Significant progress made on CSX’s National Gateway

CSX Transportation has work completed or construction underway at one-third of the clearance projects included in phase one of the National Gateway, keeping the major American infrastructure initiative on track for completion by 2015.

The National Gateway is a public-private partnership that will create a double-stack freight rail corridor between Mid Atlantic sea ports and the Midwest. The improvement projects are designed to increase the vertical clearances at 61 locations on CSX rail lines in the region to accommodate intermodal trains carrying double-stack intermodal containers. To date, work is complete at five of the locations and crews are working at 15 other locations. The progress to date means almost one third of the clearance projects are completed or underway for the National Gateway’s phase one, which spans an existing rail corridor between North Baltimore, Ohio and Chambersburg, Pa.

The projects already completed include bridges in Hyndman and Chartiers Creek, Pa., which were modified for double-stack usage. In Coraopolis, Pa., CSX worked closely with local officials to ensure the safe and efficient removal of an antiquated pedestrian bridge. At the request of local officials, the aging structure was not replaced. Similarly, CSX worked closely with city officials in Akron, Ohio, to remove the previously closed Park Street overpass. In Niles, Ohio, CSX removed a damaged and antiquated overhead highway bridge and is constructing a new, modern replacement structure.

CSX has begun work on other projects in its phase one of construction, with five tunnel improvement projects underway in Confluence, Pa.; Hansrote, W.Va. and Magnolia, Md. where tunnel linings are being modified to provide the necessary clearance for passage of modern, double-stacked freight rail containers.

In Ohio, CSX is also raising four highway bridges and lowering the tracks at three others to improve clearances.

Other bridges in Kent and Ravenna, Ohio, and Paw Paw, W.Va., are being replaced with modern, new structures.

CSX recently announced that it will invest an additional $160 million to complete the National Gateway. The investment brings CSX’s planned private investment in the critical infrastructure project to about $575 million over several years.

"We are pleased to invest in these projects that will improve America’s transportation infrastructure, helping create jobs and cleaner, more efficient freight transportation," said Louis Renjel, vice president of strategic infrastructure initiatives, CSX Transportation. "Over the next few years, the National Gateway will move forward aggressively to invest in strategic freight rail infrastructure that will prepare our nation for continued growth and competition in the global economy."

Stella-Jones signs Letter of Intent to acquire Thompson Industries

Stella-Jones Inc. has signed a non-binding letter of intent to acquire Thompson Industries, Inc., a provider of treated wood crossties.

The letter of intent contemplates a total purchase price of approximately $41.0 million. The transaction, if finalized, is expected to close in December 2011 and is subject to customary closing conditions, including entry into a definitive purchase agreement and satisfactory due diligence. Stella-Jones plans to finance the acquisition through existing credit facilities.

"The acquisition of Thompson Industries would further enhance Stella-Jones’ product and service offering to the North American railroad industry," said Brian McManus, president and chief executive officer of Stella-Jones. "Thompson enjoys solid business relationships and is well recognized for its high-quality operations."

Caltrain to install new bridge Oct. 15

Shortly after midnight, Saturday, Oct. 15, San Francisco’s Caltrain will remove the railroad bridge that spans Jerrold Avenue in San Francisco and replace it with a modern single-span steel bridge. The "big move" will be accomplished in one night, before train service begins Saturday morning.

The only impact to passengers will be at the Bayshore station, where all trains will operate on a single track and north and southbound passengers will board from a single platform all weekend.

In addition to the new bridge, the project also includes new steel structures and columns to support the bridge, new tracks through the area, new pavement on the street under the bridge and new sidewalks.

This week, crossing gates and lights on the adjacent freight train tracks will be temporarily removed, support frames will be constructed and the cranes that will be used to move the bridge will be mobilized.

Jerrold Avenue has been temporarily closed to through traffic between Rankin and Quint Streets. This temporary closure will last until Nov. 5. The closed street is being used to assemble the new bridge and dismantle the old one.

The project is necessary because the existing bridge is more than 100 years old and has reached the end of its useful life.

CN signs agreement to drive service and efficiency in Quebec supply chain

Canadian National and Agri-Marché, Inc., have signed an agreement to promote greater efficiencies in the Quebec, Canada, grain supply chain and to deliver better customer service.

The parties will measure performance against specific targets and identify ways to mutually improve the grain distribution supply chain. CN delivers grain to Agri-Marché at Saint-Isidore, located southeast of Quebec City.

Doug MacDonald, CN vice-president, corporate marketing, said, "Our agreement with Agri-Marché provides the both of us with the tools to do a better job of serving the end-customers."

Jean-Pierre Brochu, operations manager of Agri-Marché, said, "We have seen a solid improvement in CN’s performance as a result of its increased customer collaboration and efforts to improve supply chain efficiencies. We welcome this change, which improves our relationship with our grain suppliers and positions our company to grow its market share with CN."

 

Upgrades underway to improve communications on SkyTrain’s Expo Line

Construction is underway to replace cables that have been in place since the SkyTrain’s Expo Line in Vancouver, BC, Canada, started operating 25 years ago. The new fiber optic cables will support a more efficient communications network across the entire SkyTrain system, keeping it safe and reliable for passengers.

The first phase of this project includes replacing existing cables from Waterfront Station to New Westminster Station. This phase also includes an engineering study, design and quality control and has a budget of up to $4.7 million (US$4.6 million). The Government of Canada is contributing up to $1.9 million (US$1.87 million) of the eligible costs through the Building Canada Fund and the Province of British Columbia is contributing up to $1.9 million (US$1.87 million) through the Provincial Transit Plan. TransLink is funding the remainder.

The majority of the upgrades will take place at night to avoid customer and service disruptions. The project, which will be complete by March 2012, is employing 10 highly-skilled workers.

"The fibre optic cables are the backbone of SkyTrain operations," said Fred Cummings, president of British Columbia Rapid Transit Company, which operates the SkyTrain Expo and Millennium lines. "They run the communications among staff, operate ticketing and security systems and perhaps most important, are the vital lifeline between our trains and the control center, helping maintain the trains’ on-time reliability of greater than 95 percent. Thanks to our partnership with senior governments, we are able to make the investments needed to keep the system in good repair and operational for years to come."

Detailed design work for phase 2 is also underway. During this phase, cables from New Westminster to King George Station on the Expo Line and from Columbia Station to Lougheed Town Centre on the Millennium Line will be replaced. The new cables will eventually connect with the planned Evergreen Line, ensuring the communications network across the entire SkyTrain system is integrated, efficient, reliable and safe. The upgrades will also support future faregate and Compass card operations and communications needs.

At the same time as phase 1, work will start to replace the running rails on another segment of the SkyTrain. Over the weekends of October 15-16 and 22-23, rails in the vicinity of Edmonds Station will be replaced. This will require trains to run on a single track, alternating directions, throughout the day and night and will mean delays throughout the system.

The project is part of the OnTrack program that includes a number of maintenance projects, upgrades and investments taking place along the system during SkyTrain’s 25th anniversary. Along with the fiber optic upgrade and running rail replacement, faregates are being installed to enable the Compass card system when it goes into operation in 2013 and accessibility to the system is being improved.

 

Crenshaw/LAX, Maryland’s Red Line among 14 projects put on fast track

The Obama Administration selected 14 infrastructure projects around the country that will be expedited through permitting and environmental review processes, including the Crenshaw/LAX and the Baltimore Red Line projects.

This announcement comes as a result of a Presidential Memorandum, which President Obama issued in late August at the recommendation of his Council on Jobs and Competitiveness. Through the Presidential Memorandum, the President directed agencies to expedite environmental reviews and permit decisions for a selection of high priority infrastructure projects that will create a significant number of jobs, have already identified necessary funding and where the significant steps remaining before construction are within the control and jurisdiction of the federal government and can be completed within 18 months.

Crenshaw/LAX, California
The Crenshaw/LAX project will extend the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s existing Green Line light rail nearer to the Los Angeles International Airport and connect it to the Expo Line light rail. The Federal Transit Administration is providing additional targeted technical assistance to shorten the approval time for this project by several months. In addition, FTA and LACMTA will pilot FTA’s new streamlined risk assessment approach for major transit projects to ensure risks and associated mitigation measures are identified and addressed promptly.

Baltimore Red Line, Maryland
The Baltimore Red Line is a 14-mile rail transit line connecting the suburban areas west of Baltimore to downtown, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point areas and the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center Campus. This project has many outstanding permitting issues that will require substantial cooperation between a number of resource and other federal agencies. By engaging in early negotiations with all necessary federal agencies and optimizing coordination amongst the agencies this project will begin construction earlier than currently planned, potentially reducing the project timeline by two years.

CREATE’s $133 million Englewood Flyover project breaks ground

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood helped break ground on the Englewood Flyover project, a critical component to the Chicago hub of the Midwest high-speed rail network. The construction project will build a bridge to separate traffic along two railroads, allowing 130 trains per day to move more quickly through one of the worst bottlenecks in North America. The investment will improve on-time performance of passenger trains, reduce freight congestion and create nearly 1,500 jobs. Secretary LaHood was joined by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, U.S. Congressmen Bobby Rush and Dan Lipinski, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and other state and local elected officials, as well as business, labor and civic leaders.

"Projects like this one are exactly why President Obama has made transportation such a big part of the American Jobs Act," said Secretary LaHood. "We have workers on site today, American factories producing new supplies and when the project is completed, people and goods will move more quickly and easily through the Midwest, making the region a better place to start a business or hire new workers."

The $133 million construction project is funded through a $126 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s high-speed intercity passenger rail program, with a $6.6 million contribution from Governor Quinn’s Illinois Jobs Now! construction program. This marks the start of the second major construction project in the Midwest, as work is also under way on the Chicago-St. Louis High-Speed Rail Corridor. Workers will build a bridge to carry 78 daily North-South Metra Rock Island commuter trains and approximately 60 East-West intercity passenger and freight trains that operate on the Norfolk Southern corridor. The new bridge will allow all trains to pass through without conflict and is designed to allow for additional tracks to be added to both corridors to accommodate future growth.

"The Englewood Flyover will make life easier for tens of thousands of commuters every day and put people to work immediately," Governor Pat Quinn said. "This vital project will eliminate a problem spot and set the stage for future passenger rail growth while boosting Illinois’ position at the economic engine of the Midwest."

"As a result of this federal funding, the hard hit construction industry in the Chicago metro area will see 1,500 jobs, good-paying jobs that can’t be outsourced. If we are going to continue growing our economy, we need more projects like this one, not fewer, which is why the American Jobs Act is so important," Senator Dick Durbin said.

"Every day, nearly 1,300 trains pass through Chicago-making it one of the busiest rail hubs in the United States," said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. "CREATE will invest in critically needed improvements to increase the efficiency of passenger and freight rail infrastructure, enhance the quality of life for residents and ensure Chicago remains a competitive destination for travel and trade."

"There aren’t many projects that deliver this kind of bang for the buck," Congressman Dan Lipinski said. Having obtained the initial $100 million for CREATE back in 2005, I’m very glad we’re finally breaking ground."

 

Maryland’s Purple Line gets approval for next step

The Federal Transit Administration gave its approval for Maryland’s Purple Line to move forward and enter the Preliminary Engineering phase. The Purple Line is a proposed 16-mile east-west light-rail project that will operate between Bethesda in Montgomery County to New Carrollton in Prince George’s County with connection to four branches of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority system. FTA approval means that work on the project now moves to preparation of more detailed plans, schedules and cost estimates, as well as completion of environmental studies.

"In order to create jobs, a modern economy requires modern investments. The Federal Transit Administration’s approval today will help us continue to create jobs and expand rapid and reliable transportation in the Washington suburban region," said Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley. "The Purple Line will connect citizens to jobs and economic opportunities throughout the region. Today’s approval affirms that federal and state investments create jobs and promote economic growth. Together, with our federal partners, we can secure the future of transit in Maryland and continue to move the Purple Line forward."

The FTA review of the Purple Line proposal focused on the project’s high daily ridership and many significant benefits as well as the state’s financial commitment and technical capacity to build and operate the project. By granting permission to begin preliminary engineering, the Purple Line becomes one of a small of number of projects nationwide that are eligible for federal funding.

As proposed, the Purple Line will connect major employment and activity centers in Bethesda, Silver Spring, College Park and New Carrollton with residential and commercial areas located in between, including the Takoma-Langley Park community and Riverdale Park residents whose many transit dependent riders today are only served by buses. It will link both branches of WMTAT’s Red Line at Bethesda and Silver Spring, the Green Line at College Park and the Orange Line at New Carrollton. The Purple Line will also connect all three MARC commuter rail lines, Amtrak and local bus services.

The 16-mile Purple Line will play a critical role in the economic vitality of the corridor, with a projected increase of over 27,000 jobs per year and nearly $10 billion in additional federal, state and local revenues through the life of the rail line. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is establishing a workforce development task force to assist with the creation of a state wide policy towards providing training programs for employment opportunities along the rail line.

The Purple Line will be a pedestrian-friendly system with 21 stations that are projected to handle 60,000 riders a day by 2030. On the western end, it will operate along the former Georgetown Branch railroad right of way, currently an interim hiker-biker trail. The project will be built simultaneously with the construction of a permanent trail separated from the rail line with a landscaped buffer. Different than WMATA, light rail is powered by an overhead wire, can operate at-grade and is compatible with pedestrians and automobile traffic.

The Purple Line will largely run on the surface with one short tunnel section, one aerial section and several underpasses and overpasses of busy roadways. It will operate mainly in dedicated or exclusive lanes, allowing for fast, reliable transit operations. Purple Line riders will generally access the line on foot or by existing bus and rail services since it directly serves local communities.

CTA eliminates 200 positions as it preps for 2012 budget

The Chicago Transit Authority eliminated more than 200 positions as part of its continuing efforts to drive efficiencies as it prepares to release its 2012 budget. The agency also revised its sick and vacation policies, moves that will save the financially troubled agency tens of millions of dollars.

The personnel cuts will save the CTA approximately $22 million annually at a time when the agency is facing a $277 million deficit, while the sick and vacation leave policy changes will save the agency an estimated $15 million over the next six years.

"Following Mayor Emanuel’s leadership, we have continued to make the CTA more efficient by eliminating unnecessary and duplicative positions, while creating sound and reasonable sick and vacation leave policies," CTA President Forrest Claypool said. "As the CTA prepares to close one of its worst budget deficits in recent memory, it is incumbent upon us to find ways to do more with less."

The 200 positions include the positions that were eliminated in July 2011 and include a mix of layoffs and vacancy eliminations. About two-thirds of the new cuts will come from filled positions. As part of these cuts, a number of senior-level positions have been eliminated, including vice-presidents, general managers and directors.

The CTA now has a lean management structure, with an average of 21 front-line staffers for every manager. In addition, the CTA now has the smallest number of employees in its history, with 25 percent fewer employees than a decade ago.

About 70 percent of the CTA’s budget goes to labor costs and 91 percent of the labor force is unionized. The CTA’s union contracts expire at the end of the year and are up for renegotiation.

"Amid a deep and continuing recession, these changes will make the CTA more efficient and still provide fair and reasonable policies for our employees," Claypool said. "I also look forward to working with our labor leaders to find common sense, rational and fair solutions that reduce our labor costs while providing stable employment for their members. It is time for everyone to step up so we can put CTA on solid financial ground."

NJ Transit, GCRTA open new stations

NJ Transit customers who travel to and from the City of Garfield on the Bergen County Line will now benefit from the recently opened, new and improved Plauderville Station, which is fully accessible to customers with disabilities and provides more convenient access to the station from the parking area.

"Construction of a new station and high-level platforms ensures full accessibility for customers with disabilities, while enhancing overall convenience for everyone who uses it," said NJ Transit Executive Director James Weinstein. "A major benefit of the new station is that the relocated platforms provide customers with immediate access from the parking area to the station."

In August 2009, the NJ Transit Board of Directors authorized a $7.9 million contract with Anselmi & DeCicco, Inc., of Maplewood, N.J., for the construction of two 450-foot high-level platforms, as well as a new heated waiting area on the inbound platform, canopies, lighting, electronic signage, closed-circuit television cameras, ramps and sidewalks.

The new platforms were built adjacent to the parking area located between Midland Avenue and Outwater Lane, south of the existing low-level platforms, providing customers with more convenient access to the station. With the opening of the new station the old station, located adjacent to Midland Avenue, closed.

Plauderville Station is the first NJ Transit facility to incorporate platforms constructed with an innovative material called Armor Deck, which is a structural polymer composite system used in place of concrete. The use of this material will result in a substantial cost savings to NJ Transit in terms of repairs and replacement over the years, as it resists corrosion and is maintenance free.

Located on the Bergen County Line, Plauderville Station serves about 400 customers on a typical weekday.

After more than a year of construction and seven years of planning, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority East 55th Street Rapid Station will officially be dedicated Tuesday, October 11, at noon. Reek havoc

The $9.4 million, ADA-accessible station is not only an icon in the Slavic Village neighborhood, but will also be as versatile as it is aesthetically pleasing. Construction called for a move to the southeast corner I-490 and East 55th St., making for a more visible landmark and providing easier access to pedestrians and vehicles.

East 55th is unique because it is one of the few stations that services the Red Line, as well the Blue and Green Lines, connecting east side and west side transit, along with linking bus-to-rail service.

The new parking lot and entrance allows buses and automobiles to drop passengers off right at the door of the station. Also new to the station is a center platform that allows convenient transfer between the Red, Blue and Green line transit without having to cross the tracks. At more than 800 feet in length, the platform was a major piece of engineering.

The modern design was selected to embrace the future of its surrounding neighborhood. The stone façade was selected to represent the many churches in the East 55th vicinity.

Public art surrounds the facility, with the structure’s purple and cement façade serving as an art form in itself. Art featured includes a mural titled "Space, Speed and Time," along with red figures that appear to move as your train arrives and departs the station.

 

TriMet project receives FTA outstanding achievement recognition

The Federal Transit Administration awarded Portland, Ore., area’s TriMet the 2011 Outstanding Achievement Award for Excellence in Environmental Document Presentation for the Environmental Impact Statemen produced for the Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Project.

The EIS details the benefits, impacts and costs of the project in a clear, concise publication meant to be easily understood by the public and project stakeholders. When presenting the award this week, the FTA noted that the project EIS "distinguishes itself in a number of ways," highlighting the document’s "plain language and clear writing," easy to understand graphics and inclusion of climate change information, along with the project’s overall "comprehensive public involvement approach" and detailed website.

"This award underscores the great effort Metro, TriMet and our partners have put into ensuring the public has access to vital facts about the project," said TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane. "We’re gratified that these efforts have been recognized by the FTA."

The project EIS was prepared by Metro and TriMet with key consultant assistance from Parametrix.

 

MBTA board OK

According to the Boston Globe, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Board approved a $27 million construction contract Oct. 6, to rebuild one of the last outdated stations on the Blue Line, part of a two-decade, $700 million campaign. The total budget for that East Boston project, including design, engineering, inspection and other costs, is $51 million.

At the same time, the MBTA board also approved a $29 million contract to build a new Orange Line station at Assembly Square, between the existing Wellington and Sullivan Square stops, the first new station added to the subway map in a quarter-century.

Both stations are scheduled to be finished in 2014, creating about 600 construction jobs.

Bids for each came in more than $1 million cheaper than expected. Barletta Heavy Division Inc. was the winning bidder among four for Orient Heights and S&R Construction Enterprises prevailed among nine bidders for Assembly Square.

The Federal Transit Authority is slated to reimburse the MBTA for 80 percent of the cost of the Orient Heights project. With Assembly Square, all of the funding will be covered by sources other than the MBTA; $15 million from the private developer, Federal Realty Investment Trust; $16 million from three federal transportation sources and $22 million from the state Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, plus an extra $3.5 million if needed.

In other MBTA news, according to boston.com, cell phone service is expected to be available in underground areas of the MBTA’s Blue Line and nearly all of the Green Line by the end of the year and will extend to all underground areas of the subway system by the end of 2012.

The MBTA says the work includes installation of 98 remote amplifiers, 422 antennas and 71,455 feet of radiating cable.

 

Four unions at CN ratify new agreement

Four unions at Canadian National’s Algoma Central Railway subsidiary ratified a new collective agreement. The unions are the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference-Maintenance of Way Division, Canadian Auto Workers, International Association of Machinists and United Steelworkers.

Approximately 70 mechanical, engineering and clerical employees are covered by the four-year deal, which is retroactive to Feb. 1, 2010. The agreement provides union members general wage and benefit increases consistent with other agreements reached this year.

CN acquired the ACR, which runs north from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., 300 miles to Hearst, Ont., as part of its purchase of Wisconsin Central Transportation Corp. in 2001.

CN president declares supply-chain focus

Claude Mongeau, president and chief executive officer of Canadian National, said the company’s drive to become "a true supply chain enabler" will deliver a more efficient transportation system helping its customers compete better in their end markets.

"The CN team is taking its Precision Railroading model to the next level, delivering on an agenda of operational and service excellence anchored on supply chain collaboration to improve end-to-end service for our customers," Mongeau told the Southeast Freight Conference.

Mongeau said this supply-chain focus is the next chapter in CN’s "remarkable transformation journey."

The modern CN story began with privatization in 1995, followed by $8 billion worth of acquisitions that gave the railroad a true North American footprint touching three coasts. Next came Precision Railroading, CN’s business model that ensures disciplined operational execution and intense asset utilization and now, a new customer-centric focus and commitment to supply chain innovation.

Mongeau said Memphis, a major freight distribution hub, is a pivotal location on CN’s 20,500 route-mile network that spans 16 U.S. states and eight provinces. The city is the gateway to CN’s operations in the Gulf of Mexico region and the largest U.S. location outside Chicago where CN interchanges traffic with four of the major U.S. Class 1 railroads.

The importance of Memphis in CN’s system is underscored by the company’s sizable capital investments in the city. CN has invested $100-million to rebuild and upgrade its main freight-car classification yard in Memphis, now known as Harrison Yard. It is also a partner in the $35-million CN-CSX Transportation Gateway Intermodal Terminal that opened in 2005 at Frank C. Pidgeon Industrial Park in Memphis.

Mongeau said, "With a clear strategic agenda driven by our commitment to innovation, productivity and supply chain collaboration, we can create value for our customers, shareholders and the North American economy."

Military Times EDGE names UP Best for Vets Employer

Military Times EDGE selected Union Pacific as a Best for Vets 2011 Employer. UP is among three companies ranking in the platinum category.

"Union Pacific is honored to be named a Best for Vets Employer and takes pride in employing veterans and military reserve personnel," said Barb Schaefer, UP senior vice president human resources. "Military veterans have the knowledge and training to be successful in our company and are great assets to Union Pacific."

Best for Vets Employers are chosen based on three key areas:

* Veteran Recruiting
* Corporate Culture
* Reserve Policies

Union Pacific also was selected for its training and education programs, military recruiting policies and hiring track record; one out of every four UP hires is a veteran. Union Pacific recruiters actively seek military personnel by attending military job fairs, supporting transitional assistance programs and regularly visiting major military installations.

Board approves FY2013 budget proposal for Caltrain

Faced with a fiscal crisis at the beginning of the year that forced Southern California’s Caltrain to consider drastic service cuts, the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board approved a budget proposal that would avert another crisis, even as the Peninsula commuter rail system is experiencing record growth in ridership and revenue.

The Board, which owns and operates Caltrain, approved a budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2013 and a framework for future operating budgets.

Caltrain’s three partner agencies have agreed to contribute $33.5 million to the Fiscal Year 2013 operation budget:

SamTrans – $14 million
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency – $5.8 million
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority – $13.7.

In the current fiscal year, the partnership contribution is $25.4 million.

Caltrain’s latest ridership and revenue numbers also are good news for the agency. In spite of the continuing flat economy, total ridership for August is 1,252,825, 13 percent higher than August 2010. This is an all-time high, surpassing the previous record of 1,245,443 set in July 2008; ridership has increased when compared to the previous year for 13 consecutive months. Fare box revenue also is up 15 percent.

In addition to persistent high fuel prices, Caltrain officials attribute the increase in ridership its efforts to attract new riders:

In January, Caltrain introduced weekend Baby Bullet service. Ridership on weekend Baby Bullet trains, as well as the local trains scheduled before and after them, have seen a 30 percent boost in ridership since the beginning of the year.

Caltrain has raised fares more than 57 percent since 2005. In spite of fare increases, ridership continues to increase. Beginning Jan. 1, Caltrain fares increased 25 cents for each zone, with multi-ride tickets and passes adjusted accordingly. The increase was approved to close a $2.3 million gap in the Fiscal Year 2010 operating budget. Caltrain raised fares again on July 1, adding 25 cents to the base fare.

In addition, the August expense report shows a 5.6 percent decrease in expenses, primarily attributable to reductions in operating and administrative expenses.

 

 

WMATA plans aggressive rebuilding schedule

Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority is planning an aggressive schedule of rebuilding work during the coming weeks in an effort to avoid customer inconvenience around the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year holiday periods.

There will be no major track work on the Metrorail system over the four-day Thanksgiving weekend, or the period between December 19 and January 3.

WMATA’s rebuilding efforts are focused on addressing National Transportation Safety Board safety recommendations and bringing the system into a state of good repair, including projects to renew rail and ties, replace critical track circuitry and equipment along the right of way, rehabilitate power systems and modernize stations.

Below is a summary of upcoming track work:

Red Line

• Beginning at 9:30 p.m. Friday, October 14, and continuing through system closing on Saturday, October 15, Red Line trains will single track between Twinbrook and Shady Grove to allow for platform rehabilitation work. There is no scheduled track work on Sunday, October 16.

• Beginning at 10 p.m., Friday, October 21, and continuing through system closing on Sunday, October 23, buses will replace Red Line trains between New York Avenue and Fort Totten to allow for major track rehabilitation, station work and cable installation. Two stations, Rhode Island Avenue and Brookland, will be closed.

• Beginning at 10 p.m., Friday, October 28, and continuing through system closing on Sunday, October 30, Red Line trains will single track between Dupont Circle and New York Avenue due to heavy construction activity at Farragut North Station to stabilize municipal utility pipes. The work will continue over the weekends of November 18-20 and December 16-18.

Orange and Blue lines

• Beginning at 10 p.m. Friday, October 7, and continuing through system closing Monday, October 10, buses will replace Orange Line trains between East Falls Church and West Falls Church due to construction associated with the Dulles rail extension. In addition, Orange Line trains will single track between Vienna and West Falls Church to allow for tie replacement.

• Beginning at 10 p.m., Friday, October 14, and continuing through system closing Saturday, October 15, Orange and Blue line trains will single track between Eastern Market and Stadium-Armory due to tunnel repairs and trackbed improvements; Orange Line trains will single track between East Falls Church and West Falls Church to allow for tie replacement and renewal and Blue Line trains will single track between Reagan National Airport and Braddock Road to allow for track improvements.

• Beginning at 10 p.m., Friday, October 21, and continuing through system closing Sunday, October 23, Orange and Blue line trains will single track between Stadium-Armory and Addison Road due to tunnel repairs and trackbed improvements. Similar work will take place over the weekend of November 18-20.

• Beginning at 10 p.m., Friday, October 28, and continuing through system closing Sunday, October 30, Orange Line trains will single track between Cheverly and New Carrollton to allow for track improvements.

• Beginning at 10 p.m., Friday, November 4, and continuing through system closing on Sunday, November 6, Blue and Orange line trains will single track between Foggy Bottom and McPherson Sq. to allow for rail renewal in the tunnel.

Green and Yellow Lines

• Beginning at 10 p.m., Friday, October 7, and continuing through system closing Monday, October 10, buses will replace Green and Yellow line trains between Mt. Vernon Sq. and Georgia Avenue to allow for NTSB-recommended switch replacement outside U Street Station. Three stations, Shaw, U Street and Columbia Heights, will be closed.

• Beginning at 10 p.m., Friday, October 14, and continuing through system closing Saturday, October 15, Yellow Line trains will single track between Reagan National Airport and Braddock Road to allow for track improvements.

• Beginning at 10 p.m., Friday, October 21, and continuing through system closing Sunday, October 23, Green Line trains will single track between Fort Totten and Prince George’s Plaza to allow for track improvements.

• Beginning at 10 p.m., Friday, October 28, and continuing through system closing Sunday, October 30, buses will replace Green Line trains between Southern Avenue and L’Enfant Plaza as Metro installs new track switches to address NTSB safety recommendations. During this time, Green Line trains will operate via the Yellow Line between Huntington and Greenbelt. A shuttle train will operate between Southern Avenue and Branch Avenue stations. Similar work will take place over the weekend of November 10-13.

 

New signal system installation begins on MTA

York City Transit ‘s Metropolitan Transportation Authority continues maintenance efforts in the Steinway tunnel. MTA will begin installation of a new signal system this weekend known as CBTC (Communications Based Train Control).

This automated train control system ensures the safe operation of trains using wireless data communication that will allow for more frequent service and the use of countdown clocks in the future. Fiber optic and computer equipment will be installed on the tracks along the entire line.

This work requires service changes in October and November and will continue for several years.

In addition, October 7-10, MTA will also be doing track panel installation south of 33rd Street-Rawson Street.

Whitmore

The Whitmore Group, creator of component protection technology, recruited industry veteran David Schaer for the new role of director of marketing. Schaer will direct marketing communications initiatives for its four operating divisions. His responsibilities will include marketing strategies, branding, advertising, product marketing management and overall marketing objectives.

Schaer brings more than 25 years of corporate and ad agency marketing experience. His diverse category background includes transportation services, building materials, automotive, retail, telecom and technology.

Detroit-Chicago corridor receives $196.5 million

The Federal Railroad Administration awarded a $196.5 million grant to the Michigan Department of Transportation for track and signal improvements between Detroit and Kalamazoo, Mich. These improvements will allow for speeds up to 110 mph on 77 percent of Amtrak’s Wolverine and Blue Water services between Detroit and Chicago, resulting in a 30 minute reduction in travel time between those destinations.

"This is an important investment that will reduce travel time, improve reliability and on-time performance and attract more passengers," said Secretary LaHood. "We are creating jobs in Michigan, building our rails with American-made materials and growing the regional economy."

Dollars for this 135 mile segment between Detroit and Kalamazoo will support preliminary engineering, final design and construction. The project includes new, continuously welded rail and ties, fiber optic lines and infrastructure to support a positive train control system, rebuilding 180 highway-rail grade crossings and gates and flashers at 65 private highway-rail grade crossings. The project will create approximately 800 new jobs during the construction phase, which is expected to begin late spring 2012 and will facilitate service to current and future freight rail customers, including major shippers like Ford Motor Company.

In addition, MDOT is designated to receive a $150 million DOT grant later this year to purchase this 135 mile segment of track, when grant conditions are met. This will allow for the implementation of 110 mph service along the corridor that will bring improved passenger service, ensure capacity for freight operations through double tracking on the busiest freight segment and deliver long-term economic benefits to the State of Michigan.

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