LONDON, March 27 (Xinhua) -- MTR, the company that runs the Hong Kong metro system, was named on Monday as a partner in a new consortium to run one of the major inter-city rail franchises in Britain.
MTR and rail operator FirstGroup have been awarded a contract to operate one of the busiest rail routes in London, serving towns and cities in the southwest of England.
A new company, First MTR South Western Trains Limited, will use the experience of MTR to deliver smooth and rapid journeys for passengers travelling around London's suburban network, said the Department for Transport (DfT).
It is the first franchise awarded since Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling set out his vision for the future of the railways which involves the biggest investment in rail services across Britain since the Victoria era. The contract also marks a new era in work between train operators and Network Rail, said the DfT.
Currently, train operating companies work separately from Network Rail, which is responsible for track and rail infrastructure.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: "First MTR South Western Trains Limited will deliver the improvements that people tell us they want right across the South Western franchise area."
"Faster journeys will be delivered through a consistent fleet of new suburban trains offering a regular, metro-style service. Passengers can look forward to more space, ensuring that the railway can support London's growth."
The company will oversee an investment of more than 1.5 billion U.S. dollars that will improve journeys for millions of train passengers, especially people using commuter routes into London's busy Waterloo station.
As well as thousands of extra seats, a fleet of 90 new trains will provide more space for passengers on routes into London from Reading and Windsor.
There will also be faster journey times from a number of major places such as Southampton, Salisbury and Portsmouth.
The new franchise will run for seven years from Aug. 20, 2017 when MTR and FirstGroup take over the route from the current operator. MTR is already involved in running the London Overland railway.
Jeremy Long, who is CEO of MTR's European operation, said: "MTR is known across the world for the excellent quality of its rail services, and we look forward to working with FirstGroup to provide a best-in-class travel experience for passengers in London and the South West. Together we will deliver a major program of upgrades, including improvements to both rail services and customer experience, for passengers travelling across the South Western network."
CANBERRA
Zapatillas Ecco Blancas España , Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government on Friday condemned the "brutal and deliberate" terror attack in Spain's Barcelona which has left at least 16 people dead and more than 100 injured.
On Thursday evening, a van was deliberately driven into pedestrians and tourists in Barcelona's popular Las Ramblas tourist district, an attack which has been claimed by Islamic State (IS).
Speaking to the media on Friday morning
Zapatillas Ecco Grises España , Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said Australia "stands with" the people of Barcelona in the wake of the attack, in which three Australians were also injured.
"The Australian government condemns this brutal and deliberate act clearly designed to harm tourists on holiday in Spain," Bishop told the press.
"The Australian government extends its deepest sorrow to the victims
Zapatillas Ecco Azules España , their families and the people of Barcelona. We stand with the government of Spain in denouncing this appalling attack."
She said that one Australian woman, believed to be from New South Wales, is in hospital in a serious but stable condition
Zapatillas Ecco Marron España , while two young men had advised us that they were affected, but they had gone back to their hotel and would seek medical assistance in the morning.
Also speaking on Friday, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull reiterated his government's commitment to "keeping Australians safe" at home.
"We are constantly focused on keeping Australians safe. There is no place for 'set and forget' on national security
Ecco Botas Negras España ," Turnbull told the press.
"Every time there is an incident, whether it is abroad or at home, we learn from it and we continue to refine
Ecco Sneakers Negras España , advance and improve our ability to keep Australians safe."
"There are no guarantees, of course, but our agencies are the best in the world."
Turnbull added that a report on how to best protect crowded places such as sporting events
Ecco Sandalias Negras España , shopping centers and places of mass gathering had been completed and would be "released shortly" in time for the upcoming football finals to be held across Australia.
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NAIROBI, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's final preparations for the London 2017 IAAF World Championships are set to begin in earnest from Monday after top athletes started trickling into their residential training camp in Nairobi.
Beijing 2015 Worlds champions, Ezekiel Kemboi (men's 3000m steeplechase) and David Rudisha (men's 800m) as well as men's 10
Ecco Dress Negras España ,000m silver medallist, Geoffrey Kamworor are among the handful of athletes who made it to camp by Sunday.
Two-time Olympic champion Rudisha who is bidding for a third world title having won the two-lap crown at the Daegu 2011 edition in South Korea and China two years ago reassured on his form after an underwhelming season by his standards..
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