CTA launches Train Tracker tool developed with Americaneagle.com

Americaneagle.com, a website design, development and hosting company, assisted in the development and launch of the new CTA Train Tracker for the Chicago Transit Authority. This highly-anticipated tool enables CTA riders to view estimated arrival times for all 144 train stations across eight rail lines on CTA’s website through a computer or Web-enabled mobile device.

In helping to develop CTA Train Tracker, Americaneagle.com worked closely with the CTA to integrate with the software that monitors the agency’s signal system. The integration allows CTA Train Tracker to deliver the predicted arrival times of approaching trains to be posted within a 15-minute timeframe. The tool was built to then refresh prediction times every 20-30 seconds, giving riders the most up-to-date information available.

Americaneagle.com also worked with the CTA to create a dynamic yet user-friendly interface for the desktop and mobile versions of the tool. Riders can choose the number of results that appear and how they are sorted. The tool allows for results to appear by track, route or time.

Michael Svanascini, president of Americaneagle.com noted, “Americaneagle.com was thrilled to help develop the new innovative CTA Train Tracker. The tool is especially exciting for those who can now access it through a mobile smartphone or touchscreen Web-enabled device directly from a CTA train station, as it works to reduce uncertainty about train arrival times.”

Americaneagle.com will be working closely with the CTA in coming months to further improve CTA Train Tracker based on customer feedback.



WMATA proposes $1.4 billion FY2012 budget

Washington Metropoliatan Area Transit Authority General Manager Richard Sarles proposed a $1.4 billion operating budget for Fiscal Year 2012 that maintains the current level of rail, bus and paratransit services without increasing fares.

His proposed budget is the first step in a six-month-long budget planning process before the Board adopts a budget in June, in time to begin the new fiscal year on July 1.

“Fully funding Metro is vital to our ability to build our new safety culture, as well as provide a robust schedule of services for riders and continue to serve as an economic engine for the region,” Sarles said when he presented his budget proposal to the Metro Board Finance and Administration Committee.

Over the past year, Metro has made progress in safety, service reliability and financial stability. Through a Board- and management-led series of strategic investments and organizational changes, the agency has begun to build a safety culture, take action on National Transportation Safety Board recommendations and address other crucial safety and state-of-good-repair capital needs through the rehabilitation of aging infrastructure and rolling stock.

The FY2012 annual capital program of work advances 140 projects that address safety and state of good repair needs on the system – with respect to both infrastructure and rehabilitation of equipment – as well as planning for future expansion, including the new rail extension to Dulles.

In the coming fiscal year, the proposed budget accounts for the elimination of an additional $74.2 million in operating budget requirements without adversely impacting customers or laying off Metro employees who live in the region and contribute to the local economy.

Even with an aggressive program of management efficiencies, in the coming year, Metro faces substantial cost drivers, including wages and fringe benefits, paratransit service growth and carryover that increases the base budget by $85.8 million.

To ensure Metro stays on the path of improvement and delivers core services to support the growth of the region, the General Manager’s proposed budget continues current levels of service on all transit modes, as well as funds the level of effort necessary to support core services and a robust capital program. The budget proposal calls for $72.4 million of additional funding for the system through a slate of alternatives including: wage reserves, increased subsidies from the jurisdictions, commercial revenues through monetized ground leases and marketing station naming rights and funding preventive maintenance at FY2010 levels.

Operation Lifesaver launches safety campaign

Operation Lifesaver, Inc.,  launched two new safety public service announcements at Amtrak’s Union Station in Chicago. The television safety campaign, targeting 18-34-year-olds and Hispanic viewers, is aimed at preventing vehicle-train tragedies in the Chicago area, where crossing incidents increased in 2010. The Federal Railroad Administration provided Operation Lifesaver’s grant for the campaign.

“Operation Lifesaver selected Chicago to launch this public service campaign because of its status as an important railroad hub,” said Illinois Operation Lifesaver State Coordinator Chip Pew.  “With the growth of freight and commuter rail and the advent of high-speed rail, Operation Lifesaver’s safety message is more important than ever,” he said.

Joe Szabo, federal railroad administrator, said, “Once again, Operation Lifesaver is leading the charge to raise awareness about highway-rail safety.  These new PSAs serve as an excellent reminder to drivers about the need to be vigilant at grade crossings.”

The first PSA, Where’s the Best Man?, tells the story of a missing best man racing to his friend’s wedding. A hasty decision to ‘save time’ at the crossing brings consequences, raising the question: “Getting there. Is it worth your life?” The second PSA, Conductor Distraido (Distracted Driver), reaches out to 26 percent of the Chicago media market who watch Spanish-language TV.  It features two guys concentrating on a new truck’s electronic gadgets instead of the highway-rail grade crossing ahead, with the message:  “Stay Focused, Stay Alive at rail crossings.”

The spots will be shown on Chicago-area television stations and their websites in cooperation with the Illinois Broadcasters Association.

“These new safety PSAs remind drivers that their lives are worth the wait at rail crossings,” said Helen M. Sramek, president, Operation Lifesaver, Inc.  According to Sramek, the organization’s safety outreach has aided in an 80 percent drop in vehicle-train collisions over the past four decades. She noted that the PSAs will be distributed nationwide as funds become available.

Canadian Pacific releases 2011 capital plan

"CP is focused on continuously improving service reliability, asset velocity and productivity. With strong demand projected in many of our commodity based businesses, this capital plan will enable us to meet our customer’s needs and continue to lower our operating ratio to create a stronger franchise for the future," said Kathryn McQuade, CP’s Chief Financial Officer.
 
The 2011 Capital Plan will focus on:
 
1. Making strategic and targeted capacity investments to ensure that the efficiencies gained through its long train strategy, repair facility and yard consolidations are sustained as business levels return;

2. Investing in fast payback productivity and technology projects to further its lean and process re-engineering efforts thereby further improving shipment reliability and customer service;

3. Pursuing growth and market-based opportunities, such as its transload, intermodal and energy projects which produce compelling returns; and

4. Continuing to invest in its "Digital Railway" technologies to lift efficiency, service and safety to new levels.

 Major investment categories include the following approximate amounts:

•    $680 million for basic track infrastructure renewal;
•    $200 million for volume growth, productivity initiatives and network enhancements;
•    $80 million to strengthen and upgrade IT systems to enhance shipment visibility and information needs and
•    $40 million to address capital regulated by governments, principally train control.

"Our first priority is to re-invest in the business keeping our core franchise safe and well maintained,” said McQuade. “The improving economy creates opportunities to capture growth more efficiently through infrastructure and technology investments.”

STB to hold hearing on rail competition

The Surface Transportation Board will hold a public hearing on May 3 to explore the current state of competition in the railroad industry and possible policy initiatives to promote more rail-to-rail competition.

“I said last year that it was time for the Board to revisit the current rail regulatory framework and that is what we are doing,” said Board Chairman Daniel Elliott III. “We need to strike a balance between providing access to competitive rail transportation for shippers while maintaining the rail industry’s impressive economic renaissance.”

The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m., in the Surface Transportation Board Hearing Room, at 395 E Street, SW in Washington, D.C. Written comments are due by February 18, and replies are due by March 18. Parties wishing to speak at the hearing must file a notice of intent to participate and written testimony by April 4.

PUCO approves upgrade of two rail crossings

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has received approved construction authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission directing Norfolk Southern to upgrade existing flashing lights and roadway gates at the Lewis Road and the Columbia Road/State Route 252 grade crossings located in the city of Olmsted Falls, Cuyahoga County.

NS must submit site plans and cost estimates for the projects to the PUCO by April 12, 2011. Funding for these upgrades will be provided by federal funds. NS will be responsible for completing construction of the upgrades by Jan. 12, 2012.
To increase public safety during the construction of the projects, the PUCO will assist the local government with the cost of improvements such as rumble strips, illumination, improved signage or other safety enhancements at the project location. Funding for the improvements will come from the State Grade Crossing Safety Fund, and will not exceed $5,000.

The PUCO is responsible for evaluating Ohio’s public grade crossings to determine the need for installing active warning devices. In 2010, the PUCO played a part in the installation of lights and gates at 72 grade crossings throughout the state. Over the past two decades, the annual number of train-motor vehicle crashes in Ohio has decreased significantly, from 412 in 1988 to 55 in 2009.

Gary McVoy joins PB

Gary R. McVoy has been named transportation sustainability practice leader of Parsons Brinckerhoff.  

In his new position, McVoy, who will be based in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office, will be responsible for advising PB’s clients on sustainability, environmental stewardship, operations and asset management matters.

McVoy comes to PB after a 31-year career with the New York State Department of Transportation where he most recently served as director of operations, managing the activities of more than 5,600 staff and responsible for the agency’s day-to-day operations. He previously served as the agency’s director of environmental analysis, maintenance and traffic operations. He has led projects and policy in transportation/sustainability, asset management, traveler information, emergency response, environmental stewardship and environmental assessment. He has extensive experience in transportation operations and maintenance management and organizational development. 

BL certifies Lat-Lon monitoring devices

Bourque Logistics, a rail logistics software company in The Woodlands, Texas, has certified Lat-Lon’s remote monitoring devices for integration with BL’s RAILTRAC® GPS software. With this combination, shippers can now enhance decision-making, asset management and regulatory compliance through regular data feeds and alerts on the location and status of railcars.  

Lat-Lon, LLC, of Denver, Colo., has produced solar tracking units for railcars and Locomotive Monitoring Units for 10 years and has partnered with BL to offer best-in-class rail logistics support. BL customers can now seamlessly access the data generated by Lat-Lon devices which includes GPS location, speed and course; wireless sensor data from hatches, brake linkages and trucks; over speed impact data from accelerometers and photographic data from the STU’s internal day/night security camera.  

Railcar and locomotive location and condition status are reported through cellular and/or satellite connections to help shippers with regulatory compliance, tampering risk reduction, improved fleet management and railroad billing disputes concerning car damage or routing. The value of wireless monitoring improves many aspects of a shipper’s business from sales to logistics to customer support to government compliance.

"This important integration between the Lat-Lon devices and RAILTRAC® GPS software will provide significant remote monitoring capabilities to our clients who ship hazardous products. In addition, Lat-Lon sensors will provide car heath data for railcar maintenance and regulatory compliance," said Steve Bourque, president of BL.

"We are pleased to be working with Bourque Logistics to offer more GPS tracking and wireless monitoring options to BL’s loyal customer base," commented David Baker, president of Lat-Lon, LLC.

Arch Coal acquires equity interest in west coast terminal

Arch Coal, Inc., of St. Louis, has acquired a 38 percent interest in Millennium Bulk Terminals-Longview, LLC, the owner of a bulk commodity terminal on the Columbia River near Longview, Wash., in exchange for $25 million plus additional consideration upon the completion of certain project milestones.

"This transaction gives us a direct stake in participating in the growth of U.S. coal exports off the West Coast," said Steven Leer, Arch’s chief executive officer. "With our superior operating position in the Powder River Basin and Western Bituminous Region, we have the capability to service growing coal demand in Asia, the world’s largest and fastest-growing coal market. We believe this first project – along with others in the pipeline – will provide Arch with more exposure to the seaborne thermal market and will further unlock the value inherent in our western coal assets."

Under terms of the agreement, Arch will control 38 percent of the terminal’s throughput and storage capacity to facilitate export shipments of coal off the west coast of the United States. The facility will be capable of handling panamax-sized vessels, which account for the vast majority of the seaborne thermal coal trade for the Asia-Pacific market. The terminal also is dual-served by the UP and BNSF railroads, which will provide Arch with the flexibility to export its southern Powder River Basin and Western Bituminous coals, and eventually coal from its recently-acquired Montana reserves.

The MBT terminal, a former aluminum smelter site, is currently operated as a bulk commodity facility. MBT continues to work on obtaining the required approvals and necessary permits to complete dredging and other upgrades to enable coal, alumina and cementitious material shipments through the brownfield terminal. Once completed, coal shipments could begin in 2012. As currently planned, the MBT facility will utilize existing infrastructure with some minor modifications to handle loading 5 million tons of coal per year in addition to other types of bulk commodities.

Encompassing more than 400 acres, the industrial site offers the potential for terminal expansion should market demand warrant. Should MBT elect to expand the facility, necessary regulatory approvals would be sought and additional infrastructure investment would be required.

According to MBT estimates, the terminal development project should create 120 temporary jobs during the build-out of the facility, and ultimately would result in 70 permanent jobs from ongoing operations at the terminal. The construction of the export facility will generate $2.7 million in sales tax revenue for state and county governments, while expected income tax revenue – once the facility is fully operational – will provide $1.2 million annually for state and county governments.

William Schafer Joins TranSystems

William Schafer, Jr., has joined TranSystems’ freight rail group bringing expertise in planning, engineering, and construction for freight and passenger main track infrastructure, terminal facilities and commuter and light rail systems. Schafer has more than 30 years experience in the rail industry specializing in railroad operation requirements and integration with facilities planning and design.

"We are very pleased to have Bill on board and are confident he will hit the ground running with his knowledge of the industry and strong industry relationships," said John Nussrallah, Market Sector Leader for TranSystems’ Freight Railroads group.

Schafer will be in the company’s Schaumburg, Ill., office focused on working with local passenger clients and Class 1 railroads associated with the Chicago Metroplex and CREATE projects respectively.

Schafer’s past experience has included leadership positions with Jacobs Edwards and Kelcey and Parsons Transportation Group both in Chicago, Ill., where he served as project manager for a number of rail infrastructure design and construction projects. As a former Division Engineer for Norfolk Southern Railroad, Schafer gained practical knowledge of the railroads planning and construction practices. Schafer’s clients have included Class I railroads, commuter rail agencies, light rail agencies, the Federal Railroad Administration, AMTRAK, ports, state DOTs, and local governments.

Schafer earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.

 

N.J. Governor

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie put forward a transportation capital plan for the next five years that will improve critical infrastructure throughout N.J. and begin to end the state’s long over reliance on debt to finance transportation projects.

The plan is consistent with the Governor’s commitment to putting N.J. on strong fiscal footing, which is why the plan is centered on responsible funding practices and prudent debt management. The Christie Transportation Capital Plan decreases borrowing while increasing "pay as you go" cash funding of transportation projects in each of the next five years. The plan does not call for any new or increased taxes.

"Today, we are continuing to put N.J. on the path towards fiscal health and proposing a sensible and responsible plan that prioritizes vital transportation projects, while limiting the already-heavy debt burden carried by the taxpayers of our state," said Governor Christie. "After years of mismanagement and the failure to soundly plan for New Jersey’s transportation future, we were left with an unacceptable situation – a system teetering on the edge of failure, without the ability to fund a basic, core function of government. Today, we begin to end that practice by putting forward a Transportation Capital Plan that meets our infrastructure needs and responsibly manages the debt incurred by taxpayers.

"Most importantly, ensuring these critical transportation projects move forward will create thousands of Jersey jobs. By responsibly investing in projects over the next five years we’re putting New Jerseyans to work now and in the future," continued Governor Christie.

The Christie Plan over five years consists of cash contributions from the General Fund and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, bonding and $1.8 billion in projects requested by the Governor to be undertaken by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in conjunction with the State Department of Transportation. As a result, the State will be able to provide $1.6 billion each year for five years for much-needed transportation projects, including $672 million for N.J. Transit capital needs and $200 million per year for local government projects.

"As we have learned with so many other issues in N.J., our most pressing challenges simply will not fix themselves," concluded Governor Christie. "Just as we will not simply drift by chance into balanced budgets or stumble into a less costly, more efficient government, transportation investment in N.J. requires discipline and careful planning to meet our needs in a realistic and fiscally responsible manner. The plan outlined today meets these challenges and ensures that the state will succeed where prior funding schemes have failed."

The former plan, which is about to expire, began in Fiscal Year 2007 and provided $8 billion ($1.6 billion per year) for transportation projects, including $200 million per year for local government projects. This plan relied on a stable $895 million annual General Fund appropriation that became almost entirely devoted to making debt payments, instead of funding current transportation needs. Ultimately, the only way to continue paying for projects was for the state to incur debt. As a result, the former plan allowed the fund to run dry, while nearly all the money spent on current projects was borrowed.

Over the plan’s five year period, the Christie Plan provides almost 37 percent "pay as you go" funding in contrast to the former plan’s five-year PAYGO composition of 10.6 percent.

 

CSXT to grow, create jobs

Leveraging the economic and environmental benefits of rail, customers committed to 130 new or expanded facilities on CSXT lines in 2010. Upon completion, these projects will create as many as 5,200 new jobs.

The facilities are located in 18 states, and include markets such as energy, consumer goods and manufacturing. They represent more than $3.6 billion in customer investments, and ultimately will contribute $216 million in annual revenue to CSXT, said Clark Robertson, assistant vice president-regional development.

The facilities will be built on both CSXT lines and on some of the more than 240 shortlines and regional railroads that connect to CSXT.

"CSXT is playing an important role in our nation’s economic recovery, providing the critical link to connect producers, distributors and consumers," Robertson said. "Just as important, we’re helping to stimulate community investment and jobs."

In addition, 98 customers who had committed to new or increased rail traffic in 2010 and prior years began moving goods and commodities that at full production will result in more than $168 million in revenue.

Trains are capable of moving a ton of freight nearly 500 miles on a gallon of fuel. That fuel efficiency, coupled with CSXT’s market reach that includes connections to more than 70 ocean, lake and river ports, is important to customers and economic development agencies as they look for sites for a variety of businesses.

 

Alderon Confirms Rail and Port Capacity

Alderon has initiated discussions with Iron Ore Company of Canada, a member of the Rio Tinto group, on use of the Quebec North Shore & Labrador Railway. Alderon has also initiated discussions with the Port of Sept-Iles for access to its soon-to-be constructed deep water multi-user facility. Discussions will be ongoing with both of these parties to firm up accountabilities, logistics and costs as part of the Scoping Study due for completion late Q2 2011 and Feasibility Study to be completed early 2012.

"We are quickly demonstrating the potential of our Kami Project and therefore want to have all the logistics for transporting final product from mine to customer settled," said Matt Simpson, COO of Alderon.

In terms of the railway, although still preliminary, Alderon will likely need to lease or purchase locomotives and railcars which will be operated by QNS&L plus pay for any additional sidings required on the railway. Alderon would be seeking a regular daily service from QNS&L to minimize both operating and capital costs as compared to an "as required" service used by some of the aspiring smaller direct shipping producers in the area.

In regards to the Port, the Port Authority owns substantial land at their berth which would be leased to Alderon on a long term contract. Alderon would be accountable to pay for its car dumper, stacker and reclaimer while the Port would manage the berth and ship loading activities at their soon-to-be constructed berth.

Alderon is a leading iron ore exploration and development company in Canada. The Kami Project is located within an existing iron ore district and is surrounded by producing iron ore mines. The Alderon team is comprised of skilled professionals with significant iron ore expertise to advance Kami towards production.

Alderon has initiated discussions with Iron Ore Company of Canada, a member of the Rio Tinto group, on use of the Quebec North Shore & Labrador Railway. Alderon has also initiated discussions with the Port of Sept-Iles for access to its soon-to-be constructed deep water multi-user facility. Discussions will be ongoing with both of these parties to firm up accountabilities, logistics and costs as part of the Scoping Study due for completion late Q2 2011 and Feasibility Study to be completed early 2012.

"We are quickly demonstrating the potential of our Kami Project and therefore want to have all the logistics for transporting final product from mine to customer settled," said Matt Simpson, COO of Alderon.

In terms of the railway, although still preliminary, Alderon will likely need to lease or purchase locomotives and railcars which will be operated by QNS&L plus pay for any additional sidings required on the railway. Alderon would be seeking a regular daily service from QNS&L to minimize both operating and capital costs as compared to an "as required" service used by some of the aspiring smaller direct shipping producers in the area.

In regards to the Port, the Port Authority owns substantial land at their berth which would be leased to Alderon on a long term contract. Alderon would be accountable to pay for its car dumper, stacker and reclaimer while the Port would manage the berth and ship loading activities at their soon-to-be constructed berth.

Alderon is a leading iron ore exploration and development company in Canada. The Kami Project is located within an existing iron ore district and is surrounded by producing iron ore mines. The Alderon team is comprised of skilled professionals with significant iron ore expertise to advance Kami towards production.

Alaska Railroad schedules four open houses

The Alaska Railroad invites the public to an open house 4:00-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday,

January 11, at the Anchorage Historic Depot at 411 West First Avenue. The venue provides an opportunity to review and comment on a proposed Program of Projects (POP) for 2011.

The open house will showcase continuing and proposed capital improvement projects that are in various stages from conceptual planning to engineering and construction. Project managers will be on-hand to explain projects that are located all along the railroad system from Seward to Fairbanks, with an emphasis on projects located in and around Anchorage, Southcentral Alaska and system-wide, including:

· Ship Creek Intermodal Transportation Center (Phase Two)

· Historic Freight Shed LEED-certified Office Space Renovation (an Alaska first)

· Chugach Forest Whistle Stop Service

· Whittier Yard Security Fencing

· Commuter Rail Opportunities

· Port MacKenzie Rail Extension

· Positive Train Control

· Bridge Replacements and Rehabilitation

· Track Rehabilitation, Drainage Improvements and Embankment Protection

The Anchorage event is the first in a series of POP Open House events. Open Houses in other locations are scheduled as follows:

· Wasilla – 4:00-6:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 12 – Evangelo’s Restaurant, 2530 E. Parks Highway. Emphasis will be on projects located in and around the Mat-Su Valley and Southcentral Alaska.

· Fairbanks – 4:00-6:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 25, at the Alaska Railroad Depot, 1745 Johansen Expressway. Emphasis will be on projects located in Interior Alaska.

· Seward – 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Friday, February 4 – Breeze Inn, 303 N. Harbor Street. Emphasis will be on projects located in and around Seward and Southcentral Alaska.

The Alaska Railroad has budgeted approximately $55.9 million in new spending for capital improvements in 2011. About $13.8 million will come from FTA grants. This amount includes a required 9 percent matching contribution from the Alaska Railroad. Other federal funding includes $2.93 million in FEMA-administered grants and $1.38 million in "Stimulus" (American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009) funding. ARRC will spend another $23.7 million toward internally-funded capital projects using revenues generated from passenger, freight and real estate activity. Finally, the railroad will spend about $14.1million of funds generated from the sale of revenue bonds that were sold in 2006 and 2007. Bonds are repaid with FTA formula fund appropriations.

Capital Metro hires Melvin Clark

Capital Metro in Texas has hired Melvin Clark as vice president of rail operations.

The creation and filling of this position completes a key recommendation from the Sunset Advisory Commission.

"The hiring of Melvin Clark is consistent with my goal of raising the bar and transforming Capital Metro into the highly-respected and valued service that I know we can be for our community," said Capital Metro President Linda Watson. "His nationwide rail experience and expertise will ensure that we adhere to the highest level of safety and customer service delivery for our current and future MetroRail and freight services."

Clark will oversee the management and safety of all passenger and freight rail operations as well as maintenance-of-way, including track, bridges, signals and crossings and compliance with all Federal Railroad Administration regulations. He also will develop a long-range strategic plan for rail operations.

Clark currently serves as district rail director for the Greater Cleveland Regional Transportation Authority. His prior experience includes key railroad and signal management positions at the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, Norfolk Southern Corporation and the Chicago Transit Authority.

Clark is a graduate of Southern Illinois University, currently serves on the Cuyahoga Scenic Railroad board of trustees and is past chair of the American Public Transportation Association’s light rail technical forum.

Axion to install recycled plastic railroad ties

Axion International, a producer of recycled composite plastic industrial railroad ties, will install its thermoplastic railroad ties, designed from 100% recycled plastic, in the city of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

The city of Calgary operates approximately 28 miles of track for light rail vehicles, serving a population more than 1 million. The city originally ordered 60 Axion ties as a test phase project in early 2009. After performing well during a complete freeze-cycle during the Canadian winter months, Calgary is now moving forward with this second purchase order, where some of the ties will be integrated into a railroad crossing.

"We are thrilled to receive a new order from the city of Calgary for our proprietary composite railroad ties," stated Steve Silverman, Axion’s president. "This purchase order not only opens additional sales potential in and around Calgary itself, it also represents an opportunity to expand our relationship with other transit agencies and railways in Canada as we continue to demonstrate the real-world applications of our thermoplastic technology and its superior strength and long-life characteristics compared with more traditional railroad tie material such as timber and concrete."

Axion’s products have been effectively demonstrated in other Canadian cities as well. In March 2009, its thermoplastic railroad ties were showcased and installed under special track at the Toronto Transit Commission streetcar line.

Developed in conjunction with Rutgers University’s Materials Sciences and Engineering Department, Axion’s RSC is inert and contains no toxic materials. It is impervious to insect infestation, will never leach toxic chemicals or warp. Because it is lighter than traditional materials, transporting RSC is less expensive and reduces energy costs. In addition, RSC is completely recyclable at the end of its functional life.

 

2010 was a good year for the railroads

 

So how did the major railroads perform in 2010? The short answer is that one wouldn’t know they were operating in the midst of a recession. According to a report on the United Transportation Union’s Website, all major railroad stocks saw double-digit increases over their 52-week lows.

Although calendar year profits have not yet been reported, railroad profits were up 33 percent for the 12 months ending in the third quarter, according to the U.S. Surface Transportation Board.

And investors’ expectations — reflected in railroad stock prices — is that calendar year 2010 earnings will be equally impressive; and 2011 earnings prospects are equally bright.

Wall Street analyst Ed Wolfe of Wolfe Trahan reports the level of freight car and intermodal loadings for the year registered "the best" year-over-year growth in more than 50 years. Wolfe and other Wall Street analysts — William Greene at Morgan Stanley, Thomas Wadewitz at J.P. Morgan, and Gary Chase at Barclays — are bullish on the industry’s earnings moving forward.

Analysts also point to the railroads’ pricing strength — the ability to raise rates on shippers with limited effective alternatives to railroad transportation. Many long-term contracts for hauling coal are expiring, and substantial rate increases on that traffic already are reflected in new contracts.

Another key element of railroad financial health is operating ratio — a railroad’s operating expenses expressed as a percentage of operating revenue (considered by economists to be the basic measure of carrier profitability.

Each of the major railroads — Canadian National, Canadian Pacific, CSX, Kansas City Southern, Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific — reported substantial improvements in operating ratio during the third quarter. (As BNSF is now privately held, it no longer reports detailed financial data.)

Canadian National:
* Per-share price is up 38 percent over the 52-week low.
* Analysts predict the per-share price to rise from the 2010 52-week high of $67.99 to $70.84 — a 4 percent increase.

Canadian Pacific:
* Per-share price is up 45 percent over the 52-week low.
* Analysts predict the per-share price to rise from the 2010 52-week high of $67.03 to $72.33 — an 8 percent increase.

CSX:
* Per-share price is up 62 percent over the 52-week low.
* Analysts predict the per-share price to rise from the 2010 52-week high of $68.03 to $71.92 — a 6 percent increase.

Kansas City Southern:
* Per-share price is up 74 percent over the 52-week low.
* Analysts predict the per-share price to rise from the 2010 52-week high of $51.46 to $55.29 — a 7 percent increase.

Norfolk Southern:
* Per-share price is up 41 percent over the 52-week low.
* Analysts predict the per-share price to rise from the 2010 52-week high of $65.32 to $70.71 — an 8 percent increase.

Union Pacific:
* Per-share price is up 60 percent over the 52-week low.
* Analysts predict the per-share price to rise from the 2010 52-week high of $95.78 to $103.38 — an 8 percent increase.

Major railroads — except for BNSF — will be reporting calendar year earnings over the next few weeks.

FRA develops model state legislation to improve safety at crossings

 

The Federal Railroad Administration, together with states, developed model state legislation for use in developing bills to improve safety at highway-rail grade crossings without gates or barriers.

The model legislation is intended to help states address obstructions limiting a driver’s view of an oncoming train. Between 2001 and 2005, accident reports submitted by railroads to FRA show that 689 collisions resulting in 242 injuries and 87 fatalities occurred at highway-rail grade crossings with sight obstructions. Development of the model state legislation was required by the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008. The model legislation is available at http://www.fra.dot.gov/Pages/1730.shtml.

Metra will begin testing

 

After Metra requested passenger feedback on the idea of implementing quiet cars, the agency received more than 1,000 e-mails. The vast majority – about 86 percent – expressed support for the idea, and so the agency decided to conduct a test on one line.

The rules are simple: No cell phone calls. If passengers must answer their phones, they should make it brief or move to the vestibule or another car. Conversations should be short and in subdued voices. All electronic devices must be muted, and headphones should not be loud enough for anyone else to hear.

The test will go for three months. It will apply to morning inbound and evening outbound rush-hour trains, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The quiet cars will be the first and last cars of the train during those hours. They will be identified with decals on the outside of the car and signage inside the car.

Metra is using the Rock Island line for the test to make sure it is proceeding in the right way. If the test goes as expected, the program will be expanded to other lines. The Rock Island Line, which runs from Joliet to LaSalle Street Station downtown, serves more than 15,000 passengers a day.

Metra expects this program to be largely enforced by peer pressure and conductor intervention when necessary. Many riders said that having a rule in place will empower them to ask noisy people to be quiet or move. Conductors will carry small notices that they can discreetly present to passengers who are violating the quiet car rules.

Metra hopes all passengers will remember to treat their fellow passengers with courtesy and respect, no matter where they are sitting.

Quiet zone takes effect on TriMet

On Tuesday, January 11, Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon will implement a new quiet zone and wayside horns will become operational on the WES Commuter Rail and freight alignment in Tualatin, Ore.

This means that for about 3.5 miles in Tualatin, train horns will no longer sound unless there is a safety issue.

Project partners and community members will gather at a quiet zone crossing in Tualatin to celebrate the beginning of a quieter era in the city. The city of Tualatin, Washington County, TriMet and Metro have worked together on this project to reduce horn noise at eight rail crossings.

Tualatin Mayor Lou Ogden and Councilor Donna Maddux, Metro Councilor Carl Hosticka, TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane, and Washington County representative Leslie Hildula will attend the event at 10800 SW Avery Street, Tualatin, on Tuesday, January 11, 2011, at 9 a.m.

In addition to the quiet zone and installation of wayside horns, TriMet also improved pedestrian safety features at two crossings in Tualatin.

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