FRA launches focused safety review of New York & Atlantic Railway
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has launched a comprehensive, focused safety review of the New York & Atlantic Railway’s (NY&A) safety culture and management practices.
Freight
CP appoints new chairpersons
Canadian Pacific has unanimously elected Andrew Reardon chairman of the board.
Canada, South Korea sign MOU to cooperate on transportation initiatives
Lisa Raitt, Canada’s minister of transport, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Action Plan with South Korea to promote cooperation in the field of transport, with a focus on gateways, air and rail transportation activities.
Ontario Northland ratifies five-year agreement with Teamsters Rail
Northland Transportation Commission (Ontario Northland) and Teamsters Rail Conference Maintenance of Way Employees Division (TCRC MWED) ratified a new five-year collective agreement with 94 percent of the vote was in favor of the agreement.
U.S. House transportation funding: Another deadline, another extension
The U.S. House of Representatives approved a five-month, $8-billion extension of surface transportation programs on July 15. The new extension would give lawmakers until Dec. 18 to find a longer-term solution.
KCS names Hancock EVP and chief marketing officer
Kansas City Southern (KCS) appointed Brian Hancock to executive vice president and chief marketing officer, reporting to KCS president Patrick Ottensmeyer.
BNSF Logistics acquires Transportation Technology Services
BNSF Logistics, LLC, acquired Transportation Technology Services (TTS), an engineering and logistics services provider focused on rail solutions for over-dimensional cargoes. BNSF Logistics says TTS has particular expertise and market presence in the wind energy industry. BNSF Logistics is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BNSF and provides third-party freight logistics services.
Union Pacific performing work at Missouri/Iowa border
Union Pacific will strengthen its transportation infrastructure in Missouri by investing nearly $15 million in the rail line between the Missouri/Iowa border and Trenton. The project began July 9 and is scheduled to be completed the mid-August.
RailComm completes cutover of yard control system for Ferromex
RailComm completed the installation of a remote control system at , what the company called, a critical Ferromex location in Mexico. This marks the second fully operational yard automation solution in the state of Coahuila and the continued expansion of RailComm’s presence in the Mexican rail market.
CP discusses Arbutus rail line operating plan with Vancouver
Canadian Pacific recently met with officials from the city of Vancouver, British Columbia, to discuss its operating plan for the Arbutus corridor rail line.
Watco names Ed McGuire EVP Strategic Planning
Watco Companies appointed Ed McGuire to executive vice president – strategic planning. McGuire is an experienced transportation industry investment banker who has been a key advisor to Watco during the past 10 years.
CSX completes annual safety and maintenance Jamboree
CSX successfully completed its 17th annual Maintenance Jamboree, a track safety and maintenance blitz that completes months of rail, tie, signal and bridge work on key rail corridors in a single week.
Senate hearing focuses on technology’s role in transportation
The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security held a hearing on July 7 taking on the role technology plays in transportation systems.
DTE Energy rail project to eliminate crossing
DTE Energy says a project to extend a rail line in its rail yard at West Jefferson and Van Horn in Trenton, Mich., will improve safety and traffic flow for local motorists.
New Jersey and Ohio crossings slated for improvements
Five grade crossings in New Jersey and Ohio will see improvements over the course of the summer.
UP performing track renewal in Illinois
Union Pacific released details of a $6 million project being performed on the rail line between Hillsboro and South Roxana, Ill. The project, which is part of the $119 million the railroad plans to spend in Illinois this year, began June 24 and is scheduled to be completed the end of July.
Tobias steps down from CP Board of Directors
Canadian Pacific, citing personal reasons, said that Stephen Tobias has resigned from the Board of Directors of Canadian Pacific Railway Limited and Canadian Pacific Railway Company, effective June 29, 2015. Tobias joined the board in May 2012.
KCS commits more than $20 million to line improvements in Missouri and Illinois
Kansas City Southern (KCS) will invest approximately $20.9 million in 2015 on construction and improvement projects on the Mexico and Roodhouse Subdivisions, with work planned between Clark, Mo., and Roodhouse, Ill.
FRA and Google team up on grade crossing safety
Google has agreed to partner with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on grade crossing safety, the agency announced on June 29, 2015.
FRA prepared to levy penalties for non-PTC compliance
Positive Train Control (PTC) was again in the spotlight this week, as the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials held a hearing June 24 on “The State of Positive Train Control in the United States.”