The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) in Oakland, Calif., has allocated $494 million to help more than 20 San Francisco Bay Area transit agencies replace or rehabilitate aging buses, ferries, rail cars, tracks and bridges; update safety, control and communications systems; install new fare-collection equipment;
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) released its first “State of the Industry Report” focusing on the key challenges, accomplishments and innovations within the freight railroad industry. This initial, five-chapter edition details the industry’s investments in new technology and innovation that are enhancing safety across the nation’s rail network.
Valley Metro Rail‘s major north-south rail connection could be in service as soon as 2023 as Phoenix takes its first official steps to implement Transportation 2050 (T2050), a 35-year, multi-modal transportation plan approved by Phoenix voters in August 2015.
Sound Transit‘s University Link light-rail extension will open to passenger service on March 19, six months ahead of schedule and more than $150 million under budget.
In Seattle, Wash., the First Hill Streetcar opened with a soft launch January 23, a few weeks before it’s grand opening ceremony and celebration.
Scott Smith, former mayor of Mesa, Ariz., and president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors (2013-214), has been named as the interim chief executive officer for Valley Metro, effective February 1, 2016.
Rep. Brian Higgins (D-NY-26) is encouraging the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) to pursue Alternative B, also known as the Buffalo River plan, in a study examining options to enhance access and expand connectivity along the southern end of the Metro Rail line in Downtown Buffalo, N.Y.
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) plans to install a battery storage network, which will help reduce operating costs, ensure energy resiliency and support the stability of the energy grid.
Transit veteran John Rhone has been appointed as the new vice president of capital design and construction at Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART).
The Port Authority of Alleghany County plans to replace nearly a mile of aging and deteriorating light-rail tracks and street pavement in Beechview, Pa., beginning in March.
Beginning January 18, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit will begin performing major renovations to nine stations along the Sea Beach N Line from 8 Av in Sunset Park to 86 St in Bensonhurst. The stations are: 8 Av, Fort Hamilton Pkwy, New Utrecht Av, 18 Av, 20 Av, Bay Pkwy, Kings Hwy, Avenue U and 86 St.
Sound Transit Board Chair and King County Executive Dow Constantine joined Peter Rogoff, the agency’s new chief executive officer, to preview the year that lies ahead for expanding regional light-rail service.
The O-Train Confederation Line LRT project in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, remains on track, on time and on budget.
The Railway Supply Institute (RSI) promoted Amanda Patrick to the vice president of trade shows and member relations.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released its 2016 Most Wanted List of transportation safety improvements on January 13 at the 95th Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board.
Association of American Railroads (AAR) President and Chief Executive Officer Edward Hamberger says that the industry will be targeting several key issues in 2016, such as maintaining balanced economic regulation at the Surface Transportation Board (STB), extending the shortline tax credit while laying the groundwork for overall tax reform and advancing security-safety legislation or regulation.
Richard Morsches, PE, has been promoted to chief executive officer of TranSystems Corp. He brings to this role more than 30 years of experience and progressive leadership from serving clients locally in the Chicago area, to managing offices throughout the region, to leading the firm’s strategy and sales efforts nationally.
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) began the first phase of construction for the Arrott Transportation Center station on January 11, 2016. The project budget has been set at $38.5 million and construction is expected to last through winter 2018.
As part of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s ongoing commitment to improve accessibility throughout the city of Chicago, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has implemented a new initiative that will establish a blueprint for making it 100 percent accessible over the next 20 years.
