STB, Canadian Transportation Agency sign info sharing agreement

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) and Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Dec. 8 to facilitate sharing information between the two agencies.

PANYNJ $6 billion budget approved for 2017

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) Board of Commissioners approved the agency’s proposed 2017 budget of $6 billion.

FTA issues WMATA traction power electrification system report and recommendations

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is requiring Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to correct issues with its traction power electrification (TPE) system following an investigation into the TPE condition.

GE Transportation advances ‘smart rail’ push with Iders acquisition

GE Transportation (GE) has announced the company’s acquisition of Iders Incorporated, an electronic product design and manufacturing company catering to the rail industry.

 

Crew member fatigue faulted for Union Pacific Hoxie accident

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) named crew member fatigue as the probable cause of a 2014 Union Pacific (UP) Hoxie, Ark., accident that killed two crew members and seriously injured two others.

Union Pacific installs new Bayou Lafourche bridge

Union Pacific completed installation of a new bridge at Bayou Lafourche in Donaldsonville, La., over the weekend.

FTA says “significant work” remains to improve WMATA

Despite the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority’s (WMATA) recently announced safety enhancement initiatives, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Executive Director Matthew Welbes is calling for more heavy lifting on the transportation authority’s end.

 

UNLV awarded funds to establish high-speed rail UTC

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), will establish a new University Transportation Center (UTC) to study rail infrastructure with funds from a federal grant.

WMATA maintenance practices questioned in NTSB Falls Church derailment report

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued its accident report on the July 2016 derailment of a Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) train traversing a crossover in the East Falls Church interlocking.

WMATA launches new reliability plan: Back2Good

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) rolled out a new initiative aimed at boosting service.

Construction kicks off on $700M North Coast Corridor Project

Federal, state and local officials participated in a ground breaking ceremony for the first phase of the North Coast Corridor (NCC) Program, which will make $700 million in infrastructure improvements over the next five years.

Hoffrichter named executive director of Michigan State rail program

Dr. Andreas Hoffrichter has been named executive director of Michigan State University’s Railway Management Certificate Program. Hoffrichter succeeds Steve Ditmeyer who retired in December 2015.

Metra polishes its winter readiness plan

As forecasters continue to warn the Chicago area of an exceptionally cold and snowy winter, Metra has completed preparations for the likely challenging season ahead.

 

Chao Trump’s DOT Secretary choice

President-elect Donald Trump has named Elaine Chao as his choice for U.S. Transportation Secretary. Chao is a former Deputy Transportation Secretary and a former Labor Secretary, and wife of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) since 1993.

FRA Q3 PTC update: Everyone must do their part

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) called progress made by railroads in the third quarter of 2016 in implementing Positive Train Control (PTC) “uneven” across the country and across the railroads.

New Westminster SkyTrain Station renovations complete

Canadian government and transportation officials gathered last week to celebrate the completion of updates to the New Westminster SkyTrain in New Westminster, British Columbia.

 

FRA proposes new safety standards for high-speed trains

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has proposed updates to current U.S. passenger train safety standards as the nation aims to add high-speed trains capable of traveling as fast as 220 mph and replace its older passenger fleet.

 

Norfolk Southern safety train wraps up 18-city tour

Norfolk Southern’s safety train provided free training to 1,926 first responders in 18 cities in 13 states across the Class 1’s network during its 2016 tour.

Caltrain starts pre-construction work for electrification project

Caltrain is gearing up to perform pre-construction work immediately that will continue through the end of February within the right-of-way as part of the Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project (PCEP).

 

WMATA won’t use 4000-series railcars in lead positions after safety concern identified

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) General Manager and CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld has ordered the prompt removal from service of all 4000-series railcars from the lead position of trains following the identification of a possible safety issue.

 

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