Over the last two weeks, two train operators, one in Belgium and one in Netherlands, have both canceled contracts for new trains with Ansaldo, the same parent company that is providing rail cars for the Honolulu Rail Project. According to an international news agency, some of the reasons for canceling the contracts included safety and reliability concerns by the cities buying the train cars from Ansaldo. Specifically, the operators stated that the doors came loose, parts fell off due to ice, warning horns were blocked with snow, and the brakes were unsuitable for high speeds.
Ansaldo Honolulu is currently under $1.4 billion contract to design, build, operate and maintain the Honolulu Rail System. The company will also produce a total of 40 two-car trains for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Chief Executive Officer for HART, Dan Grabauskas, will be traveling to Belgium to get a first hand understanding of what is transpiring.
Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 6-5-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, Realtor®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
www.myhawaiidreamhome.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, Realtor®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
www.myhawaiidreamhome.com
