SNC-Lavalin realigns rail and transit business


SNC-Lavalin realigned its business processes, brands and market strategy to offer a larger portfolio of rail and transit expertise and provide an end-to-end client service offering.

Wisconsin legislators take aim at rail safety at state, federal level

Two freight train derailments during the weekend of November 7 and 8 in Alma and Watertown, Wis., have elected officials calling for advanced rail safety efforts at the state and federal level.

SCVTA, Google team up on transportation study

The North Bayshore region in Mountain View, Calif., home to Google and Linkedin, will soon be the subject of a transit study in an effort to figure out how to move an increasing number of employees there in ways other than solo driving.

SEPTA names assistant GM of system safety

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) promoted Scott Sauer to assistant general manager of system safety.

Agreement reached to fund Hudson River Tunnels; establishes management entity

New York and New Jersey leaders have reached an agreement on funding commitments and a governance structure that will allow the Gateway Tunnel Project to move forward.

Metra Board approves 2016 budget

In Chicago, the Metra Board of Directors approved a $945.5-million budget that provides for $759.8 million in operating costs and $185.7 million to fund capital improvements in 2016.

Gannett Fleming Transit & Rail Systems awarded GO Transit electrification project contract

Gannett Fleming Transit & Rail Systems (GFT&RS) was awarded a contract from Metrolinx for its GO Transit rail network electrification project. The contract was awarded to Gannett Fleming Canada ULC, its Canadian subsidiary, to serve as the technical and program management consultant for the project.

MARTA to overhaul tunnel ventilation system

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) recently signed a $198.5-million contract to overhaul and upgrade its tunnel ventilation system (TVS). This improvement project, which is slated to begin in early 2016, advances the agency’s ongoing commitment to safe and efficient transit operations.

RTD integrates PTC into construction of new lines

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) in Denver, Colo., says it’s first in the nation to integrate Positive Train Control (PTC) technology in the actual construction of a rail system. The technology will be used on the new FasTracks commuter transit rail systems.

Maryland SCMaglev awarded federal grant

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded a $27.8-million grant to the state of Maryland for preconstruction and planning costs for the potential development of a Superconducting Magnetic Levitation (SCMaglev) train between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Md.

Sound Transit completes third tunnel bore for Northgate Link extension

The tunnel boring machine known as “Brenda” bored through the wall of Sound Transit‘s future U District light-rail station, completing the third segment of the twin 3.5-mile tunnels that will serve light-rail trains from Northgate Mall to the University of Washington starting in 2021.

Anacostia names CSS; NY&A senior management promotions

Anacostia Rail Holdings, Inc., promoted Michael Shore to vice president-operations of the Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad (CSS) and James Bonner to vice president of the New York & Atlantic Railway (NY&A).

Wabtec to provide signaling, PTC for RTD North Metro Line

Wabtec Corporation signed a $27-million contract with Regional Rail Partners to provide Phase I signaling and communications systems, including Positive Train Control (PTC) equipment, for the new North Metro Rail Line in Denver, Colo. The line will eventually be integrated into Regional Transit District commuter rail services.

Caltrain shortlists three firms for Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project

Caltrain has shortlisted three firms for the construction of the Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project; six firms were originally prequalified to submit proposals.

Hammer named NJDOT commissioner

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie tapped New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) veteran Richard Hammer as the agency’s acting commissioner and will formally nominate him to succeed Jamie Fox.

RailComm names VP of sales

RailComm has hired Troy Haworth as vice president of sales, where he will apply his extensive sales experience to lead the sales team and drive business growth and market share.

APTA reports 5.3 billion trips in first half of 2015

Nearly 5.3 billion trips were taken on U.S. public transportation in the first six months of 2015, according to a report released by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). This is a 0.9 percent decrease over the same period last year, representing 50 million fewer trips.

Paul Wiedefeld named WMATA CEO

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has named Paul Wiedefeld general manager and chief executive officer. Wiedefeld will be formally appointed at WMATA’s next board of directors meeting November 19.

Tri-Rail and SMART –UTU ratify agreement

United Transportation Union Sheet Metal, Air, Rail & Transportation workers (UTU-SMART) represented engineers, conductors and transportation specialists have ratified a tentative agreements with Tri-Rail/Transdev in Florida.

Unimin Energy Solutions opens terminal in W.Va.

Unimin Energy Solutions opened its second unit train capable terminal located in Benwood, W.Va. October 27.

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