Amtrak’s Moorman stepping down
Amtrak’s Charles “Wick” Moorman will step down from the co-CEO position effective Dec. 31 and assume the role of senior advisor, starting Jan. 1, 2018.
Rapid Transit/Light Rail
New York, New Jersey commit to funding local share of Gateway Project
New York and New Jersey have reached a deal to fund 100 percent the local share of the Gateway Hudson Tunnel Project originally laid out in a 2015 framework agreement, which calls on the federal government to fund 50 percent of the project.
MTA design-build contract for LIRR expansion goes to 3TC
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) board has approved a $1.8 billion design-build contract for 3rd Track Constructors (3TC) to complete work on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) expansion project.
MTA New York City Transit to carry out E/M Line improvements during low ridership
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) New York City Transit is set to carry out repairs and upgrades on the 53rd Street E/M Line during a week of low ridership at the end of the month.
First elevated section of Sound Transit East Link extension under construction
Sound Transit has announced the start of construction on the first elevated section of the East Link extension.
WMATA identifies cause of Red Line signal problem
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has identified a communications cable in need of replacement along a segment of its Red Line.
Caltrain selects Funghi to lead modernization program
Caltrain has announced that John Funghi will serve as chief officer of the Caltrain Modernization Program.
BART approves renewable energy purchase agreement
The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Board of Directors approved two 20-year renewable energy power purchase agreements Dec. 7 in an effort to improve the climate footprint of the Bay Area’s transportation sector.
PANYNJ approves 2018 budgets; approves Superstorm Sandy repairs
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) Board of Commissioners approved the agency’s 2018 Budget consisting of $3.2 billion for operating expenses and $3.4 billion for capital expenses on Dec. 7. Additionally, the board approved Superstorm Sandy-related enhancement projects.
CTA selects short list of firms competing for Red and Purple line project
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has selected three qualified contracting teams to submit design-build proposals for the first phase of the Red and Purple Modernization Program (RPM) project.
ABB to deliver power to Eglinton Crosstown project with near zero emissions
ABB says it is set to supply key power distribution elements for the Eglinton Crosstown project, Toronto, Canada’s new light-rail transit line, to facilitate the line’s safe operation with nearly zero emissions.
SCVTA to continue analysis of tunnel options for BART extension
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA) has adjusted the project development timeline for the BART Silicon Valley Phase 2 extension in order to further evaluate tunneling options for the project.
USDOT joins fight against human trafficking
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is ramping up its efforts to help put an end to domestic and international human trafficking.
Downtown San Bernardino rail extension complete
The Downtown San Bernardino Passenger Rail Project has officially been concluded.
Rep. Comstock intros bill to fix WMATA’s system in crisis
U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-VA) introduced The METRO Accountability and Reform Act on Dec. 4 aimed at reforming the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) through incentivized funding and an interim control board.
NJ Transit gets winter ready
New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) aims to help its customers navigate service limitations due to winter weather with a new tool this season.
CDPQ Infra to extend deadline for Montreal transit project bids
CDPQ Infra has pushed the deadline to continue accepting project bids for the Réseau électrique métropolitain (REM) engineering and construction contract.
Valley Metro CEO gets contract extension
The Valley Metro RPTA and Valley Metro Rail Boards have unanimously approved an extension of CEO Scott Smith’s employment agreement for two more years.
RPA offers plan to promote growth in NY-NJ-CT region
Regional Plan Association (RPA) has released a long-range plan for the New York-New Jersey-Connecticut metropolitan region that it says ensures growth and equitable prosperity opportunities.
Groundbreaking held for Gold Line extension to Claremont and Montclair
The Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority held a groundbreaking ceremony Dec. 2 for its $1.5 billion Foothill Gold Line light-rail extension from Glendora to Montclair at Citrus College in Glendora, Calif.