Gov. Cuomo outlines goals for N.Y. infrastructure, wants train to LaGuardia

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo detailed his “2015 Opportunity Agenda” initiative, which includes a six-point plan outlining his vision to strengthen and modernize New York’s infrastructure, including an AirTrain to LaGuardia Airport.

Final Scoping Decision document for Rochester to Twin Cities high-speed rail released

The Minnesota Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the Federal Railroad Administration and the Olmsted County Regional Railroad Authority, released the Final Scoping Decision document on the Zip Rail, a plan for high-speed passenger rail service between the Twin Cities and Rochester.

All Aboard Florida selects GC for Broward and Palm Beach stations

All Aboard Florida has selected Moss & Associates as the general contractor for the Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach stations. Construction activities are expected to commence at the end of the first quarter.

Parsons Brinkerhoff hires Hedlund as director of Public-Private Partnerships

Karen Hedlund, former deputy administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), has been named director of public-private partnerships (P3s) in the strategic consulting group of Parsons Brinckerhoff.

Sound Transit approved for $1.3 billion TIFIA loan for light-rail extension

Sound Transit has been approved for a $1.33-billion Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan for construction of the East Link Light Rail Extension Project.

Metro-North says it will continue aggressive track maintenance plans through 2015

Metro-North is starting 2015 with rebuilding efforts and attention to major safety initiatives. The track improvements that defined 2014 are moving along and the railroad also expects continued progress as the last of the 405 M-8 cars are placed into service on the New Haven Line this spring.

NCDOT, CSX to begin A-line crossover project

CSX, in partnership with North Carolina Department of Transporation, will begin construction on a series of projects to build universal crossovers on the CSX A-line in three eastern North Carolina locations: South Weldon, Enfield and Rocky Mount. Construction at the three project locations will include grading, drainage improvements, track and signal construction.

The T appoints Bob Baulsir TEX Rail VP

The Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T) appointed Bob Baulsir to vice president of TEX Rail and Procurement.

Haddad named EVP of the Northeast Maglev

The Northeast Maglev (TNEM) appointed Nazih Haddad to executive vice president, effective February 3. Haddad will manage the development of a high-speed rail system between Washington, D.C., and New York City, using Superconducting Maglev (SCMAGLEV) technology.

La Caisse enters agreement with Quebec government to focus on public transit system projects

La Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec has entered into an agreement with the Québec government establishing a business model for the execution of major infrastructure projects. The model updates the government’s business practices by entrusting la Caisse with the execution of infrastructure projects, which will speed up their delivery and strengthen Québec’s economic growth. For la Caisse, the deal represents an opportunity to grow Quebecers’ savings by developing and operating assets that will generate commercial returns.

NTSB Most Wanted 2015: PTC implementation; improved tank car and mass transit safety

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says rail tank cars that carry crude oil, ethanol and other hazardous materials across the country must do it more safely, which is why it is one of four new issues on the NTSB’s Most Wanted List for 2015.

NJ Transit’s plan for $55-million Elizabeth Station restoration project

Transportation Commissioner and New Jersey Transit Board Chairman Jamie Fox and NJ Transit Executive Director Veronique Hakim unveiled the preliminary design plans for a $55-million restoration of Elizabeth Station.

House T&I vice chairman, subcommittee chairmen named

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA) has made selections for the committee’s six subcommittee chairmen and the full committee vice chairman for the 114th Congress.

Caltrain’s electrification project receives FEIR certification

The Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board today certified the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) and approved the planned electrification of the Caltrain corridor between San Jose and San Francisco, Calif.

Gov. Malloy tours Meriden station; outlines long-term transportation infrastructure vision

Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy on Jan. 8 toured the Meriden train station on the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield (NHHS) rail corridor, which is the site of an ongoing transit-oriented development (TOD) project with a primary focus on stimulating the area within a half-mile of the proposed new Meriden Intermodal Center.

WMATA Board appoints Requa as interim general manager/CEO

Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA) appointed Jack Requa as interim general manager and chief executive officer (CEO) and commended the service of General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Richard Sarles, who is retiring on January 16. Requa, who joined WAMTA in April 1998, is currently the assistant general manager for Bus Services.

NJ Transit expands Quiet Commute program to include Atlantic City Rail Line

New Jersey Transit is expanding its Quiet Commute program to trains on the Atlantic City Rail Line, operating between Philadelphia, Pa., and Atlantic City, N.J. The program goes into effect January 20 between the hours of 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays.

CHSRA breaks ground on HSR

Marking significant progress toward modernizing California’s transportation infrastructure, on Jan. 6 the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) joined hundreds of supporters and government, student, community, transportation, business and labor leaders to break ground on the nation’s first high-speed rail system.

LACMTA CEO to step down

Chief Executive Officer of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) Art Leahy’s last day of service will be April 5, 2015, when his current contract expires. Leahy, who started his transportation career as a bus operator and became one of the nation’s leading transit officials, has headed LACMTA for six years.

MBTA Green Line receives $996 million

A $996-million federal grant has been awarded to Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to extend Green Line light-rail service from East Cambridge to Somerville and Medford.

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