Twin Cities

Minnesotans will soon have the option of taking light-rail transit along the 11-mile Central Corridor that links the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, one of the most heavily traveled corridors in the region, thanks to a $474 million funding agreement between the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Council.

"With gas prices at record levels, President Obama has put forward a
comprehensive plan to protect families and businesses from the ups and
downs of energy costs," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
"Our investments in this critical transit link between the Twin Cities
will cut travel costs for consumers, and help create a cleaner, greener
way to get from one place to another."

Federal Transit
Administrator Peter Rogoff was joined by Metropolitan Council officials
and local leaders this morning to take part in a ceremony to sign the
"full funding grant agreement," which gives project sponsors the
assurance that the federal government will appropriate a portion of its
share each year until 2015, when the $957 million project will be fully
funded.

"The Obama Administration is thrilled to partner with the
people of Minnesota to build the largest public works project in the
state’s history," Administrator Rogoff said. "This project truly
embodies the President’s vision for winning the future through
infrastructure investment. It will create thousands of construction jobs
now while paving the way for many thousands of jobs that will come to
the Twin Cities through the economic development successes surrounding
the new rail line. "

The 11-mile Central Corridor light rail line,
which includes 18 new stations, 31 new rail cars and a new vehicle
maintenance facility in St. Paul, is scheduled to open in 2014. Trains
will run every 7 ½ minutes during weekday peak periods. By the year
2030, it is expected that the line will carry more than 40,000
passengers on weekdays, generating 6,000 new transit trips a day.

In
addition to serving the downtown areas of the Twin Cities, the Central
Corridor line will provide improved access to the University of
Minnesota, the Midway area, the State Capitol complex, major event
venues including Target Field and the Metrodome, and many neighborhoods
in between.

 

CN issues Delivering Responsibly sustainability report

Canadian National has issued its third sustainability report, Delivering Responsibly. This report highlights CN’s strategy, programs and achievements in the areas of governance practices, safety initiatives, human resources management, community involvement and environmental sustainability.

Environmental sustainability is a priority for CN, which is focused on lowering emissions, increasing energy efficiency, reducing, reusing and recycling waste and encouraging environmental stewardship.

CN’s efforts are driven by the following key initiatives:

– Increased locomotive fuel efficiency through fleet renewal and technological applications that reduce fuel consumption.

– Extending fuel efficiency programs to all fleets, including equipment such as intermodal cranes and yard tractors, through the adoption of new and more fuel-efficient equipment and new technologies.

– A clean right-of-way policy across CN’s North American network

– Operating organized and neat facilities that improve safety and reduce waste.

– Reducing energy consumption at CN facilities and exploring alternative energy sources.

– Extending modal shift protocols to new jurisdictions, protocols adopted by the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta allow customers to get credit for switching shipments to more environmentally friendly modes of transportation such as rail.

– An engagement program to encourage environmental values and initiatives among CN employees across North America.

 

UP to increase train speeds in Southern Oregon and Northern California

Drivers will spend less time waiting for trains to pass as Union Pacific increases the speed of its trains on the rail line that runs between Klamath Falls, Ore., and Perez, Calif. Union Pacific recently invested more than $1.5 million to enhance its track infrastructure on this 50 mile corridor that runs from southern Oregon into northern California.

Replacing more than 11,000 railroad ties and adding new ballast for a stable roadbed, the track improvement project will increase train speed on this corridor from the current limit of 10 mph to 25 mph.

UP wins fourth TRANSCAER award, Buccolo awarded TRANSCAER Chairman Award

Union Pacific has earned the TRANSCAER National Achievement Award for the fourth consecutive year, while Dave Buccolo, general manager of Central California Traction Company for Union Pacific, was recognized for his safety record and level of participation in TRANSCAER events and was awarded the TRANSCAER Chairman Award.

The National Achievement Award recognizes extraordinary achievement in support of the TRANSCAER (Transportation Community Awareness and Emergency Response) initiative. TRANSCAER is the voluntary national outreach effort to help communities prepare for and respond to a possible hazardous material transportation incident.

In 2010, Union Pacific organized or participated in multiple events to promote TRANSCAER’s activities and encourage community involvement. In addition to coordinating various drills to ensure community preparedness, Union Pacific conducted 61 training events in 2010, reaching more than 3,300 participants, and provided TRANSCAER information to more than 1,000 public response agencies. Union Pacific also supports Community Advisory Panels, which serve as forums for interacting with citizens and community leaders.

"Our employees, friends and families live and work in these communities, so we understand how important it is to continuously enhance our safety efforts," said Bob Grimaila, Union Pacific vice president of Safety, Security and Environment. "Rail is the safest form of freight transportation and everyone at Union Pacific understands our obligation under federal law to transport chemicals and hazardous materials. We take that responsibility very seriously."

"Being recognized by peers for our TRANSCAER involvement is a tremendous honor," said Diane Duren, Union Pacific vice president and general manager of Chemicals. "We make significant investments of time and money to enhance transportation safety. Union Pacific will continue to help prepare emergency responders for a possible incident and remains committed to safely transporting hazardous materials."

Some of Union Pacific’s most significant TRANSCAER-related activities in 2010 included:

• Railroad HAZMAT response training in Tucson, Ariz., a five-day event with multiple agencies serving the Tucson area.

• The Placer County mass casualty HAZMAT exercise in Roseville, Calif.

• Union Pacific tank car safety training courses in Pueblo, Colo., and Longview, Texas, consisting of a 40-hour course for public responders.

• A three-day TRANSCAER safety train-training event in Chicago, Ill.

• An AHC1 training and drill exercise in Livonia, La.

• A TRANSCAER training tour with stops in Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana.


The Chairman Award is given by and at the discretion of the National TRANSCAER Task Group based on criteria deemed appropriate by its chairman.

"In addition to doing an excellent job as manager, Dave has a sterling safety record," said Lance Fritz, Union Pacific executive vice president of Operations. "He works as a teacher, showing first responders and many Union Pacific personnel how to respond to a possible hazardous material transportation incident through hands-on training. This award is an impressive and well-deserved achievement."

"Dave has played a significant role in the growth of the TRANSCAER initiative in his region, fostering important working relationships that enhance response planning and preparedness," said Rollie Shook, chairman of the National TRANSCAER Task Group and Global Emergency Services Leader, Emergency Services & Security Expertise Center for Dow Chemical Co.

Founded in 1986 by Union Pacific and The Dow Chemical Company, TRANSCAER has grown to include other railroads and chemical producers and distributors, trucking companies, emergency response contractors and trade associations and includes the U.S. Department of Energy, Environmental Management Office of Transportation as a partner.

Chicago Mayor, CTA officials celebrate completion of CTA station renovations

Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, Chicago Transit Board Chairman Terry Peterson, CTA President Richard L. Rodriguez and 25th Ward Alderman Daniel Solis, along with community representatives gathered on April 25, 2011, to celebrate the completion of renovations on the north entrance at the CTA Red Line Cermak-Chinatown station.

The rehabbed entrance, located at 138 W. Cermak Road, once again will serve as the main stationhouse. Last June, CTA opened a new auxiliary entrance two blocks north of Cermak that allowed the station to remain open while renovations were under way. The Archer entrance will remain in use as a secondary entrance/exit to the station.

"I am pleased with the CTA’s commitment and efforts in making public transit more accessible and attractive to Chicago residents over the years," said Daley. "The renovation of Cermak is just one of the many investments in CTA’s system that improves reliability and provides quality service to the millions of people who depend on public transportation in their daily lives."

In addition to installing a new elevator and replacing the stairs and escalator, CTA built a new stationhouse at street level on Cermak and installed planters and posts that add to the ambience outside the station. Other amenities include enhanced lighting, new customer assistance and information kiosks and bike racks.

Total cost of the project was $12.5 million using American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds. CTA received a total of $241 million in stimulus funds.

In 2010, the average ridership at the Cermak station was 3,561 on weekdays; 3738 in Saturdays and the 2,942 on Sundays, making it the seventh busiest station on the Dan Ryan Red Line branch and 24th busiest on the Red Line.

 

AECOM appoints chairman of the board, names top management

AECOM Technology Corporation, provider of professional technical and management support services for government and commercial clients around the world, has appointed John Dionisio chairman of the Board of Directors, succeeding Richard Newman, effective Oct. 1, 2011. Dionisio will continue to serve as chief executive officer of AECOM.

Dionisio, who has served as president and CEO since 2005, has been with the company since 1971. Newman will continue to serve as a member of AECOM’s Board of Directors, in the role of chairman emeritus.

"On behalf of the AECOM Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce John’s appointment as chairman," said Newman. "As our president and CEO, he has successfully advanced AECOM’s growth strategy, significantly expanding our service offerings and markets, growing our global footprint and delivering superior business results."
Since 2005, AECOM has grown its annual gross revenue from $2.4 billion to approximately $7 billion, increased its workforce from nearly 28,000 to approximately 45,000 employees and expanded its global footprint to more than 125 countries. The company has also completed more than 30 acquisitions.

"AECOM is well positioned to capitalize on new growth opportunities across our end markets and around the world," said Dionisio. "I am honored to be appointed chairman, and I look forward to continuing to work with the board and our management team, to advance our global growth strategy."

The company also appointed Michael Burke to president and Jane Chmielinski to chief operating officer and president of the Americas, effective Oct. 1, 2011.
Burke, who joined the company in 2005, was named chief financial officer in 2006. Chmielinski joined the company in 1993 and has served as executive vice president in charge of Americas operations and chief corporate officer since 2009.

Additionally, Stephen Kadenacy, who joined AECOM in 2008 as senior vice president, Finance, will succeed Burke as executive vice president and CFO, effective Oct. 1, 2011.
"We are fortunate to have a strong executive management team that includes dynamic leaders such as Mike, Jane and Steve," Dionisio said. "Our ability to promote from within speaks to our commitment to grow and develop our staff at all levels, including our senior leaders. Looking forward, we are excited by the opportunities on the horizon for AECOM’s 45,000 people around the world."

NTSB

The National Transportation Safety Board has restored web access to its Safety Recommendations database, which can be found at http://www.ntsb.gov/safetyrecs/private/QueryPage.aspx. The data have been audited and verified and a few other non-visible changes have been made to improve the accuracy of information presented.

In addition, the NTSB has changed its administrative processes to ensure timelier updating. Safety Recommendations correspondence will normally be entered within one to two business days of its receipt by the NTSB. When the correspondence represents the addressee’s initial response to the Recommendation, the record will be updated at that time to reflect the status of "Initial Response Received," rather than "Awaiting Response." The only exception would be in the case of a brief response that merely acknowledges receipt of the recommendation(s) and advises that a substantive response will be forthcoming.

NTSB encourages the use of its electronic mailbox, correspondence@ntsb.gov , when responding to a Safety Recommendation. Any digital format (PDF, DOC) is preferred. If an electronic address for replies is provided in a response, NTSB will respond in kind.

The NTSB requests all freight, passenger and commuter railroads, government and transit agencies and related rail associations to search the safety recommendations database for open status recommendations and provide the NTSB an update on each recommendation. Questions or concerns should be directed to Patrick Sullivan, railroad safety specialist at patrick.sullivan@ntsb.gov or database administrator, Catherine Janis, at catherine.janis-intern@ntsb.gov.

CN signs agreements with two Illinois communities for safety enhancements

Canadian National has reached a voluntary mitigation agreement with the Village of Wayne, Ill., regarding its acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company and another agreement with the city of Joliet, Ill., to fund construction of a grade-crossing bypass that will improve vehicular traffic flows and enhance rail safety in the city’s Forest Park area.

With the Village of Wayne agreement, CN has VMAs with 82 percent of the 33 communities along the EJ&E in Illinois and Indiana.

CN will provide the Village of Wayne funding for the creation of a quiet zone, noise and safety mitigation, communications and emergency response training.

Jim Vena, CN senior vice-president, Southern Region, said: "CN is pleased to have reached this mitigation agreement with the Village of Wayne, marking the 27th VMA that we have signed with communities on the EJ&E line. The fact that CN has concluded VMAs with more than 80 percent of municipalities affected by the EJ&E transaction reflects a clear corporate commitment to work cooperatively with our line-side neighbors toward mutually acceptable mitigation outcomes. This leaves just six communities along the EJ&E without VMAs with CN. Should any of these remaining municipalities wish to explore mitigation agreements with CN in future, we would be more than pleased to enter such discussions."

Joliet’s $2.5-million bypass funded by CN will permit the closure of the Woodruff Road grade crossing, located just outside of Joliet Yard. Delays to motorists due to stopped and slow-moving trains needing to enter and exit the yard have long been a problem at this crossing and it has consistently experienced the highest number of crossing blockages since CN’s acquisition of the EJ&E.

The new bypass road will link the eastern portion of Woodruff Road and Collins Street, providing area residents a road connection that does not cross the CN tracks.
The new road will also assist the efforts of the City of Joliet to promote the redevelopment of the old Joliet Prison/Collins Street Prison property, including the old prison structures as well as undeveloped land located east of Collins Street.

Vena said, "CN has been working closely with the City of Joliet for the past three years on ways to lessen the impact on the community of our acquisition of the EJ&E. In fact, Joliet was the first city we reached a voluntary mitigation agreement with back in August 2008.

"We are extremely pleased that our productive partnership with Joliet has produced a mutually beneficial road bypass agreement that will improve the quality of life of residents living near the Woodruff Road grade crossing, spur property redevelopment in the area and help improve the fluidity of CN’s rail network in the Chicago area."

Joliet Mayor Arthur Schultz said, "CN’s investment in the new bypass road should assist us in kick-starting the redevelopment of the old prison property, which has been a key priority for many city stakeholders. We appreciate CN’s innovation and community partnership in advancing such an important urban initiative."

Saskatchewan awards C$700,000 in shortline infrastructure grants

The Canadian province of Saskatchewan awarded C$700,000 (US$733,114.80) to be shared among 10 shortline railways from this year’s provincial cost-shared infrastructure grants for projects like track maintenance, railway tie replacements and bridge repairs.

"The province increased funding for the first time this year because the number of shortline railways has grown to eleven from seven and the length of track has increased by nearly 500 km (310.69 miles) since the program began in 2008," Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter said. "These shortlines are important because they provide shippers with another transportation option, contribute to reducing truck traffic congestion and related road wear, support economic development in rural Saskatchewan and link Saskatchewan’s export-based economy to provincial, national and worldwide markets."

Because the grants are matched 50/50 by each shortline, up to C$1.4 million (US$1.466 million) will be invested in railway infrastructure for the current fiscal year. This means that more than C$4 million dollars (US$4.189 million) has been invested in the shortline system since the grants began in 2008.

This year’s eligible shortlines and their provincial grant amounts are:

• Southern Rails Co-operative based out of Avonlea, C$40,000 (US$41,892);
• Carlton Trail Railway based out of Prince Albert, C$81,778 (US$85,646);
• Red Coat Road and Rail based out of Viceroy, C$51,111 (US$53,528);
• Great Western Railway based out of Shaunavon, C$220,445 (US$230,873);
• Thunder Rail based out of Arborfield, C$40,000 (US$41,892);
• Wheatland Rail based out of Cudworth, C$40,000 (US$41,892);
• Fife Lake Railway based out of Coronach, C$43,111 (US$45,150);
• Torch River Rail based out of Choiceland, C$40,000 (US$41,892);
• Great Sandhills Railway based out of Leader, C$83,111 (US$87,042); and
• Last Mountain Railway based out of Regina, C$60,444 (US$63,303).

This cost-sharing program was started to help shortline railways maintain their aging infrastructure and to support this component of Saskatchewan’s multi-modal transportation system. This is the fourth year in a row the grants have been announced.

"It’s great to see the province continue with the infrastructure grants and recognize the growth of this transportation sector by increasing the funding this year," Saskatchewan Shortline Railway Association President Roger Gadd said.

 

MTA to sell Madison Avenue HQ, fund capital projects

New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority has made plans to consolidate its office space, including the sale of its three valuable headquarters buildings on Madison Avenue in midtown Manhattan. The Madison Avenue complex is expected to yield at least $150 million to support MTA capital projects.

The plan takes advantage of an opportunity created by the MTA’s aggressive cost cutting, which included a 20 percent reduction in its headquarters payroll and the elimination of 3,500 positions across the organization. As a result, there are now significant vacancies in MTA office space, including 15 percent at the Madison Avenue buildings and the MTA’s facility at 2 Broadway.

Under the plan, headquarters employees would be accommodated at 2 Broadway, both by filling vacant space and using the overall space more efficiently. Metro-North personnel currently working in the Madison Avenue offices would be relocated near Grand Central and Metro-North’s other facilities, including an office facility in North White Plains.

"The hard work we’ve done to overhaul how the MTA does business is opening the door for even greater cost savings," said Jay Walder, MTA CEO. "Selling our Madison Avenue buildings is a true triple play, allowing us to raise capital funds, avoid costly renovations and make better use of our office space downtown."

The office space consolidation is one aspect of a broader MTA strategy to reduce real estate costs and maximize the benefit of its entire real estate portfolio. The strategy also includes:


• Reducing office space leases
• Already reduced 12 percent ($2.5 million) since April 2010
• Identifying underutilized properties that can be sold
• Working with New York City and other municipalities to unlock the value of jointly-owned assets, such as 370 Jay St. in Brooklyn
• Monetizing air rights opportunities

"We are reviewing our real estate portfolio from top to bottom, looking for opportunities to reduce costs and increase revenue," said Jeffrey Rosen, MTA director of real estate. "In our real estate, as in all of our operations, the MTA is making every dollar count."

The MTA is moving immediately to begin the process, which includes the relocation of Metro-North and MTA Police communications equipment, with the goal of completely vacating the Madison Avenue buildings within two to three years.

Watco names Becker SVP Transportation

Mitch Becker has been named senior vice president of Transportation at Watco. As SVP of Transportation, Becker will be responsible for all operations within the transportation division of Watco including the West, Central and Gulf/East Regions. In this position Mitch will report directly to Terry Towner, president & COO of Watco.

Becker has been part of the Watco team since 2007, when he was hired as the COO of the Gulf/ East Region. In 2009, he assumed the additional COO responsibilities of the Central Region.

Mode Transportation names CSXT as Rail Carrier of the Year

Mode Transportation, provider of truckload, less-than-truckload and intermodal services, has selected CSX Transportation Intermodal as its 2010 Rail Carrier of the Year. This is the first year that CSXT Intermodal has been selected for this award, based on input from Mode Transportation’s independent business owners and executive management team.

"In what was a dynamic year for the Intermodal industry, CSXT Intermodal rose to the occasion to deliver unparalleled value," said Todd Thompson, senior vice president of Mode Transportation. "CSXT Intermodal team’s sales approach was instrumental in providing workable, creative solutions to our diverse customer base throughout the year."

 

Amtrak installing new heavy steel fence along HSR tracks in Maryland

Amtrak is installing a heavy steel, eight-foot high, high-security fence along a portion of its high-speed tracks in Middle River, Maryland, to deter access to the railroad. Beginning in late April, work will begin on the installation of new fencing on both sides of the tracks from Martin Boulevard southwest to where it meets up with an existing fence. A portion of the existing fence also will be replaced. In all, more than 6,400 feet of fencing will be installed and additional "No Trespassing" signs will be posted.

The $3.1 million project will take approximately six months to complete. When completed, there will be nearly two miles of continuous fencing from Martin Boulevard to Stemmers Run Road. Individuals may use the pedestrian underpass at Martin Boulevard, which will also be improved as part of the project, to safely cross to the other side of the tracks.

"The new fence will make it harder for a person to access the tracks, but to achieve maximum safety, individuals must make the right decision to stay off the tracks and not use it as a shortcut," sayid Amtrak Chief of Police John O’Connor.

"Our most important goal is safety," said Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger. "I am pleased Amtrak is taking these significant steps, building taller and stronger fencing. I thank everyone who had a role in this project, working together to make Middle River a safer community for everyone."

The Middle River community is located about 11 miles north of Baltimore and is within the busy Northeast Corridor, home to frequent and daily Amtrak train service. The section of track where the fence is being installed includes Acela Express and Northeast Regional service, which operate at speeds up to 125 mph as well as some freight train traffic.

UP promotes three in marketing and sales

Union pacific promoted three within its marketing and sales department.

Linda Brandl has been promoted to vice president and general manager of Automotive. Brandl has more than 22 years experience with the railroad, most recently serving as vice president of the National Customer Service Center.

Beth Whited has been promoted to vice president of NCSC. She has been with UP for 23 years, most recently serving as assistant vice president of Union Pacific Distribution Services.

Brad Thrasher has been promoted to assistant vice president of UPDS. He has 23 years experience with Union Pacific, most recently serving as assistant vice president of Streamline.

Honolulu submits $5.3 billion first financial draft for FTA review

The Honolulu Rail Transit Project submitted its first draft of an updated financial plan to the Federal Transit Administration for its review. The update, submitted in accordance with FTA requirements, places capital costs for the project at $5.3 billion, which includes finance charges, adjustments for inflation and a 21 percent contingency of $865 million to cover unforeseen costs.

"As the project’s engineering advances and construction costs become more defined, the city and county of Honolulu is able to sharpen its financial plan to better reflect project needs and provide a more realistic financial roadmap," said Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle. "So many people depend on transit now and will depend on it in the future. This plan helps those responsible to track the project and make sure every dollar is spent prudently."

Revenue for the project comes from two primary sources: the general excise and use tax surcharge and federal funds. The updated plan sets revenue from the state’s GET surcharge applied to Oahu through 2022 at approximately $3.3 billion. This number reflects up to date, actual GET surcharge collections and takes into account the most recent economic forecast of GET revenue from the State Department of Taxation. The other primary source of revenue is federal funds. FTA New Starts funding remains at $1.55 billion, while the need for FTA section 5307 funding has been reduced in the updated plan by $56 million, from $300 million reported earlier to $244 million. Remaining revenue sources of approximately $300 million come from the project’s starting cash balance and from interest income.

"Support from Washington regarding New Starts funding for this project remains strong," said Mayor Carlisle. "It is imperative that the City maximize its use of federal money for Oahu’s rail and bus systems over the long term. This is a priority and we will work closely with the City Council and the newly formed Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation to keep it this way."

After the FTA reviews and comments on the draft plan, a final version will be submitted prior to entry into the project’s final design phase, anticipated to occur later this year.

Honolulu’s 20-mile rail transit project will connect East Kapolei with Ala Moana Center and includes 21 stations along the rail line within the island’s most congested urban corridor.

Chicago’s Mayor-elect Emanuel names city transportation team

Rahm Emanuel, Chicago’s Mayor-elect, selected the city’s transportation team on April 19, 2011.

Forrest Claypool was named Chicago Transit Authority president. Claypool served two terms as Cook County commissioner and is also a former Superintendent of the Chicago Park District. Claypool has served as Illinois’ deputy state treasurer, deputy commissioner of the Cook County Board of (Property Tax) Appeals and as chief of staff to Mayor Richard M. Daley.

Terry Peterson will continue to serve as Chicago Transit Board chair, a position he has held since 2009. During his tenure, he has been an advocate for CTA customers. He fought for federal and state funds to make the CTA more reliable and convenient for Chicagoans across the city. Prior to his time on the Board, he served six years as the chief executive officer of the Chicago Housing Authority.

Gabe Klein was named Chicago Department of Transportation commissioner. Klein served as director of the District Department of Transportation under Mayor Adrian Fenty in Washington, D.C. Klein’s tenure at the DDOT coupled bold policy initiatives with improvements in existing infrastructure, including the expansion of Circulator bus lines, initiating the largest number of complex infrastructure projects in DDOT history and launching the nation’s largest bikesharing program.

California elected officials call for “blended” HSR plan

California State Senator Joe Simitian and Representatives Anna Eshoo and Rich Gordon have released a statement on high-speed rail in the state, where it is and where it is going.

As funding is an issue, the statement said, "If we can barely find the funds to do high speed rail right, we most certainly cannot find the funds to do high speed rail wrong.

"Accordingly, we call upon the High-Speed Rail Authority and our local CalTrain Joint Powers Board to develop plans for a blended system that integrates high-speed rail with a 21st Century CalTrain."

Three key points were made:

• We explicitly reject the notion of high-speed rail running from San Jose to San Francisco on an elevated structure or "viaduct" and we call on the High-Speed Rail Authority to eliminate further consideration of an aerial option;

• We fully expect that high-speed rail running from San Jose to San Francisco can and should remain within the existing CalTrain right of way; and,

• Third and finally, consistent with a project of this more limited scope, the Authority should abandon its preparation of an Environmental Impact Report for a phased project of larger dimensions over a 25 year timeframe. Continuing to plan for a project of this scope in the face of limited funding and growing community resistance is a fool’s errand; and is particularly ill-advised when predicated on ridership projections that are less than credible.

"Within the existing right-of-way, at or below grade, a single blended system could allow high-speed rail arriving in San Jose to continue north in a seamless fashion as part of a 21st Century CalTrain, while maintaining the currently projected speeds and travel time for high-speed rail," the statement explained.

All of this is possible, but only if the High-Speed Rail Authority takes this opportunity to rethink its direction, the officials noted in the statement.

 

MTA revives “If you see something, say something” safety campaign

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority has launched its newest round of television, print and poster advertisements intended to remind customers to remain alert while using MTA services. The latest update of the MTA’s award-winning "If You See Something, Say Something" security awareness campaign will appear on television beginning immediately and in print in the beginning of May.

Building on the success of earlier ads produced under the widely-recognized campaign, this new round uses stark images that renew the seriousness of the message. Prior ads portrayed images of unattended packages in transit facilities with passengers busily walking past. The new round of ads depicts what appear to be potential terrorists planting bags on subways, buses and trains.

"The safety and security of our customers is our top priority," said Jay Walder, the chairman and CEO of the MTA. "We are hardening our infrastructure and conducting enhanced policing in coordination with our regional law enforcement partners. But these ads reinforce the important role our customers will always play in ensuring the safety of transit users throughout the entire MTA system."

The $10 million campaign is funded by grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which last year requested permission from the MTA to use the slogan nationwide. The campaign includes four 15-second television spots as well as newspaper print ads and posters on subways, buses and trains. It was created by MTA ad agency Korey, Kay & Partners.

Honolulu Mayor, City Council announce transit authority members

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle and the Honolulu City Council have appointed the Council’s nominees to the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, which will oversee the rail transit project connecting East Kapolei with Ala Moana Center.

HART will be comprised of three members appointed by the council and three others by the mayor. The city and state transportation directors will also serve on the authority, which will then choose its ninth member. The director of the Department of Planning and Permitting is an ex-officio non-voting tenth member of HART.

Mayor Carlisle appointed retired union representative William Hong, current Corporation Counsel Carrie Okinaga and First Hawaiian Bank Chairman Don Horner.

"These three highly-qualified individuals, with years of valuable experience in their respective fields, will keep politics out of the rail project," said Carlisle. "I am grateful they agreed to serve the public by being part of HART, to ensure the project stays on course to be completed on time and on budget."

Council Vice-Chair and Transportation Committee Chair Breene Harimoto introduced the following nominees, subject to a Council vote: attorney Ivan Lui-Kwan, strategic planner Keslie Hui and Damien Kim of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Auto Truck to open production facility in Canada

Auto Truck Group LLC, a full-line upfitter serving the work truck industry, will expand operations into Canada with the opening of a new production facility in Mississauga, ON. Dennis Jones, ATG’s vice president of sales and marketing, who will manage the operation, says, "We are very excited about the opportunity to extend our company’s services to the Canadian marketplace. This facility will allow ATG to continue to grow our brand in a completely new market, while expanding our services to current customers with operations in Canada."

ATG’s 20,000-square-foot Mississauga production facility will be operational by the end of summer. Applications for CMVSS certifications and OEM Ship-Thru status have been submitted in time for the 2012 model year.

"Our plans are to draw upon the expertise and knowledge that has come from 90 years in the work truck industry to offer innovative upfitting solutions to Canadian clients," says Jones.

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