Construction begins on Evergreen Line tunnel
Construction has started on the Evergreen Line tunnel in Vancouver, BC, Canada, with the use of tunnel boring machine named “Alice,” after Alice Wilson, Canada’s first female geologist.
OFF Track Maintenance
MBTA opens Yawkey Station
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority opened its new Yawkey Station and marked the start of enhanced passenger rail service on the Framingham/Worcester Line.
Keolis North America awarded MBTA contract
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has awarded Keolis North America a $2.6-billion, eight-year contract to manage, operate and maintain the passenger rail service. The contract includes the option for two additional two-year extensions and if granted, the total contract value would rise to $4.2 billion over 12 years.
Watco names Grand Elk Railroad GM
Watco Transportation Services appointed Larry McCloud to general manager of the Grand Elk Railroad where he will be responsible for daily operations, specifically focusing on improving safety, productivity and efficiency.
Everitt appointed interim CEO of Harsco Corporation
Harsco Corporation has named David Everitt interim president and chief executive officer after Patrick Decker stepped down to become CEO of Xylem Inc.
USDOT says proposed budget would address infrastructure deficit
U.S. Department of Transportation says its $90.9 billion proposed budget would lay a new foundation for economic growth and competitiveness by addressing growing infrastructure deficit, investing in the national infrastructure network and increasing safety and efficiency.
FTA capital investment programs get boost under president’s proposed budget
The Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Capital Investment Grant Program is getting a funding boost under President Obama’s proposed fiscal year 2015 budget. The proposed budget for 2015 includes $2.5 billion for FTA’s grant programs and represents an increase of $400 million over the requested 2014 budget.
Winter Park station opens in Florida
The Winter Park rail station, which serves both Amtrak and SunRail passengers, officially opened in Florida March 3 with a grand opening ceremony, which was attended by officials from Amtrak, city of Winter Park, Florida Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration and other community leaders.
Amtrak returns to Denver Union Station
Amtrak moved back to Denver Union Station at February 28, 2014, after being temporarily relocated during construction for redevelopment of the historic building, new commuter rail station and underground bus concourse.
Aecon partnership recommended for Waterloo Region LRT project
GrandLinq consortium, which is comprised of Plenary Group, Meridiam, Aecon, Kiewit and Keolis, has been recommended for the development of the Region of Waterloo Stage 1 Light Rail Transit Project in Ontario, Canada.
NYCT continues Montague Tube reconstruction through a cold, hard winter
Deep through the heart of winter, work on New York City Transit‘s Montague Tube continues with a focus on the demolition of concrete walls and removal of debris caused by Superstorm Sandy.
Metrolink names new CFO/treasurer
Metrolink has hired Sam Joumblat, a veteran financial expert with more than 30 years of business and engineering experience, as its chief financial officer and treasurer, effective March 17.
President Obama outlines $302-billion, four-year surface transportation reauthorization effort
President Obama proposed a $302-billion, four-year surface transportation reauthorization effort while visiting the historic Union Depot train station in Saint Paul, Minn.
Additional funds to aid WMATA’s strategic plan
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has received an increased capital commitment of $75 million by Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe and District of Columbia Mayor Vincent Gray, to reduce crowding and add system capacity.
CN reaching out to communities to review safety, share dangerous goods information
Canadian National is reaching out to municipalities along its North American rail network to review its safety practices, share relevant information on dangerous goods traffic and discuss emergency response planning.
CATS receives FTA approval to enter Gold Line Phase 2 project development
Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) and the city of Charlotte received approval from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to enter project development for Phase 2 of the CityLYNX Gold Line.
Houston METRO names Lambert as president/CEO
Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Houston METRO) has named Tom Lambert president and chief executive officer. Lambert has been acting in the role on an interim basis for more than a year.
FTA green lights Durham Orange LRT project development
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has approved the Triangle Transit‘s request to enter project development on the 17-mile, $1.34-billion Durham-Orange Light Rail Transit Project.
Hakim elected as NJ Transit’s next executive director
New Jersey Transit‘s Board of Directors appointed Veronique Hakim as the new executive director, effective March 1, 2014.
CHSRA awards utility relocation design work contract to local California firm
California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) and the design-build contractor, Tutor-Perini/Zachary/Parsons, awarded a contract to Blair Church & Flynn Consulting Engineers (BC&F) for utility relocation design work in the Central Valley.