Massachusetts Senate approves transportation bond bill

The Massachusetts Senate passed a bill authorizing $13 billion in capital spending over the next five years to fund improvements to the commonwealth’s transportation system.

Keolis North America awarded MBTA contract

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has awarded Keolis North America a $2.6-billion, eight-year contract to manage, operate and maintain the passenger rail service. The contract includes the option for two additional two-year extensions and if granted, the total contract value would rise to $4.2 billion over 12 years.

TriMet Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail bridge now connected to land

TriMet‘s Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Transit Bridge over the Willamette River is now connected to land in the South Waterfront area, making the overall 7.3-mile transit project 70 percent complete.

USDOT says proposed budget would address infrastructure deficit

U.S. Department of Transportation says its $90.9 billion proposed budget would lay a new foundation for economic growth and competitiveness by addressing growing infrastructure deficit, investing in the national infrastructure network and increasing safety and efficiency.

FTA capital investment programs get boost under president’s proposed budget

The Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Capital Investment Grant Program is getting a funding boost under President Obama’s proposed fiscal year 2015 budget. The proposed budget for 2015 includes $2.5 billion for FTA’s grant programs and represents an increase of $400 million over the requested 2014 budget.

Winter Park station opens in Florida

The Winter Park rail station, which serves both Amtrak and SunRail passengers, officially opened in Florida March 3 with a grand opening ceremony, which was attended by officials from Amtrak, city of Winter Park, Florida Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration and other community leaders.

CN completes sale of Quebec line to AMT for commuter service

Canadian National closed the sale of a rail line in Quebec to Agence métropolitaine de transports (AMT) for CA$97 million (US$87 million). The line is principally used by AMT commuter trains between Deux-Montagnes and Montreal’s Central Station.

Caltrain releases electrification project draft environmental report

Caltrain has released the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the planned electrification of the corridor between San Jose and San Francisco, Calif., which will upgrade the signal system, implement Positive Train Control, electrify the corridor and purchase new high-performance electric multiple units (EMUs).

Amtrak returns to Denver Union Station

Amtrak moved back to Denver Union Station at February 28, 2014, after being temporarily relocated during construction for redevelopment of the historic building, new commuter rail station and underground bus concourse.

Aecon partnership recommended for Waterloo Region LRT project

GrandLinq consortium, which is comprised of Plenary Group, Meridiam, Aecon, Kiewit and Keolis, has been recommended for the development of the Region of Waterloo Stage 1 Light Rail Transit Project in Ontario, Canada.

USDOT report on highway, transit conditions points to need for more investment

A U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) report on the state of America’s transportation infrastructure, 2013 Status of the Nation’s Highways, Bridges and Transit: Conditions and Performance, concludes that more investment is needed to maintain and improve the nation’s highway and transit systems.

Sound Transit to study alignment for potential Tacoma Link expansion

Sound Transit has identified an alignment along Stadium Way and Martin Luther King, Jr. Way to the Hilltop District for the planned expansion of Tacoma Link light-rail service.

NYCT continues Montague Tube reconstruction through a cold, hard winter

Deep through the heart of winter, work on New York City Transit‘s Montague Tube continues with a focus on the demolition of concrete walls and removal of debris caused by Superstorm Sandy.

Metrolink names new CFO/treasurer

Metrolink has hired Sam Joumblat, a veteran financial expert with more than 30 years of business and engineering experience, as its chief financial officer and treasurer, effective March 17.

President Obama outlines $302-billion, four-year surface transportation reauthorization effort

President Obama proposed a $302-billion, four-year surface transportation reauthorization effort while visiting the historic Union Depot train station in Saint Paul, Minn.

Sixth round of TIGER grants will make $600 million available

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) sixth round of Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants is making $600 million available to fund transportation projects across the country.

Additional funds to aid WMATA’s strategic plan

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has received an increased capital commitment of $75 million by Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe and District of Columbia Mayor Vincent Gray, to reduce crowding and add system capacity.

CATS receives FTA approval to enter Gold Line Phase 2 project development

Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) and the city of Charlotte received approval from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to enter project development for Phase 2 of the CityLYNX Gold Line.

Houston METRO names Lambert as president/CEO

Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Houston METRO) has named Tom Lambert president and chief executive officer. Lambert has been acting in the role on an interim basis for more than a year.

FTA green lights Durham Orange LRT project development

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has approved the Triangle Transit‘s request to enter project development on the 17-mile, $1.34-billion Durham-Orange Light Rail Transit Project.

LOAD MORE