The Association of American Railroads (AAR) released its first “State of the Industry Report” focusing on the key challenges, accomplishments and innovations within the freight railroad industry. This initial, five-chapter edition details the industry’s investments in new technology and innovation that are enhancing safety across the nation’s rail network.
Valley Metro Rail‘s major north-south rail connection could be in service as soon as 2023 as Phoenix takes its first official steps to implement Transportation 2050 (T2050), a 35-year, multi-modal transportation plan approved by Phoenix voters in August 2015.
Sound Transit‘s University Link light-rail extension will open to passenger service on March 19, six months ahead of schedule and more than $150 million under budget.
AECOM has been selected to design and build the world’s first Hyperloop test track as part of the SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition, a university-focused challenge to help spur student innovation.
Amtrak and the Southern Rail Commission (SRC) are conducting a tour to examine new ideas for intercity passenger rail by operating an inspection train from New Orleans, La., to Jacksonville, Fla., on Feb. 18 and 19.
In Austin, Texas, the Capital Metro board of directors selected AECOM to conduct the Central Corridor Transit Analysis, a study designed to create connected, sustainable transportation solutions for Austin’s Central Corridor.
In Seattle, Wash., the First Hill Streetcar opened with a soft launch January 23, a few weeks before it’s grand opening ceremony and celebration.
Scott Smith, former mayor of Mesa, Ariz., and president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors (2013-214), has been named as the interim chief executive officer for Valley Metro, effective February 1, 2016.
Rep. Brian Higgins (D-NY-26) is encouraging the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) to pursue Alternative B, also known as the Buffalo River plan, in a study examining options to enhance access and expand connectivity along the southern end of the Metro Rail line in Downtown Buffalo, N.Y.
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) plans to install a battery storage network, which will help reduce operating costs, ensure energy resiliency and support the stability of the energy grid.
Peter Gertler has joined HDR’s strategic consulting team as vice president and is responsible for helping the firm grow its strategic consulting practice worldwide.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf says the state plans to make improvements to the Harrisburg Transportation Center and surrounding areas to improve the quality of life for residents and businesses.
The Fordham Plaza, a major intermodal public transportation hub in the heart of the Bronx in New York City, is now open after major reconstruction work. The project improves access to public transportation for thousands of New York City residents and is another success for the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program.
Metro-North Railroad has extended the implementation of its Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C3RS), an initiative designed to encourage workers to report any potential safety hazard or breach of procedures that they may observe by providing them with a convenient, non-confrontational and anonymous method to do so.
Transit veteran John Rhone has been appointed as the new vice president of capital design and construction at Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART).
The Port Authority of Alleghany County plans to replace nearly a mile of aging and deteriorating light-rail tracks and street pavement in Beechview, Pa., beginning in March.
Beginning January 18, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit will begin performing major renovations to nine stations along the Sea Beach N Line from 8 Av in Sunset Park to 86 St in Bensonhurst. The stations are: 8 Av, Fort Hamilton Pkwy, New Utrecht Av, 18 Av, 20 Av, Bay Pkwy, Kings Hwy, Avenue U and 86 St.
The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has entered into a station-area funding agreement with the city of Burbank to begin the planning process to develop a multimodal transportation hub.