WMATA updates progress on service improvements
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) provided an update on service improvements that includes better on-time performance and fewer unscheduled delays.
Track Maintenance
RFP stage closes for Stouffville GO station improvements
The Request for Proposals (RFP) stage has closed for teams to submit their bids to design, build and finance GO Transit station improvements on the Stouffville GO Corridor for the GO Regional Express Rail (RER) program.
New MTA 53rd Street R Station is first of 33 to open
The new Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit 53 Street R Station in Sunset Park, Brooklyn opened ahead of schedule.
CHSRA appoints Post, Rodriguez
California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) appointed Thomas Post as director of engineering and Alice Rodriguez as deputy director of external affairs.
FRA issues Southeast HSR DEIS
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on Sept. 8 announced completion of the Tier II Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the 123-mile section of the Southeast High-Speed Rail Corridor linking Washington, D.C. to south of Richmond, Va.
MTA cleans up with Keep it Clean initiative
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo revealed a new initiative to discourage subway littering. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will run a public awareness campaign for the Keep it Clean initiative.
Penn State Altoona offers first ABET-accredited rail degree in U.S.
Penn State Altoona says it now offers the first and only ABET-accredited rail transportation engineering degree.
Will Trump fund Gateway? Maybe
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, along with 15 other elected officials from New York and New Jersey, met with President Donald Trump at the White House Sept. 7 to discuss the Gateway Project. Accounts of the meeting vary, but are somewhat positive.
HAZON to make UAV software available for post-hurricane inspections
As Hurricane Irma approaches Florida, HAZON Solutions says it will provide its Unmanned Aerial Vehicle fleet management software free to those involved in storm disaster response or recovery efforts in the United States.
USDOT accepting TIGER applications for FY17
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is accepting Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant applications through Oct. 16 for Fiscal Year 2017 awards.
LIRR continues Ronkonkoma Double Track Project
Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) crews will conduct critical work to advance the LIRR’s Ronkonkoma Branch Double Track Project during the weekends of Sept. 9-10 and 16-17.
Colorado explores Front Range commuter line
A Colorado commission is exploring plans for a commuter rail line connecting cities along the state’s Front Range.
Union Pacific replaces Deval diamond in 48 hours
Union Pacific credits teamwork and planning for the successful replacement of the 100,000-pound, five-track Deval diamond in a little over 48 hours.
Keith Parker steps down from MARTA
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) General Manager and CEO Keith Parker will step down after nearly five years of service.
Gov. Ige signs Honolulu rail funding bill
Hawaii Gov. David Ige signed a bill that includes a $2.4-billion package to fund the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit (HART) rail project’s full 20-mile build out.
Report: VA rail investment provides 250% return
A study by the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) has found rail transportation operators in the area contribute more than $600 million to the commonwealth’s general fund.
Canadian government “formally demanded” repair to Hudson Bay rail line
The government of Canada has “formally demanded” that the Hudson Bay Railway Company honor a 2008 agreement and repair tracks between Amery and Churchill, Manitoba.
LACMTA releases Draft EIS/EIR for proposed East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) has released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) for the proposed East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor (ESFV project).
Amtrak completes NY Penn Station renewal work
Amtrak has completed its accelerated infrastructure renewal at New York Penn Station. The track and switch projects will help improve reliability at the busy rail hub.
New CTA Loop “L” station opens at Washington/Wabash
Chicago’s first new downtown “L” station in 20 years opened yesterday. The Washington/Wabash Station is considered to be a gateway to Millennium Park and the east Loop.