Caltrain
Camlin Rail on Feb. 6 reported its delivery of the PanVue fully automated pantograph inspection system for Caltrain’s new Stadler-built KISS bilevel EMUs (electric multiple-units) that operate between San Francisco and San Jose, Calif.
The PanVue system uses a “fully automated machine vision system, based on stereo vision, to monitor pantographs,” according to Camlin Rail, part of the Camlin Group, which has facilities in 21 cities across 17 countries.
PanVue is said to employ high-resolution images captured by trackside stereoscopic cameras to create a precise 3D model, revealing pantograph condition on trains traveling at speeds of up to 186 mph. “This eliminates the need for manual inspections and allows for real-time assessment of parameters such as contact strip condition, orthogonality, defects in horn structure, and uplift,” Camlin Rail noted. “The system enhances the reliability of the pantograph and overhead lines, enabling train operators to transition from time-based to condition-based maintenance strategies. By significantly reducing the risk of costly and disruptive line tear-down due to defective pantographs, PanVue ensures operational efficiency and minimizes revenue loss from service interruptions.”
The technology, Camlin Rail added, is already in use by Amtrak, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, Heathrow Express (U.K.), Network Rail (U.K.), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (Netherlands), MTR (Hong Kong), RFI (Italy), and Infrabel (Belgium).
“We are delighted to be involved in this project that combines pantograph and roof monitoring into one complete package,” Camlin Rail Managing Director Paul Fleming said. “PanVue has already made a significant contribution to understanding pantograph condition across the entire Caltrain fleet in the first few months of operation, whilst the implementation of RoofVue will improve safety by enabling remote inspections of the entire roof area. Our partnership with Stadler and Caltrain will allow PanVue to make significant contributions to our client’s asset management strategy.”
“This technology will help to ensure our service continues to run on time with minimal delay,” Caltrain Executive Director Michelle Bouchard noted. “I thank Camlin Rail for their continued partnership in our efforts to deliver the best train service for the communities that depend on us.”
Caltrain launched its fully electrified commuter rail service in September 2024.
Denver RTD
Denver RTD on Feb. 7 reported receiving an upgraded rating outlook of AA+ from Fitch Ratings, one of three credit rating agencies it uses, including Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s. The previous score was AA, according to the transit agency, which provides commuter rail, light rail, bus, shuttle, paratransit, demand responsive, vanpool, and other services.
According to Fitch, the upgraded Issuer Default Rating of AA+ Outlook Stable for Denver RTD indicates the agency’s financial resilience assessment “based on limited budgetary flexibility and Fitch’s expectation that net working capital levels will equal at least 25% of total net operating expenses compared to the current level of nearly 97%.”
RTD also received upgraded scores for the following:
- Approximately $2.0 billion sales tax revenue bonds (FasTracks Project) to AA+ from AA.
- Approximately $331 million certificates of participation (COPs) to AA from AA-.
- Eagle Project Public Private Partnership (PPP) counterparty rating to AA- from A+.
The credit upgrade comes in advance of Denver RTD’s Board of Directors’ considering refinancing some existing certificates of participation this month, according to the transit agency. The upgraded rating, it said, could help Denver RTD obtain lower interest rates.
“RTD is pleased with the credit rating upgrade from Fitch following the credit rating upgrade from S&P,” Denver RTD Chief Financial Officer Doug MacLeod said. “The credit rating upgrades demonstrate RTD’s commitment to providing community value and financial success as part of its strategic plan and exhibits RTD’s responsibility of being a good steward of taxpayer dollars.”
