Operation Lifesaver, Inc. names Robert C. VanderClute as chair
The Operation Lifesaver, Inc., (OLI) Board of Directors named Robert C. VanderClute as chair, following the recent resignation of previous OLI board chair William “Bill” Barringer.
Safety
BROWZ launched new SAAS aimed to help shortline rails reach FRA Part 219 compliance
BROWZ announced the launch of a new software service to assist shortline railroads and their contractors to become compliant and maintain compliance with new Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Part 219 requirements.
MTA seeks to accelerate Canarsie Tunnel rehabilitation, completing work in 15 months
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) seeks board approval this week to award a contract to accelerate the rehabilitation of the L train’s Canarsie Tunnel under the East River.
FRA publishes quarterly PTC status update
The Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) released a status update today on railroads’ progress implementing positive train control (PTC) systems in the fourth quarter of 2016.
Trump Administration’s proposed budget cuts USDOT funds; TIGER, Amtrak long distance train funding gone
The Trump Administration released its proposed 2017 budget, which includes reducing funds to the U.S. Department of Transportation and eliminating Amtrak’s long distance train funding, as well as popular transportation grants.
GAO report highlights planning issues for WMATA rehab project SafeTrack
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report regarding the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) planning of SafeTrack, a large-scale rehabilitation project for its rail infrastructure.
Caltrain electrification project proponents take to Washington, D.C., to convince lawmakers to approve grant
Companies whose employees depend on Caltrain to get to and from work in the Bay Area joined agency representatives in Washington, D.C., this past week to advocate for approval of a grant that would fund a modernization project.
Railroads outpace all U.S. infrastructure in new report card
American railroads earned a grade of B for infrastructure while the rest of the U.S. sectors got a barely-passing D+ in the latest report card from the American Society of Civil Engineers.
MBTA set for full PTC implementation by 2020
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) provided an update on its progress to install and implement Positive Train Control (PTC).
Metra plans safety blitzes for 2017
Metra announced that it will conduct Operation Lifesaver Safety Blitzes at 51 train stations in 2017 as part of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the importance of safe behavior around its trains and tracks.
Trimble and Railhead Corp. partnership brings real-time remote diagnostics to North American rail markets
Trimble announced that it is partnering with Illinois-based Railhead Corporation to integrate real-time remote monitoring, diagnostics and on-board video to maximize locomotive asset utilization and productivity for railway operators.
Railroad Day on Capitol Hill marks record attendance
A record number of rail industry participants came to Washington, D.C., on March 2, 2017 to take part in the 18th annual Railroad Day on Capitol Hill.
Georgia Ports Authority plans to reduce Garden City rail crossings
Representatives from Garden City, Chatham County and the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) discussed a proposal that would reduce the use of grade crossings around GPA’s Garden City Terminal during a public meeting Feb. 28.
Bills to repeal MPO consolidation rule enter Congress
Legislation was introduced to both houses of Congress last week that would repeal a final U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) rule aimed at reforming areas where multiple Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) exist.
Wabtec lands TEX Rail signaling contract
Wabtec Corporation has signed a $97 million contract to provide signaling and communication services for TEX Rail, a new commuter rail line being developed by the Fort Worth Transportation Authority. The authority expects to open the 27-mile, double-track line in 2018.
Tom Prendergast, former head of MTA, joins STV
Thomas Prendergast, former chairman and and CEO of Metropolitan Transportation Authority, has joined STV Incorporated as executive vice president and chief strategic officer.
Paoli Station improvements kick off with ground breaking ceremony
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Feb. 28 for the Paoli Station Accessibility Improvements Project, a $36 million initiative to improve accessibility, safety and provide operational flexibility at the Paoli Train Station.
Railway worker notification system receives patent
A rail worker notification system that notifies maintenance workers, as well as train operators has been awarded a U.S. patent.
Caltrain ends Parsons PTC contract; reaches agreement with contractors for PCEP deadline extension
Caltrain has terminated a contract with Parsons Transportation Group (PTG), the firm responsible for designing and implementing a Positive Control System or CBOSS, after the agency said lack of the contractor’s progress threatened to delay implementation of the technology.
Metro sues transit union in overtime dispute
Washington’s Metropolitan Area Transit Authority on Monday threatened to bring in contractors and pursue further legal action if unionized employees refuse to work overtime.