Norfolk Southern facilitates $2.1 billion in industrial investment in 2012
Norfolk Southern invested $2.1 billion in the location of 64 new industries and the expansion of 30 existing industries along its rail lines in 2012.
Track Maintenance
WMATA board approves joint development agreement for transit-oriented development team
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Board of Directors approved the Joint Development Agreement to advance the process for creating transit-oriented development (TOD) in the area surrounding the New Carrollton Metrorail station in Prince George’s County, Md.
Caltrain board elects officers
The Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board in California, which owns and operates Caltrain, unanimously elected Santa Clara County Supervisor Ken Yeager, representing the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, as board chair. This is the second time that Yeager has held the position.
Amtrak fills senior operations positions
Amtrak named Magdy El-Sibaie chief safety officer and Robin McDonough chief, business operations. Both will report directly to DJ Stadtler, vice president of operations.
Integrated testing begins on RTD’s West Rail Line
In Denver, Colo., the Regional Transportation District (RTD) will start the integrated testing phase for the West Rail Line beginning Thursday, Jan. 3.
Pioneer Railcorp purchases rail line from Maumee & Western Railroad
Pioneer Railcorp’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Michigan Southern Railroad Company, purchased the rail line formerly known as the Maumee & Western Railroad Corporation (MAW).
AECOM joint venture awarded contract for the extension of Boston’s Green Line
AECOM Technology Corporation was awarded $43.3-million by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for for the extension of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) Green Line light-rail service in Boston.
CN completes EJ&E/WC merger, reaches agreement with IBEW
Canadian National has completed the merger of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company (EJ&E) into its Wisconsin Central Ltd. (WC) subsidiary, effective Jan. 1, 2013.
Watco to buy Ann Arbor Railroad
Watco Railroad Company Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Watco Companies, L.L.C., has reached a definitive agreement to purchase the stock of the Ann Arbor Railroad, Inc. (AA).
FRA grants funds for Pennsylvania rail bridge
The Federal Railroad Administration has awarded the county of Lycoming, Pa., a $2.4-million Rail Line Relocation grant to build a new bridge spanning the Loyalsock Creek in Loyalsock Township and Montoursville Borough.
San Pedro & Southwestern Railroad sets safety record
The San Pedro & Southwestern Railroad (SPSR) set a new safety record December 23, 2012, completing 5,000 days of accident-free operations on the Benson, Ariz.-based shortline.
Metro-North Railroad turns 30
New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Metro-North Railroad celebrated its 30th birthday on Jan. 1, 2013. The railroad says it has become the busiest and best passenger railroad in the country with a consistent on-time performance of better than 97 percent and a customer satisfaction rating of 93 percent.
USDOT finalizes changes to New Starts/Small Starts program
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) finalized changes to its approach for administering New Starts/Small Starts program.
Amtrak names Hardison chief marketing and sales officer
Amtrak named Matt Hardison chief marketing and sales officer (CMSO), following the retirement of Emmett Fremaux and will report to President and CEO Joe Boardman, effective immediately.
BART directors sworn in, president and vice president elected
In San Francisco, Calif., the Bay Area Rapid Transit Board of Directors welcomed two new members and voted to elect Director Tom Radulovich as president and Director Joel Keller as vice president.
Phoenix Valley Metro avoids strike
Phoenix’s Valley Metro said a potential work stoppage has been averted and light-rail service will run as normal on New Year’s Eve.
KCS’ Starling outlines infrastructure plans in state of the railroad
David L. Starling, Kansas City Southern’s president and CEO, outlined the state of the railroad in a letter dated Dec. 21 and posted to the KCS website. Starling says the railroad’s 125th anniversary year has been a success; something he aims to continue into 2013.
NRC names 2013 Hall of Fame inductee
The National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) named James J. (Jim) Daloisio, Chairman and CEO, Railroad Construction Company of South Jersey as its 2013 Hall of Fame Inductee.
STB approves GWI’s control of RailAmerica railroads
The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has approved Genesee & Wyoming Inc.’s application to control RailAmerica, Inc., and the RailAmerica railroads, effective December 28, 2012.
Sound Transit Board approves 2013 budget
In Seattle, Wash., the Sound Transit Board approved a $1.1 billion 2013 budget that moves light-rail expansions forward, while positioning the regional transit system to carry more than 28 million riders next year.