Hyperloop concept spurs “Innovation Train” on Deutsche Bahn
An idea to move people and goods on land at the speed of sound may help passenger railway travel more efficient.
Passenger
TIGER VIII: Rail projects receive more than $135 million
Twelve rail projects totaling $135.3 million have been awarded grants from the eighth round of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program.
HDR to perform final design of Sound Transit’s Tacoma Link Expansion
The Sound Transit Board of Directors selected HDR Engineering, Inc., to provide final design services for the Tacoma Link Expansion and an expanded maintenance facility.
USDOT makes $199 million available for PTC on commuter railroads
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is accepting applications for $199 million in competitive grants to implement Positive Train Control (PTC) on commuter railroads.
TIGER VIII: Rail projects receive $80.7 million
Elected officials have begun releasing information about projects awarded grants from the eighth round of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program.
Feinberg calls for greater action to enhance crossing safety
Federal Railroad Administrator Sarah E. Feinberg is calling for additional action to remedy a “solvable problem” by preventing fatalities at grade crossings.
FTA issues final TAM rule
A final rule by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requires the administration’s grantees to develop management plans for their public transportation assets, including vehicles, facilities, equipment and other infrastructure.
Wiedefeld proposes permanent early close schedule for WMATA rail system
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Paul J. Wiedefeld is proposing a reduction in the number of operational hours of the Metrorail system for maintenance purposes.
Denver Eagle P3 B Line takes flight
The Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) on July 25, 2016 officially completed and opened the Denver Eagle P3 Commuter Rail Project B Line. The electrified six-mile line links Denver’s Downtown Union Station Transit Center to Westminster Station on the Denver-Boulder corridor.
MBTA Board approves Red Line winter resiliency contract
A contract worth $18.5-million for the second round of winter resiliency work was approved by the Massachusetts Bay transportation Authority (MBTA) Fiscal and Management Control Board (FMCB).
MTA NYCT to close Canarsie Tunnel for 18 months
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit (NYCT) is opting for a full 18-month shutdown of the Canarsie Tunnel, versus a three-year partial shutdown, to rebuild the tunnel, which flooded during Superstorm Sandy.
SacRT reorganizes executive leadership
The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) Board of Directors have announced an executive leadership reorganization that it says focuses on putting the customers first in everything that SacRT does, building effective partnerships throughout the community, inspiring employees to journey for excellence, striving for organizational efficiency and ensuring performance excellence through the implementation of fiscal policies and strict accountability.
FRA approves passenger rail blueprint for New England Rail Initiative
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has announced a Finding of No Significant Impact on the Northern New England Intercity Rail Initiative, clearing the way for states and the federal government to invest in future passenger rail service in New England.
Sound Transit’s Link has record-breaking ridership surge going into its eighth year
Sound Transit’s Link light rail entered its eighth year of service July 18 amid record-breaking ridership growth following the March opening of new stations serving Seattle’s Capitol Hill and University of Washington areas.
USDOT creates Build America Bureau
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has established the Build America Bureau, which will drive transportation infrastructure development projects in the United States by streamlining credit and grant opportunities while providing technical assistance and encouraging innovative best practices in project planning, financing, delivery and monitoring.
First Transit, Rio Grande Pacific, CTC, Inc. awarded Denton County Transportation Authority A-train operations and maintenance contract
Rio Grande Pacific Corporation (RGPC), CTC, Inc., and First Transit, Inc., have been awarded an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) contract from Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA).
FRA; TxDOT outline south Texas HSR options
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) have released 10 service and route options for new and improved conventional and high-speed passenger rail service connecting Oklahoma City, Okla., Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio and South Texas.
STB rejects Texas Central petition
The Surface Transportation Board announced on July 18 that a proposed, 240-mile, high-speed rail line between Dallas and Houston, Tex., does not fall under STB jurisdiction and does not require Board approval.
WMATA gears up for fifth SafeTrack surge
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) fifth SafeTrack surge will begin July 20, resulting in around-the-clock single tracking between East Falls Church and Ballston stations through July 31, 2016.
LACMTA turns to women to build Los Angeles
Twenty-one women graduated from the first Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) all-female construction boot camp as part of the Women Build Metro Los Angeles program.