Amtrak, Michigan DOT gear up for track improvements

Amtrak and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) are gearing up for track improvements along the former Norfolk Southern (NS) route used by Amtrak Wolverine Service and Blue Water trains from Kalamazoo to central and eastern Michigan. Amtrak has responsibility for this infrastructure, effective Feb. 16.

ARTBA analysis shows states invested in rail-related projects in 2012

State departments of transportation (DOTs) and local governments committed a little more than $117 billion in funding for transportation-related construction projects during 2012,

APTA praises Obama for connecting jobs and public transit infrastructure investment

Michael Melaniphy, president and CEO of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), congratulated President Obama for “highlighting the connection between American jobs and transportation

Senate transportation subcommittee members named

The U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works named the Senate Transportation Subcommittee members for the 113th Congress.

Transportation committee to focus on federal role in infrastructure at hearing

The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure will hold its first hearing of the 113th Congress entitled “The Federal Role in America’s Infrastructure.”

ELPC releases Midwest high-speed rail supply chain report

A report by the Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC) shows “investment in the next generation of rail would increase rail manufacturing and jobs throughout the industrial Midwest.”

Boston-to-Concord rail study approved

New Hampshire’s Executive Council approved a $3.6-million contract to study options for passenger rail between Boston, Mass., and Concord, N.H.

ODOT, WSDOT sign passenger rail agreement

Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Washington State Department of Transportation signed an agreement that will improve the Pacific Northwest Rail Corridor.

Rail partners explore Washington state mudslide causes, solutions

Four rail partners involved in service and safety in the corridor between Seattle and Everett, Wash., are putting a new focus on understanding the root causes and potential solutions to mudslides that resulted in a record number of Amtrak Cascades and Sounder passenger-service disruptions this winter.

Amtrak’s Hiawatha Service sets new calendar year ridership record in 2012

For the ninth time in the past 10 years, the Amtrak Hiawatha Service passenger rail line set a ridership record.

FTA makes $2 billion available for public transit damaged by Sandy

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has made $2 billion available through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) new Emergency Relief Program

Grand Central turns 100

On Feb. 1, Grand Central Terminal in New York City celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Wong-Harris to manage CHSRA’s Central Valley construction

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) Board of Directors selected PGH Wong Engineering, Inc., and Harris & Associates to provide additional oversight and management of contractors who will build the initial 30-mile stretch of high-speed rail from Madera to Fresno, Calif.

Gov. McDonnell unveils billion-dollar list of proposed rail and transit projects

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell’s long-term transportation funding proposal, “Virginia’s Road to the Future,” would provide the Virginia Department of Transportation with approximately $1.07 billion in new funds for rail and transit projects.

House Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee ranking members named

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee selected subcommittee ranking members for each of its six panels.

Denham named rail subcommittee chair

Rep. Jeff Denham (R-CA), member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was named chairman of the Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee for the 113th Congress.

MassDOT’s transportation plan includes $3.8 billion in rail projects

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation Board and Transportation Secretary and CEO Richard Davey set a plan for the next generation of transportation investment in the commonwealth.

Amtrak adds two new board members

Yvonne Brathwaite Burke and Christopher Beall are expected to assume their new responsibilities as members of the Amtrak Board of Directors soon.

Amtrak plans significant infrastructure projects for 2013

Amtrak has set out to work on a long list of infrastructure projects during 2013.

VIA Rail notes ridership rise on the Canadian

Between Dec. 20 and Jan. 6, VIA Rail Canada welcomed 14 percent more passengers than last year on its service, The Canadian.

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