Metra unveils $2.4 billion modernization plan; 2015 budget includes 10.8 percent fare increase

Chicago’s Metra released a long-term, multibillion dollar modernization plan focused on replacing the agency’s aging rail cars and locomotives and addressing the ongoing critical need to maintain safe and reliable service for hundreds of thousands of daily commuters.

DART re-elects Strauss chair

The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) board of directors re-elected Robert Strauss as their chair for the coming year.

RailComm provides its DOC system to Ferromex

Ferromex railroad has chosen RailComm to provide yard automation to 80-plus newly-installed switch machines, which will be controlled via the RailComm Domain Operations Controller (DOC) in Torreon City, Mexico.

Bentley Systems names Be Inspired finalists

Bentley Systems, Inc., a company dedicated to providing software solutions for sustaining infrastructure, has announced the project finalists in the 2014 Be Inspired Awards competition.

UTU members ratify pacts on two terminal railroads

United Transportation Union Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (UTU-SMART)-represented trainmen, engineers and yardmasters employed by Lake Terminal Railroad have ratified a new six-year agreement by a unanimous vote.

MTA NYCT to close three station platforms for three months

Metropolitan Transportation Authority New York City Transit (MTA-NYCT) will close three Manhattan-bound platforms at 104 St-Oxford Avenue and 88 St-Boyd Avenue stations on the A line for three months as part of an ongoing $39-million renewal project at five stations along the Liberty Avenue Line.

SYSTRA launches RAILSIM X® Software Suite

SYSTRA has launched its RAILSIM X® Software Suite, analytical software for rail systems modeling and simulations. The company says this redevelopment of the RAILSIM operations software package will introduce a brand new set of analytical capabilities and include enhancements to the software’s existing array of modules.

Mizzou professor looks to tackle challenge of why weeds like crossings

A plant scientist at the University of Missouri, Reid Smeda, has been working for more than a decade to help make railroad crossings safer through vegetation management with herbicides.

Rock Hill recapitalizes Rail Services & Logistics; acquires Rail Tie Solutions’ assets

Rock Hill Capital Group has completed a majority recapitalization of Rail Service & Logistics, LLC (RSL), a railroad services provider involved in the removal and disposal of wood crossties.

Axion receives fourth tie order from Russia

Axion International Holdings, Inc., has received its fourth purchase order for ECOTRAX® rail ties to be shipped to Russia for its transit system.

RTD celebrates two decades of light-rail service

October 7, 2014, marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Central Rail Line, Regional Transportation District of Denver’s (RTD) first light-rail line.

Wisconsin plans for Freight Rail Week

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and the Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin (TDA) are teaming up to promote, educate and celebrate the freight rail system that contributes to the state’s economy, environment and quality of life during Freight Rail Week in Wisconsin October 6 – 12.

Atlanta Streetcar deems first test a success

On October 1, Atlanta Streetcar 1001 made its first trip around the system’s 2.7-mile route under its own power.

Hensel Phelps wins design and build contract

Hensel Phelps Construction Co. has been awarded the contract to design and build the rail yard and maintenance facility for Phase 2 of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project (Silver Line).

ConnDOT plans to replace Walk Bridge

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) plans to close a $188-million funding gap for the design and replacement of the 118-year-old Walk Bridge in Norwalk, Conn., which malfunctioned in two separate incidents within a two week period over the summer, and is used by Metro-North New Haven Line trains.

Engineering report details work needed to fix Amtrak New York tunnels

An engineering report, detailing damage to the Amtrak-owned Hudson River and East River tunnels from Superstorm Sandy, recommends a phased process to take individual tubes out of service for extended periods to perform the work required to maintain reliability of train movements in and out of New York City.

Study puts NCRR impact on North Carolina economy at $794 million

The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) had a direct impact on the North Carolina economy of an estimated $794 million during 2013, according to a recently completed study conducted by RTI International (RTI).

Metro-North; city of Mount Vernon partnering on trio of bridge replacements

Metro-North Railroad and the city of Mount Vernon, N.Y., have agreed to work together to replace up to three bridges that carry vehicular traffic over Metro-North’s New Haven Line. The bridges are located at Tenth Avenue, Sixth Avenue and North 14th Avenue.

CHSRA appoints director of planning and integration

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has appointed Melissa DuMond as director of planning and integration. She will be responsible for advancing CHSRA’s implementation of the high-speed rail program by coordinating station area development, overseeing the advancement of integrated service with other rail providers and management of general corridor planning activities.

New regional rail station coming to Allston, Mass.

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick today joined Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Secretary Richard Davey, Boston Mayor Martin Walsh and state and local officials to announce that the I-90/Massachusetts Turnpike Allston Interchange Improvements project will include a new commuter rail stop, with pedestrian and bike access, that will allow for increased development and growth opportunities in the area.

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