SFMTA launches TBM “Big Alma” to help Central Subway boring

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), says that its tunnel boring machine (TBM) Big Alma has launched, joining her twin Mom Chung to construct the two Central Subway tunnels.

SMART awards design-build contract

Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) has selected Shimmick Construction Company as the design-build contractor for its next major construction contract.

NARP, Midwest High Speed Rail Association make recommendations for rail reauthorization bill

With the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure moving to organize a mark-up on the rail reauthorization before Congress adjourns for the year, the National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) and Midwest High Speed Rail Association are making recommendations.

CTA offers sneak peek at 95th Street Terminal design

Chicago Transportation Authority (CTA) unveiled the design renderings for the new 95th Street Red Line station, a project to modernize transit and promote economic opportunity on Chicago’s South Side.

MTA continues Sandy resiliency work on all fronts

Despite a historic level of repair work throughout the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s network of tracks, tunnels and under-river tubes, the authority said that effects of Superstorm Sandy will be felt for years to come.

Metrolink receives OTA grant to promote public safety campaign

The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) has awarded a $61,325-grant to Metrolink for a year-long Public Safety Awareness on Railroads campaign.

BRIDGE Act introduced to leverage private transportation investment

A bipartisan coalition of 10 senators introduced legislation to establish a new infrastructure financing authority to help states and localities better leverage private funds to build and maintain the nation’s outdated infrastructure, including rail.

Sen. Schumer mediates plan to improve East River Tunnels

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) says that Amtrak has developed a plan to greatly and quickly improve the conditions of the East River Tunnels used by every Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train that leaves or arrives at Penn Station. The tunnels are owned by Amtrak and, according to Schumer, have been a massive source of delays for commuters.

Disputed proposal may send BART, unions back to negotiations

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) officials are requesting a return to the negotiating table after it was discovered a provision was included in its recent labor contract that the district did not agree to.

Maryland MTA seeks “Preferred Training Partners” for Purple and Red Line projects

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) and the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR) have started the “Preferred Training Partner” program for the Baltimore Red Line and the Purple Line light-rail projects.

TSB says Transport Canada falls short in response to recommendations issued from VIA Rail Burlington accident

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is concerned Transport Canada’s lack of firm action indicates there is no clear strategy in place to address the rail safety issues identified by the board.

MassDOT begins rehabilitation efforts needed for South Coast Rail

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) began construction to rehabilitate the Fall River and New Bedford railroad lines, a necessary step toward providing South Coast Rail service.

Metro-North to perform Bronx trackwork

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Metro-North Railroad will complete a major track improvement project in the Bronx this weekend that will improve reliability with all four tracks in the area back in service for the first time since the upgrade began July 1, 2013.

CTA 2014 budget approved

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Board unanimously approved a balanced $1.38-billion budget that freezes fares and preserves service levels while continuing the agency’s investment in projects and programs.

MTA’s five-year financial plan continues system investment as risks remain

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) released its Final Proposed 2014 Budget and Four-Year Financial Plan. The plan includes the addition of new cost reduction measures and recognizes favorable operating results and tax revenue re-estimates that have taken place since the preliminary budget was released in July.

TriMet begins pedestrian safety upgrades along MAX Blue Line

The first in a series of pedestrian safety improvement projects along TriMet‘s Eastside MAX Blue Line in Portland, Ore., is underway, kicking off the pedestrian safety element of the Renew the Blue program.

X Train terminates agreement with UP

The Las Vegas Railway Express, Inc. (X Train), has terminated its agreement with Union Pacific, effective October 31, 2013, citing an alternative capital plan which will relieve the company from raising $100 million from its own equity to finance the Los Angeles to Las Vegas rail route.

Metrolinx awards second Crosstown Project tunnel contract

The Metrolinx Board of Directors in Toronto, ON, Canada, has approved the award of the Eglinton Crosstown East Tunnel construction contract from Yonge Street to just east of Brentcliffe Road.

NYCT wraps up FASTRACK maintenance on Grand Concourse

Last week, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit’s (NYCT) FASTRACK maintenance program came to the Grand Concourse Line with hundreds of subway maintenance workers going into tunnels and stations to complete repairs ranging from clearing track drains to replacing worn sections of rail.

Officials celebrate opening of revitalized CTA Loyola Red Line Station

Officials gathered to celebrate the opening of the renovated Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Loyola Red Line station November 8. The collaborative $17-million project included station and track infrastructure upgrades, a reconfigured pedestrian crossing and a new open-air community plaza adjacent to the station.

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