Metrolink, SanBAG hold groundbreaking for EMF Expansion project

Southern California’s Metrolink partnered with the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SanBAG) in its groundbreaking event for the Eastern Maintenance Facility (EMF) Expansion project on Thursday, Oct. 4. SanBAG is the lead agency and funding source for the $13 million project.

Massachusetts accepts “keys” to Framingham/Worcester line from CSX

In Massachusetts, an agreement with CSX Corporation was completed that paves the way for increased commuter rail service expected to begin October 29, 2012 and strengthens the state’s rail freight network to support the region’s economy.

Metro-North begins rehab work on three stations, plans for three more

Rehabilitation work has begun on New York’s Metro-North Mount Vernon East, Pelham and New Rochelle stations and will begin next summer at Larchmont, Mamaroneck and Harrison stations in a major upgrade that will bring these six facilities to a state of good repair over the next two years.

FEMA will reimburse MTA for storm damage along Port Jervis line

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will reimburse $1,581,244 in disaster funding to New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority for damages mainly along the Metro-North Port Jervis line that runs parallel to the Ramapo River.

Metro-North celebrates complete reconstruction of the Tarrytown Station

The reconstruction of New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority Metro-North Tarrytown Station, the second busiest station on the Hudson Line, has been completed under budget, on schedule after three years of work and with no impact on train performance.

CTC to release $39.8 million to advance Caltrain modernization project

The California Transportation Commission (CTC) released $39.8 million in allocations for critical work to advance the San Francisco-area Caltrain Modernization Program and prepare the corridor for a future blended system with California high-speed rail.

Projected TEX Rail ridership higher in annual update to FTA

New projections show that in Texas, the Fort Worth Transportation Authority’s TEX Rail will reach an average daily ridership of 18,100 by 2035, up 1,500 since the T’s commuter rail project was approved to enter preliminary engineering by the Federal Transit Administration in March, 2012.

Multimodal transportation center in Joliet, Ill., breaks ground

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, joined by Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider and other state and local officials, broke ground September 21 on a new multimodal transportation center in downtown Joliet, Ill.

PANYNJ to study extending PATH rail service to Newark Liberty International Airport

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Board of Commissioners approved long-awaited plans to consider extending the World Trade Center-Newark PATH rail line to Newark Liberty International Airport.

USDOT awards more than $74 million for development of the Southeast High-Speed Rail Corridor in Virginia

The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded more than $74.8 million to the Commonwealth of Virginia to continue development of the Southeast High-Speed Rail Corridor. The funding will help improve passenger and freight rail service between Virginia and Washington, D.C., and reduce delays on the Virginia Rail Express (VRE) commuter service.

DePallo named Metrolink CEO

The Metrolink Board of Directors appointed Michael P. DePallo, a veteran transit leader with more than 30 years of experience, as chief executive officer of the Southern California commuter rail service.

Chicago RTA proposes multi billion dollar transit improvement plan

The Regional Transportation Authority unveiled a plan to fund capital improvements for transit systems across Chicago and the suburbs.

Mass. Gov. Patrick appoints MassDOT Board of Directors

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick appointed Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Board of Directors, adding to the panel new individuals with extensive expertise and leadership in transportation and business.

Simmons-Boardman and RailAdvisor join forces

Railway Age, International Railway Journal and Railway Track and Structures have partnered with RailAdvisor to present the world’s railway information in a more concise and global manner than ever before.

Metra breaks ground on Ravenswood Station reconstruction

The Chicago-area Metra Acting Chairman Larry Huggins and CEO Alex Clifford joined Alderman Ameya Pawar and Representative Greg Harris on September 5 to break ground on the construction of the new Ravenswood Station on the Union Pacific North Line.

Metro-North plans New Canaan Branch track maintenance

Track maintenance work on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Metro-North Railroad’s New Canaan branch, connecting New York to Conneticut, will happen over the course of the next four weeks.

LOSSAN pedestrian safety project installs rail bridge

A portion of the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) coastal rail line between Oceanside and Downtown San Diego, Calif., will be shut down as construction crews work to install a new rail bridge for the pedestrian safety undercrossing at Santa Fe Drive in Encinitas.

Chicago-area commuter rail bridge move a success

A commuter rail bridge, believed to be the largest truss bridge ever moved after assembly, was rolled into place over Torrence Avenue near 130th Street in Chicago, Ill.

Metra breaks ground on Fox River Grove station, reveals design of Healy Station

Chicago-area’s Metra broke ground on the reconstruction of the Fox River Grove Station on the Union Pacific Northwest Line. The $3.5-million project calls for the complete reconstruction of the station, which dates from 1959.

Mass transit framework garners additional support for Tappan Zee bridge project

In Westchester County, N.Y., County Executive Robert Astorino, Rockland County Executive Scott Vanderhoef and Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell explained their intention to vote yes at the next New York Metropolitan Transportation Council meeting to include the new Tappan Zee Bridge project in the region’s long-range transportation plan.

LOAD MORE