BART ridership up in October
The number of people riding San Francisco-area’s Bay Area Rapid Transit is soaring this month.
Passenger
Houston METRO erects first station canopy on light-rail extension
Houston METRO has passed several milestones on its way to placing 15-plus miles of new track east, north and southeast of the central business district.
Houston METRO erects first station canopy
Houston METRO has passed several milestones on its way to placing 15-plus miles of new track east, north and southeast of the central business district.
SFMTA receives $942.2 million in federal funding for Central Subway Project
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency received federal approval of an agreement dedicating $942.2 million in federal funds to the Central Subway Project.
Regional districts asked to contribute to Vancouver Island Rail bridge rehab
The five regional district members of the Island Corridor Foundation are being asked to contribute CA $3.2 million (US $3.26 million) for the structural repairs to the 48 bridges between Victoria and Courtenay, British Columbia.
BART and Shanghai Metro to develop Sister Agency affiliation
The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) Board of Directors voted to authorize the development of a Sister Transit Agency affiliation with Shanghai Metro, the subway system in Shanghai, China.
Massachusetts five-year capital plan puts spotlight on infrastructure investment
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick unveiled his Fiscal Year (FY) 2013-2017 Capital Investment Plan, which he said continues the Patrick-Murray Administration’s efforts to support long-term economic growth and stimulate job creation by calling for significant investments in higher education, transportation, economic development, housing and other infrastructure and assets.
Metro-North’s Harlem River Lift Bridge to undergo cable replacement project
A crucial bridge that provides the only access into Manhattan for all Metro-North trains traveling to and from Grand Central Terminal is due for a major upgrade, the railroad said on Oct. 9.
Amtrak carries most passengers ever
Amtrak carried more than 31.2 million passengers in Fiscal Year 2012 ending September 30, marking the highest annual ridership total since America’s Railroad® started operations in 1971 and the ninth ridership record during the past ten years.
Metrolink, SanBAG hold groundbreaking for EMF Expansion project
Southern California’s Metrolink partnered with the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SanBAG) in its groundbreaking event for the Eastern Maintenance Facility (EMF) Expansion project on Thursday, Oct. 4. SanBAG is the lead agency and funding source for the $13 million project.
MARTA selects Parker as new GM and CEO
The MARTA Board of Directors selected Keith T. Parker as MARTA’s next general manager and chief executive officer on Oct. 4.
Vermonter improvements completed on time and on budget
The two-year project making upgrades and repairs along 190 miles of track between St. Albans and Vernon on Amtrak’s Vermonter line was completed on time and on budget.
Massachusetts accepts “keys” to Framingham/Worcester line from CSX
In Massachusetts, an agreement with CSX Corporation was completed that paves the way for increased commuter rail service expected to begin October 29, 2012 and strengthens the state’s rail freight network to support the region’s economy.
FTA independent review verifies rail financial plan
An independent financial review of the rail Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation project in Honolulu, Hawaii, confirms the financial capacity to construct and operate the rail system and that the project’s financial plan is reasonable and able to withstand and successfully address risks.
CTA unveils Wilson Station plan
The Chicago Transportation Authority (CTA) unveiled the design renderings for the planned reconstruction of the Wilson Red Line station, one of the largest CTA ‘L’ station projects in the agency’s history.
The $203-million reconstruction project, slated to begin in 2013, will create a brand-new, reconfigured station to serve the CTA’s busiest rail line and facility that will serve as an anchor for economic development in the Uptown neighborhood.
“This is a great starting point for the future design of an important station that helps thousands of Chicagoans get to work and school each day,” said Chicago Mayor Emanuel. “The Red Line is the backbone of our transportation network and this new station will drive economic activity throughout the city for years to come.”
The new station design features contemporary architecture including glass and steel canopies and a glass-enclosed entrance along Wilson, one of two Wilson entrances. An auxiliary entrance is planned for Sunnyside Avenue, serving a newer commercial development housing Target and Aldi stores.
SNC-Lavalin awarded Canadian Evergreen Line contract
SNC-Lavalin Inc. has been awarded a contract to design, build and finance the Evergreen Line Rapid Transit project in British Columbia, Canada.
Metrolinx, TTC reach operating agreement for light-rail lines
Canada’s Metrolinx and Toronto Transit Commission have reached an agreement on the operations and maintenance of Toronto’s four new provincially-funded light-rail transit lines.
RTD completes Yale Ave. bridge ahead of schedule
Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD), Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and SEMA Construction will celebrate the reopening of the Yale Avenue Bridge over I-225 two months early on October 5.
LACMTA receives $545.9 million TIFIA loan for Crenshaw/LAX project
The U.S. Department of Transportation approved a $545.9 million Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan that will enable the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) to advance construction of a new light-rail transit line along the Crenshaw corridor.
Connecticut receives $120 million for high-speed rail
Connecticut will receive $120 million in high-speed intercity passenger rail program funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation to complete construction on the Hartford segment of the New Haven to Springfield, Mass., passenger rail corridor.