Houston Metro celebrates 100 million boardings

Houston Metro’s 18 light-rail vehicles have traveled more than four million miles (the equivalent of five trips to the moon and back) recording 100 million boardings in the process, reaching the milestone four years ahead of schedule.

Watco hires two new executives

Watco Companies hired Nate Henderson as director of operations for the Central Region for its Terminal and Port Services division.

Thelen retires; Schnautz to lead NS’ research and technology group

Norfolk Southern (NS) promoted Tom Schnautz to assistant vice president of research and advanced technology. He has assumed some of the responsibilities of Gerhard Thelen, including Positive Train Control (PTC) and research. Thelen retired March 31 as vice president operations planning and support.

Santa Clara VTA celebrates BART Silicon Valley milestone

On Friday, April 5, 2013, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) in California, will celebrate one-year construction milestones for the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Silicon Valley Berryessa Extension Project.

UTU, Kyle Railroad reach tentative agreement

United Transportation Union Sheet Metal, Air, Rail & Transportation workers (UTU-SMART) and Kyle Railroad reached an agreement on a proposed contract for all crafts under UTU-SMART’s jurisdiction, which include: engineers, conductors, brakemen, maintenance of way employees, signal employees, mechanics, helpers and apprentices, carmen and welders.

New Mexico to give railroads a fuel tax break after eligible infrastructure investment

New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez has signed the Locomotive Fuel Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) exemption bill, designed to encourage further growth of the railroad industry, as well as continued growth of exports and manufacturing in New Mexico.

FRA releases preliminary alternatives to upgrade NEC

The Federal Railroad Administration released the Northeast Corridor (NEC) Future Preliminary Alternatives Report. The report presents the process used to develop 15 Preliminary Alternatives that represent a wide range of possible futures for the NEC.

Metrolinx releases short list of proposed investment tools for transit expansion

Metrolinx in Ontario, Canada, released a short list of investment tools for consultation that will help decide how transit expansion is funded in the years ahead.

CHSRA receives high marks from federal watchdog audit

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) gave the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) high marks in each area studied for it’s most recent audit, including estimates of cost, revenue, ridership and economic impact analysis.

Operation Lifesaver 2012 annual report outlines efforts, accomplishments

Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), the rail safety education nonprofit, released its 2012 Annual Report, which reviews the organization’s accomplishments.

NCDOT names Worley Rail Division director

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) named Paul Worley director of the Rail Division.

Obama details Rebuild America Partnership plan at Port Miami

President Obama pushed his plan, the Rebuild America Partnership, to encourage private investment in public infrastructure while in Miami, Fla., touring Port Miami’s tunnel project, which provides a direct connection between the port and major highway.

Third round of Sandy relief funds released

U.S. Department of Transportation released a third round of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) storm-related reimbursements through the FY 2013 Disaster Relief Appropriations Act.

Amtrak prepares EA to preserve location of possible future tunnel

Amtrak has prepared an Environmental Assessment for the construction of an underground concrete casing to preserve a right-of-way for the future expansion of rail service between New Jersey and New York.

PHX Sky Train™ to open April 8

In Phoenix, Ariz., the PHX Sky Train™ will open to the public April 8 at the city’s airport. When the train opens for service, passengers will find a seamless connection between Terminal 4, East Economy parking and Phoenix Valley Metro light rail at 44th Street and Washington.

Parsons Brinckerhoff’s Karamatsu named 2013 Young Engineer of the Year in Hawaii

The Hawaii Council of Engineering Societies named Lara Karamatsu its 2013 Young Engineer of the Year. A civil engineer in the Honolulu office of Parsons Brinckerhoff, Karamatsu is one of the firm’s designers for the Honolulu Rail Transit Project.

Amtrak seeks more capital investment, less operating support for FY14

In its FY 2014 funding request to Congress, Amtrak is emphasizing the need for more federal capital investment to improve and expand intercity passenger rail, while requesting significantly less in federal operating support.

NNEPRA Board moves ahead with Amtrak Brunswick Layover

The Board of Directors of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) took steps toward the development of an indoor train layover facility in Brunswick, including the decision to award the design/build contract to Consigli Construction Company of Portland, Maine.

OmniTRAX fills executive positions

OmniTRAX, Inc., has made four management appointments and promotions.

RTD finds merit in unsolicited proposal for North Metro Rail Project

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) of Denver, Colo., has determined that a confidential unsolicited proposal for the North Metro Rail Project has technical merit. The proposal was submitted Feb. 22 by a team led by Graham Contracting Limited.

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