Vehicle testing begins on Ottawa’s Confederation Line

Ottawa’s O-Train Confederation Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project team celebrated a milestone last week as its first light-rail vehicle (LRV) assembled in Canada’s capital city began testing on the track between the system’s Blair and Cyrville stations.

 

Evergreen extension opens in Metro Vancouver

Metro Vancouver, B.C., gained more than 6.5 miles of rail rapid transit Dec. 2 with the opening of the Evergreen extension.

USDOT awards $300M for UTC grants

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced Dec. 5 that $300.3 million in grants will go to 32 university transportation centers (UTCs) to accelerate research and education programs dealing with the county’s transportation challenges. 

 

FTA says “significant work” remains to improve WMATA

Despite the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority’s (WMATA) recently announced safety enhancement initiatives, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Executive Director Matthew Welbes is calling for more heavy lifting on the transportation authority’s end.

 

Vossloh acquires Rocla Concrete Tie

Vossloh has acquired Rocla Concrete Tie, a manufacturer of concrete ties, switch ties, concrete low vibration track blocks and crossing panels.

Chicago City Council approves TIF district to support CTA Red, Purple Line projects

The Chicago City Council has approved the use of a tax-increment financing (TIF) district to allocate funding needed for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Red and Purple Modernization Program (RPM).

 

UNLV awarded funds to establish high-speed rail UTC

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), will establish a new University Transportation Center (UTC) to study rail infrastructure with funds from a federal grant.

WMATA maintenance practices questioned in NTSB Falls Church derailment report

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued its accident report on the July 2016 derailment of a Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) train traversing a crossover in the East Falls Church interlocking.

B&P Tunnel FEIS released

The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) has been released for the B&P Tunnel replacement project, which would rebuild this critical link on the Northeast Corridor (NEC) that was originally built in 1873.

LACMTA Board certifies FEIR for LAX people mover

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) Board of Directors has voted to certify the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) for its Airport Metro Connector 96th Street Station.

 

Alstom receives N.Y. state funds to expand Hornell facility

New York state funds totaling at $30 million will go toward Alstom Transportation, Inc.’s $66 million expansion project, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Nov. 30.

 

WMATA launches new reliability plan: Back2Good

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) rolled out a new initiative aimed at boosting service.

Construction kicks off on $700M North Coast Corridor Project

Federal, state and local officials participated in a ground breaking ceremony for the first phase of the North Coast Corridor (NCC) Program, which will make $700 million in infrastructure improvements over the next five years.

Metra polishes its winter readiness plan

As forecasters continue to warn the Chicago area of an exceptionally cold and snowy winter, Metra has completed preparations for the likely challenging season ahead.

 

Chao Trump’s DOT Secretary choice

President-elect Donald Trump has named Elaine Chao as his choice for U.S. Transportation Secretary. Chao is a former Deputy Transportation Secretary and a former Labor Secretary, and wife of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) since 1993.

FRA Q3 PTC update: Everyone must do their part

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) called progress made by railroads in the third quarter of 2016 in implementing Positive Train Control (PTC) “uneven” across the country and across the railroads.

CTA amends capital plan for Red Line investment; completes five Blue Line station renovations

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has announced that its board approved an amendment to its Capital Improvement Plan for FY2016–FY2020 to include $75 million in funds for the transit authority’s Red Line Extension (RLE) project.

 

Metrolinx expanding Don Yard; opening new GO station

Efforts to better manage congestion across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) and increase GO rail service will advance with the opening of a new station in December and the upgrade and expansion of the Don Yard.

Phase One of Metro Vancouver transit plan approved

Phase One of the 10-Year Vision for Metro Vancouver Transit and Transportation has been approved and is set to roll out in January 2017.

 

Proposed Montréal REM project grows by three stations and CA$400M

The number of stations and the associated cost have grown for a proposed 41-mile light-rail system in Montréal, Québec.

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