Author: jrood

Watco subsidiary to purchase Birmingham Southern

Birmingham Terminal Railway, a subsidiary of Watco Transportation Services, has reached a definitive agreement to purchase the assets of Birmingham Southern Railway. BHRR plans to file the appropriate paperwork with the Surface Transportation Board later this month and could begin operations as early as Feb. 1, 2012.

"This is truly one of the great shortline railroads in America," said WTS Chief Executive Officer Rick Webb. "The opportunity to bring our Customer First! focus to Birmingham and work to create value for each of our new customers and for the community of Birmingham is very exciting for us."

The BSRR serves Alabama’s largest steel making and manufacturing region and provides rail service to Port Birmingham, a rail-to-barge and barge-to-rail transfer facility located on the Black Warrior River. The BSRR operates 75 miles of track and provides service to more than 20 Customers. The railroad interchanges with three Class 1 railroads; the CSXT, the Norfolk Southern and the BNSF.

BHRR will immediately begin the hiring process to ensure uninterrupted service to the rail customers. The BHRR will be under the leadership of Rodney Gordon who currently serves as general manager of the Grand Elk Railroad in Kalamazoo, Mich.

"We want to assemble the best team of people possible to serve our new customers," Gordon said. "We want men and women who will make sure our customers’ transportation needs are met on a daily basis. We realize the number of customer jobs that depend on this railroad and we are committed to doing our best every day to make these customers more competitive in the global economy."

Kansas unveils passenger rail service plan

The Kansas Department of Transportation released the Passenger Rail Service Development Plan, which is the next step necessary in exploring the feasibility of expanding passenger rail service in Kansas.

The development of the SDP follows an earlier feasibility study completed by Amtrak in March 2010. The results of that feasibility study provided preliminary cost and revenue estimates plus potential schedules for expanded passenger rail service between Kansas City, Oklahoma City and Fort Worth.

The just completed SDP is a comprehensive business and operating plan that looks at things such as route schedule and projected ridership, capital investments to infrastructure, operating subsidies and implementation. Completion of the SDP is required in order to be eligible to apply for potential future federal capital funding for state supported passenger rail service programs.

The SDP explored two options for expanded passenger rail. One is a nighttime service between Newton and Fort Worth. The other option is a daytime service between Kansas City and Fort Worth. In addition, the SDP explored a scenario in which the nighttime service would first be implemented and then later the daytime service would be added. Any expansion of state-supported passenger rail service would require further refinement and much more detailed environmental and engineering work, along with an investment in infrastructure as well as annual operating subsidies.

The SDP estimates the cost of the infrastructure improvements for the nighttime service to be $87.5 million and the daytime service to be $245.5 million. The annual operating subsidy to be shared by participating states for the nighttime service is estimated at $4.4 million and the daytime service is $10 million.

KDOT’s next step regarding passenger rail service is to present the SDP’s findings to the Kansas Legislature during the upcoming 2012 session.

Granite receives full notice to proceed for Houston light rail project

Granite Construction Incorporated says that in conjunction with the execution of the Full Funding Grant Agreement, the Houston Rapid Transit Joint Venture team, has received full notice to proceed on the $1.2 billion contract from the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County for expansion of the existing light-rail transit system in Houston, Texas. HRT was awarded the design/build contract in 2009. The company will book its 34 percent share of the additional NTP, or approximately $242 million, into backlog in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Led by Parsons Transportation Group, Inc., HRT JV includes Granite Construction Company, Kiewit Texas Construction L.P. and Stacy and Witbeck, Inc. The team is responsible for expanding the existing light-rail transit system in three new corridors in downtown Houston totaling an additional 15 miles of light-rail transit.Scope of the work includes 24 stations, storage and inspection facilities and a major renovation to the existing Rail Operations Center. Construction began with issuance of the original NTP in July of 2010 and the project is scheduled to be completed in 2014.

Zetica Rail awarded Network Rail contract

Zetica Rail was awarded a contract by Network Rail to upgrade Zetica’s Advanced Rail Radar installation on three inspection trains to include high frequency horn antenna for ballast fouling measurements in addition to existing antennas for imaging deeper trackbed layers.

New software functionality to provide automated asset detection, automated data registration and enhanced reporting via a network portal has also been delivered. The ZARR system is being utilized to scan more than 16,000km (9,941 miles) of track per year.

MBTA’s “T” ridership grows at a record pace

Acting Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority General Manager Jonathan Davis says record numbers of riders continue to use the nation’s fifth busiest public transportation system. Weekday MBTA ridership for October increased by 3.2 percent over October 2010 and averaged 1.348 million passenger trips per weekday.Davis said last month’s ridership was just shy of September’s record high of 1.349 million passenger trips.

As back-to-back months, September and October represented the MBTA’s highest ridership in the modern record-keeping era. Davis said heavy ridership growth was seen on the Red, Orange and Blue Lines, which exceeded September’s record high. Last month’s average of 555,000 weekday passenger trips on the Red, Orange and Blue Lines was the highest in MBTA history.

In this calendar year, ridership has been higher than 2010 levels in nine out of ten months. Davis cited the state’s economic recovery and growing employment levels as factors in the T’s record ridership. He also believes the availability of real-time train location information has attracted new riders by making it easier and more convenient to use the MBTA.

NCDOT to hold public hearings for proposed rail improvements

The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Rail Division will hold two informal design public hearings on Monday, Dec. 12, and Tuesday, Dec. 13, regarding proposed track and rail crossing improvements between south of Concord and Charlotte. The 12-mile stretch of second track is a part of the railway Raleigh to Charlotte Piedmont Improvement Program and is proposed along the North Carolina Railroad and Norfolk Southern.

The first meeting will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 12, at Hickory Ridge High School (Commons area) located at 7321 Ragin’ Road in Harrisburg. The Tuesday, Dec. 13, meeting will be held from 6-8 p.m. at the Charlotte Friends Meetinghouse (Meeting Room) located at 570 West Rocky River Road in Charlotte.

The proposed project would include the construction of an additional track adjacent to the existing railroad track along the NCRR/NS from south of N.C. 49 near Concord to Orr Road in northeast Charlotte. As part of the project, new bridges also are proposed to separate automobile and train traffic.

The environmental assessment document (EA) prepared for this project and a copy of the maps are available for public viewing at the following locations:
• NCDOT District 2 Engineer’s Office, 7605 District Drive in Charlotte; and
• Harrisburg Town Hall, 4100 Main Street, Suite 101.

 

RailWorks appoints three to executive team

RailWorks Corporation appointed three to its executive team. Benjamin Levy joined RailWorks as executive vice president and general counsel. Robert Cummings was appointed chief information officer. Dan Aghdam joined RailWorks as vice president of corporate development.

Levy comes to RailWorks with an accomplished record of legal and management experience in transportation, business and finance. In his new position, Levy is responsible for all legal matters for RailWorks Corporation and its subsidiaries.

In the new position of chief information officer, Cummings is responsible for all information technology and systems functions for RailWorks Corporation and its subsidiaries.

In the newly created role of vice president of corporate development, Aghdam is responsible for identifying and developing new markets, services and opportunities for potential alliances, mergers and acquisitions.

"These new appointments come in response to RailWorks’ significant growth and expanded business needs," said RailWorks President & CEO Jeffrey Levy. "The addition of Ben, Bob and Dan provides support for our operations and will allow us to continue to take advantage of new opportunities to serve our customers."

Extension failure on “cooling off” period, House ready to act to avoid freight strike

The nation’s freight railroads have not reached agreements with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and the American Train Dispatchers Association to extend the current "cooling-off" period. The railroads’ proposed extension, which a third union, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes, accepted, was contingent upon the acceptance by all three unions. In the absence of a settlement, the "cooling-off" period will expire at the end of the day December 5, after which the railroads may lock out employees represented by unions with unresolved disputes and those unions also would be free to strike.

"The railroads have made and will continue to make every effort to reach agreements with the remaining three unions. During the busiest shipping and travel period of the year, a nationwide disruption of rail service would deal a crushing blow to our nation’s economy," said Kenneth Gradia, chairman of the National Carriers’ Conference Committee, the railroads’ bargaining representative.

The freight railroads have reached settlements with 10 of the 13 rail unions covering more than 60 percent of the 132,000 employees in the current round of bargaining.

"We urge the remaining unions to reach agreements with the railroads before December 6," Gradia added.
BLET National President Dennis Pierce said, "At this point, an extension would not serve either BLET members or the bargaining process in which we are engaged. If an agreement is to be reached, it is now, not some time down the road. Bargaining is at a point where an extension simply will not affect the outcome for BLET members."



House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) and Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) issued the following statement:

"We are following with concern the situation involving our nation’s railways and we are troubled by the possibility of a national railway strike that would jeopardize American jobs and cost our nation’s economy an estimated $2 billion per day. While our hope is that the parties involved will find common ground and resolve the situation without congressional involvement, the House is prepared to take legislative action in the days ahead to avert a job-destroying shutdown of our nation’s railroads, in the event such legislation proves necessary. A shutdown of our nation’s railways, which would harm our economy and endanger many American jobs, is unacceptable. We are confident President Obama and the leaders of the Senate agree

Honolulu Rail Transit eligible for share of $510 million in federal funds

The Honolulu Rail Transit Project is eligible to share in an allocation of $510 million in federal funds next year, provided the city and county of Honolulu and the Federal Transit Administration sign a full-funding grant agreement by the end of calendar year 2012.

The money that is set aside for the Honolulu Rail Transit Project and a small number of rail transit projects in other cities, that are also in the final stages of development, represent continuing federal commitment to the project.

"Federal funds are hard to come by in the current budget climate and Honolulu has an opportunity to secure substantial federal support for this long awaited project designed to help alleviate traffic on Oahu. Rail transit will create thousands of jobs and bring welcome relief to commuters who are forced to spend hours in their cars each day inching through congested roadways.

"We have planned this project and debated its merits for decades and we must move forward. We must set aside our differences and work together. I remain committed to this project and will continue to do everything I can to direct federal funds to the work and ensure its timely completion," said Senate Committee on Appropriations Chairman Daniel Inouye.

Watco to operate Wyoming line, acquire Wisconsin & Southern

Watco Transportation Services, L.L.C. (Watco), formed a new shortline railroad, the Swan Ranch Railroad (SRR), to serve the rapidly growing needs of the energy sector. The SRR will operate within the newly developed Swan Ranch Industrial Park in Cheyenne, Wyo., the largest logistics hub in the Rocky Mountain Region.

This development is at the crosshairs of two Class 1 railroads, Union Pacific and BNSF, as well as two major interstate highways, I-25 and I-80, making it a prime location for manufacturing and distribution companies. When fully developed, the Swan Ranch Industrial Park will encompass approximately 7,200 acres. The first phase of development is the Cheyenne Logistics Hub, which will total 1,300 acres and include a transloading facility. Several companies have already expressed interest in this property, which is being developed by Granite Peak Development.

Watco filed a petition today with the Surface Transportation Board for the SRR to operate the 17,192 feet of track in the premier logistics hub as a switching railroad. This railroad will be the first Watco-owned shortline operating in the state of Wyoming and within an industrial park.

Jebro, Inc., a manufacturer and distributor in the asphalt industry, is the first company to open in the park and will begin receiving railcars in December of 2011.

In other news, Watco Transportation and The Wisconsin & Southern Railroad Co. have mutually approved an agreement whereby Watco will acquire controlling ownership of the WSOR. The acquisition will allow the WSOR to expand its footprint throughout the Midwest, seek out new markets and cost-effective routings for Wisconsin businesses, while maintaining the same level of service and commitment to the state of Wisconsin and its shippers that have defined its 30 year history.

Under the agreement, the WSOR will retain its existing corporate structure including its name and all operations to continue to serve its customers and provide outstanding service to Wisconsin communities. WSOR headquarters will remain in Milwaukee, Wis., where dispatching, customer service and other administrative functions will be operated out of.

CSX introduces improved carbon calculator

As millions of Americans head to stores or make online purchases, CSX has launched an improved Carbon Calculator aimed at helping consumers and businesses better understand the key role freight rail plays in a sustainable supply chain.

"CSX’s online Carbon Calculator not only helps our customers make smart supply chain decisions, it also helps educate consumers about the path items take to get to store shelves or their front door," said Carl Gerhardstein, assistant vice president, environmental systems and sustainability. "This tool demonstrates our commitment to responsible business and helps consumers understand how freight rail positively affects the life-cycle of the goods they buy."

To demonstrate the efficiencies of CSX’s network, the calculator compares the carbon emissions generated by freight rail to those of long-haul trucks over similar routes. Consumers are able to choose from a number of variables, from the type and volume of goods transported to the length of the route, to estimate the average carbon emissions reduced by shipping via rail.

The tool also plays an important role for businesses, helping them optimize their supply chains as they bring goods to market more sustainably than ever before.

The calculator provides shippers an opportunity to better understand the environmental benefits of shipping their goods via rail. The tool shows how intermodal shipments can drastically reduce carbon emissions.

Brandt Group of Companies breaks $1B in sales, plans to donate more than $3 million in 2012

Canada-based Brandt Group of Companies has surpassed a major financial milestone: $1 billion (US$ 983 million) in annual revenue. To show their appreciation to the customers, employees and communities who have helped them reach this level of success, Brandt will be giving back more than $3 million (US$2.95 million) before the end of 2012.

"We owe it all to a great team of employees and loyal customers," said Brandt Chairman Gavin Semple. "We couldn’t have done it without them."

Brandt has some very special things planned for 2012 to celebrate this milestone. Effective today, Brandt will launch its "Thanks a Billion" Program that will feature special gifts and promotions all year long. To begin giving back, Brandt presented a donation of $100,000 (US$ 98,352) to the United Way and $50,000 (US$449,176) to the Children’s Wish Foundation.

HART signs core systems contract with Ansaldo Honolulu JV

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation finalized the core systems contract for Honolulu’s rail project Nov. 28, with Ansaldo Honolulu JV, moving the project forward with the design and construction of the rail vehicles and the train control system.

"Our extensive review of Ansaldo Honolulu JV’s finances showed that they have the capacity to successfully deliver the core systems contract," said Toru Hamayasu, HART’s interim executive director and CEO. "We have strong safeguards in bonds and guarantees to protect us. But more importantly, I believe we selected a responsible contractor with a solid commitment to delivering a world-class system for Honolulu."

The HART board’s Finance and Project Oversight committees also conducted two separate meetings on Ansaldo’s financial capacity and that of its parent company, Finmeccanica, in addition to eight board meeting discussions. Most recently, the committees held a lengthy public meeting Nov. 25, with Ansaldo’s top officials, who answered detailed questions about the company’s finances and the joint venture’s financial capacity to fulfill the contract.

"We have confirmation at three levels: the city, state DCCA and the state court that the process was in full compliance with the procurement policies. Additionally, extensive due diligence has been conducted by HART over the past several months. We are confident that the procurement officer made a well-informed decision," said HART Finance Committee Chairman Don Horner and Project Oversight Committee Chairman Damien Kim.

Ansaldo Honolulu JV was awarded the $1.4-billion core systems contract in March. That contract includes $574 million for the design, construction and delivery of 80 train vehicles and train control systems and $830 million in operations and maintenance over a 14-year period. The contract calls for the delivery of the first 16 vehicles in 2014 and for the remainder in 2018.

The core system’s contract is the latest milestone for the rail project, with 50 percent of its design and construction contracts already awarded. The project officially broke ground earlier this year and utility relocation work is now in full swing in preparation for the construction of the transit guideway in February 2012. The first section of the transit system from East Kapolei to Aloha Stadium is expected to open in 2015; the second section from East Kapolei to Kalihi in 2017 and the entire system from East Kapolei to Ala Moana in 2019.

 

U.S. DOT signs $900 million in funding agreements for Houston light rail

U.S. Department of Transportation sealed two agreements providing $900 million in federal funds to extend Houston’s major light-rail system by an additional 12 miles.

The two projects being funded, the North (Red) and Southeast (Purple) lines, are already under construction, with more than 400 workers on the job now and 1,800 additional jobs expected over the next two years.

Expanding Houston Metro’s light-rail service to the north and the southeast is part of the city’s sweeping plan to connect Houston’s workforce with major downtown employment centers, including the Texas Medical Center and the University of Houston. With 18 new passenger stops along the way, the expanded light rail will also take riders to Reliant Park, Toyota Center, Minute Maid Park, a new major league soccer stadium now under construction, the Museum District and the George R. Brown Convention Center/Discovery Green Park.

The new light rail lines, both scheduled to open for service in 2015, will provide alternatives to congested Interstate 45 and U.S. Route 59. They are expected to carry more than 58,000 riders on weekdays, including more than 13,000 new transit riders a day, by the year 2030. The two $450 million grant agreements signed are funded through Federal Transportations Authority’s New Starts capital transit discretionary grant program.

NYMTA Metro-North Railroad to open Fairfield Station December 5

New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Metro-North Railroad will begin train service to the newly-built Fairfield Metro Station on Monday, December 5.

Located midway between the Fairfield and Bridgeport stations, Fairfield Metro should encourage the use of mass transit by providing 1,400 parking spaces. The station was built by the Connecticut Department of Transportation and the Town of Fairfield. CTDOT owns the entire station facility. The station and parking lot will be operated and maintained by Fusco Management Company for CTDOT. Metro-North provides train service in Connecticut under contract to CTDOT.

Fairfield Metro Station is fully ADA accessible with elevators on each platform. In addition, the station has two, high-level platforms with full-length canopies that can accommodate 12 rail cars each. Other station amenities include ticket vending machines, benches, shelters and a fully-enclosed pedestrian overpass for easy passage between platforms. Recycling centers also are available on the platforms.

The New Haven Line, the busiest single rail line in the United States, carried 37.3 million people in 2010, a 2.8 percent increase over the previous year.

Fairfield Metro is the first new station on the New Haven Line since State Street Station opened in New Haven in 2002. Prior to that, the last station to open was Merritt 7 on the Danbury Branch in 1985.

TriMet begins installation of solar panels along the MAX line

Starting Nov. 29, solar panels will be installed at the Portland, Ore., area TriMet South Terminus of the MAX Green and Yellow lines at SW Jackson Street near Portland State University. It will be the first solar energy project utilized along TriMet’s 52-mile MAX light-rail system. When completed, it will produce more than 67,000 kilowatts of power annually, offsetting energy used by site lighting and two light-rail electrical systems buildings.

The installation of 253 solar modules on TriMet’s South Terminus MAX substation and signal-communications building is expected to last up to four weeks.

Renewable energy generated by the solar panel system will go directly into Portland General Electric’s power grid through a power purchasing agreement, offsetting the energy required to power onsite lighting and electrical systems/buildings. Currently, these electrical systems have an average annual power cost of $3,680; TriMet expects roughly that amount to receive as an energy credit.
TriMet will monitor the site’s energy output and performance and provide the data to Portland State University for research and education purposes.

REC Solar, which has served as a key system design and engineering resource for the project, will be installing the solar modules manufactured by SolarWorld of Hillsboro, Ore.

"Installation of solar panels at the South Terminus furthers TriMet’s commitment to including sustainable practices in our projects and systems," said TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane. "REC Solar and SolarWorld have been great partners in bringing renewable energy to the MAX system in downtown Portland."

The project budget is approximately $370,600, which is being funded with remaining monies from the I-205/Portland Mall Light Rail Project – now called the MAX Green Line. An Energy Trust of Oregon rebate is expected to cover about 35 percent of the costs; Portland General Electric is also a funding partner.

As funding allows, plans call for vertical axis wind turbines to be added to catenary poles at South Terminus, providing more renewable energy for the site. The South Terminus already has several sustainable components, including on-site stormwater treatment, low-energy site and exterior building lighting and site components created with materials originally salvaged from the mall during construction of the light rail alignment.

Boggs joins Birmingham Rail & LocomotiveBoggs joins Birmingham Rail & Locomotive

Birmingham Rail & Locomotive Co., Inc., named Brent Boggs director of relay operations. Boggs will lead business development within the relay rail and OTM markets with an emphasis on expanding procurement and distribution throughout North America.

Boggs brings 13 years of experience in the relay rail, OTM and trackwork department of Unitrac Railroad Materials, Inc.

 

Gross & Janes supplies borate pre-treated ties to KCS

Gross & Janes Co. will supply its new borate pre-treated railroad crossties to Kansas City Southern under a three-year contract signed by the two companies recently and is set to go into effect in early 2012. This is the first major railroad company to purchase crossties utilizing Gross & Janes’ new borate pre-treatment method, which reduces the cost and environmental impact of preservative-treated wood railroad crossties.

"We are grateful that KCS sees the added value that our new non-pressurized borate pre-treatment process delivers to their operations," said Mike Pourney, president and chief executive officer of Gross & Janes. "They are the first major railroad company to have confidence in this new process and in our ability to provide a consistent quality and supply of these new ties. We hope to make a long-term positive impact on their infrastructure."

 

Parsons selected by Caltrain for CBOSS PTC

Parsons was recently selected by the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board, which owns and operates Caltrain, the commuter rail between San Francisco and San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, for the design and installation of its $138 million interoperable Communications-Based Overlay Signal System Positive Train Control. This contract includes compliance with Federal Railroad Administration requirements, meeting the mandates of the Railroad Safety Improvement Act of 2008, as well as creating functions that will improve performance of Caltrain passenger operations.

Under this four-year contract, Parsons will design, install, test, integrate, document, commission and provide warranty services to PCJPB, enabling Caltrain to place CBOSS PTC into revenue service by October 2015.

"We are pleased to provide PTC knowledge and services to the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board and the community," said Tom Barron, Parsons Group president. "The Parsons team will ensure that Caltrain can continue to improve safety through the application of technology for its passengers and tenants."

When completed, Caltrain’s CBOSS PTC will include the capability to prevent train-to-train collisions, excessive speeds, incursions into established work zone limits and movement through misaligned switches. Parsons will ensure that the CBOSS PTC for Caltrain will be interoperable with the PTC systems implemented by Caltrain tenant railroads: Union Pacific, Capitol Corridor, Altamont Commuter Express and Amtrak, providing seamless operation of trains moving between Caltrain and UPRR-controlled territory.

RMI launches rail operations software for shippers

RMI, an independent provider of rail Transportation Management Software and comprehensive information services, introduced Transload Management and Demurrage Management as the newest additions to its ShipperConnect software platform at the 2011 IANA-NITL Conference held in Atlanta, Ga., on November 14-15.

"We were delighted with the response to our newest ShipperConnect offerings for rail shippers and 3PLs at the IANA-NITL Conference. Our existing shipper customers and new prospects have confirmed the need for rail operations software to help them manage inventory, transload operations and demurrage and detention charges," said Paul Pascutti, vice president of sales at RMI.

ShipperConnect Transload Management is a terminal management software solution used by terminal operators to manage, control and process inventory at rail transload facilities. ShipperConnect Demurrage Management software manages and calculates rail car demurrage, detention and storage charges and monitors and captures railroad events that trigger demurrage liability.

Pascutti added, "Our new software offerings leverage real-time data, maximize rail operations performance and help our customers save time and money."

The addition of Transload Management and Demurrage Management expand RMI’s ShipperConnect software offerings for industrial shippers and helps them manage, execute and plan rail shipments.