Briefs from around the globe

Germany opens high-speed rail line Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s national railroad, opened a high-speed rail line between Cologne and Frankfurt. The line cuts about an hour off the existing travel time, carrying travelers between the two cities in about 75 minutes at speeds up to 186 mph. The 110-mile line, which includes 30 tunnels and 18 bridges, took six years to build and is the railroad’s largest building project since World War II. The project cost about $5.5 billion. Scotland cracks down on rail vandalism Railtrack Scotland launched a zero tolerance campaign against crime and vandalism on and near railways. During the last year, there was a 20% increase in the number of incidents of trespass and vandalism, said the BBC. During Railway Crime Week, Railtrack ran crime awareness events across the country. Schoolchildren were also taught about railway crossing safety. Tranz Rail quits passenger service New Zealand’s Tranz Rail ceased its passenger rail service to focus on freight. The company wants to sell its Wellington commuter network by the end of the year and plans to quit its Auckland passenger service when its contract expires next July. It will also give up its half share in the Tranz Scenic passenger service, but will continue to operate its passenger and freight ferries.