FMCB report recognizes MBTA transformation efforts
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has the “groundwork in place for a much better future,” according to the Third Annual Report of the Fiscal and Management Control Board (FMCB).
Commuter/Regional
Keolis, MBTA driving toward drones
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV, aka, drones) are becoming an important tool in railroad engineering and maintenance. Keolis Commuter Services, which operates regional/commuter rail for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, is among the latest to adopt the technology.
MTA Board approves contract for Metro-North station enhancements
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board has approved a $91.5 million design-build contract to the firm Halmar International to make improvements to five Metro-North stations.
Amtrak selects Baltimore Penn Station redevelopment team
Amtrak has selected Penn Station Partners to negotiate a master development deal for Baltimore Penn Station.
TTC opens Line 1 extension
The 5.34-mile (8.6-km) Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Toronto-to-York subway extension opened to the public on Sunday, Dec. 17.
PANYNJ formalizes contractor evaluations for future contracts
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) will use a bidding firms’ past performance record on previous PANYNJ projects in contract award decisions.
USDOT advances Florida, Texas rail projects
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) made strides toward accelerating environmental reviews and project delivery timelines for rail projects in Florida and Texas late last week.
RTA Board approves $3B 2018 regional transit operating budget
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Board of Directors has adopted the 2018 operating budgets for the RTA, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace, totaling $3 billion.
Amtrak’s Moorman stepping down
Amtrak’s Charles “Wick” Moorman will step down from the co-CEO position effective Dec. 31 and assume the role of senior advisor, starting Jan. 1, 2018.
New York, New Jersey commit to funding local share of Gateway Project
New York and New Jersey have reached a deal to fund 100 percent the local share of the Gateway Hudson Tunnel Project originally laid out in a 2015 framework agreement, which calls on the federal government to fund 50 percent of the project.
MTA design-build contract for LIRR expansion goes to 3TC
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) board has approved a $1.8 billion design-build contract for 3rd Track Constructors (3TC) to complete work on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) expansion project.
MTA New York City Transit to carry out E/M Line improvements during low ridership
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) New York City Transit is set to carry out repairs and upgrades on the 53rd Street E/M Line during a week of low ridership at the end of the month.
First elevated section of Sound Transit East Link extension under construction
Sound Transit has announced the start of construction on the first elevated section of the East Link extension.
WMATA identifies cause of Red Line signal problem
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has identified a communications cable in need of replacement along a segment of its Red Line.
Texas Central names McLane chairman of the board
Texas Central has announced that Drayton McLane, Jr. has been appointed chairman of its board. McLane is known for his work as a successful businessman and former Houston Astros owner.
Caltrain selects Funghi to lead modernization program
Caltrain has announced that John Funghi will serve as chief officer of the Caltrain Modernization Program.
NTSB reauthorization bill aims to increase communication, transparency
A bill reauthorizing the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was introduced last week in the Senate and aims to enhance the board’s safety investigations through added transparency.
BART approves renewable energy purchase agreement
The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Board of Directors approved two 20-year renewable energy power purchase agreements Dec. 7 in an effort to improve the climate footprint of the Bay Area’s transportation sector.
PANYNJ approves 2018 budgets; approves Superstorm Sandy repairs
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) Board of Commissioners approved the agency’s 2018 Budget consisting of $3.2 billion for operating expenses and $3.4 billion for capital expenses on Dec. 7. Additionally, the board approved Superstorm Sandy-related enhancement projects.
SCVTA to continue analysis of tunnel options for BART extension
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA) has adjusted the project development timeline for the BART Silicon Valley Phase 2 extension in order to further evaluate tunneling options for the project.