Caltrain Modernization Program secures additional funds

Caltrain’s Modernization Program received an additional $211 million investment following a seven-party agreement adopted by the agency’s board of directors on May 5, 2016.

Cities of Somerville and Cambridge commit $75M in bid to save GLX project

The Massachusetts cities of Somerville and Cambridge reiterated their support and commitment for the proposed Green Line Extension Project (GLX) by pledging a combined $75 million to help bridge the project’s funding gap.

Metrolink California rail projects funding

Metrolink preps for 91/Perris Valley Line opening with additional testing

Metrolink will increase testing of trains along the 91/Perris Valley Line between Perris and Riverside, Calif.

BART makes case for modernizing train control systems

Less crowding and fewer equipment-related delays are important goals of Bay Area Rapid Transit’s (BART) “Big 3” capital improvement projects. The new train cars, an expanded facility to maintain the much larger fleet and a 21st century train control system are all linked and essential to relieving crowding.

Flores joins STV as vice president

Will Flores, an experienced project executive who has overseen the development of a number of transportation initiatives in the New York metropolitan area, has joined STV as a vice president in its Transportation & Infrastructure Division.

Metrolink names CFO

Ronnie Campbell, a veteran financial expert with more than 25 years of budget and finance experience, will join Metrolink as its chief financial officer on May 23. Campbell has been with the city of Camarillo since 2007, serving as the city’s department of finance director.

NTSB: Ineffective inspection, maintenance, oversight led to January 2015 accident

According to a report adopted in a public meeting of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), a short circuit on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) system that caused thick smoke to fill a stranded train, killing one passenger and injuring 91 people on January 12, 2015,

RTD to begin Southeast Rail Extension in May

Construction on the Denver Regional Transportation District’s (RTD) Southeast Rail Extension Project will break ground May 10.

Officials tour the new RTD maintenance facility

On May 3, 2016, U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman’s (R-CO-6) chief of staff and U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner’s (R-CO-4) regional director joined the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) and the Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association, Inc. (REMSA), for a tour of a new commuter rail maintenance facility (CRMF).

CN joins Midwest Inland Port Strategic Development Coalition

Canadian National has joined the Midwest Inland Port Strategic Development Coalition (MIPSDC) to provide strategic and marketing support to the development of the Midwest Inland Port in Decatur, Ill.

HNTB adds Haboian as SVP and chief business development officer; Giamario to New Jersey office

Kevin Haboian has joined HNTB Corporation in the new position of chief business development officer and senior vice president, where he will support the firm’s growth within the transportation sector across the United States.

ASLRRA installs new board leadership

The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) installed Judy Petry, president and general manager of Farmrail System, as its new chairman. Peter Claussen, Jr., president of the Gulf & Ohio Railways, was selected as the new vice-chairman of the association, filling the role Petry previously held.

Crenshaw/LAX tunnel boring machine begins work

The Crenshaw/LAX Transit Line’s tunnel boring machine (TBM), Harriet, began digging the first of two twin-tunnels beneath Crenshaw Boulevard last week.

CHSRA acquires radio spectrum required for train communications

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) received final approval to acquire exclusive rights to the radio spectrum needed to operate future communications systems for its trains.

Progress Rail acquires Inspired Systems

Progress Rail Services Corp., has acquired Inspired Systems Pty Ltd; a move that will expand its rail signaling offerings, according to the company.

USDOT picks new WMATA board members to tackle safety culture

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has appointed three new Federal representatives, each with considerable expertise in safety, to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) board of directors.

CHSRA Board of Directors adopts 2016 Business Plan

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) Board of Directors adopted the 2016 Business Plan, which lays out an approach to sequencing the Phase 1 system that will ultimately connect the San Francisco Bay Area to the Los Angeles Basin via the Central Valley with high-speed passenger rail service. The plan will now be delivered to the legislature by May 2.

Dallas City Council names long-time DART VP to board

Former Dallas Area Rapid Transit Vice President of Marketing and Communications and current Richland College faculty member Sue Bauman has been appointed to the DART Board of Directors by the Dallas City Council.

FRA makes $25 million available for rail infrastructure safety upgrades

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is now accepting applications from local governments, states and railroads for $25 million in competitive grants to increase rail safety. Applications are due by June 14, 2016.

Lodestar Energy Group to develop new multimodal site

Lodestar Energy Group (LEG) is developing a new multimodal site at the Gulf Inland Logistics Park near Dayton, Texas. The site will contain two facilities: a rail-served Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility and a complementary rail car storage yard.

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