Edito

SIFER 2013: What future for Rail?
SIFER, the 8th International Exhibition of Railway Technology is France’s top rail industry event and it takes place at Lille Grand Palais Convention Centre, 26-28 March. Some 450 exhibitors are expected to participate from SMEs to major manufacturers, regional research clusters and international companies. Visitors to the show will include operators and public transport companies, representatives of French regional authorities, senior managers, buyers, suppliers and engineers.
Alongside the exhibition, the French Railway Industry Federation (FIF) will be holding its first major conference-debate on the ‘Future of the French Rail Industry’
http://www.sifer2013.com/english
Target minus 20%
The specialist magazine Ville, Rail & Transport (Urban Rail & Transport) is also organising its 3rd conference at SIFER entitled ‘Target -20%: how to reduce the costs of operating railways’. With smaller regional budgets and the need for competitive fares, French railways know they have to reduce costs. What reforms are needed? What do the politicians think? What technological solutions are available? These are some of the key questions for debate….
Grand Prix of the Regions
Since 2000 VRT Magazine has been running a league table on the public transport performance of the French regions. In 2011 they created special Grand Prix Awards for the best initiatives in regional transport development which are presented every two years at SIFER.
Best of luck to the Lille Region!
http://www.ville-rail-transports.com
We wish all SIFER exhibitors and visitors a safe, pleasant and profitable stay in Lille!