Regulatory overreach subject of House hearing

Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA) has pointed out the need to rein in out-of-control federal regulations, citing Federal Railroad Administration’s implementation of rail safety provisions that exceeded the agency’s congressional mandate.

A hearing of the Subcommittee focused on the implementation of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008. In accordance with that law, the FRA published a final rule in January to implement requirements for freight and passenger railroads to install positive train control systems by December 31, 2015. However, there are concerns that FRA’s rule exceeded the scope of its mandate.

RSIA moved forward in part due to a tragic train accident in Chatsworth, Calif. on September 12, 2008, that resulted in 25 fatalities and 135 additional injuries. Ms. Mackenzie Souser from Camarillo, Calif. whose father was killed in the tragedy, testified before the Committee on March 17.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this accident, in particular Mackenzie, who is the daughter of Doyle Souser, who was killed in the crash," said Shuster during his opening statement.

Shuster stressed the need to continue to ensure the safety of the nation’s railways, as set forth in RSIA, but noted that regulatory overreach could threaten the industry and the economy for very little safety benefit.

The following continues Shuster’s opening statement from the hearing:

"Throughout our government, I am deeply concerned with the regulatory overreach that cripples our economy, stifles job creation and ties our nation up in red tape. I applaud President Obama for his recent comments on reducing the regulatory burden and for calling for a government-wide review of burdensome regulations. However, it seems like every time I turn around, another agency is moving forward with new cumbersome and expensive rulemakings. There is a significant disconnect between the President’s words and the action’s of the Administration’s agencies.

"Positive Train Control is an example of regulatory overreach that I would like to focus on here today. PTC describes technologies designed to automatically stop or slow a train before certain accidents caused by human error.



"FRA’s PTC rule has raised great concern and strong objections, specifically because the FRA regulation appears to have gone beyond the scope of the Rail Safety Improvement Act PTC mandate.

"FRA’s own cost-benefit analysis of its final rule implementing PTC states:

‘an immediate regulatory mandate for PTC could not be justified based upon normal cost-benefit principles relying on direct safety benefits…. The safety benefits of PTC systems were relatively small in comparison to the large capital and maintenance costs.’

"The FRA estimated a cost-benefit ratio of 15:1 for required installation of PTC systems when it issued its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and an even higher cost-benefit ration of 22:1 in its final rule. The 20-year costs are estimated to be $13.21 billion.

"Another important issue is the base year used for PTC route determination. In its final rule, the FRA orders railroads to install PTC on rail lines that carried toxic-by-inhalation materials in 2008. Yet nothing in the Rail Safety Improvements Act calls for using 2008 as the base year – only the 2015 implementation date is mentioned in the statute.

"Using 2008 as the base year makes little sense because TIH traffic patterns in 2015 will be vastly different than they were in 2008. If left unchanged, the 2008 baseline year will mean railroads may have to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to deploy PTC on thousands of miles of rail lines on which neither passengers nor TIH materials will be moving in 2015.

"We simply must get out-of-control government regulations under control and today’s hearing is one step in that direction."

Kerchof to head NS Research and Tests Department

Brad Kerchof has been appointed Norfolk Southern Corporation’s director of Research and Tests in Roanoke, Va.

Kerchof began his railroad career with Conrail in 1977 and worked in the engineering departments of Conrail and Norfolk Southern for 32 years, serving as division engineer for three Norfolk Southern operating divisions, before becoming Norfolk Southern’s director of engineering, his most recent position.

Kerchof replaces Bob Blank, who retired in February after 37 years in the Research and Tests department.

UTU, BLET ratify pacts on MBCR

United Transportation Union-represented conductors and assistant conductors on Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad have ratified a four-year agreement covering wages, benefits and working conditions, the UTU Website reports.

The agreement is retroactive to July 2009 and may be reopened for amendment in July 2013 under provisions of the Railway Labor Act.

BLET-represented engineers on MBCR also ratified a new four-year agreement. The UTU and the BLET negotiated jointly to reach those separate craft agreements, with the expectation that a better agreement for each craft would result if negotiations were held jointly.

Included in the UTU amended agreement with MBCR are retroactive pay, a signing bonus, a 13.7 percent overall increase in wages by July 2013, certification pay for conductors, a cap on healthcare cost-sharing and a provision that discipline records will not be retained beyond a maximum of 36 months (other than substance abuse violations, which are subject to record-keeping under federal law).

The agreement also includes an increase in compensation for release-time — from the decades-old 50 percent of the full-time rate to 62.5 percent.

UTU International Vice President John Previsich, who assisted with the negotiations, commended General Chairperson Roger Lenfest and Assistant General Chairperson Dirk Sampson (both, Amtrak, GO 769), along with Local 898 Chairperson Don Wheaton "for their participation in securing substantial improvements to wages and working conditions in today’s difficult economic environment.

"It is through their extraordinary efforts that the negotiating team was able to add groundbreaking enhancements such as conductor certification pay and increased pay for release time," Previsich said.

 

Axion signs tie order with Alcoa

Axion International, a producer of industrial building products and railroad ties made from 100 percent recycled plastic, has signed its first order to provide Axion’s Recycled Structural Composite (RSC) railroad ties to Alcoa Fastening Systems, a subsidiary of Alcoa, Inc., one of the largest producers of aluminum in the world.

"We are pleased to announce this new contract-win and look forward to working with Alcoa’s team as we complete our first project together," stated Jim Kerstein, Axion’s chief technology officer. "Using our patented material, designed from 100 percent recycled plastic, Alcoa will be able to further reduce its carbon foot-print."

"Jim and the rest of the Axion team have been a pleasure to work with and we look forward to delivering these new sleepers (ties) to the refinery at Wagerup," stated Glen R. Woodrow – manager, Mining, Rail, Oil & Gas of Alcoa Fastening Systems. "After our initial purchase we will evaluate Axion’s materials on both an engineering and cost basis for potential use in future railroad sleeper (tie) projects throughout Australia, the Pacific and South East Asia."

Bi-Cameral delegation forms High-Speed and Intercity Rail Caucus

The founding members of the Bi-Cameral High-Speed & Intercity Passenger Rail Caucus recently joined together at Washington’s Union Station to announce the formation of a coalition that will serve as the leading advocates to advance high-speed and intercity rail programs across the country.

The caucus’ members are Representative Louise Slaughter (D-NY) and Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ), along with Congress members Corrine Brown (D-FL), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), David Price (D-NC), Tim Walz (D-MN) and John Olver (D-MA) and Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL). According to a statement on Rep. Slaughter’s Website, the caucus will be dedicated to supporting federal legislative and funding policies to ensure the long-term viability of the high-speed and intercity passenger rail program.


Each founding Co-Chair represents a region containing a major high-speed and intercity rail corridors that, when completed, will make up a national high-speed rail network anticipated to both directly and indirectly spur the creation of hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs across the country.

The Obama Administration has set the goal to give 80 percent of Americans access to high-speed rail within 25 years. Lawmakers gathered to argue that funding for high-speed and intercity rail programs are exactly the type of bold investment necessary to increase America’s competitiveness.

"Like President Obama, we share the goal of giving 80 percent of Americans access to high speed rail within 25 years," said Congresswoman Slaughter. "We understand that this investment will more than pay for itself with the jobs created for Americans in need of work and opportunities it creates for future growth. As rail lines open and communities are brought closer together, the potential long-term impact of rail service will only grow. I represent Upstate New York, which is home to the busiest freight corridor in the nation, stretching between Buffalo and Albany. A dedicated third track for high-speed, intercity travel will mean $1.1 billion in new wages and 21,000 estimated new jobs in my home state alone."

"High-speed rail needs to play a bigger role in our nation’s overall transportation system so we can move people and goods from one place to another faster and more efficiently," said Congressman Price. "Planned rail investments will relieve congestion, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and create jobs – including 20,000 jobs in North Carolina. If we want to stay competitive in the international economy, we simply cannot continue to lag behind countries like China in developing a 21st Century infrastructure. We must invest in a smarter transportation system that includes high-speed rail."

 

UP invests $18M in Texas track improvements

Union Pacific continues improving Houston’s transportation infrastructure with an $18.7 million investment to enhance a rail line that parallels the Hardy Toll Road from Spring to Crosstimbers Street in Houston.

The 17-mile project includes removing and installing new rail, 11 track switches and more than 45,000 concrete ties. Crews also will spread more than 78,000 tons of ballast to ensure a stable roadbed and renew the roadway surfaces at seven crossings.

Union Pacific will use a modern track renewal train, the TRT 909, which installs rail and concrete ties in one pass. The TRT can install up to 6,000 ties in a 12-hour day. The track renewal train consists of approximately 30 rail cars, with each car capable of carrying 210 concrete ties. Three sets of gantry cranes move the concrete ties forward for the TRT to drop into place and the machine then threads the new rail onto the ties. The old wooden ties are picked up and discarded rail is threaded out as the machine works its way down the track. A conveyor moves the removed ties into position for the gantry cranes to load them onto the cars for movement to a facility for sorting.

 

AAR to Congress: Freight rail investments propel safety achievements

The Association of American Railroads has told Congress that private capital investments made over the past 30 years by the nation’s freight railroads have helped propel the industry’s enviable safety record. Testifying on behalf of AAR, Norfolk Southern Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Manion told members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee that the rail industry’s record safety achievements are due in large part to the commitment and tremendous resources freight railroads put into constantly improving safety.

"For Norfolk Southern and America’s other freight and passenger railroads, safe operations are an imperative," Manion said, noting the industry has made massive investments in safety- enhancing infrastructure, equipment and technology, as well as employee training and cooperative programs with other safety stakeholder groups like labor unions, customers and federal regulators.

"Nothing is more important to our nation’s freight railroads than the safety of their employees, customers and the communities they serve, as demonstrated by the scope of the industry’s safety efforts," he added.

At the Hill hearing on the status of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008, Manion said Congress passed the most costly federal mandate in U.S. railroad history – a $13.2 billion price tag and a 20-to-one cost-benefit ratio – which will require railroads to deploy positive train control technology by 2015 on lines handling certain types of hazardous materials and passenger operations.

"The cause of safety will not be advanced if resources are directed to programs or requirements that siphon resources that would have a more pronounced impact on safety if spent elsewhere," he said. "It is short sighted to put such enormous emphasis on one technology, when less costly, more effective alternatives exist for reducing the risk of accidents."

Following the issuance of FRA’s final rule for implementing PTC, AAR filed suit in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, seeking to change certain aspects of the rule. Earlier, FRA agreed to undertake a review of the rules, and the suit was put on hold.

"FRA’s review of the final PTC rule provides the Obama Administration a great opportunity to make good on its Executive Order to identify and change regulations that are preventing job growth and economic recovery," said AAR’s President and CEO Edward Hamberger. "Given the vast amounts of private capital and resources that will be required to meet the PTC mandate, much will depend on how the revised rules are ultimately shaped."

WMATA to hold public hearing on capital improvement program of projects

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority will hold a public hearing on Monday, March 21, to receive public input on Metro’s fiscal 2012 Capital Budget and Capital Improvement Program, both of which focus on ensuring safety and maintaining a state of good repair across the Metro system. 



The public is invited to provide input on the Program of Projects that Metro staff has proposed to include in its fiscal 2012 Capital Improvement Program. The program is expected to total $851.1 million and to include funding from an estimated $398.0 million of federal grants. Projects include replacing the 1000 series rail cars; replacing and rehabilitating old buses and bus garages and rehabilitating rail lines and stations. 



The hearing is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. Monday, March 21, at Metro Headquarters, in the lobby-level Board Room, 600 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, D.C

AAR: 2010 is safest year in freight railroad history

The Association of American Railroads recently announced that 2010 was the safest year in U.S. Class 1 freight railroad history, with preliminary year-end data indicating the industry’s train accident and employee casualty rates both were at record low levels.

The safety data, which is released by the Federal Railroad Administration, shows that the total number of train accidents involving U.S. Class 1 freight railroads declined by three percent in 2010, with the rate per-million-train-miles falling 9.6 percent from the previous record established in 2009. The number of employee casualties on U.S. Class 1 freight railroads fell by 14.2 percent, while the employee casualty rate measured per-hundred full-time equivalent employees declined 16 percent from the previous record set in 2009.

"These safety accomplishments demonstrate the depth of the freight railroad industry’s commitment to the safety of our employees, the communities we serve and the country’s rail network infrastructure," said AAR President and CEO Edward Hamberger. "Safety is not an option for the railroads. It drives how we conduct our business day in and day out."

Hamberger said that record investments by freight railroads in their infrastructure, equipment and technology in recent years have made railroads much safer. In fact, as railroad spending on infrastructure and equipment has increased over the years, train accident rates have decreased.

He also noted that at a time when the nation’s railroads are working to meet the most expensive federal mandate in U.S. railroad history by installing positive train control systems – primarily intended to prevent train collisions – railroads are experiencing record low collision rates, down 13 percent in 2010 from the previous record low in 2009. The train collision rate has dropped by 89.9 percent since 1980 and 47 percent since 2000.

Train derailment rates also hit historic lows in 2010, down 9.6 percent from 2009, as did train accidents caused by defective track, human error and equipment, which were down 9.4 percent, 9.6 percent and 14.2 percent, respectively. In 2010, grade crossing collision incidents increased for the first time in six years, up 7.8 percent from 2009. The grade crossing collision rate in 2010 also increased for the first time in four years, up 0.5 percent on a per-million-train-mile basis from 2009.

"The safety challenge is never-ending," said Hamberger. "Our industry’s excellent safety record reflects its commitment to innovation and investment."

 

Senators unveil plan for $10B infrastructure bank

At a press conference, Senators John Kerry (D-Mass.), Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), and Mark R. Warner (D-Va.), announced legislation to create an infrastructure bank that would help close America’s widening infrastructure-funding gap, create millions of American jobs in the next decade and make the United States more competitive in the 21st century.

"This is a bi-partisan moment to make a once bi-partisan issue bi-partisan once again," said Sen. Kerry. "Democrats and Republicans, business and labor, are now united to create an American infrastructure bank to leverage private investment, make America the world’s builders once again and close the deficit in our infrastructure investments. The BUILD Act will create good jobs, strengthen our competitiveness, and do more with less. Most of all, this bill breaks a partisan stalemate to get America back in the game. When you’ve got a Massachusetts Democrat, a Texas Republican, the Chamber of Commerce and the AFL-CIO preaching from the same hymnal, you’ll find a sweet spot that can translate into a major legislative step forward."

A press release from Sen. Kerry’s office stated, "The Building and Upgrading Infrastructure for Long-Term Development Act would establish an American Infrastructure Financing Authority – a kind of infrastructure bank – to complement our existing infrastructure funding. This institution, which would provide loans and loan guarantees, would be both fiscally responsible and robust enough to address America’s needs."


KEY PROVISIONS OF THE BUILD ACT

Independent, non-partisan operations
• While AIFA would be a government-owned entity, it would not be controlled by any federal agency and instead would operate independently. It would be led by a Board of Directors with seven voting members and a chief executive officer.
• No more than four voting members of the board could be from the same political party.
• Board members would have to be U.S. citizens with significant expertise either in the management of a relevant financial institution or in the financing, development or operation of infrastructure projects.

Strong oversight by Congress and the Federal government
• The Board and CEO would be appointed by the President, with one board member designated as chairperson. All candidates would have to be confirmed with the advice and consent of the Senate.
• The Majority Leader of the Senate, the Minority Leader of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives would each recommend candidates.
• An Inspector General would oversee AIFA’s operations, an independent auditor would review AIFA’s books and AIFA would submit an assessment of the risks of its portfolio, prepared by an independent source.
• The General Accounting Office would also conduct an evaluation of AIFA and submit a report to Congress no later than five years after the date of enactment.

Broad eligibility for infrastructure
• Eligible projects would include transportation infrastructure; water infrastructure; and energy infrastructure.
• In general, projects would have to be at least $100 million in size and be of national or regional significance.
• Projects would have a clear public benefit, meet rigorous economic, technical and environmental standards, and be backed by a dedicated revenue stream.
• Geographic, sector, and size considerations would also be weighed.

Unbiased project selection
• The CEO would be responsible, in consultation with professional staff, for reviewing and preparing the eligible project applications.
• The Board would be responsible for the ultimate approval or disapproval of the eligible projects that are submitted to the Board by the Chief Executive Officer and staff.

Strong rural protections
• Rural projects would only need to be $25 million in size.
• Five percent of the initial funding of AIFA would be dedicated to helping rural projects.
• AIFA would include an Office of Rural Assistance to provide technical assistance regarding the developing and financing of rural projects.
• Projects would still have to have a clear public benefit, meet rigorous economic, technical and environmental standards and be backed by a dedicated revenue stream.

Addressing market gaps for infrastructure financing
• AIFA would issue loan and loan guarantees to eligible projects.
• Loans issued by AIFA would use approximately the same interest rate as similar-length United States Treasury securities and would have a maturity of no longer than 35 years.
• Loans and loan guarantees could be subject to additional fees or interest rate premiums based largely on the costs of the loan to the Federal government, as determined by AIFA in consultation with the Office of Management and Budget.
• AIFA would finance no more than 50 percent of the total costs of the project, in order to avoid crowding out private capital.

Self-sufficiency of AIFA
• AIFA is set up to be self-sufficient after the first few years.
• To achieve self-sufficiency, the CEO of AIFA would establish fees for loans and loan guarantees. These fees could be in the form of application fees or transaction fees, and could include an interest rate premium associated with the loan or loan guarantee.
• However, AIFA would receive an initial funding of $10 billion, which would earn interest. This initial funding would be used both to offset the cost of the loans to the Federal government and to cover administrative costs.
• Funding under the Act would be subject to the Federal Credit Reform Act, except that it would be exempted from the requirement that appropriations are needed for subsequent loans and loan guarantees.

Additional BUILD Act provisions
• The BUILD Act also addresses private activity bonds. These bonds are frequently used to finance infrastructure projects. Under current law, interest on tax-exempt private activity bonds is generally subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax. This, in turn, limits the marketability of these bonds and causes states to issue bonds at higher interest rates. This Act would extend the current exemption to bonds that are issued in 2011 or 2012.

UP invests $11.2M in Colorado track improvements

Union Pacific will continue improving Colorado’s transportation infrastructure with an $11.2 million investment to enhance the rail line that runs from Grand Junction, Colo., to near Somerset, Colo. The 75-mile project includes removing and installing nearly 81,000 railroad ties, renewing the surfaces in 64 road crossings and installing nearly a mile of new rail in various curves on the line. Crews will also spread 43,700 tons of ballast to ensure a stable roadbed.

UP plans to spend approximately $3.2 billion in 2011 to support America’s current and future freight transportation needs and enhance the safety and efficiency of the railroad’s 32,000-mile network.

Orbitz for Business partners with SilverRail to add online rail search

Orbitz for Business, the corporate travel group of Orbitz Worldwide Inc., has joined SilverRail Technologies, an online search and booking solutions company specializing in passenger rail transportation. The technology partnership enables Orbitz for Business customers to seamlessly plan and book rail travel through the Orbitz for Business tool and makes Orbitz for Business the first major online travel company to announce integrated, online rail capabilities for U.S. business travelers.

The new rail content is delivered through the familiar Orbitz for Business interface, with a user experience similar to how customers currently search and book flights, hotels and car rentals. Under the agreement with SilverRail, Orbitz for Business customers can now search and book all U.S.-based Amtrak destinations online, with future expansion planned for Canada and European markets.

"Many of our customers in regions like the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast U.S. have a preference for rail over short distance flights," said Frank Petito, president, Orbitz for Business. "In order to better serve these customers, the SilverRail partnership allows Orbitz for Business to deliver a more comprehensive set of travel products with the scale and flexibility to expand our rail offerings in the future."

"Online connectivity among rail operators, passengers and travel distributors has traditionally lagged behind other travel services," said Aaron Gowell, CEO and founder, SilverRail Technologies. "SilverRail’s technology platform is bringing rail distribution back on par with air travel and other modes of transportation. We are excited to work with Orbitz for Business to deliver integrated, online rail content to their corporate customers."

This marks the launch of a broad rail implementation strategy for Orbitz for Business. Effective immediately, customers can search and purchase U.S. rail travel on Amtrak through a single online booking path. Travelers can access itineraries for all Amtrak routes and destinations in the U.S. and cancel their reservation online when business or trip requirements change. Additionally, travel managers have access to company-specific reporting for all new Amtrak bookings.

Further enhancements are planned for later this year.

MBTA teams with feds on security campaign

Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano have launched the updated, "If You See Something, Say Something" Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority security awareness campaign during a visit to Boston’s South Station. The campaign urges the public to take an active role keeping the city and the transit system safe and secure.

"We are pleased that Secretary Napolitano has joined us to kick off this campaign," said Lieutenant Governor Murray. "By partnering with federal, state and local agencies as well as the public, we will raise awareness and encourage all riders to take an active role in reporting suspicious behavior, as we work to keep our transit system safe for every one."

"Our partners in Boston have long demonstrated their understanding that we each have a role to play in security," said Secretary Napolitano. "I encourage Bostonians on the ‘T’ or anywhere else in town-if you see potentially suspicious behavior, say something to local law enforcement."

The "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign is funded by a $1 million grant from the Department of Homeland Security’s Transit Security grant program. It promotes a collaborative effort of state and local agencies working together educating the public to be more aware of their surroundings, and report any behavior that may appear suspicious to the proper transportation and law enforcement authorities. The MBTA originally adopted the campaign in 2003, based upon a campaign implemented by New York City’s Metropolitan Transit Authority.

"Public safety for all citizens that utilize our transit system each and every day is certainly most important above all else. This campaign allows passengers that board the subway stations and platforms to be instrumental in preventing a potential crime," said Rep. Bill Straus, Chair, Joint Committee on Transportation. "Repeated announcements asking riders to report suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities will certainly enhance awareness for transit commuters to be continuously aware of their surroundings."

"Safety for our customers and our employees is a top priority of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and MBTA," said Transportation Secretary and CEO Jeffrey Mullan. "The MBTA Transit Police and MBTA employees are on the front lines in keeping the system safe, and we depend upon the public’s assistance in this daily effort."

"We have re-energized our message to customers reminding them to be aware of their surroundings while on the system and in our stations," said General Manager Richard Davey. "If you see something out of the ordinary it is worth reporting."

The 2011 revitalized campaign uses posters and vehicle car cards along with unique elements customers may encounter during their commute to distribute the "See Something Say Something" message. MassDOT and the MBTA will also use social media including the MassDOT blog, YouTube and Twitter to ask for the public’s help.

 

Metra UP North project set to begin, no schedule change

Chicago area Metra will resume work in April on a major project to replace 22 aging bridges along the Union Pacific North line on the north side of Chicago, as well as to build a completely new Ravenswood Station.

Unlike last summer, when Metra tried to operate inbound and outbound UP North trains on a single track in the construction zone, the new plan calls for maintaining the existing two-track operation. That means the current UP North schedule will not be changed.

The new approach will cost up to $42.2 million more, bringing the total cost of the project to $215 million. That’s because keeping two tracks open will require a new track to be built closer to the western edge of the right of way, which in turn will require extensive and expensive retaining wall work to support the new track.

The 22 bridges are more than 100 years old and can no longer be economically repaired and maintained. The new bridges will offer increased safety and will last for more than 100 years.

Their replacement will be done in two phases of 11 bridges each. The first phase, which will cost $112 million and take until November 2015, will cover bridges over Balmoral, Foster, Winnemac, Lawrence, Leland, Wilson, Sunnyside, Montrose, Berteau, Irving Park and Grace. Construction of the new Ravenswood Station, the only stop in the construction zone and the busiest stop on the UP North line, will also be done in the first phase.

Bridges between Addison and Webster will be done in the second phase, which will cost $103 million and will finish in November 2019.

The new Ravenswood Station, to be rebuilt in its current location, will offer longer, covered platforms, warming shelters, improved lighting, landscaping, a ticket office, vendor space, ramps and stairs. It will be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

UP North trains have been using a temporary platform on the inbound side of Ravenswood since last fall. Trains will continue to use that platform until the first phase of the bridge project is done in 2015.

A temporary platform will also be built on the outbound side, north of Lawrence. Trains will use that temporary platform starting in a few weeks until the outbound side of the new station is completed in about two years.

Wisconsin awards more then $25M in freight grants

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has awarded 11 state grants totaling $25,515,123 that will be used to construct freight rail-related facilities and preserve and upgrade rail infrastructure as part of overall efforts to support job growth and Wisconsin’s economy.

"Freight rail plays a critical role in Wisconsin’s transportation system, moving some 150 million tons of commodities every year," Governor Walker said. "These grants and loans will help retain jobs and spur economic growth in many rural communities while strengthening our economy.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is administering six loan awards totaling $4,922,452 through the Freight Railroad Infrastructure Improvement Program. A revolving loan program, FRIIP awards are provided to private industries, railroads and local governments to improve rail infrastructure, highway/grade crossings, and to construct new rail-served facilities – with the overall goal to boost economic development and jobs. As FRIIP loans are repaid, the dollars are used to help fund new projects.

Five grant awards totaling $20,592,671 are being distributed through the state’s Freight Railroad Preservation Program. FRPP grants cover up to 80 percent of the cost of projects designed to preserve rail service or rehabilitate fixed facilities on publicly owned rail lines. Award recipients provide the 20 percent local share.

Since the FRIIP program was approved by the state legislature in 1993, WisDOT has provided 99 loans through the program totaling over $100 million. Another $98 million in FRPP grants has been awarded to local governments and railroads since 1993. Twelve freight railroads operate in Wisconsin on a system of over 3,600 route miles of track and handle some 2.5 million rail cars each year.

 

DOT opens up $2.4B in HSR funds

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is making available approximately $2.4 billion, through a competitive process, to states eager to develop high-speed rail corridors across the United States.

"The Obama Administration’s bold high-speed rail plan will create jobs, reinvigorate our manufacturing sector and spur economic development for years to come," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "States across the country have been banging down our door for the opportunity to receive additional high-speed rail dollars and to deliver all of its economic benefits to their citizens."

President Obama’s vision is to connect 80 percent of Americans to high-speed rail within the next 25 years. To put America on track towards that goal, the Obama Administration has proposed a six-year, $53 billion plan that will provide rail access to new communities; improve the reliability, speed and frequency of existing lines; and where it makes economic sense, build new corridors where trains will travel at speeds of up to 250 miles per hour.

The Obama Administration’s investments in high-speed rail are also projected to create hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs in the United States. Jobs will be created both directly on manufacturing, construction and operation of rail lines and indirectly, as the result of economic developments along rail corridors. A report by the U.S. Conference of Mayors projected that high-speed rail would create tens of thousands of jobs in cities and along rail corridors across the United States.

A 100 percent ‘Buy America’ requirement for high-speed rail projects also ensures that U.S. manufacturers and workers will receive the maximum economic benefits from this federal investment. And, in 2009, Secretary LaHood secured a commitment from 30 foreign and domestic rail manufacturers to employ American workers and locate or expand their base of operations in the U.S. if they are selected for high-speed-rail contracts. 


A merit-driven process will be used to award the newly available high-speed rail dollars to projects that can deliver public and economic benefits quickly. A project’s ability to reduce energy consumption, improve the efficiency of a region’s overall transportation network, and generate sustained economic activity along the corridor are among the selection criteria. Applications for the additional high-speed rail money will be due on April 4, 2011.

Metrolink partners with USC on safety program

Metrolink has entered into a partnership with the University of Southern California’s engineering school to create an advanced rail system safety certification program to, in its words, "pioneer efforts to standardize system safety leadership principles," the United Transportation Union reports.

The program initially will be offered to Metrolink supervisors and managers. It is intended to help develop what Metrolink calls "a total safety culture where every employee understands what drives safety performance and how to lead people in the consistent application of standard principles to achieve world-class safety."

The University of Southern California’s engineering school has been providing aviation safety education for more than half-a-century, beginning with the U.S. Air Force in 1952.

Metrolink said that where individual railroads have individual safety programs "that focus on rules and procedures, there is no consistent system safety certification program in the railroad industry. Technological advances over the next few years — as in the federal mandate for positive train control — will create even higher levels of human technology interface, which is why it is critical that a standardized system safety curriculum be created."

The Metrolink effort is being launched with the assistance of Jim Schultz, a former chief safety officer at the Federal Railroad Administration and later a safety officer with CSX Transportation.

The certification program will focus on human factors, safety management systems and risk identification.

 

APTA: $5 per gallon could spur boom in public transit trips

A study released by the American Public Transportation Association predicts that as gasoline prices continue increasing, Americans will turn to public transportation in record numbers. APTA is calling on Congress to address this impending demand by providing a greater long-term investment in public transportation.

The analysis reveals if regular gas prices reach $4 a gallon across the nation, as many experts have forecasted, an additional 670 million passenger trips could be expected, resulting in more than 10.8 billion trips per year. If pump prices jump to $5 a gallon, the report predicts an additional 1.5 billion passenger trips can be expected, resulting in more than 11.6 billion trips per year. And if prices were to soar to $6 a gallon, expectations go as high as an additional 2.7 billion passenger trips, resulting in more than 12.9 billion trips per year. 



"The volatility of the price at the pump is another wake up call for our nation to address the increasing demand for public transportation services," said APTA President William Millar. "We must make significant, long-term investments in public transportation or we will leave our fellow Americans with limited travel options, or in many cases, stranded without travel options. Public transit is the quickest way for people to beat high gas prices if it is available." 



Many of the public transit systems across the country are already seeing large ridership increases, some reaching double digits in the month of February. For instance; the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority in Pompano Beach, Fla. increased by 10.6 percent; Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority of Philadelphia, Pa. increased by 10 percent; The Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority of Oakland, Calif. increased by 14 percent and Triangle Transit of Research Triangle Park, N.C. increased by 22.8 percent.



"We saw this same story in 2008 and several times before where high gas prices caught our country without adequate travel options," said Millar. "However, this time we can write a happy ending and make sure investment is made to expand public transportation so that more Americans have a choice in how they travel."



APTA supports the Obama Administration’s transportation authorization blueprint and proposal, which increases public transit investment by 128 percent over the next six years. This type of investment would help close the gap for the 46 percent of Americans who do not have access to public transportation. APTA is encouraging riders to tell Congress they need more transportation options by going to publictransportation.org or text TRANSIT to 86677 and join the "I <3 (heart) transit campaign."



 

Berkshire Hathaway to acquire Lubrizol

Berkshire Hathaway Inc., and The Lubrizol Corporation have reached a definitive agreement for Berkshire Hathaway to acquire 100% of outstanding Lubrizol shares for $135 per share in an all-cash transaction. The transaction, which was unanimously approved by the board of directors of each company, is valued at approximately $9.7 billion, including approximately $0.7 billion in net debt, making it one of the largest acquisitions in Berkshire Hathaway history. This price represents a 28 percent premium over Lubrizol’s closing price on Friday, March 11, 2011, and is also 18 percent higher than Lubrizol’s all-time high share closing price.

"Lubrizol is exactly the sort of company with which we love to partner – the global leader in several market applications run by a talented CEO, James Hambrick," said Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway chief executive officer. "Our only instruction to James – just keep doing for us what you have done so successfully for your shareholders."

Hambrick said, "This transaction provides compelling value to our shareholders and is a clear endorsement of the growth and diversification success Lubrizol has achieved. We are very excited to have the opportunity to become part of the Berkshire Hathaway family. We believe its philosophy of supporting long-term global investments in technology, assets and employees will enhance execution of our growth strategies. Such a long-term commitment is more important than ever in today’s global economy to deliver true market-leading products and services for our customers."

The transaction is subject to the approval of Lubrizol’s shareholders and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the expiration of waiting periods and the receipt of approvals under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and applicable non-U.S. merger control regulations. Berkshire Hathaway and Lubrizol expect the transaction to be completed during the third quarter of 2011.

Lubrizol will remain located at its Wickliffe, Ohio, headquarters and will continue to be led by its current management team.

 

New Metra station just in time for White Sox opener

Next month, Chicago’s Metra will open a new station in Chicago at 35th St. along the Rock Island line, just in time for the Chicago White Sox home opener at nearby U.S. Cellular Field.

Rock Island trains will begin stopping at the station, which is on 35th St. just east of the Dan Ryan Expy., on Sunday, April 3. The first White Sox game will be held the following Thursday, April 7.

But the station isn’t just for White Sox fans. It also gives another mass transit alternative to students at the adjoining Illinois Institute of Technology, as well as to local workers and neighborhood residents. And it offers a convenient link to the nearby CTA Red and Green lines.

The Metra Board of Directors voted to name the new stop after Lovana S. "Lou" Jones, a state lawmaker who represented the area for nearly 20 years. She died in 2006. The station will be formally dedicated in early May.

The station was funded with $4.9 million in federal money secured by U.S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush (D-Chicago), a longtime supporter of the project, and an additional $6.8 million from the federal stimulus bill, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The new, fully accessible station features heated ramps, stairways, eight-car platforms, heated platform shelters, bicycle racks, benches, Metra’s audio and visual information system, lighting and landscaping. It is the first new Metra station since 2006.

On weekdays, 26 inbound trains and 21 outbound trains will stop at the new station. It will be served by all weekend trains.

Metra will increase its service on game days to accommodate White Sox fans. For weekday afternoon games, an extra outbound train will leave the station after the final out. For weekday evening games, Train 531 (departing LaSalle St. at 11:15 p.m.) will have more cars, and an extra outbound all-stop train will operate about 30 minutes after the last out. For weekend games, an inbound extra train will arrive at the station about an hour before the first pitch, and an outbound extra will operate about 30 minutes after the final out.

The Rock Island schedule is being adjusted to accommodate the new station, but there are also other modifications to the schedule to improve on-time performance, to make the schedule more consistent and to reflect actual operating conditions.

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