NTSB cites lack of safety culture in Chester, Pa., derailment

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said ignored safety procedures and a fractured safety program are to blame for the April 3, 2016, derailment of Amtrak train 89 near Chester, Penn.

Metra 2018 budget hikes fares, cuts trains

Metra, the commuter rail division of Chicago’s Regional Transportation Authority, approved a 2018 budget that raises fares and cuts some trains in a bid to close a $45-million operating deficit.

 

Port of Oakland progresses planned logistics facility at former Army base

The Port of Oakland is progressing a plan 15 years in the making to expand onto a former Army base.

Draft Supplemental document released for Fresno-Bakersfield section of California HSR project as state seeks to take over environmental reviews

The state of California is looking to assume federal environmental responsibilities for the California high-speed rail project.

Truck to rail coal facility to be built in Indiana

Sunrise Coal, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hallador Energy, and Norfolk Southern have signed a Side Track Agreement to construct a truck to rail coal loading facility.

MassDOT releases freight plan; applies for federal grant to upgrade NECR

A draft Massachusetts Freight Plan has been released in a bid to engage stakeholders within the commonwealth on how cargo moves through the region and how to plan for future needs.

Design-Build RFQ issued for Glendora-Montclair Gold Line extension

A year-long process to solidify a design-build team for the Glendora to Montclair Gold Line extension began with the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ).

TxDOT continues to explore Oklahoma-South Texas passenger rail options

A new study has deemed passenger rail service between Oklahoma City and South Texas to be feasible, according to a release from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

Lambert to lead Houston Metro for two more years

The Board of Directors of Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Metro) in Houston approved a new contract in late October for President and CEO Tom Lambert, which took effect Nov. 1.

APTA reacts to proposed U.S. tax overhaul

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) sent a letter to members of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means to identify its concerns with the proposed overhaul of the U.S. tax system.

Parsons to lead “next generation” at IAIS

Joseph Parsons will take on the newly-created title of general manager at the Iowa Interstate Railroad (IAIS), effective Nov. 3, concurrent with the retirement of Jerome Lipka from the position of president. Al Satunas was named chief operating officer and will report to Parsons.

NCRR names Walters as chairman of the board

Michael Walters has been elected to be chairman of the North Carolina Railroad Company’s (NCRR) Board of Directors.

SNC-Lavalin acquires asset management firm

SNC-Lavalin has acquired Data Transfer Solutions LLC (DTS) for $45 million. The company says the acquisition will add to the capabilities of SNC-Lavalin’s Atkins sector and will enhance service offerings in digital asset management for clients.

Bellew to lead safety and training at RailPros Field Services

RailPros Field Services has named Rick Bellew assistant vice president of safety and training.

OLI’s Bonnie Murphy to join DART in November

Bonnie Murphy will conclude her term as president of Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), on November 1; she has been with OLI since January 2016.

Pilot program allows testing of UAS outside of FAA regs

A pilot program to advance the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) will partner the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and local jurisdictions in developing rules that will allow broader testing.

Bureau of Reclamation clears California HSR project for irrigation pipe relocations

The U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation has finalized an environmental analysis of a proposal to replace or relocate irrigation pipelines in the Central Valley to accommodate guideways for the Merced to Fresno section of California’s high-speed rail project.

Stotter new chief at North Shore RR

North Railroad Railroad Co. & Affiliates has promoted Jebediah Stotter to president and chief executive officer, succeeding chairman Gary Shields, who has retired.

TTCI’s Gonzales joins LRIW board

The League of Railway Industry Women (LRIW) has named Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI) Executive Director Business Services Kari L. Gonzales to its board of directors.

Changes at the top for CSX

Three top CSX executives will be leaving the railroad on Nov. 15—Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Cindy M. Sanborn; Executive Vice President and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Fredrik J. Eliasson; and Executive Vice President Law and Public Affairs, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary Ellen M. Fitzsimmons. Sanborn and Eliasson are resigning “to pursue other interests.” Fitzsimmons is retiring. All “will remain engaged in supporting the transition until early 2018,” CSX said.

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