Morsches named CEO of TranSystems

Richard Morsches, PE, has been promoted to chief executive officer of TranSystems Corp. He brings to this role more than 30 years of experience and progressive leadership from serving clients locally in the Chicago area, to managing offices throughout the region, to leading the firm’s strategy and sales efforts nationally.

SEPTA begins improvements to Arrott Transportation Center

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) began the first phase of construction for the Arrott Transportation Center station on January 11, 2016. The project budget has been set at $38.5 million and construction is expected to last through winter 2018.

Hoppe, past LIRR president, passes away


Charles W. Hoppe, who served as Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Long Island Rail Road’s (LIRR) 34th President, from April 2, 1990, to August 31, 1994, passed away December 22, 2015.

CTA takes next steps toward making the system 100 percent accessible

As part of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s ongoing commitment to improve accessibility throughout the city of Chicago, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has implemented a new initiative that will establish a blueprint for making it 100 percent accessible over the next 20 years.

Caltrain names new directors, elects officers for 2016

The Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (JPB) welcomed new members Raul Peralez and Joél Ramos and elected its officers for 2016 at Caltrain’s January meeting.

New approach to station redevelopment will expedite transformative renovations at 30 MTA stations

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has unveiled the eighth signature proposal of his 2016 agenda, which is to modernize and fundamentally transform the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), improving the travel experience for millions of New Yorkers and visitors to the metropolitan region.

VIA Rail reports high holiday ridership

This holiday season, from December 16, 2015, to January 5, 2016, VIA Rail Canada saw its highest passenger revenue in over four years, with an increase of 10.3 percent since 2012 and the busiest day, December 23, had VIA Rail trains transporting 16,377 passengers to their destinations.

Governor Cuomo unveils $3 billion Penn Station plan

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo proposes a $3 billion plan to transform Penn Station and the James A. Farley Post Office into a world-class transportation hub.

CHSRA finds California Rail Builders as the apparent best value

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has identified California Rail Builders as the apparent best value proposer for the design-build services contract for Construction Package 4, the next segment of construction through the counties of Tulare and Kern and the cities of Wasco and Shafter.

Ansaldo STS awarded LACMTA West Side Extension contract

Ansaldo STS was awarded a $31.5 million contract to design, furnish, test and commission a signaling and train control system for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) West Side Subway Extension.

Details announced for proposed LIRR expansion

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo unveiled on Jan. 5, 2016 the second signature proposal of his 2016 agenda: a comprehensive plan to transform and expand vital infrastructure downstate and make critical investments in the region, including a major expansion and improvement project that would increase service on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) between Floral Park and Hicksville. Cuomo outlined these initiatives at an event in Nassau County, where Long Island Association President Kevin Law, MTA Chairman Thomas F. Prendergast and LIRR President Patrick Nowakowski joined him.

LACMTA looks back on rail initiatives of past year

As the third largest transportation agency in the nation, the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) is responsible for transporting millions of passengers safely and efficiently to their destinations every day. Additionally, the agency manages one of the largest public works projects in the nation with three major rail lines currently being constructed and another two rail extensions near opening.

USDOT reflects on 2015 research efforts

In a Fastlane blog post Dec. 31, Greg Winfree, U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) assistant secretary for research and technology, recapped 2015’s research endeavors.

NYCT completes one station renewal, begins two more


Beginning December 28, F Line riders will have access to the newly refurbished Manhattan-bound platform at the Avenue X station in Brooklyn. The six-month station renewal project is part of a major $80.5-million capital project, awarded to Kiska Construction Inc. that will completely renew nine stations along the Culver F Line.

TEX Rail forges shared-use agreement

The Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T) and representatives from Union Pacific, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), Amtrak, Fort Worth & Western Railroad (FW&W) and Regional Rail Right-of-Way Co. on Dec. 28, 2015 signed a shared-use operating agreement for the TEX Rail commuter rail line, slated to begin service in 2018.

Metra recounts 2015

Metra says it has had an eventful 2015, with construction and trackwork projects being completed and launched, new safety awareness campaigns and an app, as well as many other accomplishments.

TranSystems welcomes Alex Houseal, PE

TranSystems has named Alex Houseal regional vice president for the Pennsylvania and New Jersey operations.

NJ Transit names Martin interim executive director

The New Jersey Transit Board of Directors appointed Dennis J. Martin as interim executive director, effective Monday, December 28.

TriMet close to completion on MAX crossing safety enhancements

This week in Portland, Ore., final installation of safety enhancements began at TriMet‘s MAX Orange Line crossings at SE 11th Ave.

Amtrak activates PTC along NEC

Amtrak activated the final stretch of Positive Train Control (PTC) along the Northeast Corridor (NEC) on Dec. 18. The technology is now active on all Amtrak-owned track between Washington, D.C., and Boston.

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