ARINC to deliver three major subsystems for nation

ARINC Incorporated, as part of a team led by Parsons Corporation, an international engineering, construction, technical, and management services firm, has been named to provide three key subsystems for the first Positive Train Control system used on a U.S. commuter railroad.

Parsons Corporation is developing the PTC system for Metrolink, the 512-mile commuter rail system that serves the Los Angeles area.

ARINC will provide the Computer-Aided Dispatch system with associated Employee-In-Charge terminals for the project, based on the ARINC Advanced Information Management (AIM®) Rail Control software platform.

ARINC will also furnish the Back Office Server for the project based on the AIM platform. ARINC is currently developing the Server technology under a contract with Wabtec for three freight rail customers.

In addition, ARINC will provide the overall Network Management System for the Metrolink PTC system.

"ARINC is extremely pleased to be a part of this ground-breaking project for the Southern California Regional Rail Authority," stated Dave Morrissey, ARINC vice
president, Airports and Surface Transportation. "This is an industry first that will set the standard for commuter rail PTC systems."

 

Fla. Governor rejects $2.4 billion in federal stimulus dollars

The L.A. Times reports that Florida Gov. Rick Scott has announced that he’s rejecting $2.4 billion in federal stimulus money President Obama’s administration had earmarked for a high-speed train connecting Orlando and Tampa.

"You don’t have to be an economic expert to know when you spend more money than you take in you will fail," Scott said.

The move likely means those dollars would be headed to California and other states investing in high-speed rail.

U.S. Rep. John Mica, R-Winter Park, issued a statement saying, "I am deeply disappointed in the decision to not move forward with the Orlando to Tampa passenger rail project. This is a huge setback for the state of Florida, our transportation, economic development and important tourism industry.”

He said he had already asked the governor to reconsider his decision.

Florida House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, issued a statement in reaction to the news.

"I’m encouraged that he [Scott] is focusing on the practical realities of government programs, and their long-term impacts.” Cannon said. "As the Constitutional officer charged with carrying out transportation policy, the Governor seems to have determined that at this time he cannot feasibly implement high-speed rail in Florida. I have confidence that he will bring the same level of scrutiny to other issues.”

In all, eight consortiums made up of international companies representing 11 countries had lined up to bid on the train that would have run from Orlando International Airport to downtown Tampa, with stops at the Orange County Convention Center, Walt Disney World and Lakeland.

Amtrak launches official YouTube channel

Amtrak passengers have a new way to get information and share the unique experience of Amtrak train travel with today’s launch of the Amtrak YouTube Channel.

The channel will feature videos with information on topics such as safety and security, the Trails & Rails program and the Amtrak vision for high-speed rail. In addition, there will be video from Amtrak employees on Amtrak journeys, customer experiences and travel tips.

"The YouTube channel provides us another way to visually communicate and engage with our customers and reach new audiences," said Darlene Abubakar, director of national advertising at Amtrak.

The Amtrak YouTube channel is the latest social media initiative by Amtrak. The Amtrak Facebook page was launched in 2008 and has more than 43,000 fans and the @Amtrak Twitter handle was added in 2010 and has more than 7,500 followers.

In addition to current information, special contests and promotions are offered exclusively through these tools such as the recent Facebook contest, "A Perfect Day on Amtrak," where passengers shared their Amtrak experience for a chance to win free train travel.

Amtrak California offers San Diego to Los Angeles express train service

Caltrans and Amtrak California have launched a new northbound Pacific Surfliner express train service between San Diego and Los Angeles that will cut the travel time for the trip by 15-20 minutes.

"In an effort to be more responsive to passengers traveling between San Diego and Los Angeles, the new weekday express service will provide a faster trip for business travelers riding the Pacific Surfliner," said Martin Tuttle, Caltrans deputy director for Planning and Modal Programs.

Starting February 16, 2011, the express Pacific Surfliner train (#563) leaving San Diego at 7:05 a.m. will stop at Solana Beach, Oceanside, Irvine, and Anaheim. Bypassed stops include San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo, Santa Ana, Orange, and Fullerton. Two Surfliner trains, one departing San Diego at 6:10 a.m. and another leaving at 8:10 a.m., will continue to stop at all stations.

 

WMATA improvements planned for Presidents Day weekend

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority will conduct significant safety and reliability work on the Blue, Orange and Red lines to comply with National Transportation Safety Board recommendations during the holiday weekend, causing some temporary service changes for customers that will mean a safer, smoother ride once the work is complete.

On the Blue and Orange Lines, there will be no train service between the Metro Center and L’Enfant Plaza Metrorail stations, and the two stations between — Federal Triangle and Smithsonian Metrorail stations — will be closed during the Presidents Day Holiday Weekend from 10 p.m., Friday, Feb. 18, to closing on Monday, Feb. 21. During that time, the agency will undertake work to replace four track switches at the Smithsonian Metrorail station, repair tunnel leaks, and make repairs to escalators and elevators.

Weekend Blue and Orange Line Service

From 10 p.m., Friday, Feb 18 to closing on Monday, Feb. 21, the Blue and Orange lines will be split in two sections. The Blue Line will operate between the Franconia-Springfield and Metro Center Metrorail stations and between the Largo Town Center and L’Enfant Plaza Metrorail stations. The Orange Line will operate between the Vienna-Fairfax/GMU and Metro Center Metrorail stations and between the New Carrollton and L’Enfant Plaza Metrorail stations.

All Blue and Orange Line trains will operate every 12 to 15 minutes during the daytime, and every 20 minutes at night.

The last Blue and Orange Line trains between the Metro Center and L’Enfant Plaza Metrorail stations will operate through the work zone prior to 10 p.m. because personnel need time to remove power from both tracks and to assemble maintenance crews safely in the designated work zones.

Weekend Red Line Service

During the holiday weekend, Red Line trains will share one track in two locations from 10 p.m., Feb. 18 to closing on Feb. 21. Trains will share one track between the Shady Grove and Twinbrook Metrorail stations as construction workers make repairs to the Rockville Metrorail station platform, and trains will share one track between the Rhode Island Ave-Brentwood and New York Avenue-Florida Avenue-Gallaudet U Metrorail stations as the agency makes repairs to the aerial structure near the Rhode Island Ave-Brentwood Metrorail station.

 

APTA applauds President Obama

The American Public Transportation Association is extremely pleased with the federal investment proposed for public transportation and high-speed rail in President Obama’s FY 12 budget.

"We applaud President Obama for his leadership and vision in making public transportation and high-speed rail programs a high national priority," said APTA President William Millar. "Given the difficult federal budget environment and the need to grow jobs and the economy, the President’s proposal recognizes the difference between spending and investment."

"We’re also pleased that he outlines a robust, multi-year authorization bill which includes the creation of a truly multi-modal trust fund that ensures the money intended for surface transportation is spent on surface transportation."

President Obama’s investment in public transportation will create American jobs and spur economic recovery. Public transportation is a proven job creator as every $1 billion invested in public transportation creates and supports 36,000 jobs. Also, for every $1 invested in public transit, $4 is generated in economic returns.

"We urge the Congress to move expeditiously on the President’s budget and authorization proposal," said Millar.

Obama

The Central Corridor Light Rail Transit Project is a big winner in President Obama’s fiscal 2012 budget.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s FY2012 Budget Highlights released with the president’s budget shows funding for Central Corridor quadrupling from $45 million recommended in fiscal 2011 to $200 million in fiscal 2012.

"This is another concrete example of the administration’s strong support for the Central Corridor LRT Project," said Chair Susan Haigh of the Metropolitan Council.

The Central Corridor project is poised to create at least 3,400 jobs since the FTA forwarded the Full Funding Grant Agreement earlier this month to Congress. An FFGA is the federal government’s contractual commitment to pay half the cost of building the $957 million line. A 60-day courtesy review will occur prior to execution. The project already has spent $145 million for design, property and construction.

With support of both past and present federal and state administrations for the Central Corridor FFGA, the Met Council awarded the major construction contracts last year and began work after receiving sufficient advance funding commitments from local funding partners, creating 571 jobs.

The 3,400 jobs would be for engineering, construction, management and operations personnel.

CAW members at CN ratify new collective agreements

Members of the Canadian Auto Workers union at Canadian National have ratified four-year collective agreements with the company and CNTL (a subsidiary of CN).

The agreements, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2011, provide wage and benefit increases to CAW members. In addition, the settlements contain progressive provisions to help CN retain and attract skilled employees critical to its workforce in the years ahead.

The CAW represents approximately 3,400 workers in three distinct bargaining units at CN – mechanical, clerical/intermodal and excavator operators; and one bargaining unit covering approximately 575 owner-operator truck drivers at CNTL. CN and CNTL reached tentative agreements with the union on Jan. 24, 2011. The new agreements will expire on Dec. 31, 2014.

UTU members ratify two FEC agreements

UTU members employed by Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) have ratified two new four-year agreements affecting wages, benefits and working conditions.

Conductors, engineers, trainmen and yardmen ratified their tentative agreement by a 75 percent plurality, while Florida East Coast yardmasters represented by the UTU were unanimous in ratifying their new agreement.
Both agreements are retroactive to Jan. 1, 2009, extend through Dec. 31, 2012, and include retroactive pay.

Pourney named president, CEO of Gross & Janes

Michael L. Pourney has been named president and chief executive officer of Gross & Janes Co., effective immediately. For the past ten years, Pourney served as chief executive officer of several manufacturing and professional services companies in the St. Louis area. He is a Certified Public Accountant.

Pourney will lead the company’s implementation of new strategic growth initiatives that compliment Gross & Jane’s base operations. The company is the industry leader in research and development of environmentally safe processes to treat railroad ties.

UP invests $6.9 million for track improvements

Union Pacific Railroad will continue improving Arizona’s transportation infrastructure with a $6.9 million investment to enhance the rail line that runs from Yuma to Welton.

The 30-mile project includes removing and installing new rail and more than 47,000 railroad ties along the railroad corridor through southern Arizona. Crews will spread 18,000 tons of rock ballast to ensure a stable roadbed.

UP plans to spend approximately $3.2 billion in 2011 to support America’s current and future freight transportation needs and enhance the safety and efficiency of the railroad’s 32,000-mile network.

 

CXT to close Grand Island plant, nearly 70 jobs in jeapardy

The Grand Island Independent reports that CXT Inc., a subsidiary of L.B. Foster Co., has informed employees that it will close the Grand Island production facility located at 710 E. Highway 30.

The plant opened in 1998 and employed 67 workers.

Grand Island Area Economic Development Corp. President Marlan Ferguson said he was contacted about the closure last week and immediately met with company officials to see "what can we do to keep them."

"We never like to see businesses close –manufacturing or anything else," Ferguson said. "But in this case the decision was made at the corporate level and that’s something we can’t do a whole lot about."

CXT had a sole contract to produce concrete railroad ties for Union Pacific. The Grand Island production plant is located on Union Pacific ground, Ferguson said.

"It was basically a decision by U.P. not to continue," Ferguson said. "There’s not much we could do to keep them here."

When it was learned no incentives or work could save the jobs, Ferguson worked with Nebraska Workforce Development to help employees in an effort to keep them in Grand Island.

The employees were told layoffs will begin in the next 10 to 14 days and be staggered over the next six months as local workers are used to dismantle the plant, Ferguson said. Employees were also told about unemployment insurance, severance, job training and possible other jobs in the Grand Island area.

"There are opportunities for all those folks to stay in the community," Ferguson said. "Other companies are hiring."

The CXT closure is disheartening on many fronts, Ferguson said.

CXT plans to take all of its equipment purchased in the upgrade and relocate it to other plants, Ferguson said. He’s not yet sure if UP will utilize the plant for another purpose.

Ferguson said the production work done by CXT in Grand Island was impressive. It’s work that affected other industries, so the shutdown now may have the same effect.

"It is unfortunate to lose the presence of a national company, but we feel confident that the employees will be well taken care of and find emplacement in the community," Ferguson said.

RJ Corman to rehabilitate railroad infrastructure in Ky, Tenn. and W.Va.

A project to improve railroads in several Appalachian states including Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia, kicked off February 14, reports Kentucky radio news Website www.wkyt.com.

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear joined officials with the R. J. Corman Railroad Group to begin the company’s Appalachian Regional Short Line Project.

The project is creating jobs by rehabilitating railroad infrastructure.

It is being funded in part with a $17.5 million grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"This project creates highly needed jobs and holds the promise of long-term benefits for Appalachia," Gov. Beshear said in a news release. "The Appalachian region historically has suffered from limited connections to national transportation systems. Rehabilitating shortline tracks will provide continued and much-needed access to the national rail network for customers who depend on rail freight movement."

State officials say in Kentucky, the project will improve 246 miles of aging shortline track along the Memphis, Central Kentucky, and Bardstown lines in 12 counties: Bullitt, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Jefferson, Logan, Nelson, Shelby, Scott, Todd, Warren, and Woodford.

State officials say the work includes rail and grade crossings and bridge and tunnel improvements.

Dennis Bryant retires from Harsco

After 38 years of service, Dennis Bryant, service manager at Harsco Rail, will retire at the end of February.

"Dennis did a great job preparing for this day by making sure he had qualified personnel ready to step up," stated Vice President Domestic Sales and Marketing Jay Gowan. "Our field service managers, Tom Totzke and Stan Sandstrom, have been training with Dennis for several years and they are prepared to handle the service calls and needs. We are also confident in the ability of Al Christoffersen, field service representative, to handle the troubleshooting calls dealing with the Ludington product line that Dennis handled on a daily basis."

WMATA to study LRT, street car interoperability

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is studying ways to integrate the various light rail systemsplanned for the region to make it easier for people to use and more cost-effective for the entities building and running the systems.

Metro is leading the regional coordination effort to ensure that riders can readily use the light rail and streetcar projects when they open, easily move from one system to another or connect with existing Metrorail and regional bus service.

The transit agency is working with project sponsors, including the District of Columbia, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Maryland and other jurisdictional partners on the LRT and Streetcar Interoperability Study. 



The interoperability study aims to identify ways to integrate the light rail and streetcar systems planned for the region, such as the H Street/Benning Road streetcar project in the District of Columbia and the Columbia Pike Streetcar in Arlington. Goals include identifying ways to achieve capital cost savings for the region and efficiencies in maintenance and operations through shared design standards for vehicles, track and structures and traction power, shared maintenance facilities and practices. The study also will encourage flexibility to support future regional network expansion and ensure customer convenience, including uniform signs, common fare collection methods and fare media.

The $250,000 regional study will be paid for by the jurisdictions that fund Metro. The study is scheduled for completion in the fall.

TCRY to provide Mare Island rail service

Lennar Mare Island has stepped in to provide rail service to Mare Island following last year’s withdrawal by San Francisco Bay Railroad, the Times-Herald reports.

Tri City & Olympia Railroad Company, doing business as Mare Island Rail Service, has entered into short-term agreements of about a year with developer Lennar Mare Island and the city of Vallejo, said developer spokesman Jason Keadjian.

In the meantime, officials will assess the long-term viability of Mare Island rail, Keadjian said.

San Francisco Bay Railroad severed its ties to Vallejo and rail car refurbishers Alstom, on Mare Island, following a ruling by a federal railroad oversight board in late December. During the prior year, the rail company had cleared and improved tracks in Vallejo and just over the Wichels Causeway to Mare Island.

The company had sought the right to provide freight shipping for all businesses on Mare Island — not just Alstom. However, Lennar Mare Island, track owners on the former military base, said the company was not the right fit, and the oversight entity, the Surface Transportation Board, ruled in the developer’s favor.

Mare Island Rail Service is bringing Amtrak rail cars to Alstom’s warehouse from nearby Flosden Acres, where existing rail service takes over, said Telly Sionides, Alstom’s Mare Island site manager.

Lennar Mare Island managed Mare Island rail service from 2002 to March 2008, until ceasing operations due to economic difficulties.

"LMI (Lennar Mare Island) is hopeful that other Mare Island businesses will take advantage of this service in the future, however truck transport is expected to remain a competitive alternative," Keadjian wrote.

 

CTA

The prototype 5000-series rail cars will return on CTA’s Red Line beginning Monday, February 14. The rail cars most recently operated on the Yellow and Purple lines and have been previously tested on all other lines.

CTA is testing the 10 prototype rail cars to ascertain how they perform when operating in the conditions that CTA’s rail fleet is subjected to throughout the year. The prototypes were tested on the Red Line in spring 2010. CTA is running the trains on the Red Line again because it is the rail system’s busiest line and the agency wants to test the cars during winter conditions under heavy ridership.

The prototypes must successfully complete testing before the agency gives approval for the full order to be manufactured.

The rail cars offer a variety of new features and state-of-the art technologies designed to benefit CTA customers. Each car will have seven networked security cameras, an event recorder system similar to a black box on an airplane and door sensors that will detect obstructions better than CTA’s current rail fleet.

The trains will accommodate more customers per car and provide more room for customers carrying backpacks, packages, luggage, strollers and bikes because of an aisle-facing seating configuration. The cars have 38 seats and space for two wheelchair positions and added support poles and hand straps in the center of the car for standing customers. Other amenities include:

– An LED station indicator map with lights that move in conjunction with the train’s location and electronic destination signs – widened to increase the size of the text that improves readability – both inside and outside of the rail car.
– Interior electronic destination signs showing the next stop, date and time, and can be used to display a text version of stored audible announcements made to customers – for example, when a train is delayed waiting for signal clearance.
– Regenerative braking that returns braking energy to the third rail for reuse to help power other trains and on-board electrical systems.

An alternating current propulsion system that converts the direct current energy in the third rail to AC for the traction motors. AC propulsion systems provide a smoother ride.

JL Patterson acquires Intermountain Resources

J.L. Patterson & Associates, Inc., a civil/trackwork/structural engineering firm headquartered in Orange, Calif., has acquired Idaho-based Intermountain Resources, which provides comprehensive environmental services throughout the Pacific Northwest. All earth and natural science disciplines are represented through IMR, with special emphasis on soil and water interactions.

"Combining forces with IMR will strengthen our presence in the West Coast and across the Mountain States, while allowing us to serve our rail clientele with pivotal environmental services," said Jacqueline Patterson, JLP president.

IMR President and CEO Pierre Bordenave commented, "Our merger with J.L. Patterson will allow us to offer clients an expanded range of services in more geographical areas while creating new opportunities for our talented professionals."

 

Proposed House bill would cut HSR, Amtrak funds

House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers has announced a partial list of 70 spending cuts that will be included in an upcoming Continuing Resolution (CR) bill. The CR legislation will fund the federal government for the seven months remaining in the fiscal year and prevent a government wide shut-down, while significantly reducing the massive increases in discretionary spending enacted in the last several years by a Democrat majority.

The total spending cuts in the CR will exceed $74 billion, including $58 billion in non-security discretionary spending reductions.

“Never before has Congress undertaken a task of this magnitude,” said Chairman Rogers. “The cuts in this CR will represent the largest reduction in discretionary spending in the history of our nation.”  

Railway-impacted spending cuts include:
 
·         Clean Coal Technology   -$18M
·         High Speed Rail   -$1B
·         Amtrak   -$224M

Rogoff tours Cleveland transit station as part of

Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff toured the construction site for the new Puritas Rapid Transit station, a high-capacity rail station that will replace the original one built in 1966.  Puritas is one of the busiest stations along Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority’s Rapid Red Line.

“The Obama Administration’s commitment to projects like the Puritas station will help ensure that Cleveland has access to safe, economical and efficient transportation while reducing America’s dependence on fossil fuels,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Investing in Cleveland’s transportation infrastructure continues to keep construction workers on the job and the city’s economy moving forward.”

The $11.6 million station, built with $10.3 million from the FTA and including $5.3 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act dollars, is one of several federally-funded projects around the nation.

“These investments are going to mean good jobs right here in Cleveland," Administrator Rogoff said. "Building brand new rail stations like the Puritas station will allow us to revive construction jobs while improving the daily commute for thousands of Cleveland residents for generations to come. This is the way we are going to keep our economy and the RTA moving forward."

The project includes a 2,500-square foot main entrance building with a brick grand foyer and a rounded portico outlined in sandstone, a 30-foot tower that houses two elevators that provide access for persons with disabilities and a 130-foot bridge that brings passengers over the Rapid tracks to the boarding platform, and a new 486-space parking lot. The Puritas station project broke ground in May 2009, and is expected to be completed this spring.

As part of the kick-off of President Obama’s “Build Week,” Secretary LaHood and Administrator Rogoff announced a $3 billion infusion of formula funds to states, local communities and transit agencies nationwide. The funds provide a boost to communities seeking to build more transit, make repairs to existing bus and rail lines and other capital equipment and ensure transit serving rural areas receives much needed operating funds.

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