MetroPlan Orlando approves maglev project
In Orlando, Fla., American Maglev Technology (AMT) has proposed to build, operate and maintain a privately financed fully automatic train system powered by magnetic levitation.
Passenger
Local officials urge CN to allow Metra expanded service on Heritage Corridor
U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL) was joined by more than 20 local officials in urging Canadian National to allow Chicago-area’s commuter railroad Metra to expand service on the Heritage Corridor Line and accommodate at least two additional trains a day.
LAX officials unveil possible light-rail station sites
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) staff says it has a strong commitment and desire for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) to locate a light-rail station directly at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Houston Metro CEO stepping down at end of month
Houston Metro President and CEO George Greanias plans to resign from his post on December 31, 2012.
Maryland Transit seeks approval for Red Line FEIS
The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) submitted the Red Line transit project’s Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
LACMTA begins utility relocation work for Regional Connector
In Southern California, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) officially began advance utility relocation work for the Regional Connector, a major light-rail project in Downtown Los Angeles.
Amtrak names chief transportation officer
Amtrak named David Nichols as its chief transportation officer (CTO) who will be responsible for setting, managing and maintaining operating rules and policies to ensure that all train operations meet federal rail safety requirements and the company’s business needs.
MDOT buys 135 miles of NS line
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Norfolk Southern signed a sale agreement that transfers ownership of 135 miles of NS railroad to MDOT for $140 million.
DART secures $120 million for Orange Line project
The Federal Railroad Administration approved a nearly $120-million loan that will enable Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) to advance construction on the third phase of its Orange Line extension project.
Twin Cities’ Central Corridor heavy construction coming to end
The final year of heavy construction on the Central Corridor Light Rail Transit Project between Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn., is wrapping up on cue.
NJ Transit Raritan Valley Line returns to full service Dec. 17
New Jersey Transit’s (NJ Transit) Raritan Valley Line (RVL) will resume full-service starting Monday, Dec. 17, marking another milestone for customers in the transit system’s return to normalcy after Hurricane Sandy.
MBTA Green Line extension project begins
The start of phase one of construction to extend the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) Green Line into the cities of Medford and Somerville has begun.
Charlotte streetcar starter line breaks ground
The Charlotte Streetcar Starter Project in North Carolina has begun and the first phase of a planned 10-mile streetcar line that will expand transit options, spur economic development and improve access to jobs, education and medical facilities.
Santa Clara VTA light rail celebrates 25 years of service
Twenty-five years ago on Dec. 11, a nine-mile, twelve-station light-rail transit line opened its car doors and would become the first of nine segments to offer passenger service in Santa Clara County in California.
Plans advance for Rochester Intermodal Transportation Center
An agreement has been reached for Amtrak to continue to own and operate the new $23-million Rochester Intermodal Transportation Center in Rochester, N.Y., at the existing Amtrak station location on 320 Central Avenue.
San Francisco rail improvement projects completed
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s (SFMTA) Church and Duboce Track and Street Improvement Project and the Carl Street Rail Replacement Project have been completed.
Calgary opens West LRT, completes 7 Avenue project
In Calgary, AB, Canada, the city’s West LRT line officially opened on Dec. 10.
Three California commuter rail projects get state funds
The California Transportation Commission allocated $108.7 million to three commuter rail projects that will help ease traffic congestion, improve safety and support economic growth.
LIRR full rush service returns following signal repair
New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) will operate full morning and evening rush hour service beginning Monday, Dec. 10, as a result of Amtrak restoring the signal system capacity in one of its two flood-damaged East River tunnels.
St. Paul Union Depot restoration completed
Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority (RCRRA) in St. Paul, Minn., completed the $243-million historic restoration of the 90-year-old Union Depot train station.