G&W 2016 capex down nearly 30 percent
Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) will target a $225 million capital program in 2016, which is down approximately 28 percent when compared to its 2015 spend of $315 million.
Safety
CN 2016 capital plan shows slight increase over 2015

Canadian National‘s 2016 capital plan includes an investment of approximately CA$2.9 billion (US$2.07 billion) in rail infrastructure and equipment to raise network efficiency, support long-term growth and further strengthen safety. The railroad is the only North American Class 1 to increased its spend over 2015, which for CN was CA$2.8 billion (US$2.06 billion.)
FTA issues proposed rule for public transit safety plan
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has issued a proposed rule for the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (Agency Safety Plan) and a notice of availability for the proposed National Public Transportation Safety Plan (National Safety Plan.)
Union Pacific crossing accidents down three percent in 2015
Union Pacific reports that in 2015 it reduced railroad-crossing accidents by three percent with a 2.28, which is the total number of Federal Railroad Administration reportable grade crossing accidents per million train miles.
MTA adopts community outreach plan for Canarsie Tube rebuild
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has developed a plan to engage in detailed community consultation on how to proceed with necessary repairs for the Canarsie Tubes, which carry the L train under the East River between Brooklyn and Manhattan.
RTD bench testing crossing signals for I-225 rail line
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) of Denver began off-site “bench testing” in January of train and traffic signals for at-grade crossings on the FasTracks I-225 Rail R Line.
Former SFMTA and SCVTA CEO to lead Caltrain Modernization Program
Michael Burns, who retired as the chief executive officer for the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA) in 2014, will take the reins of the Caltrain Modernization Program, which the acengy called the most transformative project in the rail system’s 150-year history. Burns was appointed interim chief, Caltrain Modernization officer. He will begin his new role Feb. 8.
NTSB opens Amtrak 188 accident docket; analysis ongoing

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) opened the accident docket and publicly released more than 2,000 pages of information as part of it’s ongoing investigation of the May 12, 2015 Amtrak passenger train derailment in Philadelphia.
Norfolk Southern 2016 capex reflects strategic focus toward streamlined railroad
Norfolk Southern has a planned capital improvement budget of $2.1 billion in 2016, which is $300 million less than its record $2.4 billion capital plan in 2015.
BNSF plans $4.3 billion 2016 capital plan
BNSF Railway released plans for a $4.3 billion 2016 capital expenditure program focuses on helping to ensure the company continues to operate a safe and reliable network this year and beyond.
KCS 2016 capital program reflects 10 percent reduction over 2015
Kansas City Southern estimates its 2016 capital program will be between $580-590 million, which represents an approximate 10 percent decline from its $649 million program in 2015.
SEPTA plans 8.75-megawatt energy storage project
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.
Reconstructed Fordham Plaza opens in the Bronx
The Fordham Plaza, a major intermodal public transportation hub in the heart of the Bronx in New York City, is now open after major reconstruction work. The project improves access to public transportation for thousands of New York City residents and is another success for the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program.
Union Pacific estimates $3.75B capital program in 2016
Union Pacific is planning for a $3.75 billion capital program in 2016, pending approval from its board the railroad said in an earning release.
Metro-North implements Confidential Close Call Reporting System
Metro-North Railroad has extended the implementation of its Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C3RS), an initiative designed to encourage workers to report any potential safety hazard or breach of procedures that they may observe by providing them with a convenient, non-confrontational and anonymous method to do so.
Minnesota governor’s jobs bill includes crossing safety initiatives
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton has introduced a jobs bill that would invest $1.4 billion in infrastructure projects statewide, creating an estimated 39,900 Minnesota jobs.
Battling brush with smart vegetation management programs
Suppliers of intelligent herbicides and technologically- advanced machines update their offerings to help wage the war on unwelcome vegetation.
Preparing for winter’s return
MBTA has improved its infrastructure, equipment and operations to ensure service remains reliable, no matter what winter brings.
Two rail issues make NTSB’s Most Wanted list for 2016
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.
CSX targets $2.4 billion capex in 2016
CSX is aiming for a $2.4 billion capital expenditure program in 2016, which reflects a $100 million reduction over 2015 numbers.