Librera heads MTA Staten Island Railway
The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) appointed Sally Librera, to vice president and chief officer of the Staten Island Railway (SIR).
Intercity
GO Transit celebrates 50 years serving Ontario
GO Transit marks its 50th anniversary, celebrating the Ontario transit’s ability to make it easier for people to travel across Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).
Amtrak Board designates Chicago Union Station Master Developer
Amtrak designated a team lead by Riverside Investment & Development Co. as the Master Developer for commercial elements of Chicago Union Station (CUS) and neighboring Amtrak-owned properties.
Union Pacific to invest $49 million in Missouri rail infrastructure
Union Pacific plans to invest $49 million into its Missouri infrastructure in 2017. The investment is part of the Class 1’s $3.1-billion capital plan for the year.
N.Y. Gov. Cuomo outlines Penn Station action plan
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo outlined an action plan to help New York transit riders deal with the impending work Amtrak is planning at Penn Station during the summer.
FTA to green light Caltrain electrification funding
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) intends to sign a Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) with Caltrain that would commit $647 million to the Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project (PCEP).
Ontario commits to Toronto – Windsor high-speed rail
The premier of Ontario Ms. Kathleen Wynne announced on May 19 that the province will move forward with plans to build Canada’s first high-speed line.
NJ TRANSIT awards $14.5 million early action contract for Portal Bridge Project
NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors authorized a vote to enter into an early action contract with PKF-Mark III Inc., of Newtown, Pa., for the amount of $14.5 million, plus five percent for contingencies, subject to the availability of funds.
Senate approves Rosen as USDOT deputy secretary
The U.S. Senate confirmed Jeffrey Rosen as deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) on May 16. Rosen is the 18th deputy secretary in USDOT’s 50-year history.
Canada introduces legislation to mandate inward-facing cameras; enhance shipper rights
The government of Canada proposed legislation aimed at providing air passengers more protection and choice and improving the nation’s freight rail system through investment and safety measures.
Sec. Chao: Infrastructure plan coming soon
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao said the Trump administration would share its vision for an infrastructure plan soon, specifying within the next several weeks during a speech.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Survey shows voters support additional infrastructure investment
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce released a new study conducted by Morning Consult on the opening day of Infrastructure Week 2017 that shows voters believe infrastructure matters and they support more investment in it.
New CEMEX USA aggregate distribution terminal integrates rail to improve delivery
CEMEX USAis expanding its Southern California network with plans for a rail-served distribution terminal in Los Angeles and a new aggregate loading system at its quarry in Victorville, Calif.
SEPTA sets sights on final PTC implementation steps
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) activated equipment on three rail lines May 1 and began operation under Amtrak’s Positive Train Control (PTC) system.
ASCE Structures Congress tackles health, monitoring of rail infrastructure
Experts in both structural health monitoring and railroad infrastructure management took part in a first-ever technical session, “Structural Health and Performance Monitoring of Railroad Infrastructure,” at the 2017 Structures Congress.
RFQ issued for Metrolinx Rutherford Station
Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the Rutherford Station project, which is part of an ongoing effort to support expanded GO Regional Express Rail (GO RER).
Quebec funds Gaspé railway revival
The Premier of Quebec Philippe Couillard announced on May 5 that the province will allocate CA$100 million (US$73 million) towards the rehabilitation of the Matapédia – Gaspé line.
Valley Metro to begin construction on Tempe Streetcar in June
The construction project will receive $50 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation Capital Investment Grants program, which is included in the Fiscal Year 2017 appropriations bill.
ConnDOT taps consulting team to plan for rail system’s future
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) has selected its consulting team as it begins to plan for the future of the New Haven Line, as well as the state’s rail system.
NEC Commission identifies needs of $38 billion
The Northeast Corridor Commission on May 3 submitted to Congress two reports detailing short-and-long-term capital investment needs totaling some $38 billion for the 457-mile electrified rail line linking Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington D.C.