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.
Passenger
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.
B&P Tunnel DEIS released
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), Amtrak and the Baltimore City Department of Transportation released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the B&P Tunnel Project Dec. 18.
Sound Transit, LACMTA projects move forward with omnibus bill allocations
The passage of the Omnibus Appropriations bill late last week solidified funding for transit projects through the Federal Transit Administration’s New Starts/Small Starts program. Transit agencies, such as Sound Transit and Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA), are hailing the bill’s passage as progress for major transit expansion projects.
Omnibus bill extends shortline tax credit, funds TIGER and safety grants
The U.S. House of Representatives and Senate passed a monster spending bill late last week, which will keep federal agencies funded through the end of September 2016.
MTA plans major projects in 2016 for Flushing Line
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has scheduled critical work in 2016 on the Flushing 7 Line between Manhattan and Queens.