Seattle First Hill Streetcar opens with “soft launch”
In Seattle, Wash., the First Hill Streetcar opened with a soft launch January 23, a few weeks before it’s grand opening ceremony and celebration.
OFF Track Maintenance
Valley Metro names Scott Smith as interim CEO
Scott Smith, former mayor of Mesa, Ariz., and president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors (2013-214), has been named as the interim chief executive officer for Valley Metro, effective February 1, 2016.
SEPTA plans 8.75-megawatt energy storage project
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) plans to install a battery storage network, which will help reduce operating costs, ensure energy resiliency and support the stability of the energy grid.
Gertler joins HDR as VP of strategic consulting team
Peter Gertler has joined HDR’s strategic consulting team as vice president and is responsible for helping the firm grow its strategic consulting practice worldwide.
Metro-North implements Confidential Close Call Reporting System
Metro-North Railroad has extended the implementation of its Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C3RS), an initiative designed to encourage workers to report any potential safety hazard or breach of procedures that they may observe by providing them with a convenient, non-confrontational and anonymous method to do so.
HDR names Goehri director of professional services – transportation
Scott Goehri has been named director of professional services for HDR’s transportation business group.
Minnesota governor’s jobs bill includes crossing safety initiatives
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton has introduced a jobs bill that would invest $1.4 billion in infrastructure projects statewide, creating an estimated 39,900 Minnesota jobs.
CSX to consolidate operating divisions
CSX is consolidating its operations administration from 10 divisions to nine and closing administrative offices at Huntington, W.Va. Huntington Division administrative responsibilities will be reassigned to five adjoining divisions: Atlanta, Baltimore, Florence, Great Lakes and Louisville.
DART names VP of capital design and construction
Transit veteran John Rhone has been appointed as the new vice president of capital design and construction at Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART).
Battling brush with smart vegetation management programs
Suppliers of intelligent herbicides and technologically- advanced machines update their offerings to help wage the war on unwelcome vegetation.
Preparing for winter’s return
MBTA has improved its infrastructure, equipment and operations to ensure service remains reliable, no matter what winter brings.
Cando Rail Service plans rail terminal in British Columbia
Cando Rail Services is expanding into British Columbia with the recent purchase of an 89-acre parcel of land in Kamloops for a new rail terminal. The terminal will have the capacity for 1,000 railcar storage spots, in addition to providing transloading, material handling, engineering and track and mechanical services.
NYCT to begin major station renovation project Monday
Beginning January 18, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit will begin performing major renovations to nine stations along the Sea Beach N Line from 8 Av in Sunset Park to 86 St in Bensonhurst. The stations are: 8 Av, Fort Hamilton Pkwy, New Utrecht Av, 18 Av, 20 Av, Bay Pkwy, Kings Hwy, Avenue U and 86 St.
CHSRA, Burbank enter into station-area planning agreement
The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has entered into a station-area funding agreement with the city of Burbank to begin the planning process to develop a multimodal transportation hub.
Sound Transit preps for big year in light-rail expansion
Sound Transit Board Chair and King County Executive Dow Constantine joined Peter Rogoff, the agency’s new chief executive officer, to preview the year that lies ahead for expanding regional light-rail service.
O-Train Confederation Line progress on time, on budget
The O-Train Confederation Line LRT project in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, remains on track, on time and on budget.
Metra approves funds for Chicago Union Station design study
The Metra Board of Directors has voted unanimously to spend $1 million on a study that will produce 30 percent design plans to improve Chicago Union Station. The project will be funded through a partnership between Metra, Amtrak, the city of Chicago and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA).
RSI promotes Amanda Patrick
The Railway Supply Institute (RSI) promoted Amanda Patrick to the vice president of trade shows and member relations.
NS combines Virginia, Pocahontas divisions to streamline operations
Norfolk Southern is consolidating its Virginia and Pocahontas divisions to form the new Pocahontas Division, with headquarters in Roanoke, Va., effective Feb. 1.
Hamberger shares the industry’s 2016 goals, sums up 2015 achievements
Association of American Railroads (AAR) President and Chief Executive Officer Edward Hamberger says that the industry will be targeting several key issues in 2016, such as maintaining balanced economic regulation at the Surface Transportation Board (STB), extending the shortline tax credit while laying the groundwork for overall tax reform and advancing security-safety legislation or regulation.