Sound Transit releases proposal for 58 miles of light-rail extensions
A public involvement period will begin March 29 on an extensive Sound Transit Board proposal for responding to the region’s chronic transportation challenges.
OFF Track Maintenance
Short Line Safety Institute fills two senior positions
The Short Line Safety Institute on March 24, 2016 announced the onboarding of two key staff members—Mike Long, Senior Safety and Operations Manager, and Michele Malski, Safety Programs Manager. These two new positions will be instrumental in driving the Institute’s key initiatives forward.
BLET members ratify first union contract with Illinois Railway
Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) ratified their first-ever union contract with the Illinois Railway (IR) on March 21, 2016. More than 80 percent of members who cast a valid ballot voted in favor of the agreement.
Atlantic Track & Turnout VP retires
After 35 years in the railroad industry and 23 years of service with Atlantic Track & Turnout Co., Vice President William Roan, Jr., has decided to retire.
Gateway Program partners lay out project plans
Partners in the Gateway Program have outlined steps to move it forward including the allocation of $70 million for preliminary engineering, a federal pledge to streamline environmental reviews and finalization of development corporation structure.
Metra adds more than $64M to its 2016 capital program
The Metra Board of Directors has approved a $64.5 million addition to the agency’s 2016 capital program which now totals $251 million in projected spending.
CN continues safety innovation program with technology investments
CN has launched its third year of the Safety Innovation Program, which is part of the railroad’s broader safety agenda that is focused on enhancing the safety of operations and making the company the safest railway in North America.
Union Pacific continues to see safety success following North Platte unit’s improvement
Union Pacific‘s North Platte Service Unit, which includes about 900 miles of track across Nebraska and parts of Wyoming, Colorado and Kansas, improved employee safety in 2015. The service unit’s reportable employee injury rate improved 32 percent from 1.33 in 2014 to 0.91 in 2015, demonstrating progress toward achieving zero employee injuries.
NS names Adams VP of human resources
Norfolk Southern has named Ann Adams vice president human resources, succeeding Juan Cunningham, who retired earlier this year. Her appointment becomes effective April 1, 2016.
MTS approves $108 million capital improvement program
In another step toward keeping San Diego’s transit system in a state of good repair, the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Board of Directors on March 17, 2016 unanimously approved $108 million for the FY 2017 Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
Sound Transit ULink extension between UW and Seattle now open
On March 19, some of Washington state’s most congested areas began a new era of mobility as Sound Transit opened the University Link light-rail extension, with eight-minute rides between the University of Washington and downtown Seattle.
Valley Metro celebrates light-rail extension opening
The Valley Metro $327-million, 3.2-mile Northwest Extension opened on March 19 ahead of schedule and on budget after more than two years of construction.
Norfolk Southern expanding Norfolk HQ to accommodate 165 additional employees
Norfolk Southern is investing $8.2 million to expand its corporate headquarters in Norfolk, Va., to accommodate 165 new employees. The expansion and new jobs are the result of the consolidation of the company’s corporate offices in Norfolk and Atlanta, Ga., and the closure of its Roanoke, Va., office building.
New head of subways named for NYCT
New York City Transit (NYCT) Acting Senior Vice President of the Department of Subways Wynton Habersham has been appointed to the position permanently. He is responsible for planning, directing and controlling the subway and its safe operation.
Rail service returns following WMATA shutdown
Washington Metropolitan Transportation Authority (WMATA) has restored service following an unprecedented full closure of the system March 16 for emergency inspections of the system’s third-rail power cables.
FRA redesigns crossing and trespassing website to increase safety
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) launched a redesigned website to serve as a one-stop shop to help drivers, pedestrians and law enforcement stay safe around the nation’s more than 200,000 railroad crossings and 140,000 miles of track.
OmniTRAX Logistics expands service territory in 2016
OmniTRAX Logistics Services, LLC (OLS) is rapidly expanding its service territory throughout the United States in 2016. OmniTRAX, Inc., is promoting the unit’s growth with the launch of a new website at www.myshippingmadeeasy.com . OLS, which provides a full range of transportation and handling services, built the website to accentuate the company’s “We Make Shipping Easy” slogan.
Metrolinx selects CH2M to provide program management services for Next Wave Rapid Transit Projects
Metrolinx has selected CH2M for its Next Wave Rapid Transit Projects – Consultant Services for Program Management Services contract.
GE Transportation’s Digital Solutions bets big on Chicago
GE selected Chicago to be a core hub of its growing digital ecosystem and the company says it will provide deep investments to further advance its digital strategy.
Fire prompts shutdown of full WMATA rail system for inspection
A major electrical cable fire in a tunnel just outside the Washington Metro McPherson Square station early Monday, March 14, 2016 has led to the entire Metrorail system shutting down for a 29-hour period beginning March 16 at 12:00 a.m. for emergency safety inspections of third-rail power cables.