DART’s second downtown light-rail line to be discussed
Texas’ Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will hold a public meeting on Phase II of its Downtown Dallas Transit Improvements Study (D2) on Feb. 13.
OFF Track Maintenance
Bombardier wins international innovation awards for safety technology
Bombardier Transportation has won two international innovation awards for its TrackSafe technology, designed to improve safety and productivity for railway track workers.
AAR estimates capital expenditures will again top $13 billion in 2013
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) says the nation’s major freight railroads plan to invest an estimated $24.5 billion in 2013 to build, maintain and upgrade America’s rail network
CN targets CA$1.9 billion in 2013 capital investments
Canadian National (CN) plans to invest approximately CA$1.9 billion (US$1.907 billion) to maintain and upgrade its railway network, grow the business efficiently and continue to improve customer service in 2013.
Connecticut bond commission approves millions for state DOT rail projects
The Connecticut State Bond Commission approved $170 million for Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) projects including $59 million for a rail bridge replacement and freight rail projects.
HART completes archaeological inventory, construction could resume later in year
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) has completed the fieldwork required for the Archaeological Inventory Survey (AIS),
Labor agreement between CN, IBEW ratified for C&S workers
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) System Council 11, which represents approximately 700 Canadian National (CN) signals and communications employees in Canada, ratified a four-year collective labor agreement with the railroad.
Rail partners explore Washington state mudslide causes, solutions
Four rail partners involved in service and safety in the corridor between Seattle and Everett, Wash., are putting a new focus on understanding the root causes and potential solutions to mudslides that resulted in a record number of Amtrak Cascades and Sounder passenger-service disruptions this winter.
Amtrak’s Hiawatha Service sets new calendar year ridership record in 2012
For the ninth time in the past 10 years, the Amtrak Hiawatha Service passenger rail line set a ridership record.
Canadian Pacific names Creel president and COO; reaches settlement with CN
Canadian Pacific named Keith Creel president and chief operating officer effective February 5, 2013. E. Hunter Harrison, former chief executive officer of Canadian National, will remain CEO of CP.
FTA makes $2 billion available for public transit damaged by Sandy
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has made $2 billion available through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) new Emergency Relief Program
ACE begins Baldwin Ave. grade separation project
Alameda Corridor-East Construction Authority (ACE) started construction on a roadway underpass and double-track railroad bridge to replace a congested railroad crossing on Baldwin Avenue in the City of El Monte, Calif.
Upgrading Berkshires to NYC rail line could help local economy
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick joined Massachusetts Department of Transportation Secretary and CEO Richard Davey and other state and local officials in Stockbridge, Mass., to highlight the economic benefits of an expanded passenger rail in the region.
Caltrain launches electrification environmental review
California’s Caltrain is kicking off environmental review of the electrification project with a series of public meetings to seek input on the scope of the review.
Grand Central turns 100
On Feb. 1, Grand Central Terminal in New York City celebrated its 100th anniversary.
NJ Transit posts best on-time performance in 2012
New Jersey Transit achieved record on-time performance (OTP) for trains during the 2012 calendar year.
CSX names Kendall VP state government and community affairs
CSX appointed Quintin Kendall to vice president, state government and community affairs. He succeeds Michael O’Malley, who was recently named head of the company’s Purchasing and Materials group.
FTA environmental review process goes through revision
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) revised the environmental review process, required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which will expedite the process for all proposed transit projects seeking federal funds.
MBTA continues Assembly Station Project progress
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s Assembly Station Project is well underway. The new Orange Line station is under construction between Wellington and Sullivan Square Stations. Once complete, the station will serve as a gateway to development at Assembly Square.
Ridership up on Metro-North and LIRR
New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Metro-North Railroad had its second highest ridership in 2012, providing 83 million rail rides, despite the lingering effects of Super Storm Sandy.