter of intent on cooperation in railroad development projects in Latvia in 2012, according to DLRR's announcement at NASDAQ OMX Riga.

http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/good_for_business/?doc=50487
No. As part of new passenger train purchase,Elektriraudtee is going to buy depot equipment needed to repair Stadlers in Estonia & enough spare parts to perform maintenance in next 5 years. Depot workers will get additional training and afaik,for next few years Stadler also has their own employees in Estonia.

I've got a feeling that deal between Stadler & Daugavpils repair depot was just an excuse in battle for Latvian passenger train contract. CAF has agreement with RVR,so naturally Stadler had to have their own "friendly" repair & maintenance facility in Latvia ;)

Intresting news from LDz (electrification etc.)

->
http://www.telegraf.lv/news/ldz-stroit-puty-v-budushtee

Новости LDZ
http://forum.railwayz.info/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=752&start=575

http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.aspx?from=ru&to=en&a=http%3A%2F%2Fforum.myriga.info%2Findex.php%3Fs%3D3cbbe867cc5aa4e9468ba6b169f69169%26showforum%3D28

http://forum.myriga.info/index.php?showforum=28

http://ldzsa.lv/eng/

Only because there is Jūrmala-Riga, what is mostly inner urban- line and Riga-Jelgava line, what are actually urban-suburban lines and in Germany would be considered S-bahn.
I really envy Rigians Jūrmala line, wish Naujoji Vilnia-Vilnius-Lentvaris-Trakai would be such a line, going every 15-20 minutes.. But these parts of a city and suburbs are not densely inhabited and road network is OK.

without Riga Jurmala LDZ still has highier figures because of Riga Aizkraukle and Riga Skulte. but yes, this are suburban lines, intercity is almost dead except Riga - Valmiera, Riga rezekne and Riga - Daugavpisl routes.

Hmm.. What happened to the Bombardier in this Latvia tender? I remember that was the first planned partner?

But I bet same thing will happend in Latvia with CAF as in Helsinki with CAF trams. They just are not designed for nordic enviroment. ..Like Italian Pendolinos..

Atleast Finland bought some Stadlers and NO PROBLEMS from them.. Unlike Pendolino. I think Greece, Italy, Spain etc. should just focus into wine farming and stop building technology..

What on Earth are the "CAF trams" you are talking about?
There are currently three types of trams in operation in Finland:
* High-floor trams by Valmet, technically based on the Düwag construction
* High-floor Düwag trams bought used from Mannheim
* Low-floor AdTranz/Bombardier trams (VarioTram)

The AdTranz trams have worked _very_ badly, but that's got nothing to with CAF.
When it comes to the Pendolinos, well, they don't work in summer either, so it's really not a problem with winter compatibility, but rather a problem with compatibility with moving from place A to place B. Pendolinos haven't worked very well in Czech Republic, Slovenia or apparently anywhere :D But then again, at least the Finnish Pendolinos have little, perhaps nothing at all, to do with CAF.

The only trains used in Finland that I know to be built by CAF are some of the Alstom-designed Sm4 local train units. The Sm4 have had their problems, but nevertheless seem to be the most reliable type of EMUs in use in Finland. My experience has been that in winter when there's a lot of snow Sm4 has been more reliable than Sm1/Sm2 - which are not considered very unreliable, either.
So, all in all, CAF has a good image among Finnish railfans. And besides, the Latvian winters are, even if they can get snowy and cold, damn mild compared to those in Finland, so what's the problem?

There will be CAF trams in Stockholm very soon, though. Then we'll see, how CAF really manages in the north :)

And with Stadlers... There have been problems especially with couplers in wintertime, but they haven't been that dramatic - rather what you'll always get when you order a new class of trains to a country. It seems that after these problems in the beginning are over, the Stadler-built Sm5 will be as reliable or possibly even better than Sm4.

There are CAF trams also in belgrade, a rather cold place in winters.

There are CAF trams also in belgrade, a rather cold place in winters.

Äh? The temperature barely reaches even -5°C in the coldest time of the year. Sounds like it's about as cold as Paris :D

What on Earth are the "CAF trams" you are talking about?
There are currently three types of trams in operation in Finland:
* High-floor trams by Valmet, technically based on the Düwag construction
* High-floor Düwag trams bought used from Mannheim
* Low-floor AdTranz/Bombardier trams (VarioTram)

The AdTranz trams have worked _very_ badly, but that's got nothing to with CAF.
When it comes to the Pendolinos, well, they don't work in summer either, so it's really not a problem with winter compatibility, but rather a problem with compatibility with moving from place A to place B. Pendolinos haven't worked very well in Czech Republic, Slovenia or apparently anywhere :D But then again, at least the Finnish Pendolinos have little, perhaps nothing at all, to do with CAF.

The only trains used in Finland that I know to be built by CAF are some of the Alstom-designed Sm4 local train units. The Sm4 have had their problems, but nevertheless seem to be the most reliable type of EMUs in use in Finland. My experience has been that in winter when there's a lot of snow Sm4 has been more reliable than Sm1/Sm2 - which are not considered very unreliable, either.
So, all in all, CAF has a good image among Finnish railfans. And besides, the Latvian winters are, even if they can get snowy and cold, damn mild compared to those in Finland, so what's the problem?

There will be CAF trams in Stockholm very soon, though. Then we'll see, how CAF really manages in the north :)

And with Stadlers... There have been problems especially with couplers in wintertime, but they haven't been that dramatic - rather what you'll always get when you order a new class of trains to a country. It seems that after these problems in the beginning are over, the Stadler-built Sm5 will be as reliable or possibly even better than Sm4.

...and now all Sm5 (Stadler Flirt) trainsets are out of order because the main switches have short circuited twice within a couple of days. When that happens, there is a very loud bang and some smoke appears inside the train. On the first occassion the passengers panicked and broke the windows as they thought someone is shooting or a bomb has exploded...
So, that's for the perfect Stadler trains. Good they are, nevertheless. Just not almighty.

I wonder what Belarus will do? They have copy + paste train models from Finnish ones

->

http://www.stadlerrail.com/en/search/?q=belarus

http://www.stadlerrail.com/en/references/belarusian-railways-interregio/

http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/stadler-wins-belarus-train-contract.html

EDIT:

According to Helsingin sanomat in MINSK is happening now the same kind of problems!!!

http://yle.fi/alueet/helsinki/2012/03/flirt-junien_korjaukset_voivat_kestaa_viikkoja_3299089.html

Латвийская железнодорожная компания Latvijas Dzelzceļs (LDz) в 2012 году реализует четыре крупных инфраструктурных проекта, сообщил на пресс-конференции глава LDz Угис Магонис. Речь идет о реконструкции горки рижской сортировочной станции Шкиротава, модернизации системы на перегоне Болдерая 1 – Засулаукс, строитель-стве станции Болдерая 2 с соединительными путями до терминалов острова Криеву и обновлении путей в коридоре Rail Baltica. Кроме того, продолжится строительство вторых путей в коридоре Восток – Запад на участке Скривери – Крустпилс. По дан-ным LDz, инвестиции в модернизацию горки станции Шкиротова составят $52,5 млн. Модернизация сигнализации, телекоммуникаций и электрооборудования на участке Болдерая 1 – Засулаукс потребует $20,8 млн. Согласно предварительным планам, строительство станции Болдерая 2 с соединительными путями обойдется в $61,67 млн, а обновление путей в коридоре Rail Baltica – $68 млн. Что касается возведения вторых путей на участке Скривери – Крустпилс, то на него планируется направить $133 млн. Все проекты LDz будут реализованы при софинансировании (до 75% от общей суммы) из фондов Евросоюза.

http://ncrtl.kazlogistics.kz/files/digest13.pdf

http://forum.tr.ru/read.php?7,1130860,page=all

According to google translator there is big development ahead in Latvia

^^
:colbert: თქვენ ლაპარაკობს ინგლისურად? ან ლატვიურ ენაზე?

我不明白他或她寫的語言 ?

Top post -> Russian, then Gruusian and then China :).

Anyway, in the links and in topic was mentioned that LDz has decided to throw DC network into the past.

2012 October there will be more information from funding of AC electrification or Latvian railways.

Infra project is expected to start 2015 and will end 2022.

CAF trains that Latvia has ordered will be delivered as AC trains.

Main priority of AC network constriuntion is Ventsipils-Riga-Daugavpils and Riga- Valga tracks.

^^ Here in more appropriate language. (http://ldz.lv/?object_id=4877)

Main priority of AC network constriuntion is Ventsipils-Riga-Daugavpils and Riga- Valga tracks.
Interesting. Both routes have heavy freight traffic,so maybe electrification of those railways is a subtle hint,that in the future Latvia plans to acquire electric locomotives for cargo hauling?

Interesting. Both routes have heavy freight traffic,so maybe electrification of those railways is a subtle hint,that in the future Latvia plans to acquire electric locomotives for cargo hauling?

Well, freight traffic is the reason for electrification.

Well, freight traffic is the reason for electrification.

I quess both operation costs, passenger and freight costs will be reduced. Plust the potential for extend AC network much more than DC ever could..

Anyway happy to see that Latvia follow big trends like making supportive infrastructure decisions into Rail Baltica (25kV AC, 50 Hz)

I read from some article that DC network is old and would need extensive repairs anyway. DC network was also used only in Riga region..

So the switch into AC in Latvia has all needed arguments.

..Off the record.. I remember that I have found some old article that also Estonia is dreaming increase freight competiveness by making in the future study of DC to AC.

It’s also noteworthy that 25 kV is the standard of European Union and new electrifications should be done with the 25 kV voltage whenever it makes any sense.

So, from end of May, Rīga- Peterburg goes through Daugavpils, most of the DMU's runs from Rīga coupled in pairs and separated whether in Pļaviņas or Krustpils- depends of destinations-, and we could have some EMU's on Jāņāvārti - Zemitāni stretch.

Sauce. (http://forum.railwayz.info/viewtopic.php?p=33483#p33483)

So, from end of May, Rīga- Peterburg goes through Daugavpils

Really? That is not stated is source and sounds weird. I have always thought that route trough Rēzekne already is a big detour.

Really? That is not stated is source and sounds weird. I have always thought that route trough Rēzekne already is a big detour.

That would be weird in an other country, but in our circumstances is reasonable. The plan is to merge Peterburg's train with Rīga - Minsk, uncouple it in Daugavpils and then stick it with Vilnius - Peterburg. The advantages are: free 'slot' in schedule = more place for cargo, money saved on locomotive and crew, money saved on pay for infrastructure (in this case ~Ls 1000 for run), hope that two biggest towns of Latgale will finally have train connection for reasonable price. Disadvantages: ticket prices will rise and, the saddest thing, very bad Rīga - Kārsava link.

^^ Here in more appropriate language. (http://ldz.lv/?object_id=4877)

but nobody understands this islanders language except some million people... :ohno:

That would be weird in an other country, but in our circumstances is reasonable. The plan is to merge Peterburg's train with Rīga - Minsk, uncouple it in Daugavpils and then stick it with Vilnius - Peterburg. The advantages are: free 'slot' in schedule = more place for cargo, money saved on locomotive and crew, money saved on pay for infrastructure (in this case ~Ls 1000 for run), hope that two biggest towns of Latgale will finally have train connection for reasonable price. Disadvantages: ticket prices will rise and, the saddest thing, very bad Rīga - Kārsava link.

if LDZ was more flexible they could prolongue Riga - Rezekne till Karsava.

SM cer, ka vienošanās ar CAF ir "tuvāko dienu jautājums"
http://ldzsa.lv/lat/jaunumi/321.html

Senāts atsakās vērtēt "Stadler" sūdzību par atļauju turpināt vērienīgo vilcienu iepirkumu
http://ldzsa.lv/lat/jaunumi/315.html

Court turned down Stadler’s complaint concerning procurement of new trains by Pasazieru vilciens
Alla Petrova, BC, Riga, 14.03.2012.Print version

http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/transport/?doc=54547

Interesting news - LDz currently experience congestion on Skulte railway in Riga and the restrictions on level crossing closure at Tilta and Ezera streets during peak hours are (temporary?) lifted.
Source (latvian):
http://www.diena.lv/latvija/riga/sarkandaugavas-dzelzcela-parbrauktuves-bus-slegtas-ilgak-13936890

Why is LDz reconstructing platforms to the old height? Why not 55cm for the new trains???

Indeed very intresting news!

Picked from forum reference ->

The leaders of the Belarusian and Moscow railroads to discuss issues of bilateral cooperation in the talks in Minsk.

At the talks discussed issues such as organizing skip wagon on the interstate butt points of the Belarusian and Moscow railroads, work locomotives and locomotive crews in adjacent areas, the technical state of freight cars passed along the seams, the return of empty wagons from the Moscow railway stations in the Belarusian Railways; prospects for electrification of railway lines Rudnya Smolensk-Vitebsk-Zaolsha Bigosovo. As a result of negotiations to sign the protocol.

See the line (http://maps.google.fi/maps?saddr=Smolensk&daddr=Rudnya+to:Vitebsk+to:Zaolsha+to:Bigosovo,+Vitebsk+province,+Belarus&hl=fi&sll=55.262305,29.974449&sspn=6.043959,7.097168&geocode=%3B%3BFUQzSgMds77MASnne3z843PFRjH0_0pi0DcGQw%3B%3BFcj0UwMd6EGnASk36Hi41g7DRjEY3ldd6V8Ukw&mra=ls&t=m&z=7)

http://forum.esmasoft.com/viewtopic.php?t=1131&start=125
(PAGE 6)

Also similar news in LDZ News ->

21.martā Rīgā notika Latvijas un Baltkrievijas dzelzceļu pārstāvju tikšanās, kuras laikā tika apspriesta aktuālā situācija par kravu pārvadājumiem no Baltkrievijas uz Latvijas ostām un Latvijas kravu saņēmējiem 2012.g. 1. ceturksnī, kā arī jautājums par kravu vagonu izmantošanu.

http://www.ldz.lv/?object_id=4903

So basically.. In the news has been allready that LDZ will go AC. It seems they go AC all the way to Daugavpils!

Same preparation news at Belarusian news ->

http://mintrans.gov.by/rus/press_centre/news/~page__m18=4~news__m18=1597

http://www.belta.by/ru/all_news/economics/Belorusskaja-i-Moskovskaja-zheleznye-dorogi-dogovorilis-o-razvitii-sotrudnichestva_i_588829.html

Not a single word of CAF order finally being signed? :dunno:

Oh well...
Pasažieru Vilciens signed train purchase contract with Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF).

http://i43.tinypic.com/x38lzm.jpg

Pasažieru Vilciens finally signed train purchase contract with CAF. Previously CAF's victory on passenger trains supply procurement was contested by Stadler Rail. However,court ruled in favour of CAF's entry and at the beginning of April contract was finally signed.
Pasažieru Vilciens CEO Nils Freivalds visited CAF factories and expressed confidence that Spanish company is able to fulfil order for 41 passenger trains by 2015. PV ordered 34 EMU's and 7 DMU's - order will replace entirely old Latvian electric passenger train fleet and 1/3 of current diesel passenger train fleet. Freivalds said the fact that the trains to be built for Latvia were identical was their main advantage: the new trains will ensure flexible passenger transport options as they may be combined in various ways in just couple minutes, from one-car trains to trains with multiple cars. Also, there will be no problems with adapting the new trains for using different sources of energy. CEO refused to reveal exact cost of contract.
New trains are expected to start operating at first half of 2014.
Biggest issues between Pasažieru Vilciens and CAF were caused by PV's service & maintenance demand in contract. By that CAF is obliged to provide train maintenance for next 30 years.

Sources: http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/transport/?doc=55593
http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/transport/?doc=55696

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW

Quotation from My Riga -->

The whole history of the train issue:

http://www.ves.lv/article/210971

http://www.ves.lv/article/210967

Quotation from My Riga -->

The whole history of the train issue:

http://www.ves.lv/article/210971

http://www.ves.lv/article/210967

""Поязд шинове ПЕСА" (Польша) и "Кончар электричка возила" (Хорватия)"

Ээээ.......нахрен переводить оригинальное название?! Пипец! )))))

^^
Riechter,please follow Latvian forum language rules - only Latvian & English language :) Thanks!



17 million € will be invested into RVR factory.

It's announced that RVR will invest 13 million € and CAF will add another 4 million € into RVR factory upgrading.
30 RVR workers will recieve training in Spain and participate in tran manufacturing process there.

First 6 CAF Civity trains for Pasažieru Vilciens will be entirely built in Spain,next 8 will be partially built in Spain and final assembly will be done in Latvia. Remaining trains will be built in Latvia,in RVR factory.

Source: http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/good_for_business/?doc=55746

I hope you guys find it interesting to know that in addition to Latvia,CAF Civity trains are also being sold to Italy (Trieste region),Montenegro and Germany (the latter can opt for up to 400 EMU's!)

Here's how they will look in DB livery:
http://es.globedia.com/imagenes/noticias/2011/11/4/caf-desembarca-alemania-optara-suministro-400-trenes-regionales_1_954778.jpg

im happy these are not Stadler :D

05-04-2012 CAF signs a contract in Ñatvia for the supply of 41 trains

http://www.caf.es/ingles/prensa/noticia.php?id=125

Super! The new trains look so solid! :)
Does anybody know when Pasažieru Vilciens will begin to reconstruct their served railway stations?

High-speed rail in Latvia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-speed_rail_in_Latvia

Spanski CAF nastavlja prodor na trziste istocne Evrope...veliki ugovor upravo potpisan sa Letonijom:


CAF wins Latvian train contract
10 April 2012

LATVIA: National passenger operator Pasazieru Vilciens has ordered 34 electric and seven diesel-electric multiple-units from Spanish rolling stock manufacturer CAF.

The contract signed on April 2 is worth 144m lats, however a 30-year maintenance deal takes the total value to €400m, which according to CAF is the largest rolling stock contract ever awarded in Latvia.

Based on CAF's Civity product platform, the low-floor 1 520 mm gauge trainsets will each be formed of two motor cars and one intermediate trailer, with an overall length of 59·2 m and full-width gangways. The 3 kV DC EMUs will be able to accommodate 270 seated and 190 standing passengers, with the DEMUs offering 300 seats and room for 150 standees. Maximum speed will be 140 km/h.

Deliveries are due to start in mid-2014 for completion by the end of 2015. CAF says that some production will be subcontracted to Riga-based manufacturer RVR, and other local investment resulting from the contract will include the construction and upgrading of rolling stock maintenance facilities.


Isti model kao i za ZCG...

http://i43.tinypic.com/x38lzm.jpg

Pasazieru Vilciens plans to close 37 trips http://www.kasjauns.lv/lv/zinas/77242/latvija-plano-slegt-37-pasazieru-vilcienu-reisus


Is it real plan to close so many trips? Or like every year, just scaring with it?

How many diesel train trips are in danger? Hope that longer trips aren't in danger.

Intresting news indeed!



It seems that the funding of AC electrification will be decided at October 1, 2012.

First route to be electrified is Ventsipils-Riga-Daugavpils (http://maps.google.fi/maps?saddr=Ventspils,+Latvia&daddr=R%C4%ABga,+R%C4%ABga+galvaspils%C4%93ta,+Latvija+to:Daugavpils+(V%C3%A4in%C3%A4nlinna),+Daugavpils,+Latvia&hl=fi&ie=UTF8&ll=56.565536,24.675293&spn=5.747206,16.907959&sll=62.593341,27.575684&sspn=19.428104,67.631836&geocode=FTbHawMdMnpJASnZSEJmlsjxRjGg_vJozc8ABA%3BFRvuZAMdX81vASntPQflsM_uRjEw_vJozc8ABA%3BFWuJVAMdPKGUASnbyQH_MJTCRjHwB_Nozc8ABA&oq=daugav&mra=ls&t=m&z=7)

http://www.db.lv/razosana/transports-logistika/rigas-maskavas-vilciena-cela-pavadito-laiku-plano-samazinat-par-vairakam-stundam-370794

From this map you can see the Phase 1 planned AC network of Latvia
http://www.irliepaja.lv/lv/raksti/bizness/dzelzcela-elektrifikaciju-liepajas-ostas-virziena-neparedz/

(See picture Latvian Railway network Electrification) 2011-LV-93133-S Preliminary design of Latvian railway network electrification European Commission Trans-European Transport Network Executive Agency
VAS Latvijas dzelzcels (SJSC Latvian Railway)

The proposed Action is a project of common interest. It is highly relevant because it will help to improve and accelerate
the electrification of the Latvian railway network in order to connect Latvian sea ports with Rail Baltica and abroad. The
study’s maturity is demonstrated by the fact that the tendering process can begin immediately.
The study forms the basis for the Global Project of electrification of the main Latvian railway corridors. The Global
Project has a very high potential impact on environmental issues in a very positive manner. The proposed
action is of good quality. The proposed activities are well described and coherent with the Action’s objectives.
***************************************************************************************

http://www.irliepaja.lv/lv/raksti/bizness/page:26/

http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main

http://ldzsa.lv/eng/

...My quess is that this sort of project will be tried to be funded from Rail Baltica funds, like everything else nowdays :). ..And other quess is that later Valka will be included into electrification project (to get RB funding)

EDIT: Actually better to use 2 sources of money Cohesion Fund for this project and Rail Baltica funds for later AC extensio project.

Recently had an exclusive opportunity to see the famous Dendrārijs stop on Aizkraukle direction. The new high platform:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8015/7154051494_a881303a67_b.jpg

I though there are two platforms like that - one for each direction. The reality is bit different - the pedestrian cross goes to nowhere:
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5327/7154087109_165674f98a_b.jpg

And on the other side is the worst platform I've seen in Latvia. :D It's about 10m long, you get in train trough the first door.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7269/7154087619_283cbe849c_b.jpg
This stop is such a waste of energy, don't know why it hasn't been closed so far.

When will begin all Latvia's train stops reconstruction? Any news? In comparison, Estonians have already begun with theirs.

Well when Latvia will get their new CAF trains it seems seems so absurdic that such a train will stop into that kind of platform :D.

..Even Monty Python seems realistic compared into such a thing :))

Where are the safety fences by the way? And safety signaling system? I mean I really love to see pedestian who can spot and avoid a train that go 160km/h full speed.

And is it not nowdays illeagal to let pedestians to cross railway track by foot? Why there is no underground passage for other traffic such as cars, bicycles and pedestians?

Recently had an exclusive opportunity to see the famous Dendrārijs stop on Aizkraukle direction.

Absurd stop I must say.

Does Dendrārijs have low passenger numbers or what?

Btw,it seems bit odd that platform was rebuilt on only one side.

When will begin all Latvia's train stops reconstruction? Any news? In comparison, Estonians have already begun with theirs.
Yeah,would like to hear some new information about it. I think few years ago someone mentioned in Rail Baltica (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=320660) thread that reconstruction of Latvian stations was planned. Has there been any progress since then?

It's damn time consuming process (here in Estonia station platforms reconstruction begun in 2009 and will be completed in 2014-2015) and I'd imagine that smth has to happen soon,as new CAF Civity trains start arriving to Latvia in close future.

Btw,it seems bit odd that platform was rebuilt on only one side.


.

This platform was rebuilt as "experimental" in 2009.

This platform was rebuilt as "experimental" in 2009.

Ha ha, and is now cited by LDz in every single press release about infrastructure upgrades to new standards. In reality there were many platforms reconstructed after 2009 to the good old low height. :bash:

Does Dendrārijs have low passenger numbers or what?

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7227/7169363942_0c13c817de_b.jpg
And Aizkraukle direction trains are stopping there in every single journey. Interesting how much it cost electricity-wise? The only passengers the stop makes sense is those few farms on south-east, but even they could go directly to Skrīveri.

DRAMA CONTINUES NO EU FUNDING FOR LATVIANS!!

WRONG KIND OF CONRTACT FROM LATVIANS!

Latvia end up paying the entire cost of new trains due to faulty contract signed with CAF
Alla Petrova, BC, Riga, 16.05.2012.Print version

http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/transport/?doc=57378

Okay. Now its real Latvia will not get any funding for the new trains from EU.

What a fuck-up.

http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/transport/?doc=57465

as a result PV boss steps down.

Pasazieru vilciens CEO Freivalds steps down 18.05.2012

http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/transport/?doc=57484

^^ Why do Latvians insist on building some parts of the trains themselves?

Stadler: Freivalds was unable to properly manage new train procurement for Latvia Alla Petrova, BC, Riga, 18.05.2012.Print version

http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/transport/?doc=57511


New Pasazieru vilciens CEO bent on bringing new trains to Latvia Alla Petrova, BC, Riga, 18.05.2012.Print version
http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/transport/?doc=57498

Pasazieru vilciens board replaced Alla Petrova, BC, Riga, 22.05.2012.

http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/transport/?doc=57599

This is like The deal program :D. Donald Thrump say "YOU ARE ALL FIRED!"

This is hilarious, but at the same time very, very sad.

Again, because of corruption, incompetence etc everything gets delayed.
Funny fact, no one is being held as responsible, director just steps down and thats it.
At this pace even my children wont see the new trains. As proud as I am about LV, at times liek these I wish that I was born estonian for example :D

CAF continues successfully fulfilling train procurement contract with Latvia


Spain's Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) confirms that it continues successfully fulfilling its train procurement contract with Latvia's Pasazieru vilciens (PV) and resolves to continue and develop cooperation with the Latvian train manufacturing unit by involving Rigas Vagonbuves rupnica (RVR) as a subcontractor and ensuring that the new trains will be mostly manufactured in Latvia.


CAF informs that the company will ensure direct investments in Latvia, the possibility of restoring the country's train manufacturing sector and new jobs, provide technologies and issue a respective license, which will allow RVR to manufacture the new trains for the needs of PV and continue business activities in fulfilling other contracts. CAF will also ensure that RVR will be able to manufacture and sell its trains in CIS countries, ensuring the train manufacturing sector with high technological opportunities, writes LETA/Nozare.lv.

In its statement to the mass media, CAF expresses hope that the contract will be fulfilled with mutual honesty, contributing in delivering modern technologies to Riga as one of Europe's capitals.

Last week, CAF representatives met with Transport Minister Aivis Ronis, Transport Ministry and PV representatives to inform that the company has successfully started fulfilling the contract to supply the new trains according to the schedule so that they would be available in Riga in mid-2014.

The meeting was held on the initiative of CAF. The company requested the meeting to receive explanations about the recent information regarding the contract.

CAF points out that there have been various attempts to alter procurement results, lift the decision on company's right to sign the contract, suspend the procurement process and start new procurement, as well as to delay the signing of the contract so that the company would not be able to supply the trains on time. CAF emphasizes that the Procurement Monitoring Bureau and the court rejected all reviewed petitions as unjustified. The court permitted to sign the contract, therefore the procurement procedure was completed and the company successfully started fulfilling the contract.

No they will not.

->

Ronis urges officials to refrain from commenting train procurement contract ahead of talks with EC
Alla Petrova, BC, Riga, 24.05.2012.

http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/transport/?doc=57722


http://bnn-news.com/minister-mandate-lobby-trains-tender-62926

Very skitsofrenic stituation. Have to follow up this matter!

FINALLY some new development into this "#¤#"¤"#¤ train crazyness in Latvia :D

-->

Spanish company to be offered to amend conditions in train contract

RIGA, May 26 (NOZARE.LV) - After discussions between the Finance Ministry, ''Pasazieru Vilciens'' (Passenger Train, PV), Transport Ministry and the European Commission on Friday, it was decided to offer Spanish company "Construcciones y Ayxiliar de Ferrocarriles, S.A." (CAF) to amend conditions in the train supply contract, so that the project could receive European Union financing.\

As PV board chairman Artis Brikmanis told the business information portal ''Nozare.lv'', there is very little time to come to an agreement with CAF.

''We must work quickly and effectively, and come to an agreement within a week,'' Brikmanis said.

As reported, the European Commission has warned Latvia that if implementation of the train supply contract signed by "Pasazieru vilciens" and Spain's "Construcciones y Ayxiliar de Ferrocarriles, S.A." continues, Latvia may have to itself pay the LVL 100 million that were to be provided from the European Union's Cohesion Fund as co-financing for the project, according to a letter that the European Commission has sent to the Latvian Finance Ministry.

The letter emphasizes that if the implementation of the contract continues, the authorities of Latvia will not only violate the EU public procurement regulations, it is possible that Latvia will also have to provide the LVL 100 million itself.

The European Commission urges Latvian authorities to find an alternative and take the necessary decisions.

The total cost of the project is expected at LVL 144 million.

http://www.leta.lv/eng/home/important/319AE25F-F0A0-4947-ADF4-E7287730CB91/

Oh dear.. Bad news!

LATVIA: New train bid runs into serious problems
28.05.2012, 18:30

The new passenger train procurement bid for the Latvian state-owned passenger train operator Pasazieru vilciens (PV) turned into one of the biggest and most expensive state blunders of the past years. The bid has a winner – Spanish company Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) which has teamed up with the Latvian manufacturer Rigas vagonu rupnica (RVR)...

http://www.news2biz.com/article/2012/5/28/latvia_new_train_bid_runs_into_serious_problems

Oh dear.. Bad news!

LATVIA: New train bid runs into serious problems
28.05.2012, 18:30

The new passenger train procurement bid for the Latvian state-owned passenger train operator Pasazieru vilciens (PV) turned into one of the biggest and most expensive state blunders of the past years. The bid has a winner – Spanish company Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) which has teamed up with the Latvian manufacturer Rigas vagonu rupnica (RVR)...

http://www.news2biz.com/article/2012/5/28/latvia_new_train_bid_runs_into_serious_problems
Thanks for the article. There isn't much coverage of issue in foreign press,so this explained a lot.

Writing so demanding producer guarantees in the contract was a FAIL,imho. It should have been possible to see that rolling stock producers would never simply agree with such terms. And as contract has been changed to much easier terms now to keep CAF interested (legally entire procurement could be declared void because of this),it shouldn't be any surprise that things are so f**ked up.
It's awkward that previous Pasažieru Vilciens board members could not see problems in flawed procurement (or didn't want to see?)

Anyway,I hope everything turns out okay and contract is carried out.

it starts to get annoying :( i hardly believe we will see new trains :D

and I was so happy stadler didn't win it.

Wording of train procurement contract is outside government's competence in Latvia
Alla Petrova, BC, Riga, 29.05.2012

http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/transport/?doc=57922

Spanish offered to amend contract
May 30, 2012

http://www.baltictimes.com/news/articles/31323/

Old Latvian trains will work another 7 years May 31, 2012 8:40
Link1 (http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ru&u=http://rus.apollo.lv/ekonomika/v-latvii/transport/starye-latviiskie-poezda-smogut-rabotat-eshche-7-let%3Farticle%3D3205&ei=D1HHT8TtJPDP4QTtn9yvDg&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CGkQ7gEwAzge&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dlatvia%2Bcaf%26start%3D30%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26tbo%3D1%26biw%3D995%26bih%3D497%26tbs%3Dqdr:d%26prmd%3Dimvns) Link2 (http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ru&u=http://www.mixnews.lv/ru/exclusive/news/2012-05-31/97208&ei=-1bHT7zHJ-ii4gT205S9Dg&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCYQ7gEwAA&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dhttp://www.mixnews.lv/ru/exclusive/news/2012-05-31/97208%26hl%3Den%26prmd%3Dimvns)

CAF piekritis sākt darbu pie vilcienu iepirkuma līguma grozījumiem

http://www.apollo.lv/portal/news/articles/277925

http://www.diena.lv/bizness/caf-piekritis-sakt-darbu-pie-vilcienu-iepirkuma-liguma-grozijumiem-13952427

http://www.latvijasradio.lv/zinas/raksts.php?id=42649&gr=0

It seems that there is not going to be any kind of funtional CAF RVR deal.

New contract still questionable Jun 27, 2012

http://www.baltictimes.com/news/articles/31466/

Latvia: Spain’s CAF has agreed to replace sub-contractor Thursday, 28 June 2012 17:42

Riga (BNS) - The Spanish company Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF), the winner of the tender for supply of new trains to the Latvian rail passenger carrier Pasazieru Vilciens (Passenger Trains), has…

http://www.pnb.pl/clientarea/cee-businessline/271622-latvia_spains_caf_has_agreed.html

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:nIYMjEDgZcoJ:www.pnb.pl/clientarea/cee-businessline/271622-latvia_spains_caf_has_agreed.html+caf+latvia&cd=2&hl=fi&ct=clnk&gl=fi&client=firefox-a

RVR un spāņu vilcienu būvētājs CAF turpina sadarbību 7
Diena.lv. 2012. gada 30. jūnijs 07:1
http://www.diena.lv/bizness/rvr-un-spanu-vilcienu-buvetajs-caf-turpina-sadarbibu-13955356

Priviliģētais Kaspars Kulakovs no AS „Pasažieru vilciens”
http://antireklama.lv/ru/kaspars-kulakovs/comments/topic-16174/2.html


RVR un spāņu vilcienu būvētājs CAF turpina sadarbību 7
Diena.lv. 2012. gada 30. jūnijs 07:13
http://www.diena.lv/bizness/rvr-un-spanu-vilcienu-buvetajs-caf-turpina-sadarbibu-13955356

CAF un RVR pagarina sadarbības līgumu 21:22, 29. jūnijā, 2012
http://financenet.tvnet.lv/nozares/427470-caf_un_rvr_pagarina_sadarbibas_ligumu

Riga signed an agreement on further cooperation within the framework of the “the biggest financial deal in the history of Latvia”
June 30, 2012 8:05 pm

http://www.bakutoday.net/riga-signed-an-agreement-on-further-cooperation-within-the-framework-of-the-the-biggest-financial-deal-in-the-history-of-latvia.html

Oh, As for you trainlovers, I make small contribution - A railbus in Latvia 1934

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2414/1685846818_7f3a7e9638.jpg

PM of Latvia urges to move forward with new train procurement contract more actively
Alla Petrova, BC, Riga, 04.07.2012.

Rigas vagonbuves rupnica

Construcciones y Auxiliares de Ferrocariles

Pasazieru vilciens on June 11

http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/transport/?doc=59668

Track modernization on Valga direction goes on. Fresh tracks in Riga:

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg605/le_me/ciekurkalns.jpg

and near Sigulda:

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg605/le_me/silciems.jpg

Finally, Sigulda station is being renovated as well.

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg605/le_me/sigulda.jpg

Another ČME3M № 5955 for LDz RSS has left workshop. Photo by Aldo Siig @ Baltic Train Picture gallery. (http://gallery.balticrailpics.net/displayimage.php?pos=-24069)

^^
Nice update! :okay:



Btw,how's the new railway signalling project (http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/latvian-resignalling-goes-live.html) progressing? Any photos of new signalling system?

^^ thanks!

The project was completed in January. Signalling was modernized not just on Daugavpils - Jelgava railway, as article claims. Rēzekne - Krustpils and Jelgava - Ventspils was overdone, too. Objective of this was to put additional signalling en route, so that more than one train can use the stretch at the time.

IRL no big difference can be seen. For comparison here's a photo of Tukums - II when old system was still in use.

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg605/le_me/DSC04459.jpg

New system at work somewhere in Zemgale:

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg605/le_me/DSC07018.jpg

Finally, Sigulda station is being renovated as well.

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg605/le_me/sigulda.jpg


I'd wish that they had rebuilt 1925 railway station instead.

http://www.segewoldiana.sigulda.lv/vesture/20/1920_1934/lielas_bildes/la_gare_de_sigulda.jpg

There's some information about the Sigulda railway station here:
http://sigulda.lv/public/lat/jaunumi/5898/

They will also be rebuilding platforms, and as the thread say's:
After the reconstruction of platforms, Sigulda railway station will be the only one in Latvia, which has such platforms. Sounds awesome to me (as I'm from Sigulda). :cheers: :lol:

They will also be rebuilding platforms, and as the thread say's:
After the reconstruction of platforms, Sigulda railway station will be the only one in Latvia, which has such platforms. Sounds awesome to me (as I'm from Sigulda). :cheers: :lol:
It seems that finally at least someone will get the 550mm platforms. Without them, the train procurement is quite useless. :D

And, no, if you look back a few pages in this thread, there is such a platform in Dendrārijs station already, so the article is slightly misleading.

It seems that finally at least someone will get the 550mm platforms. Without them, the train procurement is quite useless. :D

And, no, if you look back a few pages in this thread, there is such a platform in Dendrārijs station already, so the article is slightly misleading.

Yeah, Dendrarijs have them, I saw those pics, but i thought it was just an experiment. As they actually built platform only on one side of railway. :D

Railway Electrification - Articles and news items

The railway market in Latvia continues to grow
Issue 3 2012 / 8 June 2012 /

http://www.europeanrailwayreview.com/tag/railway-electrification/

Good article to read in full. Looks like there is development arguments :) :banana:

Media goes wild with the RVR CAF deal. It seems that there is going to be totally new train competition. All will be decided at October 2012. Untill that everything remains open!

So basically Stadler, Ahlström or Bombardier can still win the competition.

Tuesday, August 07, 2012 CAF delivers regional train to Italy
http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/rolling-stock/caf-delivers-regional-train-to-italy.html?channel=542#.UCeGQ6PwqHt


Конкурс на поставку поездов может "подешеветь" в четыре раза
(18)LETA | 07 августа 2012, 12:32
http://biznes.delfi.lv/bnews/konkurs-na-postavku-poezdov-mozhet-podeshevet-v-chetyre-raza.d?id=42571960


Jaunā vilcienu iepirkuma summu varētu samazināt līdz 170 miljoniem eiro (precizēta) (18)LETA | 07. augusts 2012 11:57
http://www.delfi.lv/bizness/uznemumi/jauna-vilcienu-iepirkuma-summu-varetu-samazinat-lidz-170-miljoniem-eiro-precizeta.d?id=42571726

Jaunā vilcienu iepirkuma summu varētu samazināt līdz 170 miljoniem eiro (precizēta) (18)LETA | 07. augusts 2012 11:57
http://www.delfi.lv/bizness/uznemumi/jauna-vilcienu-iepirkuma-summu-varetu-samazinat-lidz-170-miljoniem-eiro-precizeta.d?id=42571726

Var būt jauns vilcienu konkurss 3 Māris Ķirsons, 2012. gada 6. augusts 07:45
http://www.db.lv/razosana/transports-logistika/var-but-jauns-vilcienu-konkurss-376440


ЕК может лишить Латвию денег на покупку новых поездов
(24)BNS | 12 июля 2012, 10:25
http://biznes.delfi.lv/bnews/ek-mozhet-lishit-latviyu-deneg-na-pokupku-novyh-poezdov.d?id=42504020

http://www.latvijasradio.lv/assets/audio.php?id=44072

PV aicinās CAF atcelt konfidencialitātes statusu jauno vilcienu līgumam
http://ldzsa.lv/lat/jaunumi/23.html


RVR sarunas ar 'Swedbank' par pārkreditēšanos vainagojušās panākumiem
(10) | 04. jūlijs 2012 07:59
http://www.delfi.lv/bizness/uznemumi/rvr-sarunas-ar-swedbank-par-parkreditesanos-vainagojusas-panakumiem.d?id=42483362

RVR ar spāņu vilcienu būvētāju CAF pagarina sadarbības līgumu (35) 29.jūnijs 2012 19:38
http://m.bizness.delfi.lv/article.php?id=42474462

Jaunu pasažieru vilcienu iepirkumu var samazināt līdz 117 miljoniem latu
http://nozare.lv/comments/item/13304E72-604D-2952-D204-9EA402F6A8C6/

http://www.rtu.lv/content/view/3508/1536/lang,lv/#Dzelzce%C4%BCa%20transports

For translations of articles I used http://www.bing.com/translator/ and http://translate.google.com/ Dzelzceļa elektrifikāciju

http://www.diena.lv/bizness/razosana/vilcienu-milzu-cinas-latvija-caf-gaida-liguma-grozijumus-latvija-uzskata-ka-majasdarbu-izdarijusi-13962720?cp=1 It seems, that PV is not interested in buying new trains- they hadn't worked with CAF to make some changes in contract, if connection between CAF and PV won't be established in next 6 weeks, CAF will sue PV,

http://www.diena.lv/bizness/razosana/vilcienu-milzu-cinas-latvija-caf-gaida-liguma-grozijumus-latvija-uzskata-ka-majasdarbu-izdarijusi-13962720?cp=1 It seems, that PV is not interested in buying new trains- they hadn't worked with CAF to make some changes in contract, if connection between CAF and PV won't be established in next 6 weeks, CAF will sue PV,

If CAF will get some refunding will EU pay part of that fine?

Also what happends if Stadler wins the second open train competition?

Some news related LDz ->
http://www.baltic-course.com/rus/zurnal_biznes_klass/?doc=56279

^^ http://www.db.lv/foto-video/foto/dzelzcels-novers-kara-sekas-375584 here are some info in Latvian and nice pics from construction site.

And I found another interesting railway article - http://nra.lv/latvija/riga/77711-latvijas-dzelzcels-apgust-vel-100-miljonus-latu.htm

Nē, jo visu likt uz vienas kārts nav īpaši gudri. Taču Dienvidu–Ziemeļu tranzīta koridorā gadā pārvadā vidēji līdz 5 miljoniem tonnu, kas salīdzinājumā ar AustrumuRietumu koridoru ir ļoti maz.
Krievijas valdība attīstības plānā līdz 2030. gadam nav ieplānojusi dzelzceļa infrastruktūras pilnveidošanu Baltijas valstu virzienā. Nenoliedzami, ka tas ir arī politisks lēmums, kuru ietekmēt nav nedz Latvijas, nedz Krievijas dzelzceļa spēkos.
Patlaban no Krievijas pa tiešo Latvijā var ievest 27 miljonus tonnu, pārējās kravas no Krievijas Latvijā ienāk caur Baltkrieviju. Tā ir Krievijas kopējā dzelzceļu sistēmas problēma.

And I found some shitty news: http://www.delfi.lv/bizness/uznemumi/stadler-neatklaj-vai-startes-jauna-vilcienu-iepirkuma-konkursa.d?id=42598972

Overall they sound fine except this part:

Kā ziņots, ja netiks panākta vienošanās ar Spānijas uzņēmumu "Construcciones y Auxiliares de Ferrocariles" (CAF) par jauno vilcienu iepirkumu, AS "Pasažieru vilciens" rīkos jaunu konkursu, paredzot iepirkt tikai 34 elektrovilcienus, par katru maksājot aptuveni piecus miljonus eiro (3,5 miljoni latu). Kopējā iepirkuma summa tad būtu 170 miljoni eiro (117 miljoni latu), intervijā biznesa portālam "Nozare.lv" skaidroja uzņēmuma valdes priekšsēdētājs Artis Birkmanis.

"Jaunajā līgumā būs tikai vilcienu iegāde, līdz ar to tiek būtiski samazināta iepirkuma summa. Ja pašreizējā iepirkuma summa ir ap 600 miljoniem eiro (420 miljoni latu), tad jaunajā iepirkumā tiks pirkti 34 elektrovilcieni, katrs par aptuveni pieciem miljoniem eiro, līdz ar to aptuvenā konkursa summa varētu būt 170 miljoni eiro," skaidro Birkmanis.

Viņš norāda, ka jaunajā iepirkuma līgumā netiks ietverta 30 gadu vilcienu apkalpošana, turklāt "šajā plānošanas periodā dīzeļvilcienus tad neplānosim iegādāties".

This means that if we fail to manage all the stuff with CAF, we won't get diesel trains. =.=

Latvia: DLRR (Daugavpils Lokomotīvju Remonta Rūpnīca // Даугавпилсский локомотиворемонтный завод) announced financial plan

Daugavpils locomotive repair plantDLRR announced a financial plan. The company plans to earn LVL 712 thousand.

http://www.railwaymarket.eu/news/2512

http://www.dlrz.lv/

http://www.skinest.ee/new/index.php?id=13

Konkurss par jaunu tramvaju vagonu piegādi Daugavpilī ir izraisījis lielu interesi

http://lat.gorod.lv/zinas/163622-konkurss-par-jaunu-tramvaju-vagonu-piegadi-daugavpili-ir-izraisijis-lielu-interesi

Opening ceremony of Sigulda train station and laima clock. The ceremony held yesterday.

http://i46.tinypic.com/2ijno03.jpg


If you had any photography of this ceremony. Just share with them.

Opening ceremony of Sigulda train station and laima clock. The ceremony held yesterday.

http://i46.tinypic.com/2ijno03.jpg


If you had any photography of this ceremony. Just share with them.

I think the wall could use graffiti and tag or two. Looks too steril for RW station.

Found two somewhat recent photo reports on the reconstruction of Sigulda rail road station:

http://www.aprinkis.lv/component/k2/item/4368-siguldas-dzelzcela-stacija-10-dienas-pirms-atklasanas-zilbinosi#itemImageGalleryAnchor
http://www.fotoblog.lv/rep/28296?cid=68080

I must say it's one of the best looking stations!
The Siguldans can be very proud of such a modern station with a bus station, fresh toilets, police and service and soon - high platforms.

/or

How is the Skrīveru-Krustpils construction proceeding? When it will be compleated?

Found two somewhat recent photo reports on the reconstruction of Sigulda rail road station:

http://www.aprinkis.lv/component/k2/item/4368-siguldas-dzelzcela-stacija-10-dienas-pirms-atklasanas-zilbinosi#itemImageGalleryAnchor
http://www.fotoblog.lv/rep/28296?cid=68080

I must say it's one of the best looking stations!
The Siguldans can be very proud of such a modern station with a bus station, fresh toilets, police and service and soon - high platforms.

/or

You're damn right. Station is epic. Could be the sexiest station in whole Latvia. :D

You're damn right. Station is epic. Could be the sexiest station in whole Latvia. :D

Where to see more Latvian station picture by the way? Would be intresting see :)

^^ Here. (http://railwayz.info/photolines/newphotos.php?rw_id=9) But I don't think it's pleasant sight... :)

CAF joprojām cer, ka varēs piegādāt vilcienus Latvijā (16) BNS | 05. septembris 2012 20:10

http://www.delfi.lv/bizness/uznemumi/caf-joprojam-cer-ka-vares-piegadat-vilcienus-latvija.d?id=42648508

The case in Latvian train tender is so, that the Latvian goverment lets the current agreement expire (2nd of October). Then there is going to be a new tender, with all the previous players.

The first tender had included maintenance agreements, and it was notified several times from European Comission that EU funding will be given only to train delivery NOT to maintenance.

I bet Latvians make not 2 tenders, train delivery AND maintenance?
--> Then they sum both tenders and check which one have in general best offer.

I quess the last man standing is actually company that have maintenance infrastructure and personel in Latvia.

Companies such as http://www.skinest.ee/new/index.php?id=13 http://dlrz.lv/index.php?lang=en and http://www.rvr.lv/en/index.html will have big role in the maintenace contract.

The next tender is going to be final one, and the game is all but over any of train suppliers, such as Ahlström, Bombardier, Stadler or CAF (http://bnn-news.com/caf-satisfied-transport-minister-avoids-giving-comments-74466).

Translated news (http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.aspx?from=&to=en&a=http://www.delfi.lv/bizness/uznemumi/caf-joprojam-cer-ka-vares-piegadat-vilcienus-latvija.d?id=42648508)

Technical question:

Was the previous tender made for AC or DC trains?

If it was AC, then :banana:

Where is the actual tender by the way? Is it available in internet? I wonder will the same rules in tender apply to everyone?

The contract provides numerous advantages to CAF, which, in turn, are disadvantages for the Latvian government. For example, CAF no longer has to buy back the trains if they prove to be defective and do not conform to the specifications. The producer guarantees for carrying out the contract have also been cut: previously they stood at EUR 30.5m, but now they have shrunk to EUR 10m. The number of cases when CAF can break the contract has also been increased.

The Ministry of Finance even claims that Latvia will have to break the contract with CAF. The Ministry of Transportation claims that PV had been working on its own, ignoring warnings from other government institutions. The ministry has not elaborated why it failed to oversee and discipline the renegade company.


http://www.news2biz.com/?PublicationId=28ae4d9e-a14e-48c6-938c-d71a31eeeedc

I remember when I once sold some machines, the contract was open for everyone and same rules applied everyone. No one could care less where, or by whom the machines were built, all that mattered that company got quality and quantity as promised. Seems that Latvian train tender part 1 was not made any way close to EU-funding regulations.

Sigulda railway station a day before opening after reconstruction 31.08.2012.
Siguldas dzelzceļa stacija pirms atklāšanas 2012. gada. 31. augustā.
http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/9787/p8280002.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/545/p8280002.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/4307/p8280004.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/594/p8280004.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/5978/p8280006z.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/856/p8280006z.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/913/p8290013.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/585/p8290013.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
DMU train arrived to Gulbene station
http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/6118/p8290023h.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/266/p8290023h.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
Ex. Riga children railway narrow gauge diesellocomotive ТУ2-273 with train leaving Gulbene station.
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/4435/p8290063.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/526/p8290063.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us) ГМД-2. Property of "Bānīša draugu klubs", Gulbene depot.

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/8337/p8290073.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/221/p8290073.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us) Steam loco Gr-319 tender. Property of Lavassare narrow gauge museum railway, Estonia.
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/2654/p8290076a.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/11/p8290076a.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us) "Vagon - Stolovoya". ВС-053. Unique and rare exhibit. Property of "Bānīša draugu klubs"

Interesting stuff. Thanks!

Spaniards to sue Latvia September 12, 2012
http://bnn-news.com/spaniards-ready-sue-latvia-74938

Spaniards prepared to sue the trains in front of the current dispute Latvia in Stockholm 11/09/2012.

http://www.pietiek.com/raksti/spani_gatavi_tiesaties_par_vilcieniem,_latvijai_prieksa_karteja_prava_stokholma

Translated (http://translate.google.fi/translate?hl=fi&sl=lv&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pietiek.com%2Fraksti%2Fspani_gatavi_tiesaties_par_vilcieniem%2C_latvijai_prieksa_karteja_prava_stokholma)

Without altering the train to the draft treaty, the unsigned no ... Enough 09/12/2012.

http://pietiek.com/raksti/negrozot_vilcienu_liguma_projektu,_to_neparakstitu_neviens

Translated (http://translate.google.fi/translate?hl=fi&sl=lv&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fpietiek.com%2Fraksti%2Fnegrozot_vilcienu_liguma_projektu%2C_to_neparakstitu_neviens)

Stokenbergs wants CAF to show greater understanding of EU public procurement procedure
Alla Petrova, BC, Riga, 12.09.2012

http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/transport/?doc=62747

http://www.balticsww.com/post/stokenbergs-wants-caf-to-show-greater-understanding-of-eu-public-procurement-procedure/

Subcontractor RVR ready to court Latvian state and CAF: train procurement responsibility of the passenger train, past and present board 2012. OF 12. September

http://www.db.lv/razosana/transports-logistika/rvr-vilcienu-iepirkuma-atbildiba-jauznemas-pasazieru-vilciena-bijusajam-un-esosajai-valdei-378498

Translated (http://translate.google.fi/translate?hl=fi&sl=lv&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.db.lv%2Frazosana%2Ftransports-logistika%2Frvr-vilcienu-iepirkuma-atbildiba-jauznemas-pasazieru-vilciena-bijusajam-un-esosajai-valdei-378498)

I wonder who will pay court bills, if even the trains were suppose to be bought with high EU-funding? Plus if the money comes from EU the contract should be according to EU standards, why in the hell CAF even made contract that was out of the standards?? I mean the payer dictates the rules (EU).

Seems that Latvia wont get new trains anytime soon:ohno:

Not to mention, this simply destroys our reputation as a trustworthy partner. A good idea ruined (again) and no one will be held responsible.

CAF unhappy with negotiations, meanwhile avoids the Seal of the comments 2012th On 13 September

http://bnn.lv/caf-gribam-buvet-vagonus-nevis-algot-advokatus-83376

Translated (http://translate.google.fi/translate?sl=lv&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=fi&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fbnn.lv%2Fcaf-gribam-buvet-vagonus-nevis-algot-advokatus-83376)

Plus if the money comes from EU the contract should be according to EU standards, why in the hell CAF even made contract that was out of the standards??
PV wrote that contract, besides, most probably it's perfectly suitable with EU regulations.

Seems that Latvia wont get new trains anytime soon
Situation isn't so helpless. Most probably we won't get new trains until Stadler win a bid. :)

European Commission concerned about new train procurement in Latvia
Alla Petrova, BC, Riga, 12.09.2012

http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/transport/?doc=62725


Holy crap. Now Latvia is loosing the EU-funding for the deal.
Who will pay the trains and CAF court fees?

14.09.2012, 10:40 Stokenbergs ends CAF's patience

http://unity.lv/en/news/708024/

Its official now. EU is proceeding with Latvias Dzelzceļa elektrifikāciju

September 10, 2012 The EU co-finances 74 infrastructural plans with 200 million euros

2011-LV-93133-S

Preliminary Design of Latvian Railway Electrification Network (2011-LV-93133-S - €1,419,000)

http://www.informare.it/news/gennews/2012/20121558-UE-cofinanzia-200-milioni-euro-74-progetti-infrastrutturaliuk.asp

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/12/654

http://www.diena.lv/sodien-laikraksta/elektrovilcieni-dizelu-vieta-13967311

Ne tik trokšņaini kravu pārvadājumi, videi draudzīgāks, ātrāks dzelzceļš - tādi ir daži galvenie ieguvumi, Latvijā realizējot vienu no lielākajiem investīciju projektiem dzelzceļa infrastruktūrā - dzelzceļa elektrifikāciju. No 2016.

http://www.kasjauns.lv/lv/zinas/93833/fm-kohezijas-politikas-finansejums-ir-visnozimigakas-investicijas-latvija

Par 0,6 miljardiem eiro iespējams elektrificēt Latvijas tranzīta dzelzceļa tīklu, kas palielinātu dzelzceļa koridora konkurētspēju un efektivitāti, radītu jaunas darba vietas un būtiski mazinātu negatīvo ietekmi uz vidi, norāda FM.

Sigulda railway station a day before opening after reconstruction 31.08.2012.

Where are the promised 550mm platforms?

^^ Who needs them anyway? We are not going to buy new DMUs.

Pasazieru vilciens could establish subsidiary for new train procurement tender
Alla Petrova, BC, Riga, 17.09.2012

http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/transport/?doc=62936


PV varētu dibināt māsaskompāniju un rīkot jaunu vilcienu iepirkumu konkursu 16. septembris 2012 20:28

http://www.delfi.lv/bizness/uznemumi/pv-varetu-dibinat-masaskompaniju-un-rikot-jaunu-vilcienu-iepirkumu-konkursu.d?id=42674270

Translated (http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.aspx?from=&to=en&a=http://www.delfi.lv/bizness/uznemumi/pv-varetu-dibinat-masaskompaniju-un-rikot-jaunu-vilcienu-iepirkumu-konkursu.d?id=42674270)

Spāņi gatavi tiesāties par vilcieniem, Latvijai priekšā kārtējā prāva Stokholmā 11.09.2012.
http://www.pietiek.com/raksti/spani_gatavi_tiesaties_par_vilcieniem,_latvijai_prieksa_karteja_prava_stokholma

Where are the promised 550mm platforms?

They are going to be built during 2nd stage.
IMO, the planning of reconstruction is awful. First, they finish the station, make huge opening ceremony, and then keep working for next 3 months to finish all the infrastructure. That's just stupid. :bash:
Anyways, post below yours said that we won't get DMU's. That's right, but in case PV makes new company and tries to get new contract, PV will buy less trains, but put some more cash in platform reconstruction and railway electrification. That should probably fix the problem of missing DMU's - electrificate those lines which are being used the most (probably whole Riga-Valka line, Riga-Daugavpils etc.) Not sure about that, though. Just dreaming. :lol:

But really, no DMU's is a lot better, if we get electrified lines, isn't it? :D

I seriously hope that heads will roll because of all those train tender f**k ups. :mad: And creating a whole new company to keep the tender running just seems so shady. If this mess continues then it's more than certain that EU will pull their funding,both Stadler & CAF will sue everybody and Latvian tax payers will pay the bills without actually getting anything in return and are still being forced to use ageing trains.



Btw,Sigulda station building looks really nice.

Delfi has new maintopic "CAF"

It has gatheres all news included the Latvian soap opera train procurement.

http://www.delfi.lv/temas/caf

Translated (http://translate.google.fi/translate?hl=fi&sl=lv&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.delfi.lv%2Ftemas%2Fcaf)

Nobody wants to take responsibility for Freivalds future career
Mon, 2012. year 17. September 21:05

http://www.apollo.lv/zinas/neviens-nevelas-uznemties-atbildibu-par-freivalda-talako-karjeru/531288

Translated (http://translate.google.fi/translate?hl=fi&sl=lv&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.apollo.lv%2Fzinas%2Fneviens-nevelas-uznemties-atbildibu-par-freivalda-talako-karjeru%2F531288)

BTW. I think this train procurement has material for movie. Office work and technics are not so full of drama usually!

Laikraksts: vilcienu iepirkumā valsts riskē ar CAF prasību līdz 200 miljoniem eiro
19. septembris 2012 07:07


http://www.delfi.lv/bizness/uznemumi/laikraksts-vilcienu-iepirkuma-valsts-riske-ar-caf-prasibu-lidz-200-miljoniem-eiro.d?id=42681024


Translated (http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.aspx?from=&to=en&a=http://www.delfi.lv/bizness/uznemumi/laikraksts-vilcienu-iepirkuma-valsts-riske-ar-caf-prasibu-lidz-200-miljoniem-eiro.d?id=42681024)

If no agreement is reached with CAF, it may file lawsuit against Latvia
Alla Petrova, BC, Riga, 19.09.2012.Print version

http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/transport/?doc=63107

EC awaits solution to Latvian-Spanish rail deal
Sep 19, 2012
http://www.baltictimes.com/news/articles/31878/


Passenger Train may get a sister company
http://bnn-news.com/passenger-train-sister-company-75391

I don't get it. Everything is signed with CAF. I don't like them, yes. I'd prefer Stadler. But really, those stupid di*ks in PV signed that contract, they just have to deal with that now and take CAF's trains.. They are still going to be better than these pieces of shit running on our rail today.. And it's better to get something than not to get anything..

CAF (cheapest offer) won in Helsinki metro tender.

I bet they will not work at winter and the air conditioner dont work in our climate "#¤"#¤

Cheap is out of quality. ..Always.

http://m.omakaupunki.fi/paakaupunkiseutu/uutiset/uudet_metrojunat_espanjasta/

http://www.radiocity.fi/uutiset/paakaupunkiseutu/hkl-tilaa-20-uutta-metroa-espanjasta/1/4129

CAF (cheapest offer) won in Helsinki metro tender.

I bet they will not work at winter and the air conditioner dont work in our climate "#¤"#¤

Cheap is out of quality. ..Always.

http://m.omakaupunki.fi/paakaupunkiseutu/uutiset/uudet_metrojunat_espanjasta/

http://www.radiocity.fi/uutiset/paakaupunkiseutu/hkl-tilaa-20-uutta-metroa-espanjasta/1/4129

How much, exactly, would you like to to bet for it? :)
At least the Sm4, which were built by CAF although designed by Fiat, have worked very well. Where have CAF's trains failed to function properly by now?

Anyways, post below yours said that we won't get DMU's. That's right, but in case PV makes new company and tries to get new contract, PV will buy less trains, but put some more cash in platform reconstruction and railway electrification. That should probably fix the problem of missing DMU's - electrificate those lines which are being used the most (probably whole Riga-Valka line, Riga-Daugavpils etc.) Not sure about that, though. Just dreaming.

Tās ir štokija atrunas, lai viņam neuzdotu jautājumus, kāpēc mums pēkšņi vairs nevajag dīzeļvilcienus (kaut gan īstenībā mums tos vajag kā ūdeni). Lieta tāda, ka platformas, sliedes, elektrifikācija un jebkas cits, kas tieši neattiecas uz vilcieniem, pieder LDz infrastruktūrai. PV par šo lietu uzturēšanu LDz infrastruktūrai gadā samaksā ap 25 milj. latu. PV nevar ieguldīt platformās- tā nebūtu normāla uzņēmējdarbības prakse-, jo, pirmkārt, PV jau par šiem pakalpojumiem vienreiz (daudzkārt?) samaksājis un, otrkārt, PV nav vienīgais pasažieru vilcienu operators Latvijā.
Uz Siguldu elektrifikāciju pat kravas vilcienu vajadzībām LDz neplāno.

Its official now. EU is proceeding with Latvias Dzelzceļa elektrifikāciju

September 10, 2012 The EU co-finances 74 infrastructural plans with 200 million euros

2011-LV-93133-S

Preliminary Design of Latvian Railway Electrification Network (2011-LV-93133-S - €1,419,000)

http://www.informare.it/news/gennews/2012/20121558-UE-cofinanzia-200-milioni-euro-74-progetti-infrastrutturaliuk.asp

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/12/654

http://www.diena.lv/sodien-laikraksta/elektrovilcieni-dizelu-vieta-13967311

Ne tik trokšņaini kravu pārvadājumi, videi draudzīgāks, ātrāks dzelzceļš - tādi ir daži galvenie ieguvumi, Latvijā realizējot vienu no lielākajiem investīciju projektiem dzelzceļa infrastruktūrā - dzelzceļa elektrifikāciju. No 2016.

http://www.kasjauns.lv/lv/zinas/93833/fm-kohezijas-politikas-finansejums-ir-visnozimigakas-investicijas-latvija

Par 0,6 miljardiem eiro iespējams elektrificēt Latvijas tranzīta dzelzceļa tīklu, kas palielinātu dzelzceļa koridora konkurētspēju un efektivitāti, radītu jaunas darba vietas un būtiski mazinātu negatīvo ietekmi uz vidi, norāda FM.



That's right, but in case PV makes new company and tries to get new contract, PV will buy less trains, but put some more cash in platform reconstruction and railway electrification. That should probably fix the problem of missing DMU's - electrificate those lines which are being used the most (probably whole Riga-Valka line, Riga-Daugavpils etc.)

But really, no DMU's is a lot better, if we get electrified lines, isn't it? :D

I think AC electrification and train procurement are using same money source and same money pile. I dont believe it would be just funny coincidence that AC preliminary design and train tender are proceeding simultaneously.

SO to the point. The secret contract made contain AC trains, NOT DC! (pure speculation, but logically thinking the only explanation)

Freivalds «Zasulaukā» atbildīgs par jauno pasūtījumu piesaisti
Svētdiena, 2012. gada 23. septembris 16:42


Translated (http://translate.google.fi/translate?hl=fi&sl=lv&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.apollo.lv%2Fzinas%2Ffreivalds-zasulauka-atbildigs-par-jauno-pasutijumu-piesaisti%2F532159)

Štokenbergs ziņu aģentūrai samelojies par tikšanos ar „CAF”
http://www.pietiek.com/raksti/stokenbergs_zinu_agenturai_samelojies_par_tiksanos_ar_caf

Translated (http://translate.google.fi/translate?hl=fi&sl=lv&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pietiek.com%2Fvisi_raksti)

CAF does not want new train procurement contract with Pasazieru vilciens
Alla Petrova, BC, Riga, 26.09.2012.Print version

Basically CAF announced that they dont want new tender. They are willing to change excisting contract.

Looks promising. I hope Latvia will get their AC trains and some EU money is left for AC infra works too.

http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/transport/?doc=63469

http://bnn-news.com/caf-sign-train-procurement-contract-76395

http://www.balticsww.com/post/caf-does-not-want-new-train-procurement-contract-with-pasazieru-vilciens/

http://www.apollo.lv/zinas/caf-nav-gatavs-slegt-jaunu-vilcienu-iepirkuma-ligumu/532644
Translated (http://translate.google.fi/translate?hl=fi&sl=lv&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.apollo.lv%2Fzinas%2Fcaf-nav-gatavs-slegt-jaunu-vilcienu-iepirkuma-ligumu%2F532644)

Translated2 (http://translate.google.fi/translate?hl=fi&sl=ru&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kasjauns.lv%2Fru%2Fnovosti%2F95282%2Fcaf-ne-gotova-zakljuchitj-novij-dogovor-o-zakupkah-poezdov)

Good news,guys! :cheers: There's a chance that we will soon get a decent way of travelling between two Baltic capitals:

Elektriraudtee is investigating options of opening Tallinn-Riga line.

Company is actively investigating international Tallinn-Riga line and is negotiating with Latvian railway authorities to find out necessary equipment and railway usage fees.

Riga-Valka railway reconstruction is needed on Latvian side before line could be launched,but once it is done Elektriraudtee's new Stadler Flirt diesel trains could run on Tallinn-Tartu-Riga route under 4,5h.

Company is also considering St.Petersburg & Moscow routes which need Russian certified passenger trains (Tin_Can - ironically,Flirts aren't those) and faster border control,before effective service could be launched.

Source: http://www.logistikauudised.ee/article/2012/9/27/elektriraudtee-uurib-voimalusi-riia-rongiliini-avamiseks

Hmm, if it would be Tallinn-(Pärnu)-Riga, then i'd even use it sometimes. But through Tartu- i don't know...

So we still need to run old trains for Russia :D

Hmm, if it would be Tallinn-(Pärnu)-Riga, then i'd even use it sometimes. But through Tartu- i don't know...

So we still need to run old trains for Russia :D

4½ hours seems to be the same time the bus takes from Tallinn to Riga. It doesn't matter if there's a big detour, since the train is still no slower than a bus.

If people can choose between train and bus with neither one being any faster than the other, I think most people will go for the train unless the bus companies drop the prices big time.
A smooth ride is always nicer than a less smooth ride :)

4½ hours seems to be the same time the bus takes from Tallinn to Riga. It doesn't matter if there's a big detour, since the train is still no slower than a bus.

If people can choose between train and bus with neither one being any faster than the other, I think most people will go for the train unless the bus companies drop the prices big time.
A smooth ride is always nicer than a less smooth ride :)

If the price is competative, and travel speed is same everyone will choose train.

I bet Tallin-Riga trains would have pretty luxus restaurant wagon, toilets, wlan, possibility to watch tv... and mighby even shower :)

Plus you can make sex in train. In bus it is more difficult. ..Been there, done that.

As this map shows, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostitution_in_Europe better traveling possibilities can merge new commersial markets.
**************************
Why can’t CAF and Pasažieru vilciens reach an agreement? September 27, 2012
http://bnn-news.com/cant-caf-pasazieru-vilciens-reach-agreement-76575

Rīgas vagonbūves rūpnīca ilgi uz pārmijām nestāvēs 14 Ieva Mārtiņa, Māris Ķirsons, 2012. gada 27. septembris 08:12
http://www.db.lv/foto-video/foto/rigas-vagonbuves-rupnica-ilgi-uz-parmijam-nestaves-379409?image=13#current-image

Translated1 (http://translate.google.fi/translate?hl=fi&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.db.lv%2Ffoto-video%2Ffoto%2Frigas-vagonbuves-rupnica-ilgi-uz-parmijam-nestaves-379409%3Fimage%3D13)


Vilcienu iepirkums: CAF nav gatavs slēgt jaunu līgumu 26. septembris 2012
http://www.delfi.lv/bizness/uznemumi/vilcienu-iepirkums-caf-nav-gatavs-slegt-jaunu-ligumu.d?id=42699550

Translated2 (http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.aspx?from=&to=en&a=http://www.delfi.lv/bizness/uznemumi/vilcienu-iepirkums-caf-nav-gatavs-slegt-jaunu-ligumu.d?id=42699550)

Štokenbergs: CAF vērsies Stokholmas šķīrējtiesas mediācijā saistībā ar PV jauno vilcienu iepirkumu 27. septembris
http://www.delfi.lv/bizness/uznemumi/stokenbergs-caf-versies-stokholmas-skirejtiesas-mediacija-saistiba-ar-pv-jauno-vilcienu-iepirkumu.d?id=42701714

Translated3 (http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.aspx?from=&to=en&a=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.delfi.lv%2Fbizness%2Fuznemumi%2Fstokenbergs-caf-versies-stokholmas-skirejtiesas-mediacija-saistiba-ar-pv-jauno-vilcienu-iepirkumu.d%3Fid%3D42701714)

Plus you can make sex in train. In bus it is more difficult. ..Been there, done that.

Not this again :lol:
-----------------------

Anyways, when will Latvia upgrade Riga-Valka line to 120km/h? Wihtout this upgrade, there is no chance of opening a Tallinn-Tartu-Valga/Valka-Riga train line.

Plus you can make sex in train. In bus it is more difficult. ..Been there, done that.

Sometimes it's quite funny seeing people not figure out that the train staff really does watch the security camera screens and that they've been implemented quite well on the Flirts.
When the rest of the wagon is empty, people may start picking their noses, scratching their butts and kissing their companions with a lot more emotion than they'd show if they understood I'm able to see them. Haven't seen anyone having sex, though. If I did and the train was otherwise empty, I would just check they aren't breaking anything and turn the camera off. Dunno how other people might react, though. With other passengers in the risk of wandering into the place where the excessive happiness is taking place, I would probably pick up the microphone and say something around the lines of "Dear passengers. I can see few of you acting in a way that is likely to disturb the other passengers around. Please be aware that you are not alone in the train. Thank you."

Sometimes it's quite funny seeing people not figure out that the train staff really does watch the security camera screens and that they've been implemented quite well on the Flirts.


I suppose you mean those sphererical object on roof top?
Yep, I have noticed them. Tough I have not seen any cams in train toilets.

..That is where all the action is ;). Actually no one in their right mind would have tought sex in old DR train. I remember one of my trips I took train from Riga to Daugavpils. By god not even me is so kinky that would think sex in those old (piece of shit) trains.

No. I cannot wait anymore to do some Flirt travelling in Estonia and Belarus :ohno:

Check out this toilet! REALLY

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4005/4680405266_8fabcb99b7_z.jpg

Here is some pre-taste pic of what you can do in FLIRT toilet (Polish dacing and rod driving) The metal Poles are NOT to be mistaken as just some stuff fir handicaps!

->

http://www.britneyspearspicturesbritneyspears.com/britney-spears-picture-pole-dancing-wax-museum-MulaN.jpg

This is certainly a better deal for Belarus and those Belarusians who will be riding those nice trains... now these are sexy trains.

QUOTE]

Talking about sex in the train. What is your favourite position?

See this video in part 1:20. http://et-ee.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=197885700249891

I have noticed that this kind of postions work best in Stadler flirt toilet

->

http://www.justdesktopwallpapers.com/images/celebrities/carmenelectra/carmen_electra_from_behind_1280x1024.jpg

http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l3t8u5AOJX1qah2gqo1_400.jpg


One leg on closed toilet seat, one leg standing gives good thrust posibilities and nice acceleration possibilities. HOT DAMN! Jihaa! I like to ride new trains ;).

What is others favourite penetration point in train (FPP) by the way?

I actually took one trip from Kerava to Helsinki with SM4 (http://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sm4) the toilets were atleast in that train pretty neat.

...электрификация железнодорожного коридора Восток-Запад..

LDz wants to modernize the infrastructure for 900 million euros 30.9.2012

Translated (http://translate.google.fi/translate?hl=fi&sl=ru&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Frus.tvnet.lv%2Fnovosti%2Fekonomika%2F211285-ldz_hochjet_modjernizirovat_infrastrukturu_na_900_mln_jevro)

Latvijas dzelzceļš dreams master almost a billion euros September 28, 2012,


Translated (http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.aspx?from=&to=en&a=http://biznes.delfi.lv/bnews/latvijas-dzelzcels-mechtaet-osvoit-pochti-milliard-evro.d?id=42706850)

01.10.2012, 12:29 BNN-news.com Termination of the contract with CAF could end with insolvency for RVR
http://unity.lv/en/news/719620/

Pasazieru vilciens hopes to receive CAF’s before October 3 Alla Petrova, BC, Riga, 01.10.2012
http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/transport/?doc=63660

01.10.2012 MP: VP wants «absurd» train contract amendments

Translated (http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=en&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dcaf%2Blatvia%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26hs%3DUGM%26sa%3DX%26tbo%3D1%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:fi:official%26biw%3D1920%26bih%3D999%26tbs%3Dqdr:h%26prmd%3Dimvns&rurl=translate.google.fi&sl=lv&u=http://www.db.lv/razosana/transports-logistika/saeimas-deputats-pv-velas-absurdus-vilciena-iepirkuma-liguma-grozijumus-379613%3Futm_source%3Ddiena.lv%26utm_medium%3Darticle%26utm_campaign%3Ddiena.lv&usg=ALkJrhjPHnYv_7StoNUa5WZ7rsOhK-yEjg)

Construction of the second track in photos @ railwayz.info: [1] (http://railwayz.info/photolines/showphoto.php?ph_id=32082)[2] (http://railwayz.info/photolines/showphoto.php?ph_id=32101)[3] (http://railwayz.info/photolines/showphoto.php?ph_id=32093)[4] (http://railwayz.info/photolines/showphoto.php?ph_id=32081) etc.

Will the new tracks be electrified as well?

I am not an expert, but I don't think that new tracks are straight.

http://railwayz.info/photolines/images/100/1348940354.jpg
Photo taken from Railwayz.info

^^ They're going to be straightened and weld in longer sections.

Will the new tracks be electrified as well?
Only till Aizkraukle.

PM: CAF and Pasazieru vilciens must not sign such contract that will not allow Latvia to receive cohesion funds
Alla Petrova, BC, Riga, 02.10.2012

http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/transport/?doc=63736

No shit Sherloc! EU Cohesion funding fulfillment requirements started the whole fuss. (Plus unprofessional attitude from PV purchase department)

Translated (http://translate.google.fi/translate?hl=fi&sl=lv&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fbnn.lv%2Fpar-ko-nespej-vienoties-pasazieru-vilciens-caf-85982)

The train manufacturer Stadler applies to the court to challenge the PV and CAF contract 3
LETA. 2012th year 2. October 19:10
Translated (http://www.diena.lv/latvija/zinas/vilcienu-razotajs-stadler-versas-tiesa-lai-apstridetu-pv-un-caf-iepirkuma-ligumu-13970820)


Train manufacturer "Stadler" applies to the court to challenge the PV and CAF contract LETA
Tuesday, 2012. year 2. October 20:10

Translated (http://translate.google.fi/translate?hl=fi&sl=lv&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.apollo.lv%2Fzinas%2Fvilcienu-razotajs-stadler-versas-tiesa-lai-apstridetu-pv-un-caf-iepirkuma-ligumu%2F533626)

Just wanted to ask if it is usual that you have ticket sellers in each train carriage? I recently used the electric trains in Latvia and there was one person per carriage (or car or wagon) selling tickets. Isn't this very costly?

I guess it is one way to lower the unemployment :p

I think that for every train there is 2 or max 3 ticket sellers.
2 sellers for 4-carriage train and 3 sellers for 6-carriage train.

Those ticket seller don't look very efficent to me.

This summer I took the train to Vecāķi (one of the beaches in/near Riga). Since it was saturday the train was packed full and there was almost no room for a person to get through all the standing passanger. So the ticket seller just stayed near one door and checked the passenger which went past him. In other words if he was responsible for two carriages, then 3/4 of the passanger could ride for free :D

Kurs vada valsti, K interesës un ar kadiem mërkiem? RVR!
http://www.inzenieruvestule.lv/

Vienošanās starp Pasažieru vilcienu un CAF nav panākta 16
Diena.lv/LETA. 2012. gada 3. oktobris 07:32

An agreement between a passenger train and a CAF has not reached 15
Diena.lv / LETA. 2012th year 3. October 07:32

Translated (http://translate.google.fi/translate?hl=en&sl=lv&u=http://www.diena.lv/latvija/zinas/vienosanas-starp-pasazieru-vilcienu-un-caf-nav-panakta-13970898&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dhttp://www.diena.lv/latvija/zinas/vienosanas-starp-pasazieru-vilcienu-un-caf-nav-panakta-13970898%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26hs%3Dvld%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:fi:official%26prmd%3Dimvns&sa=X&ei=x9FrUIq9KoSD4gS1nYD4Dw&ved=0CCAQ7gEwAA)


Negotiations between Pasažieru vilciens and CAF failed rus.DELFI.lv |
October 3, 2012, 07:29

Translated (http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.aspx?from=&to=en&a=http://biznes.delfi.lv/bnews/peregovory-mezhdu-pasazieru-vilciens-i-caf-provalilis.d?id=42717608)



"Passenger Train" with the CAF, however, agree on the new train procurement 2012th year 3. October

Translated (http://translate.google.fi/translate?hl=en&sl=lv&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Ffinancenet.tvnet.lv%2Fzinas%2F438168-pasazieru_vilciens_ar_caf_tomer_nevienojas_par_jauno_vilcienu_iepirkumu)


Supple - CAF, working in Latvian, been difficult to understand who is the ultimate decision-maker 1 Db.lv, 2012. year 3. October 08:45

Translated (http://translate.google.fi/translate?hl=en&sl=lv&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.db.lv%2Frazosana%2Ftransports-logistika%2Fpapildinata-caf-stradajot-latvija-bijusas-grutibas-saprast-kurs-ir-gala-lemuma-pienemejs-379781)

It seems very bipolar news today. Some news say that today (3rd of Oc) the final agreement is made. Other say that Latvia failed to get EU funding and trains are financed from state budget. Which news is true? Well see today or latest this week. ..AND who will sue PV to court? CAF, STADLER and who else? I quess all who where taking part in this train tendes has right to sue PV and ask for financial retributions :D

GOOD NEWS:

EU-funding is still 100% for new trains-

GOOD NEWS2

Some of the funds will be located into railway electrification.

Translated (http://translate.google.fi/translate?hl=fi&sl=lv&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.latvijasradio.lv%2Fzinas%2Fraksts.php%3Fid%3D50329%26gr%3D0)

Translated (http://translate.google.fi/translate?hl=fi&sl=lv&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diena.lv%2Flatvija%2Fpolitika%2Fpremjers-tiks-sludinats-jauns-konkurss-vilcienu-iegadei-vai-ari-lidzeklus-novirzis-dzelzcela-infrast-13970912)

It seems Latvia is now preparing to buy even more trains from CAF, RVR and other train companies. Soon Latvia is full of modern trains. This procurement is going to be even more EPIC.->
So in total Latvia could have 2 x (34 new EMUs and DMUs 7) OR the EU money will go into railway electrification. My quess is that Latvia will buy even more AC trains.

CAF continues to work on the train, purchase contract execution 3.10.2012

http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.aspx?from=&to=en&a=http://financenet.tvnet.lv/zinas/438203-caf_turpina_stradat_pie_vilcienu_iepirkuma_liguma_izpildes

"Passenger Train" is already working on a new train procurement
LETA 10/03/2012. 15:11 Print

Translated (http://translate.google.fi/translate?hl=fi&sl=lv&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.staburags.lv%2Fportals%2Flatvijas%2Fraksts.html%3Fxml_id%3D28693)

BAD NEWS:
Seems that RVR is not going to manufacture the trains. The manufacture is done somewhere where is modern equipment for production.

RVR will just assemble the parts and do some subcontracting. And all this is just emergency aid for dead. RVR will go bankrupt soon. Translated (http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.aspx?from=&to=en&a=http://biznes.delfi.lv/bnews/igaunis-ot-rvz-v-latvii-ostanetsya-tolko-vyveska.d?id=42718336)


It seems that Latvia was trying to support RVR production and do many other -in conflict- thing in first contract.

I guess the first tender round real winner was Stadler, but CAF promised more and got the deal. Then EU said no no.

And new deal is worse than the first round Stadler deal. Anyway, I am fucking happy that this deal is done now.

Mighty in future Latvia will sell RVR to Stadler, FACk or some other company and after that raise tender. Not make all things to be agreed in one tender!

PS. Seems that the new trains will be AC.

CAF has asked for 15 days to bring the train contract amendment 3.10.2012
Translated (http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=fi&rurl=translate.google.fi&sl=lv&tl=en&u=http://financenet.tvnet.lv/zinas/438291-caf_ludzis_15_dienas_lai_saskanotu_vilcienu_liguma_grozijumus&usg=ALkJrhj5fwWhhiCrSe_O5ECURkIMrYjwXQ)


Who will encourage to preach the new train procurement (at 14: 05)
(73)www.DELFI.lv |October 03, 2010 11: 26 am
Translated (http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.aspx?from=&to=en&a=http://www.delfi.lv/bizness/biznesa_vide/pv-rosinas-sludinat-jaunu-vilcienu-iepirkumu-plkst1405.d?id=42718734#)

CAF has asked for another 15 days October 03, 2010 11: 26 am
Translated (http://translate.google.fi/translate?hl=fi&sl=ru&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Frus.tvnet.lv%2Fnovosti%2Fekonomika%2F211638-caf_poprosil_jeschje_15_dnjey)

CAF has asked for another 15 days October 03, 2010 11: 26 am
Translated (http://translate.google.fi/translate?hl=fi&sl=lv&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Ffinancenet.tvnet.lv%2Fzinas%2F438291-caf_ludzis_15_dienas_lai_saskanotu_vilcienu_liguma_grozijumus)

GOOD NEWS:

EU-funding is still 100% for new trains

I' m afraid it's never been different.

Some of the funds will be located into railway electrification.

Which actually means instantly lost EU money, as normally funds were planned to both buying more trains and electrification. + as I mentioned before it is plain idiotic form PV to give away their money for infrastructure, as they already pays for it tens of millions every year.

It seems that Latvia was trying to support RVR production and do many other -in conflict- thing in first contract.

No, Latvia did the very opposite thing. Now for the third time.

I guess the first tender round real winner was Stadler, but CAF promised more and got the deal. Then EU said no no.

Tender was written for Stadler's win, but IUB, the local tender supervisor, noticed that and forced to change unfair conditions so that Stadler was kicked out. Needless to say, head of IUB lost his job week after and, guess what,- we are making new tender!

Tender was written for Stadler's win, but IUB, the local tender supervisor, noticed that and forced to change unfair conditions so that Stadler was kicked out. Needless to say, head of IUB lost his job week after and, guess what,- we are making new tender!

I even heard that Stadler was offering similar deal for Latvia as it did later on for Belarus. Since Latvia went all rogue with the tender Stadler saw better and more stable bisness possibilites with Belkommunmash (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belkommunmash)

I hope that the EU cohesion funds are NOT gonna be put education or some other futile matter. With Latvias rate of emigration the money will not develop Latvian society http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Countries_by_immigrant_population.svg

Better put that money into infrastructure that will benefit people who live in the country.

The whole Latvian train tender smells like deep corruption between the "business partners". I would say shame on them. Its free development money from net payers of EU states!

PLUS I would say that Stadler was the one to choose even for sake of cultural co-operation between Latvia and German speaking nations. 2 countries have lots of common thing in history. None with latins. ..And cultural similarities mean more in business that one could first think of.

In construction application list from August on Jelgava website, there is mentioned track reconstruction on segment: Jelgava – Meitene 43+500 km – 59+900km

And it's marked as Rail Baltica corridor: http://www.jelgava.lv/pasvaldiba/buvvalde/buvniecibas-statistika/index.php?cmd=get&cid=102247 (XLS file)

I found intresting CAF train tender related topic.

21.03.2012, 09:49 BNN-news.com
Lembergs blamed for corruption again
http://unity.lv/en/news/585944/

...The role of the main intermediary in settlement of the tender’s provisions in favour of the CAF and RVR’s common offer was played by the Ventspils city mayor Aivars Lembergs. Lembergs has possibly received three million euro for the settlement of this great deal, the portal Pietiek.com reported...

And some other Latvian news ->

--> Corruption in Latvia Throwing mud, finding dirt
http://www.economist.com/blogs/easternapproaches/2011/03/corruption_latvia

From stars to dust: corruption in Latvia's increased worryingly
http://www.flarenetwork.org/report/syntheses/article/from_stars_to_dust_corruption_in_latvias_increased_worryingly.htm


Category Archives: latvian corruption Sergey Magnitsky, Latvia, money laundering

http://www.lawlesslatvia.com/cat/latvian-corruption/

Good to know that better not to involve too much or waste my finnish time with Latvian businesses :D.

Hmm.. I quess the plundering of Latvian goverment worked. RVR is preparing for CAF train production.

EUR 17 mln to be invested in RVR so it could build trains for Pasazieru vilciens
Alla Petrova, BC, Riga, 10.04.2012

..A total of EUR 17 million will be invested in the joint-stock Rigas vagonbuves rupnica (Riga Railcar Factory, RVR) so the company could participate in construction of new trains for Pasazieru vilciens (Passenger Train) company...

...According to the schedule, the CAF trains will be brought to Latvia for certification in the summer or fall of 2013. The Spanish company will fully build the first six trains for Pasazieru vilciens. The next eight trains will be partly built by CAF and by RVR, and the remaining 20 trains will be fully built in Riga...

http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/good_for_business/?doc=55746

But where is the new contract? Did I miss someting here... Ugh!

Latvian MP: everything was being done to find a pretext for terminating train procurement contract with CAF
Alla Petrova, BC, Riga, 05.10.2012.Print version
http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/transport/?doc=63948

Just wanted to ask if it is usual that you have ticket sellers in each train carriage? I recently used the electric trains in Latvia and there was one person per carriage (or car or wagon) selling tickets. Isn't this very costly?
Since the crisis ticket offices in quite a lot of the smaller train stops have been removed, also those sellers are performing the task of catching people without ticket (in a rather inefficient way, though). Often they have one ticket seller/controller per 1.5 or 2 carriages.

Latvian counter corruption Bureau (CPCB) currently plans to investigate the new train procurement 6.10.2012

http://nra.lv/latvija/riga/satiksme/80988-knab-pagaidam-neplano-parbaudit-jauno-vilcienu-iepirkumu.htm

http://www.apollo.lv/zinas/kontrolejosas-iestades-pagaidam-neplano-parbaudit-jauno-vilcienu-iepirkumu/534223

http://www.apollo.lv/zinas/knab-fotoradaru-un-vilcienu-iepirkuma-nav-konstatejis-koruptivas-pazimes/531594

Translated (http://translate.google.fi/translate?hl=en&sl=lv&u=http://nra.lv/latvija/riga/satiksme/80988-knab-pagaidam-neplano-parbaudit-jauno-vilcienu-iepirkumu.htm&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dkorupcija%2BCAF%2BPV%2BLatvija%2BKNAB%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26hs%3Dcjq%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:fi:official%26prmd%3Dimvns&sa=X&ei=WzdwUMmlLeSp4gS4ooCQBQ&ved=0CCEQ7gEwAA)

Translated2 (http://translate.google.fi/translate?hl=en&sl=lv&u=http://www.apollo.lv/zinas/kontrolejosas-iestades-pagaidam-neplano-parbaudit-jauno-vilcienu-iepirkumu/534223&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dpagaid%25C4%2581m%2Bnepl%25C4%2581no%2Bp%25C4%2581rbaud%25C4%25ABt%2Bjauno%2Bvilcienu%2Biepirkumu%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26hs%3DQpq%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:fi:official%26prmd%3Dimvns&sa=X&ei=wzhwUJWaDo3E4gTvjoGQDg&ved=0CCsQ7gEwAQ)

Oh man now the PV is totally fucked. Law suit from Stadler and CAF and corruption bureau making investigations :D. Uh yeah, by the way, when corruption officials make statments they ALLWAY make investigations.

Search words: korupcija CAF PV Latvija KNAB


Seems also that Stadler was paying Latvian officials at the past.

Instead of Spanish trains sadness 04.10.2012 03:00

-> ...Several years ago, the media was informed that for bribes, hundreds of thousands of lats, politicians from the ruling party "Unity" to lobby for a monopolist Stadler trains near the Latvian future. No one, however, was not persecuted, and the matter was forgotten. But the fact is that the government-controlled Dombrovskis (who also opposed the contract with the Spanish) current executives PV six months could not or did not want to reach an agreement with CAF, delaying the time before last, speaks in favor of this version...

Translated (http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=en&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dhttp://www.baltic-course.com/rus/transport/%253Fdoc%253D57232%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26tbo%3D1%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:fi:official%26biw%3D919%26bih%3D986%26prmd%3Dimvns&rurl=translate.google.fi&sl=ru&twu=1&u=http://www.chas.lv/economics/theme/stats/29161-2012-10-04-l023.html&usg=ALkJrhjW4D_8gf9cHZFWy2JJsrAZZeDgjQ)

Seems that CAF will still make some changes into the contract.

Then they will service LDz trains, make RVR daugter company etc.

This will how ever mean that the contract will not get EU cohesion fund.
*********************************************

The EU cohesion money will be allocated instead into railway AC-electrification. So actually the endcoming is actually pretty sweet for Latvia.

If one google: Latvijas dzelzceļš CAF you can notice that there is negotions going on that front also.

Notable is that there is no mention at all about the magnitude of LDz CAF business negotiations. My bet is that LDz is negoting about AC modifications to their whole freight fleet. (Not a small matter at all.)

LDz modernisations are the very reason why Stadler even bought Daugavpils lokomotivju remonta rupnica it seems Stadler is also preparing to take over Pasazieru vilciens subsidiary VRC Zasulauks.

http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/transport/?doc=63828

http://zasulauks.lv/en/

So basically Latvia is negoting from the whole future of their railways.

Runaway Train 05.10.2012 03:00

Translated (http://translate.google.fi/translate?hl=en&sl=ru&u=http://www.chas.lv/politics/theme/saeima/29196-2012-10-05-l010.html&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dhttp://www.chas.lv/politics/theme/saeima/29196-2012-10-05-l010.html%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26hs%3D6CT%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:fi:official%26prmd%3Dimvns&sa=X&ei=wUJxUNPbKab04QTHoIGgBQ&ved=0CCEQ7gEwAA)

Notable is that there is no mention at all about the magnitude of LDz CAF business negotiations. My bet is that LDz is negoting about AC modifications to their whole freight fleet. (Not a small matter at all.)

Once again, how large is the bet? I'd like to know if it makes sense bothering or not. Because I DO fancy some extra income :)
LDz has precisely zero electric locomotives and there's no way their could be upgraded into electric locomotives just like that. Also, CAF has no experience on planning or building locomotives and has not signalled any interest in changing this.
Since it's possible using diesel locomotives also under catenary, electric locomtives are most likely only ordered when the locomotives would have to be renewed anyway.
...Which is, for some locomotives, apparently approximately now, but that still doesn't have to mean buying 50 new electric locomotives. Three or four will suffice for starters.

Once again, how large is the bet? I'd like to know if it makes sense bothering or not. Because I DO fancy some extra income :)
LDz has precisely zero electric locomotives and there's no way their could be upgraded into electric locomotives just like that. Also, CAF has no experience on planning or building locomotives and has not signalled any interest in changing this.
Since it's possible using diesel locomotives also under catenary, electric locomtives are most likely only ordered when the locomotives would have to be renewed anyway.
...Which is, for some locomotives, apparently approximately now, but that still doesn't have to mean buying 50 new electric locomotives. Three or four will suffice for starters.

But the fact remain that PV train tender Odyssey news have mentioned most of the things that exist in Latvian train industry. Maintenance, train building, infrastructure modernisatio... Etc. Seems that there is much bigger and more ambitious planning behing the scenes that has been in the news.

For example CAF have had negotiations with LDz, but the negotiations are secret. Mighby LDz want to purchase locomotives perhaps? Or retrofit old locomotives to run with LNG ..or perhaps and then they want large deal discount from CAF??

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_turbine-electric_locomotive

http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/09/28/natural-gas-powered-locomotive-drives-cn-into-eco-friendlyer-future/

One have to remember that any company that cut emissions will get huge finanscial benefits. I have heard LDz really have plans to cut the emissions one way or other (they want free money)

Three of four locomotives sounds too small number. Mighby for testing, but cargo fleet tranport renewal is no small issue for country with Latvia size freight flow.

hmm.. Finland started tender (http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=fi&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=fi&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.talouselama.fi%2Fuutiset%2Fvr%2Bkaynnisti%2B80%2Bveturin%2Bhankinnan%2B%2Blisaksi%2Boptio%2B97%2Bveturiin%2Fa2077319)for 80 locomotives additional option for 97 locomotives. VR will also renew yard maintenance and other machinery soon.

My quess is that Siemens Vectron (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vectron_%28locomotive%29) will win the whole deal. Mighby Vectron is the one to be seen in LDz use too. It can be used with flexibility in DC, AC, and diesel power. ..Mighby even with LNG?

On all passenger train routes there will be free WiFi.
http://www.zz.lv/portals/latvijas/raksts.html?xml_id=41281

Place where old trains get restored.

More in thread: http://www.diena.lv/foto/redakcijas-foto/tehnologijas/vilcienu-remonts-zasulauka-13971818

The courts ' application of the who and Stadler's CAFE for recognition of unlawful contracts left without guidance 08. Oct 2012 17: 48


Translated (http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.aspx?from=&to=en&a=http://www.delfi.lv/bizness/uznemumi/tiesa-stadler-pieteikumu-par-pv-un-caf-liguma-atzisanu-par-prettiesisku-atstaj-bez-virzibas.d?id=42732124)

I was actually a while ago in Latvia and I heard that behind the scenes has happened following:

After PV&CAF agreement Stadler made better offer for PV and RVR. PV took the bait and that is the reason why PV wanted to get rid of from the contract.

Stadler proposed that RVR, Belkommunmash and some Polish company will make Stadler Flirts and other products for western and eastern Europe markets together.

Reason for such production procedure is that the labour & other production costs are quite much cheaper in Latvia, Belarus and Poland than in Western European countries such as Switzerland.

Stadler is also ready to invest more money specially into train maintenance and modernization markets related into VRC Zasulauks, LDz and Daugavpils lokomotivju remonta rupnica.

All this is just on talk level, but seems serious enough since PV let 2nd of October pass. Tough CAF have not given up for improving their contract specifications. Thats is the reason why they have not raised case into Stocholm court. They will raise lawsuit only if they totally give up on this train deal (Meaning Stadler will start the co-operation that they are planning with Latvia).

Seems that good things are coming for Latvia :)

BTW. What comes to track modernisations and other renovations-> It has been agreed on EU level that "End-corriodor" Estonia will be fixed first. Then the equipment and repair personel will move south of Estonia. This strategy will keep repair personel employed, repair equipments in use, and prevents modernisation & repair markets from overheating (Not too much of similar projects at the same time).

It also seems that the EU Cohesion funds will be re-allocated into rail infra modernisation (planning and funding AC-electrification. The money will be received in full from EU, but it will not be used to purchase trains.

In fact behind the scenes Latvia has prepared preliminary studies of AC-network modernisation 2011-LV-93133-S ->
http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/12/654

From this document (https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:6XciICQ406YJ:tentea.ec.europa.eu/download/publications/ap_fac_brochure_final_web.pdf+EU+2011-LV-93133-S&hl=fi&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESjiV0U3QzxndD-TfVzyD8_ydYqWJ74fxznduKHfdhWzPC8dzH7fVvxpoMBMmjvFdKK7Id4PlI96BwyhWnvT_x-OitFIFwu4goPs-R-m3ZtY6AtManPRhHQKS-mZBdPBScopPpv8&sig=AHIEtbSLnEd9t0uJz23jMf0FXaYhfafY7g) you can find the Latvian AC plan in more detail Use in document search word "2011-LV-93133-S"

http://www.diena.lv/sodien-laikraksta/elektrovilcieni-dizelu-vieta-13967311

After the preliminary studies the plans have been made for real design. In that point the big wheel starts to roll (and further funding from EU is applied)

Reason for re-allocation is that the train deal that will be made is bit out side the funding regulation that require that competition should be open for all train suppliers. Problem is that not all train suppliers are intrested to share the deal for RVR sub-contracting.

Other intresting new that I heard was that Latvijas Gaze (http://www.lg.lv/?id=195&lang=lat)is intrested to do some demo project for natural gas running train such as has been built in Canada (http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/09/28/natural-gas-powered-locomotive-drives-cn-into-eco-friendlyer-future/) and other countries (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_turbine-electric_locomotive). If Lavijas Gaze and LDz co-operation will prove to be financially viable it mean huge retrofitting for Latvian locomotives.

Reason for such move is that Baltic area seem to reek Shale gas (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shale_gas) PLUS Latvia has huge natural gas cave in Inčukalna.

So basically lots of intresting, and even supprising things comming up in next decade!

PV cannot raise new tender before Stockholm court have given decision from old contract. --> +90 days from starting the case in court minimum before new tender -> +3 months.

Basically new tender could be started 2013 beginning of April.

If Latvia choose to use EU-cohesion funding for the train procurement this time the tender specification is really minimalistic. As cheap as possible, and maximising tender contesters. Tender will not take any comment to RVR, maintenance or other thing.

HOWEVER as above mentioned it is still high possibility that the whole train procurement WILL NOT use EU-cohesion funds at all.

The money is possible simply re-allocated into some train infrastructure modernisation project (platform, electrification modernisation etc.)

The who agreed with the Spanish CAF addressed in mediation of the Stockholm arbitration 09. Oct 2012 21: 41

Translated (http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.aspx?from=&to=en&a=http://www.delfi.lv/bizness/uznemumi/pv-piekritis-domstarpibas-ar-spanu-caf-risinat-stokholmas-skirejtiesas-mediacija.d?id=42735620)

"The who"???

/or

"The who"???

/or

Quite cool indeed. Just gotta love this gibberish that repeatedly gets linked to us :)

Anyways, the original text that got pramslated into "The who agreed with the Spanish CAF addressed in mediation of the Stockholm arbitration" was "PV piekritis domstarpības ar spāņu CAF risināt Stokholmas šķīrējtiesas mediācijā" ;)

Since the text wasn't read before copying it to this thread (apparently because the copier didn't consider it interesting enough to read), the "PV" changing into "the who" remained unnoticed.

Thus, it apparently doesn't mean the band after all, but Pasažieru Vilciens. How boring.

I did not make that translation personally. It was the fucking machine.

F*cking machine translates things? O_O

duble post. Delete.

F*cking machine translates things? O_O

Speaking of.. Was it so that Latvian goverment will have some big session this week?

Latest news what I heard from train procurement ->

Train contract/delivery number 1
CAF will supply parts for RVR for new trains. The trains will be sold with small profit into European markets (not for PV.)

CAF supply will not get EU cohesion funding and it is more about helping RVR finacially. This way RVR factory will continue existence bit like Lada after Renault deal.

In contract nr.1 RVR role is what it always have been. Making business by selling trains for customers who want to buy their product.

This deal will most probably receive some funding support from Latvian goverment-> Similar thing like STX-finland (http://www.stxeurope.com/sites/Finland/Pages/default.aspx) ship yard get support from Finnish goverment.

Train contract/delivery number 2
PV will start new tender, and most probable winner is Stadler.

Stadler contract is according to EU regulations and it will get EU cohesion funding.

* So basically this solution is not bad at all CAF trains are bit like surplus and they will be sold foreward with small profit. This solution will be also financial salvation for RVR.

* Stadler trains will be paid mostly by EU so no cost from them for Latvian tax payers.

* In this case it is most likely that train production is mostly made by RVR.

-->Basically it seems RVR will start to be more like train subcontractor with license to produce CAF and Stadler trains.

---> The thing is that tough RVR factory will continue existence the RVR BRAND will be soon taken out of markets. Bit like what is happening for Lada (in their factory they produce now days Renaults). Reason for loosing RVR brand is that it is no longer wanted or thrusted brand. Customers dont want to buy their product, that is the origin of RVR current problems.

"Passenger train» Board recommended to evaluate the Board's responsibilities 10/11/2012, 18:13 Jesus Esnaola Altuna
Translated (http://translate.google.fi/translate?hl=fi&sl=lv&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Funity.lv%2Flv%2Fnews%2F727575%2F)

Translated2 (http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=fi&rurl=translate.google.fi&sl=lv&tl=en&u=http://financenet.tvnet.lv/zinas/439313-pasazieru_vilciena_valde_iesaka_vertet_valdes_atbildibu%3Futm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%253A%2Btvnet%252Fall%252Flatest%2B%28TVNET%2BJaun%25C4%2581k%25C4%2581s%2Bzi%25C5%2586as%29&usg=ALkJrhh4S5dfFDC4_QLsimpuEzWjvcFHtA)

Translated3 (http://translate.google.fi/translate?hl=fi&sl=lv&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fpuaro.lv%2Flv%2Fpuaro%2Fpasazieru-vilciena-valde-iesaka-sm-vertet-ieprieksejas-valdes-atbildibu)

Translated4 saeima (http://translate.google.fi/translate?hl=fi&sl=lv&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saeima.lv%2Flv%2Faktualitates%2Fsaeimas-zinas%2F20060-tautsaimniecibas-komisijas-deputati-panak-sarunu-turpinasanu-par-vilcienu-iepirkuma-ligumu)

Translated 5 (http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.aspx?from=lv&to=en&a=http://www.delfi.lv/bizness/uznemumi/vilcienu-iepirkums-pv-valde-iesaka-vertet-ieprieksejas-vadibas-atbildibu.d?id=42742240)

Translated list 6 (http://translate.google.fi/translate?hl=fi&sl=lv&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fpuaro.lv%2Flv%2Fbirkas%2Fpasazieru-vilciens)

No new train procurement; 100 million LVL to be spent on roads, airport, and LDz October 12, 2012
http://bnn-news.com/train-procurement-100-million-lvl-spent-roads-airport-ldz-78045

Purchases trains will not, money is shared between the roads, airport and LDz 12.10.2012 11:31

Translated 1 (http://translate.google.fi/translate?hl=fi&sl=ru&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ves.lv%2Farticle%2F228532)

Translated 2 (http://translate.google.fi/translate?hl=fi&sl=lv&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pietiek.com%2Fraksti%2Fjauna_vilcienu_iepirkuma_nebus%2C_100_miljonus_valdiba_pardalis_celiem%2C_lidostai_un__ldz_)

..After the failure of the previous contest Latvia is not going to hold a new tender for the purchase of railway and 100 million euros allocated for this purpose from koheziyskogo fund will be divided into other infrastructure projects: the construction of roads, as well as the needs of the Rīga International Airport and JSC Latvijas Dzelzceļš...

So basically PV train tender was handled by inside mole who got brides from Air Baltic, Bus companies and road construction companies.


It seems Elektriraudtee will take ower passenger traffic in Latvia soon.

..In the past Eurozone was talking how terrible is Greece.. I believe they will soon have some new target..

Everyone know that current trains in Latvia are crap. Even my shit is luxurious compared to them. I mean what the fuck? What the fucking fucking fuck? FUUUCK. PV board of directives should be executed by electricity.

I wuld like to see in Latvia and Baltics this trains:


PESA

http://farm9.static.flickr.com/8005/6998217280_88a2f99872.jpg

http://www.raillynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/regional-dmus.jpg


Newag

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/5044440218_cab49e2602.jpg

http://train-photos.com.s3.amazonaws.com/15131.jpg

http://img.webme.com/pic/t/taigatrommel/wwaa2.jpg

No new train procurement; 100 million LVL to be spent on roads, airport, and LDz
October 12, 2012

..Non-party Transport Minister Aivis Ronis does not deny that the government is finally putting an end to the whole ‘train story’ during the Tuesday meeting...

..New train procurement project: one that be entrusted to one of LDz’s daughter companies, thereby distancing PV Management Board..

http://bnn-news.com/train-procurement-100-million-lvl-spent-roads-airport-ldz-78045

http://www.pietiek.com/raksti/jauna_vilcienu_iepirkuma_nebus,_100_miljonus_valdiba_pardalis_celiem,_lidostai_un__ldz_

http://bnn-news.com/ldz-daughter-company-profitable-contract-firm-linked-magonis-48166

http://www.prologistic.biz/

Train procurement: who Governing Board recommends making previous management responsibility
11 October 2010 20: 21

Štokenberg "as the lawyer who worked on the investigators ' assessment that the previous Board had discovered signs of a crime, violating the mandate.

Translated (http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.aspx?from=&to=en&a=http://www.delfi.lv/bizness/uznemumi/vilcienu-iepirkums-pv-valde-iesaka-vertet-ieprieksejas-vadibas-atbildibu.d?id=42742240)

Anyone purchasing a new time frame?

...First, we should in principle government approval, it reallocated cohesion funding for other projects.

We are going to announce a purchase of the same 34 electric trains, plus seven diesels. We are confident that we will be able to save money on the cost of living train. This means that [the EU co-financing] can also upgrade platforms, the Brussels are also skaņojuši. Simply lift the platforms of 200 mm height, as now, the 550mm. This is important in areas where there is a [large] passenger flow, say, Jurmala direction. We get that the person disembarked quickly, picked up, each station can save two minutes, it's a lot. Aside from the fact that it is the friendly people with disabilities, families with children...

Translated (http://translate.google.fi/translate?sl=lv&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=fi&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ir.lv%2F2012%2F10%2F11%2Fstokenbergs-es-savu-naudu-esmu-nopelnijis)

..We are ready to send out the rules during the week, it will send eight manufacturers. We calculate that the first four months of the appeal if necessary. But we all manufacturers with whom we have spoken, says the last train that they can deliver up to August 2015... (one month 30d+30d+30d+30d=120d--> Tender ends ~2013 end of april) Seems that they can send 5 offer requests more, so in tender 13 train suppliers in total?

Latvian Transport Ministry proposes redistributing Cohesion funds from failed train procurement for other purposes
Alla Petrova, BC, Riga, 15.10.2012.Print version

..Redistributing Cohesion funds from the failed train procurement for other purposes – developing the East-West railway corridor's infrastructure, the high-speed railroad project Rail Baltica..


http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/transport/?doc=64394

CAF has agreed to supply new trams for Tallinn
Johan Tere, BC, Tallinn, 15.10.2012

Translated (http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=fi&sl=ru&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baltic-course.com%2Frus%2Ftransport%2F%3Fdoc%3D64393)

Mighby those trams will be assembled in RVR premises?

And some video clip from PV train saga ->
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyLFqBu7Iyo&feature=plcp

Finland buy 20 new metro trains from CAF 16.10.2012

Translated (http://translate.google.fi/translate?sl=fi&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=fi&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fomakaupunki.hs.fi%2Fpaakaupunkiseutu%2Fuutiset%2Fhkl_hankkii_20_uutta_metrojunaa_espanjasta%2F)

Don't worry people about failed contract between PV and CAF (we'll see modern train in capital of Latvia) The first Stadler train will go through Riga station to Tallinn in November, 2012

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8304/7943028314_71f28c6954_b.jpg

http://www.stadlerrail.com/media/tmp/catalogue/969-dmu-4tlg-hintergrund1_jpg_960x350_crop_q95.jpg

The train route: Poland - Belarus - Latvia (Daugavpils) - Riga central station - (Estonia) Valga train station - Tartu station - TALLINN

Don't worry people about failed contract between PV and CAF (we'll see modern train in capital of Latvia) The first Stadler train will go through Riga station to Tallinn in November, 2012

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8304/7943028314_71f28c6954_b.jpg

http://www.stadlerrail.com/media/tmp/catalogue/969-dmu-4tlg-hintergrund1_jpg_960x350_crop_q95.jpg

The train route: Poland - Belarus - Latvia (Daugavpils) - Riga central station - (Estonia) Valga train station - Tartu station - TALLINN

^^ Fuck that! So estonians are now having fun about us right? :lol: We didn't get new trains, so they're bringing their new sexy Stadler's through whole Latvia. Maybe put some stickers on train, saying: ''Lalalala, you will never get this, you will never get this'' Just my thoughts.. :D

EDIT: Well, anyways, what's the estimate date and time of it going through Sigulda? Wanna fap a bit.. :D

Seems that Latvia will buy the trains, but the funding is outside EU cohesion funding.

I quess the EU cohesion funds will go for LDz to build the AC network.

..Communications Minister Aivis Ronis said today that Latvia still is interested in trains produced here, but the funding will have to look outside the EU funds, because legally it is less risky...

Translated (http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.aspx?from=&to=en&a=http://rus.delfi.lv/news/daily/politics/zakupka-poezdov-pravitelstvo-nichego-ne-reshilo.d?id=42752440)

It is also possible that PV will stop their business and give markets to Estonians or Lithuanians since they have new trains-->

..He suggests that in such a case will come to Latvia the Lithuanian or Estonian trainoperators, which have new trains...

It is also possible that PV will stop their business and give markets to Estonians or Lithuanians since they have new trains-->

..He suggests that in such a case will come to Latvia the Lithuanian or Estonian trainoperators, which have new trains...

Actually, that's not a bad idea. To be realistic, PV or anything else in Latvia will not do their job properly for at least next 5 years. We are horrible at anything. I wouldn't mind taking FLIRT from Sigulda to Riga, I don't really care who operates it. And Latvia wouldn't be loosing much by doing it, as LDz would still collect major part for using their rails. I'm totally for this. :)

If i remember Stadler is swiss rail company, is it true?

Some news about financing the train purchase outside the EU cohesion funging.

There is several parties who are interested ->

"..Evrosoûznoe financing is not the only source of financing — there are various possibilities. For example, we talked with Rd to include passenger trains in Riga transport network. Some time ago we spoke with the Mayor of Riga, Mr. Ushakov, that the city of Riga could also participate to his co-founding the "adding that in such a case, surely would have also imposed a single e-ticket to travel on trains on the territory of Riga...

Translated (http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.aspx?from=&to=en&a=http://rus.delfi.lv/news/daily/latvia/rige-hvataet-svoego-obschestvennogo-transporta-v-pokupke-novyh-poezdov-ne-budet-uchastvovat.d?id=42754752)

Latvia is also planning that train procurement should be simple, not complex. Hmm.. I think good idea. It seems "As complex as possible, with multiple number of players" JUST DONT WORK :D

Translated 2 (http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=fi&sl=lv&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.apollo.lv%2Fzinas%2Fravis-jadoma-ka-iepirkuma-proceduru-padarit-efektivaku-ne-birokratiskaku%2F536164)

Actually, that's not a bad idea. To be realistic, PV or anything else in Latvia will not do their job properly for at least next 5 years. We are horrible at anything. I wouldn't mind taking FLIRT from Sigulda to Riga, I don't really care who operates it. And Latvia wouldn't be loosing much by doing it, as LDz would still collect major part for using their rails. I'm totally for this. :)

I think also that is good idea. Train operators are more or less good example of natural monopoly. Scale of economic prefers that trains, service etc. would be homogenic in market big as possible.


How would you see the possible scenario where Estonian and Lithuanian train operator would split Latvian market?

If i remember Stadler is swiss rail company, is it true?

Yup. And they make fucking sexy trains to have sexy time in their toilets.. :D

I think also that is good idea. Train operators are more or less good example of natural monopoly. Scale of economic prefers that trains, service etc. would be homogenic in market big as possible.


How would you see the possible scenario where Estonian and Lithuanian train operator would split Latvian market?

50/50. Lithuanians get south part (from Riga) and Estonians would take the rest. I wouldn't actually care wether it's EST or LT company. I like both countries, so that doesn't really matter. What matters is trains, service and well joint system, so there isn't problem getting tickets for both.

In contrast, I see no good in such idea. IMO it would be total failure. Some simple things has to be done to move PV from edge of bankruptcy, that's it.

If Latvian passenger train service should ever be operated by foreign company,then it's far bigger chance that it would be run by large international companies like Arriva or Veolia. Estonian & Lithuanian railway companies are just small-time players with limited budget.

Although I admit that local Baltic train operators,operating across entire Baltic region,would help to unify our otherwise rather separated region. Just think how much time it takes today to travel from Estonia to Lithuania or vice versa by train.
Yup. And they make fucking sexy trains to have sexy time in their toilets.. :D
Perfect advertising: "Extra spacious toilets (thanks train body adjusted to broad 1520mm gauge),clean & well lit room with large mirror (to see all sexy action). Welcome to Flirt(-ing) train!"

:lol:

In contrast, I see no good in such idea. IMO it would be total failure. Some simple things has to be done to move PV from edge of bankruptcy, that's it.

It's not about PV being in financial problems. It's about them having shitty trains, service, staff etc. PV sucks as a company. I don't care if a company has financial problems, as long as I get something from them. But in PV case, this something is just pure shit compared to anything else in Europe.

^^ Fuck that! So estonians are now having fun about us right? :lol: We didn't get new trains, so they're bringing their new sexy Stadler's through whole Latvia. Maybe put some stickers on train, saying: ''Lalalala, you will never get this, you will never get this'' Just my thoughts.. :D

EDIT: Well, anyways, what's the estimate date and time of it going through Sigulda? Wanna fap a bit.. :D


Sexy Stadlers .... :nuts: In my opinion Stadler's external design - just "face" is so ugly. :) But Inside it is very good comfortable train.
I would choose trains of Newag or PESA just like Germany and Czech ordered for their railways.

Do you realize that Estonia has different climate than Germany and Czech Rp.?

Do you realize that Estonia has different climate than Germany and Czech Rp.?

That doesn't really matter. It's not hard to modify it a bit, to operate without problems in colder climate.

Although I admit that local Baltic train operators,operating across entire Baltic region,would help to unify our otherwise rather separated region. Just think how much time it takes today to travel from Estonia to Lithuania or vice versa by train.

Is it even possible? As far as I know, only train connection from Latvia to Lithuania is St. Petersburg - Vilnius night train on route Daugavpils - Vilnius, which might be operated by RZD (?). Not sure if it's possible at all to buy intra-EU tickets to this train in advance. :dunno:

I believe things will get better after rails are in better shape in all Baltic countries and travel times can compete busses - as case Lux Express indicates. I'd see potential on route Riga - Jelgava - Siauliai - Kaunas - Vilnius where track geometry looks mostly quite simple. What's up with Jelgava - Siauliai section for now? Is it completely out of use or occupied by freight trains?

It's not about PV being in financial problems. It's about them having shitty trains, service, staff etc. PV sucks as a company. I don't care if a company has financial problems, as long as I get something from them. But in PV case, this something is just pure shit compared to anything else in Europe.

So, PV is like Edelaraudtee in Estonia - private company unwilling to do any courageous long term investments? Personally I believe private companies can do good on rails only if the infra they're operating on is already very developed. Otherwise they'll just keep everything stagnant.