Agreement would put X Train on UP-owned track

Las Vegas Railway Express, Inc. (X Train), and Union Pacific signed a conditional agreement to provide passenger service on Union Pacific-owned right-of-way between Las Vegas, Nev., and Daggett, Calif.

BART unveils vision for future transit to meet growing demand

In response to its increasing capacity needs, San Francisco’s Bay Area Rapid Transit is drafting a three-phased plan to address sustainability and customer service objectives, while maintaining a safe and reliable rapid transit system.

New union agreements on CP and Central Railroad of Indiana

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), System Council 11 and Canadian Pacific reached a tentative five-year labor agreement covering approximately 450 employees who maintain and install railway signals and communications systems across Canada.

HDR lead designer for Dallas streetcar project

Dallas Area Rapid Transit in Dallas, Texas, selected the Stacy and Witbeck/Carcon Joint Venture team, with HDR as lead designer, for the Dallas Streetcar Oak Cliff Line. This 1.6-mile streetcar line was the recipient of a $26 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant and will be the first modern streetcar in Dallas.

Cleveland Track Material awarded several projects on low vibration ties

Cleveland Track Material will deliver five guarded, tangential geometry, double crossovers with 39-41-foot track centers on low vibration concrete tie blocks for the 2nd Avenue and 7 Line Extension projects in New York City.

Harsco CFO resigns, interim CFO named

Harsco Corporation received the resignation of Stephen Schnoor, senior vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer. Barry Malamud, who currently serves as vice president and corporate controller, has been named as interim CFO and will assume the responsibilities of principal financial officer until a permanent CFO has been selected. Both changes are effective immediately.

NTSB praises Metrolink’s Commitment to Safety

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recognized Southern California’s Metrolink as a national leader in the Positive Train Control (PTC) effort.

First Nations and Alaskan Tribes show support for Alberta-Alaska rail link

Canada’s First Nations and Alaskan Tribes have expressed support for a new “purpose built” railway that would link Alaska with Yukon, northern British Columbia and northern Alberta to the rest of North America.

Amtrak substation repairs to be completed this week

Amtrak and New Jersey Transit are making repairs to an Amtrak-owned electrical substation in Kearny, N.J., which will be completed Friday, Nov.16.

Honolulu receives rail delivery despite project’s hold status

The first 3,000 tons of steel track for Honolulu’s rail system arrived on Oahu last week. The shipment, more than 13,000 tons of steel track and other track-related materials, was blessed at a ceremony held Tuesday at Kalaeloa Harbor.

West leg of Calgary’s LRT to open Dec. 10, 2012

Calgary Transit’s West light-rail transit line in Calgary, AB, Canada, will open for service on Dec. 10, 2012, meeting the original start of service that was promised in 2009.

Patriot Rail, TC&W name new executives

Patriot Rail Corp. hired George Avery Grimes, PE, Ph.D., to its management team as executive vice president and chief strategy officer. Grimes will be responsible for revenue growth through initiation and evaluation of strategic acquisitions, infrastructure investments and margin expansion opportunities. He will also be Patriot Rail’s liaison with Class 1 railroad strategic projects.

SEPTA releases first “Energy Action Plan”

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) released its first-ever “Energy Action Plan,” potentially saving SEPTA more than $2 million a year through reductions in energy usage, with additional benefits expected.

Michigan commuter line begins test run

Six newly refurbished commuter rail cars are being tested in southeast Michigan, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG).

Pennsylvania state grants to help 24 freight rail projects

The Pennsylviania State Transportation Commission has approved nearly 18.6 million for 24 freight rail projects, which will improve rail access, upgrade rail infrastructure and provide repairs.

Hudson River Tunnel clean up complete, expanded service begins between NJ and NY

Amtrak and New Jersey Transit passengers will be offered expanded service between New York City and New Jersey beginning Monday, November 12,

Ceremonial groundbreaking for Winter Haven terminal held

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Nov. 8 for Florida’s Winter Haven Intermodal Rail Terminal.

More than $127 million approved for Port of Los Angeles construction

The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners has approved construction contracts totaling more than $127 million for two major projects that advance modernization of the marine container terminal operated by longtime tenant, TraPac, Inc.

Watco names two to maintenance and compliance teams

Watco Compliance Service appointed Christian Meeker to performance assurance engineer, nondestructive testing and welding processes. Meeker will be responsible for coaching, mentoring and pro¬viding leadership to Watco team members with respect to nondestructive testing and welding processes to ensure compliance with federal regulations, industry standards and Watco’s customer requirements.

USW Local 1976 and CP ratify five-year agreement

Canadian Pacific and the United Steel Workers (USW) Local 1976, representing approximately 800 clerical and intermodal workers, have ratified a five-year contract with 87 percent of the membership voting in favor of the contract terms.

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