BNSF joins blockchain alliance

BNSF Railway Company announced it recently became the first Class I railroad to join the Blockchain in Transport Alliance (BiTA), comprising more than 200 freight transportation companies working to develop blockchain standards for the logistics industry and the supply chain as a whole. 

Asplund new head of Florida East Coast Rwy.

Florida East Coast Railway, the regional carrier operating 350 miles of main line from Miami to Jacksonville, has a new president and chief executive officer.

 

MARTA to spend $1B on new fleet

MARTA, Atlanta’s transit operator, plans to replace its entire railcar fleet, the single biggest item on its to-do list in 2018.

 

Parsons’ House to CTF Board

Sunnie House, vice president and Western regional manager for North America Rail for Parsons, has been appointed Chair of the California Transportation Foundation (CTF) Board of Directors.

 

Parsons adds Ryan to rail team

Jennifer Ryan, a longtime rail project engineer and winner of Railway Age’s inaugural Women in Rail award, has joined Parsons as a Senior Project Manager, Rail, in the corporation’s Irvine, Calif., office.

 

HSR coming to Illinois

Amtrak should begin high-speed service between Chicago and St. Louis this summer, the result of a $2-billion project that is in the final phase of construction.

 

Holland’s Flaherty retiring

Kevin Flaherty, executive vice president for Maintenance of Way at Holland LP, will be retiring effective Dec. 31 after 15 years of leadership within the company and 40 years in the industry.

Amtrak selects Baltimore Penn Station redevelopment team

Amtrak has selected Penn Station Partners to negotiate a master development deal for Baltimore Penn Station.

Amtrak’s Moorman stepping down

Amtrak’s Charles “Wick” Moorman will step down from the co-CEO position effective Dec. 31 and assume the role of senior advisor, starting Jan. 1, 2018.

 

AAR, GoRail honor Rep. Shuster

The Association of American Railroads and GoRail have honored House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) with the Railroad Achievement Award.

Helmut Schroeder, 78, Railquip founder

Services were held for Helmut Schroeder, 78, founder of Railquip Inc., a supplier of rail and maintenance of way equipment, who died Oct. 30 following an illness.

Metra 2018 budget hikes fares, cuts trains

Metra, the commuter rail division of Chicago’s Regional Transportation Authority, approved a 2018 budget that raises fares and cuts some trains in a bid to close a $45-million operating deficit.

 

ASLRRA marks fatality-free year for shortlines

The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association marked a significant safety achievement as the industry’s 603 short line railroads operated for a full year fatality-free.

Santana to lead GE Transportation

General Electric announced that Rafael Santana, president and Chief Executive of GE Latin America, has been named president and CEO of GE Transportation, effective November 1.

Caltrans releases draft state rail plan

Caltrans released the public draft of the California State Rail Plan, which outlines a new framework for California’s rail network, for new and better rail transportation, and multimodal and community connections in the state for the next 20 years and beyond.

SMART offers free service during wildfires

As wildfires burn in its service region, Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) will continue to provide free train service for passengers through Sunday, Oct.15 to assist evacuees and others who need transportation options.

CP, G&W in Ohio intermodal pact

Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) announced a new partnership with Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (GWI) and Bluegrass Farms of Ohio that will open up the Ohio Valley to CP intermodal customers and further extend its reach into key North American heartland markets.

CN reopens B.C. coal line

Canadian National Railway (CN) has reopened its Tumbler Ridge branch located in the coal fields of east-central British Columbia.

Colorado explores Front Range commuter line

A Colorado commission is exploring plans for a commuter rail line connecting cities along the state’s Front Range.

Emhofer new NY planner for WSP

Oliver Ernhofer has been named New York Transportation Planning Manager and Senior Supervising Planner for WSP USA.