Amtrak, Maryland Transit Administration invest in new Baltimore Penn Station backup generator system

Amtrak and the Maryland Transit Administration have invested $1.2 million in a new backup generator system at Baltimore Penn Station to ensure station readiness and reliability, as well as maintain continuity of critical station operations during extended utility outages.

CTA receives perfect score from FTA

As reported by Railway Age, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announced on June 8, 2016 that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the top federal oversight agency for transit agencies, gave the CTA a perfect score on its FTA Triennial Review and found no deficiencies across multiple categories and departments.

XpressWest continues development sans CRI assistance

In September 2015, XpressWest and China Railway International USA, Co., LTD. (CRI) commenced joint venture activities intended to advance the high-speed rail line planned to link Las Vegas, Nev., and Los Angeles, Calif.

NAMRC names Rauch Supplier of the Year

The North American Maintenance Railway Club (NAMRC) named Ian Rauch, manager of Steel and OTM Sales at Omaha Track as its 2015-2016 Supplier of the Year.

Vermont approves $33.4 million for rail projects

Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin on June 2, 2016, signed the FY 2017 Transportation Bill, which approves approximately $612.6 million in infrastructure improvements, including $33.4 million for rail. The bill includes an overhaul of the trespassing regulations to improve safety on Vermont’s rail lines.

CTA to renovate historic Quincy Loop Station, awards construction contract

The Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Board of Directors has approved a contract for renovations of the historic Quincy station, one of CTA’s oldest stations built in 1897.

New York grants to rehab three bridges; 52 miles of track

New York state has awarded $16.3 million in grants through the Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program to projects that Gov. Andrew Cuomo said will strengthen infrastructure, as well as support economic development by leveraging an additional $12.8 million in additional public and private investments.

Across the US communities seek $9.3 billion in TIGER funding

The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program has received 585 applications from across the country totaling $9.3 billion in requested funding – over 18 times more than the $500 million that will be awarded.

Union Pacific names Rhonda Ferguson executive vice president and chief legal officer

Union Pacific has named Rhonda Ferguson executive vice president and chief legal officer, effective July 11.

DART Rail/Trinity Railway Express turns 20

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will celebrate 20 years in service this month. Notable milestones surrounding its 20 years includes more than 360 million passenger trips, 90 miles of rail, $8-billion in economic impact and $5 billion in private transit oriented development at or near rail stations.

President of LTK Engineering Services retires, replacement appointed

LTK Engineering Services has promoted Dominic DiBrito to president, replacing George Dorshimer, who will be retiring, effective January 1, 2017.

Mongeau steps down

Citing health reasons, CN President and Chief Executive Officer Claude Mongeau will step down on June 30, 2016. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Luc Jobin will succeed him.

Union Pacific Nevada program includes rail, tie replacements

Union Pacific plans to spend $33.7 million on improvements to its Nevada infrastructure in 2016. This year’s investment is on top of the $180 million UP spent in the state from 2011-2015.

Trackwork complete for Toronto-York Spadina extension

Premier Kathleen Wynne visited the site of the future Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station at Highway 7 in York Region on June 6 to mark the completion of track work on the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension (TYSSE).

Ontario makes another big funding commitment to rail transit

The province of Ontario is committing more than CA$1 billion (US$779 million) toward the city of Ottawa’s light-rail transit (LRT) expansion project, which the province says will help grow the economy, reduce travel times and connect people to jobs.

Rep. Fitzpatrick joins TRAC Lubricants and Coatings and the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad for demonstration, discussion

On June 6, 2016, Rep. Michael Fitzpatrick (R-PA-8) joined representatives from TRAC Lubricants and Coatings (TLC) and the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad for a product demonstration and rail industry discussion.

CN seeking input from municipalities for corridor risk assessments

Canadian National is encouraging communities to submit input for corridor risk assessments along rail routes carrying significant amounts of dangerous goods.

Two design-build contracts awarded for LIRR Double Track project

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Ronkonkoma Branch Double Track project is one step closer to breaking ground after two design-build contracts were awarded for work that will significantly advance the project.

Purple Line Extension station construction set to begin on LACMTA

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) will begin building the Wilshire/La Brea underground station for the Purple Line Extension Project June 10.

TriMet promotes Witter to lead capital projects and construction

Steve Witter has been promoted to executive director of TriMet‘s Capital Projects and Construction Division.

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