Metra includes cost cutting strategies in 2016 budget
As part of its efforts to reduce costs and hold the line on spending, $5.7 million in Metra savings and efficiencies will be incorporated into the agency’s 2016 annual budget plan.
OFF Track Maintenance
SNC-Lavalin names Bruce as president, CEO; Card to retire
SNC-Lavalin has named Neil Bruce president and chief executive officer and a member of the board of directors, succeeding Robert Card, who will retire. Bruce will begin in his new role October 5, 2015.
Feds would pay for half of new Hudson tunnel under Christie-Cuomo proposal
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo sent a letter to President Barack Obama outlining what they call “a viable funding framework to break the logjam over funding for a new trans-Hudson commuter rail tunnel.”
FTA awards funds to planning projects that improve transit access
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded 21 organizations around the country with a share of $19.5 million in grants to support comprehensive planning projects that improve access to public transit.
Public meetings will highlight results of study for proposed NNEIRI passenger service
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) will air findings on a study to expand regional intercity passenger rail service at three public meetings to be held in Massachusetts and Vermont in September.
CTA awarded additional funds for Red and Purple Line improvements
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) will receive $1.25 million for its program to modernize the to Red and Purple Lines in an effort to bolster Chicago’s ability to meet growing demand for transit.
New Haven-Springfield stakeholders vow plan for progress
Talks Sept. 10 between Amtrak, Connecticut and federal officials resulted in a pledge to move the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield project forward. However, a plan will not be solidified until the end of the month.
Toronto area’s “missing link” rail bypass proposal moves forward
A study regarding a freight bypass rail line between the Canadian Pacific Line (Milton GO Rail corridor) west of Trafalgar Road in Milton and the Canadian National bypass Line at Bramalea has been endorsed by the Mississauga City Council.
HART marks completion of four miles of guideway
Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) has completed four miles of the system’s elevated guideway. The four-mile mark is along Farrington Highway near Leoku Street in Waipahu.
INRD joins BMWED
The Indiana Rail Road Company‘s 24 maintenance-of-way employees voted to join the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED) on Sept. 2.
DEIS for Tucson to Phoenix passenger route released
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), in partnership with the Federal Railroad Administration, has released the Draft Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement for ADOT’s Passenger Rail Corridor Study: Tucson to Phoenix.
CSX shifts leadership roles as Munoz leaves for United
CSX made a number of senior management changes, effective immediately, including the resignation of Oscar Munoz, who has been named president and chief executive of United Continental Holdings, Inc.
NCRR adds economic development, engineering and communications staff
The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) welcomed three new members to its team.
TNW Corporation makes managerial appointments
TNW Corporation (TNW), operator of shortline railways and logistics centers, has hired three and promoted one to managerial roles.
Gary Smith joins Stantec’s freight rail group
Gary Smith has been named rail sector lead for Stantec’s freight rail team, accountable for growing Stantec’s freight and commuter rail services throughout Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Metra chooses Parsons for PTC
Parsons has been selected by Metra, Chicago’s commuter rail operator, to install Positive Train Control (PTC) on its trains.
SCVTA Montague Station reopens
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority’s (SCVTA) Montague Light Rail Station in Milpitas has reopened after being closed for five months to allow for modifications to the station for a new pedestrian bridge that will provide a convenient and direct connection between the future Milpitas Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Station and the Montague Light Rail Station.
UP names new VP and AVP of public affairs
Union Pacific promoted Wes Lujan to vice president public affairs for the western region and Liisa Stark to assistant vice president public affairs for Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin; both appointments are effective October 1.
NMC Railway Systems hosts Rep. Ashford for tour, discussion
Rep. Brad Ashford (D-NE-2) joined representatives from NMC Railway Systems for a tour of the company’s Omaha facility and discussion of public policy priorities for the local business and rail communities.
WMATA submits audit report to FTA
Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA) submitted the results of its Federal Year 2014 Audit to the Federal Transit Administration.