Caltrain celebrates renovations and improvements at two stations
San Francisco-area Caltrain and its partners celebrated the completion of a $61 million station improvement project that will allow it to offer more service now and in the future.
Author: jrood
Chicago mass transit may get funding boost from proposed gas tax hike
Riders for Better Transit joined with transit riders and advocates from across the Chicago region to propose Transit Fast Forward (SB 3236), state legislation that the group says would improve Chicagoland transit service through increased investment and a dedicated source of funding that would grow over time.
Houston METRO ridership continues climb
Houton, Texas-area METRO’s ridership is on the rise for a sixth consecutive month, recording a 5.2 percent increase to 6,357,131 boardings in January 2012 compared to 6,043,280 in January 2011.
LaHood’s blog reiterates administration’s commitment to HSR
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood reemphasized President Obama’s focus on high-speed rail in the United States in his blog, Fast Lane.
Iowa Pacific Holdings joins AAR
Iowa Pacific Holdings (IPH) has become the Association of American Railroads’ newest full member. Based in Chicago, IPH is a privately-held company that provides freight and passenger rail service in six states and the United Kingdom.
Washington approves crossing funds
Washington state regulators approved funds to improve the safety at a railroad crossing in Washougal, Wash.
NS names new VP Mechanical, elects new board member
Donald Graab has been named vice president mechanical for Norfolk Southern Corporation, headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., effective March 1. He will be responsible for maintenance and repair of the railroad’s motive power and rolling stock. Graab succeeds Tim Heilig, who has retired after 41 years with Norfolk Southern.
GWI opens Australian bridge damaged in cyclone
Genesee & Wyoming Inc. reopened the Edith River Bridge in Australia’s Northern Territory following the December 27, 2011, derailment of a Genesee & Wyoming Australia Pty Ltd freight train in flood waters associated with Cyclone Grant.
Metrolink receives $3.7 million to enhance safety at busy crossing
The California Transportation Commission allocated $3.7 million to fund safety enhancements to one of Metrolink’s busiest crossings, the Broadway/Brazil crossing in Glendale, Calif.
UP named Logistics/Transportation Provider of the Year at American Metals Market Steel Tube and Pipe
Union Pacific was named Logistics/Transportation Provider of the Year at the 2012 American Metals Market (AMM) Steel Tube and Pipe Conference. This award recognizes a transportation or distribution company that best meets the needs of the tube and pipe industry. Union Pacific was recognized for its Pipeline Express Product.
Watco names Swan Ranch Railroad GM
Watco Transportation Services named Dave Ruggles as general manager for the Swan Ranch Railroad.
Baker names VP and National Rail and Transit Lead
Michael Baker Jr., Inc., a unit of Michael Baker Corporation, hired David Wilcock, P.E., as vice president and national practice leader rail & transit (R&T). In this position, Wilcock will provide leadership in all aspects of operations and business development for Baker’s R&T practice nationwide.
Parks Canada, CP receive research grants to protect Banff bears
Research grants were awarded to teams to further mitigate rail-related grizzly bear mortality in Banff and Yoho national parks in Canada. Projects will be supported by robust monitoring to determine effectiveness and begin in spring 2012, pending approval of animal care protocols.
UP to put $38.2 million in Missouri infrastructure improvements
Union Pacific is enhancing Missouri’s transportation infrastructure by investing $38.2 million in the rail line that runs between Labadie and Jefferson City. The project is in progress and is scheduled to be completed by the end of July.
SFMTA completes property acquisition for Chinatown Station
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, which manages transportation in the city, said it has completed the acquisition of the property that will be the future home of the Central Subway’s Chinatown Station.
Joint venture to develop rail terminal in Permian Basin
Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P., and Martin Midstream Partners L.P., have entered into a new joint venture, Pecos Valley Producer Services LLC, to develop a multi-commodity rail terminal in Pecos, Texas.
FTA’s Rogoff, Florida officials highlight transit infrastructure investment
Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff joined Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Congressman Alcee Hastings at the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood Tri-Rail Station at Dania Beach, Fla., to highlight the president’s FY2013 budget proposal that calls for greater investment in transit infrastructure as part of an America built to last.
HART Board picks finalist for CEO position
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s board of directors selected Daniel Grabauskas, chairman and senior strategic adviser of the Bronner Center for Transportation Management and former general manager of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, as the finalist for the agency’s chief executive officer position.
Unitrac receives supplier award
Unitrac Railroad Materials, Inc., received the 2011 “Best in Class” Supplier award from RailAmerica.
Pennsylvania doles out $23 million to 16 rail projects
In Pennsylvania, $23 million in state investments will fund 16 freight-rail improvement projects statewide.