Thales, Siemens awarded contract for New York MTA test track

Thales and Siemens have been awarded a contract to provide a permanent communications-based train control test track facility for Metropolitan Transportation Authority New York City Transit.

Court dismisses lawsuit seeking to stop East Link light rail project

In the Seattle, Wash.-area, a Kittitas County Superior Court Judge issued a summary judgment in the lawsuit by Kemper Freeman seeking to stop the East Link light rail project.

Operation Lifesaver notes reductions in 2011 U.S. crossing collisions

Sustained public education efforts, engineering improvements and law enforcement programs have contributed to a nationwide reduction in vehicle-train collisions and pedestrian-train deaths and injuries in 2011, according to Operation Lifesaver, Inc.

RailComm provides remote control derail system to Florida Amtrak facility

RailComm has provided a wireless remote control derail system at Amtrak’s Maintenance Facility near Miami, Fla. Two customized Local Control Panels, located within the maintenance building, provide wireless remote control to the derails.

Amtrak becomes Climate Registered

Amtrak recently achieved Climate Registered status by successfully measuring its carbon footprint according to The Climate Registry’s best-in-class program, then having it third-party verified and reporting the data on The Registry’s website. With this status, Amtrak takes a major step toward reducing its energy usage, costs and carbon emissions.

KCS and Poteau, Okla. law enforcement partner for “Officer on a Train” safety event

Kansas City Southern is partnering with the Poteau, Okla., Police Department to conduct an Operation Lifesaver “Officer on a Train” event on March 7 to promote public safety at railroad grade crossings. The event will start at 4:00 p.m. at the Dewey Street crossing in Poteau.

NTSB issues safety recommendations regarding storm water drainage to US DOT

The National Transportation Safety Board made safety recommendations regarding storm water issues that push for greater collaboration between entities affected by these issues. The following recommendation was sent to the U.S. Department of Transportation:

UTU reaches agreement with Progressive Rail

The United Transportation Union and Progressive Rail have finalized a first-time collective bargaining agreement for Progressive Rail train and engine workers represented by the UTU.

BLET, UP reach tentative agreement

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen reached a tentative on-property contract agreement with Union Pacific.

Fry named curator of Barriger National Railroad Library

Nicholas Fry was named curator of the John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library, the sixth archivist/curator since the creation of the Barriger collections at the St. Louis Mercantile Library Association in the early 1980s.

UP’s Young to take medical leave of absence

Union Pacific’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer James Young will take a medical leave of absence from his responsibilities as president and CEO while he is being treated for recently diagnosed pancreatic cancer.

NS names Sinquefield director railroad police; Shackelford retires

Mark Sinquefield has been named director police for Norfolk Southern, headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., effective March 1. He succeeds Al Shackelford II, who retires after 39 years with Norfolk Southern.

Caltrain celebrates renovations and improvements at two stations

San Francisco-area Caltrain and its partners celebrated the completion of a $61 million station improvement project that will allow it to offer more service now and in the future.

Washington approves crossing funds

Washington state regulators approved funds to improve the safety at a railroad crossing in Washougal, Wash.

Metrolink receives $3.7 million to enhance safety at busy crossing

The California Transportation Commission allocated $3.7 million to fund safety enhancements to one of Metrolink’s busiest crossings, the Broadway/Brazil crossing in Glendale, Calif.

UP named Logistics/Transportation Provider of the Year at American Metals Market Steel Tube and Pipe

Union Pacific was named Logistics/Transportation Provider of the Year at the 2012 American Metals Market (AMM) Steel Tube and Pipe Conference. This award recognizes a transportation or distribution company that best meets the needs of the tube and pipe industry. Union Pacific was recognized for its Pipeline Express Product.

Watco names Swan Ranch Railroad GM

Watco Transportation Services named Dave Ruggles as general manager for the Swan Ranch Railroad.

Parks Canada, CP receive research grants to protect Banff bears

Research grants were awarded to teams to further mitigate rail-related grizzly bear mortality in Banff and Yoho national parks in Canada. Projects will be supported by robust monitoring to determine effectiveness and begin in spring 2012, pending approval of animal care protocols.

CSX expands RailComm yard automation system

CSX has expanded its Domain Operations Controller system located at Boyles Yard in Birmingham, Ala.

RITA launches U.S. DOT research hub website

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) recently launched the U.S. DOT Research Hub website, a searchable database of the latest agency-sponsored research, development and technology projects.