MBTA updates expense cutting progress

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) expects to cut its projected fiscal 2017 operating deficit by 43 percent, the result, it says, of continued reductions in overtime spending and other costs and increases in revenue, such as real estate and advertising. T officials will detail the authority’s improving fiscal status during a meeting of its Fiscal Management and Control Board.

STV names Joseph North to SVP

STV has promoted Joseph North to senior vice president. A rail operations specialist and project manager with 40 years of experience in light rail, commuter rail, bus and paratransit operations, North is responsible for supporting STV’s major projects and developing new business.

USDOT accepting applications for new $800M FASTLANE grants

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is soliciting applications for a new grant program authorized by the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.

Sound Transit advances engineering for two light-rail extensions

The Sound Transit Board of Directors has restored Sound Transit 2 funding for preliminary engineering on the Federal Way and Redmond Link extensions, giving staff the green light to move forward with further design on light-rail extensions from Kent/Des Moines to the Federal Way Transit Center and from Overlake to downtown Redmond.

May will see openings of KC Streetcar; Phase 2 of LACMTA Expo Line

In Kansas City, Mo., the KC Streetcar will begin public ridership May 6, 2016. Kansas City Mayor Sly James said the grand opening of the KC Streetcar is more than a celebration of the end of construction and opening of the line.

Study says Alberta to Alaska railway for bitumen transport is feasible

A study released by the Van Horne Institute, based at the University of Calgary, suggests that it is feasible to build a railway for the transport of bitumen between Alberta to Alaska. The study was published by the Van Horne Institute with a Project Team including Shirocca Consulting, AECOM, Generating for Seven Generations, the University of Alaska and Michigan Tech Research Institute.

Light rail recommended mode to connect Ann Arbor, University of Michigan

A study evaluating high-capacity transit options for Ann Arbor, Mich., and the University of Michigan found that a light-rail route would be the recommended mode of transport over other alternatives.

Study finds Detroit to Grand Rapids passenger rail feasible

The economic benefits and number of passengers anticipated by the Coast-to-Coast Passenger Rail Ridership and Cost Estimate Study justify moving the Detroit to Grand Rapids, Mich., project forward, according to project manager Liz Treutel Callin, transportation policy associate for the Michigan Environmental Council.

Canada’s railways announce new Parliamentary Rail Caucus

The Railway Association of Canada has created a Parliamentary Rail Caucus to be chaired by Sherry Romanado, Liberal Member of Parliament for Longueuil-Charles-LeMoyne, Quebec, and co-chaired by Marilyn Gladu, Conservative Member of Parliament for Sarnia-Lambton, Ont.

Eighth round of TIGER funding makes $500 million available

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) will make $500 million available for transportation projects across the country under an eighth round of the successful Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) competitive grant program.

SamTrans names CFO

The San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) has hired Ilia Kay as chief financial officer (CFO).

GE awarded contract to power Tampa Aiport’s APM

GE has been awarded a contract to power up the Tampa International Airport Automated People Mover (APM) in Florida. The company will provide power equipment and be responsible for system integration, engineering expertise and installation of the traction power substation, which will provide around-the-clock delivery of power to the APM.

MARTA GM/CEO appointed to National Infrastructure Advisory Council

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Keith Parker, has been appointed to the National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC).

Infrastructure Ontario, Metrolinx requests Finch West LRT bids from three companies

Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx released a Request for Proposals to companies shortlisted to design, build, finance and maintain the Finch West Light Rail Transit project (LRT).

CHSRA draft plan reduces cost; prioritizes north segment

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) released the Draft 2016 Business Plan, a foundational document for implementing the California High-Speed Rail program that reflects the transition from planning to construction to providing passenger service. Overall capital costs are reduced from $67.6 billion to $64.2 billion.

Rep. Mooney tours Appalachian Timber Services

On Feb. 17, U.S. Rep. Alex Mooney (R-WV-02) joined National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association (NRC) member company Appalachian Timber Services (ATS) for a tour of its facility in Sutton, W.Va.

VP Biden tours Port of New Orleans Mississippi River Intermodal Terminal

Vice President Joe Biden toured the Port of New Orleans’ new Mississippi River Intermodal Terminal before making remarks commemorating the seventh anniversary of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in Louisiana.

Combined FEIS/ROD issued for Durham-Orange light-rail project

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has signed the combined Final Environmental Impact Statement/Record of Decision (FEIS/ROD) for the proposed Durham-Orange Light Rail Transit (D-O LRT) Project, which concludes the environmental review phase under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

HNTB names new associate vice president in Massachusetts

HNTB Corporation promoted Ali Tali, PE, to associate vice president. He currently serves as structural department manager in the firm’s Massachusetts office.

Anacostia names new president for Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad

Todd Bjornstad, formerly the general manager of the Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern Railroad (RCP&E), has been named president of the Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad Company (CSS), effective March 1, 2016, succeeding Andrew Fox.

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