Senate Appropriations Committee approves $250 million for HART

The Senate Committee on Appropriations approved $250 million in funding for Honolulu Authority For Rapid Transportation (HART), matching in full President Obama’s 2014 budget request and the 2012 Full Funding Grant Agreement.

BART employees strike

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) workers walked off the job early July 1 after negotiations for a new contract were not met.

CTA to launch new fare payment system

Some Chicago Transit Authority customers will begin using the new Ventra fare payment system, a single fare card for transit throughout the Chicago region, in August 2013, with a full public in September.

MTA senior advisor dies at 54

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Senior Advisor to the Chairman Susan Kupferman passed away the morning of June 26.

LACMTA approves $1.27 billion construction contract for Crenshaw/LAX Light-Rail

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) Board of Directors has approved a $1.272-billion contract to Walsh/Shea Corridor Constructors to build the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor Project

New Jersey marks safety month with “E-Cubed” success

In honor of National Safety Month, New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) and New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) have collaborated to promote safety and reduce accidental deaths along the state’s railroad tracks.

Senate approves Anthony Foxx as next secretary of transportation

The Senate has confirmed Anthony Foxx, the mayor of Charlotte, N.C., as the next U.S. Transportation secretary by a 100-0 vote. Foxx will replace current secretary Ray LaHood.

SYSTRA names new VP, sector manager, planning and operations analysis

SYSTRA has hired Wes Coates as vice president, sector manager, planning & operations analysis.

Hamberger: Freight railroad investments provide foundation for intercity and commuter rail

Association of American Railroads (AAR) President and CEO Edward Hamberger on June 27 told the House Transportation subcommittee on railroads, pipelines and hazardous materials that the billions of private freight railroad investments spent annually on infrastructure and maintenance today provides

TriMet’s WES ridership rises, while overall system ridership decreases

TriMet‘s system provided more than 25 million rides during the spring 2013 quarter. Compared to a year ago, overall ridership declined for March, April and May.

X Train in negotiations for North Las Vegas station

Las Vegas Railway Express, Inc. (X Train) is in negotiations with the city of North Las Vegas for the new train station that will serve passengers traveling on the route between Southern California and Las Vegas, Nev.

Amtrak completes Niantic River Bridge replacement

Amtrak has completed its three-year Niantic River Bridge Replacement Project, “which provides improved operational reliability for rail passengers along the Northeast Corridor with increased train speeds, less disruption to the boating community, and expanded beach access to area residents,” the railroad said on Monday, June 24.

Amtrak names Logue chief safety officer

Amtrak named Michael Logue chief safety officer, effective July 29, 2013. He will report directly to DJ Stadtler, vice president of operations.

Amtrak’s DC – Norfolk service sees significant passenger use

Amtrak has seen more than 70,000 passengers on its Northeast Regional route between Washington, D.C., and Norfolk.

Construction begins on new station in Tukwila, Wash.

Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph Szabo joined Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) and other state and local officials June 24 for the groundbreaking of the new passenger rail station in Tukwila, Wash.

Bob Hope Airport Metrolink station breaks ground

In California, Metrolink, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) and the Bob Hope Airport held started construction on the Bob Hope Airport-Hollywood Way Metrolink Station June 21.

MBTA opens Littleton commuter rail station

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) celebrated the opening of the Littleton commuter rail station June 21 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Sound Transit narrows Ballard to downtown routes to eight, hosts open house

Eight potential routes have been identified as part of Sound Transit‘s Ballard to downtown High Capacity Transit study, which will help inform updates to the city of Seattle’s Transit Master Plan and Sound Transit’s Long Range Plan.

CTA plans West Side branch of Blue Line modernization study

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) plans to conduct a Blue Line Forest Park Branch Feasibility/Vision Study to assess future needs for the entire branch between the Clinton and Forest Park stations.

Prendergast named chairman and CEO of MTA

Thomas Prendergast has been named chairman and chief executive officer of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) by the New York State Senate.

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