MTA to issue Green Bonds to help pay for infrastructure renewal
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will offer its first-ever Green Bonds to the public in a two-day order period starting February 17.
Commuter/Regional
Rep. Goodlatte tours Progress Rail’s Roanoke facility
On February 5, U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA-06) joined National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association member company Progress Rail Services for a tour of its locomotive and rail car services facility in Roanoke, Va.
Two transit projects to benefit from Ontario’s second green bond
Ontario has successfully issued its second green bond, raising CA$750 million (US$542 million) to support environmentally friendly, low-carbon infrastructure projects. Proceeds from the bond will help fund eight projects including, transit, and create jobs in communities across Ontario. The bonds have a maturity date of January 27, 2023.
Metro-North ridership hits all time high, but LIRR still busiest
Ridership increased significantly on the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad in 2015, giving a significant boost to the economic health of the regions they serve, said the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
MBTA dedicates new South Acton Station
Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) joined the federal, state and local public officials and neighbors in South Acton, Mass., on January 30, to celebrate the recent opening of the New South Acton Commuter Rail Station.
Connecticut bond commission approves funds for Metro-North yard
Connecticut has allocated $17.5 million in state funding for the design, engineering and construction of a new rail yard on the Metro-North Railroad Danbury Branch Line in Norwalk. The funding comes under Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy “Let’s Go CT!” initiative, which is making investments to upgrade and modernize the state’s transportation system.
Sound Transit to expand layover yard
The Sound Transit Board of Directors has selected Shimmick Construction to design and build a $13.2-million expansion of the agency’s Sounder layover facilities in Lakewood, Wash.
Final major contract for East Side Access project awarded
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board has approved the final major contract for the East Side Access project, which will build and finish four platforms and eight tracks for the new Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) terminal.
AAR releases inaugural State of the Industry Report
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) released its first “State of the Industry Report” focusing on the key challenges, accomplishments and innovations within the freight railroad industry. This initial, five-chapter edition details the industry’s investments in new technology and innovation that are enhancing safety across the nation’s rail network.
CapMetro to study transit solutions along Central Corridor
In Austin, Texas, the Capital Metro board of directors selected AECOM to conduct the Central Corridor Transit Analysis, a study designed to create connected, sustainable transportation solutions for Austin’s Central Corridor.
SEPTA plans 8.75-megawatt energy storage project
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) plans to install a battery storage network, which will help reduce operating costs, ensure energy resiliency and support the stability of the energy grid.
Plans to revamp Harrisburg Transportation Center revealed
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf says the state plans to make improvements to the Harrisburg Transportation Center and surrounding areas to improve the quality of life for residents and businesses.
Reconstructed Fordham Plaza opens in the Bronx
The Fordham Plaza, a major intermodal public transportation hub in the heart of the Bronx in New York City, is now open after major reconstruction work. The project improves access to public transportation for thousands of New York City residents and is another success for the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program.
Metro-North implements Confidential Close Call Reporting System
Metro-North Railroad has extended the implementation of its Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C3RS), an initiative designed to encourage workers to report any potential safety hazard or breach of procedures that they may observe by providing them with a convenient, non-confrontational and anonymous method to do so.
Battling brush with smart vegetation management programs
Suppliers of intelligent herbicides and technologically- advanced machines update their offerings to help wage the war on unwelcome vegetation.
Sound Transit preps for big year in light-rail expansion
Sound Transit Board Chair and King County Executive Dow Constantine joined Peter Rogoff, the agency’s new chief executive officer, to preview the year that lies ahead for expanding regional light-rail service.
Metra approves funds for Chicago Union Station design study
The Metra Board of Directors has voted unanimously to spend $1 million on a study that will produce 30 percent design plans to improve Chicago Union Station. The project will be funded through a partnership between Metra, Amtrak, the city of Chicago and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA).
RSI promotes Amanda Patrick
The Railway Supply Institute (RSI) promoted Amanda Patrick to the vice president of trade shows and member relations.
Two rail issues make NTSB’s Most Wanted list for 2016
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released its 2016 Most Wanted List of transportation safety improvements on January 13 at the 95th Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board.
Hamberger shares the industry’s 2016 goals, sums up 2015 achievements
Association of American Railroads (AAR) President and Chief Executive Officer Edward Hamberger says that the industry will be targeting several key issues in 2016, such as maintaining balanced economic regulation at the Surface Transportation Board (STB), extending the shortline tax credit while laying the groundwork for overall tax reform and advancing security-safety legislation or regulation.