Dallas returns streetcar service following half a century absence

Dallas streetcar service resumed April 13 after a near 50-year absence on a 1.6-mile route from downtown’s Union Station to Oak Cliff’s Methodist Dallas Medical Center. This marks the first phase of Dallas’ modern streetcar system.

TTC, Bechtel sign project management contract for Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has entered into an agreement with Bechtel Canada Co. for project management of the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension (TYSSE) for up to $80 million.

Metra plans tie, switch projects on Milwaukee District Lines; readies Englewood Flyover for expansion

Chicagoland’s Metra will perform tie replacement and switch replacement along its Milwaukee District Lines this spring.

DEIS published for Sound Transit for Federal Way Link Extension

Sound Transit and the Federal Transit Administration have published the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for extending Link light rail to Kent/Des Moines and, when funding is available, to Federal Way.

FTA’s McMillan: Long-term transportation funding will stop filling potholes

U.S. Department of Transportation’s Acting Federal Transit Administrator Therese McMillan, along with transportation infrastructure supporters across the country, highlighted the need for long-term transportation funding to support a robust and sustainable transportation system.

WMATA to return Red Line to automatic train operation

Following years of signal upgrades, independent testing and the closure of key National Transportation Safety Board safety recommendations, Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority will return the Red Line to automatic train operation (ATO) on April 13.

Skanska awarded contract to rehab trio of Brooklyn stations

Skanska has signed a contract with Metropolitan Transportation Authority New York City Transit (MTA-NYCT) for the renewal of three train stations in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Genova named RTD interim GM

The Regional Transportation District of Denver (RTD) Board of Directors named David Genova interim general manager, succeeding Phillip Washington, who will resign April 15 to assume the helm of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

“Stand Up For Transportation Day” aims to spur support of federal transportation funding

Stand Up for Transportation Day, April 9, is an effort headed by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) that aims to galvanize support of federal funding of America’s public transportation, roads, bridges and rail systems.

MBTA special panel calls for Fiscal Control Board to help fix “management failures”

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker’s special panel tasked with reviewing the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) functions and practices outlined a plan of action to reform and improve the authority. The panel’s recommendations include creating a five-member Fiscal and Management Control Board, as well as the creation of one, five and 20 year spending plans after the group “uncovered massive structural and management failures that are on pace to bankrupt the system if left unchecked.”

MBTA, Keolis to begin tie replacement project

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and Keolis Commuter Services will begin the first of several railroad tie replacement projects on the Lowell and Haverhill lines, part of a $100-million investment in infrastructure improvements for both lines that the MBTA says will increase passenger comfort and reliability.

Expo Light Rail Line begins testing

In California, clearance testing for the second phase of the Expo Metro Line Construction Authority’s Expo Line light-rail project began April 6 with a train running under its own power running west from Culver City. This is the first time a light-rail vehicle has crossed the new bridge over Venice Boulevard.

Sound Transit, Bellevue set to finalize details of East Link partnership

Sound Transit and city of Bellevue leaders proposed an agreement to move ahead with construction of the voter-approved East Link Extension in a way that minimizes construction impacts, commits the city’s financial contribution to a downtown tunnel and promotes the city’s Bel-Red Corridor land use vision.

INDOT, FRA move forward on accountability agreement for Amtrak Hoosier State Line

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) reached an understanding of the clear lines of accountability for passenger rail safety and accessibility between Indianapolis, Ind., and Chicago, Ill., allowing Indiana to implement long-term improvements to the daily service.

HRT supports Stand up 4 Transportation

Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) will host a special event April 9 with a coalition of business and political leaders to highlight the urgent need for Congress to approve long-term funding critical for Hampton Roads’ transportation infrastructure.

USDOT makes $500 million available for next round of TIGER

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is making $500 million available for the seventh round of the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) competitive grant program.

Testing begins on RTD East Rail Line

The Regional Transportation District of Denver’s (RTD) first two commuter rail cars rolled onto the East Rail Line for their first trip from Union Station to Denver International Airport April 3. The rail cars were pulled along the new tracks from Union Station along the 23 mile-long route at a pace of roughly 10 miles per hour. This kicks off a year-long schedule of testing and commissioning prior to opening day in 2016.

CTA to progress next phase of Ravenswood Connector project

This month, the Chicago Transportation Authority (CTA) will begin the next phase of a major project to rehabilitate the Ravenswood Connector, the elevated rail structure that carries Brown and Purple Line Express trains between Armitage and the Merchandise Mart.

FEIS issued for Sound Transit’s Lynnwood light-rail extension

Sound Transit and the Federal Transit Administration have issued the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the voter-approved Lynnwood Link light-rail extension from Northgate to Lynnwood.

BART opens Contra Costa Crossover

In northern California, a new set of crossover tracks is now in use on the busy Pittsburg/Bay Point Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) line, bringing capacity relief to riders and greater ability to get around delays.

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