GE Transportation chooses Chicago for global headquarters
GE Transportation has chosen Chicago, Ill., as its global headquarters. Erie, Pa., will remain the headquarters for GE Transportation’s global locomotive business and key manufacturing site.
Track Maintenance
CP, TCRC talks stall, Canadian government takes steps to legislate end to strike
Legislation has been introduced in Canada’s House of Commons aimed at restoring Canadian Pacific Service. The Honorable Lisa Raitt, Canada’s Labor Minister, introduced the Restoring Rail Service Act, which was put in place to end the strike at CP.
FRA’s Close Call Reporting Program shows improvement; present R&D agenda
In recent analysis, the Federal Railroad Administration said its Close Call Confidential Reporting System (C3RS) demonstration project has shown significant improvements in both safety and safety culture since C3RS was introduced, including a decrease in derailments.
Winnipeg’s Union Station to receive upgrades
The Honorable Steven Fletcher, minister of state (transport) and member of Parliament for Charleswood-St. James-Assinniboia, Manitoba and VIA Rail Canada announced a CA$6.5 million (US$6.36 million) investment in Winnipeg’s Union Station to improve public areas, accessibility, passenger services and amenities and the exterior of the heritage building.
WMATA completes Guarded #8 switch installation along mainline
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority safely completed a key National Transportation Safety Board recommendation, the Guarded #8 project, late Monday, May 28, with the installation of the 178th mainline guarded rail switch on the Metrorail system.
CTA’s Red Line station improvement project set to begin
Chicago Transportation Authority’s Red North Interim Station Improvement project will begin Friday, June 1, resulting in the temporary closure of the Granville station for up to six weeks.
CN says rail traffic controllers in Canada ratify new collective agreement
Canadian National says that members of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference-Rail Canada Traffic Controllers have ratified a new collective agreement covering approximately 210 train dispatchers in Canada.
LACMTA adopts FY13 budget, approves remaining phases of Westside Subway Extension
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s board of directors adopted a $4.5 billion budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2012. LACMTA’s FY 2013 budget does not propose raising fares, which already rank among the lowest in the nation; its farebox recovery will stay at 28 percent.
BNSF plans $111 million capital program in Montana
BNSF plans to invest an estimated $111 million on maintenance and rail capacity improvement projects in Montana this year.
WMATA Board approves FY13 budget
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Board of Directors approved WMATA’s $2.5 billion operating and capital budgets for fiscal 2013, which fund critical projects to enhance safety and reliability, as well as customer service. WMTA’s fiscal year begins July 1.
Canada prepares legislation to end CP strike
The Honorable Lisa Raitt, Canada’s Labor Minister, said that the federal government has put the Restoring Rail Service Act on notice to end the current Canadian Pacific work stoppage involving the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference.
BNSF plans $30 million capital program in South Dakota
BNSF plans to invest an estimated $30 million on maintenance and rail capacity improvement projects in South Dakota this year.
SEPTA celebrates Ryers Station improvements
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, elected officials, community leaders and other dignitaries gathered to celebrate the completion of a federally-funded, non-stimulus $7.9 million renovation project at Ryers Station.
Five Ohio crossings to receive upgrades
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio approved construction authorization from the Ohio
RTD West Rail Line to open in April 2013, eight months early
The Denver, Colo., Regional Transportation District will open the West Rail Line to the public on April 26, 2013, eight months ahead of the originally scheduled opening date. The West Rail Line is the first FasTracks project to be completed and part of the current $4.2 billion investment in the region. Presently, 50 miles of new rail line are in construction or under contract to begin construction.
GO Transit celebrates 45 years of service
GO Transit in Toronto, Canada, celebrates its 45th year in operation and recognizes that milestone with a reflection on its history and successes.
RailAmerica, Inc., reviews strategic alternatives
RailAmerica, Inc., stated that its board of directors is considering strategic alternatives, which may include a sale of the company. In connection with its evaluation, the company is engaged in preliminary discussions with third parties regarding a potential sale of the company.
LIRR plans $211.5 million in infrastructure improvements
New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority Long Island Rail Road plans to invest $211.5 million in Main Line infrastructure improvements, including a $55 million facelift for Hicksville Station. Other projects include a new bridge in Westbury and track drainage fix in Mineola.
Watco promotes Towner to assistant vice president of operations
Stu Towner has been promoted to the position of assis¬tant vice president of operations for Watco Transportation Services. Towner will be responsible for the continued development and improvement of safety, service, growth, people and efficiency in all areas of WTS. He will be responsible for and participate in, due diligence and transition of new acquisitions within WTS.
Gannett Fleming names Lee vice president, hires new senior project manager
Gannett Fleming, Inc., has named Joel Lee vice president of the company and hired John Hugunin as senior project manager.