Feds grant $29 million in funds to promote transit safety

Thirteen organizations in nine states will receive a share of $29 million in grant funding through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Innovative Safety, Resiliency and All-Hazards Emergency Response and Recovery Demonstration funding opportunity.

BNSF plans $223 million capital program in 2015 for Texas

BNSF‘s 2015 capital program for its operations in Texas will be an estimated $223 million for rail capacity improvement projects and maintenance.

Munoz named CSX Corporation president, operations gets new leadership

The CSX Board of Directors have unanimously elected Oscar Munoz as president, overseeing operations, sales and marketing, human resources, service design and information technology. Munoz assumes this new role effective immediately and also remains chief operating officer.

BNSF includes double tracking; siding work and CTC included in North Dakota plans

BNSF ‘s 2015 capital program for its operations in North Dakota will be an estimated $326 million for rail capacity improvement projects and maintenance.

Metrolinx issues construction tender for expansion of Stouffville GO Line

Metrolinx in Toronto, ON, Canada, issued a construction tender to build a second track on a five-kilometer (three-mile) section of GO Transit’s Stouffville corridor to bring better transit to residents in Scarborough, Markham and Stouffville.

Port of Quincy requests Washington state funds to expand intermodal terminal

Port of Quincy is requesting $16.2 million in transportation funding from the Washington State Legislature to expand the infrastructure at its intermodal terminal to help restore critical domestic eastbound intermodal rail service for Central Washington fresh produce, perishable and frozen foods shippers.

Denver Transit Partners Eagle P3 project qualifies for OSHA VPP

Denver Transit Partners’ work for the Regional Transportation District (RTD) Eagle P3 Commuter Rail Project was recognized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as qualifying for the Star Voluntary Protection Program (VPP).

Teamsters put CP on strike notice

On February 10, Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) advised Canadian Pacific negotiators that in the event ongoing negotiations do not result in an agreement by midnight February 14, the entire bargaining unit of Locomotive Engineers, Conductors, Trainmen and Yardmen will be exercising their legal right to strike action throughout each location in Canada. The group represents more than 3,000 active engineers and conductors at CP. A work stoppage could occur as early as 12:01 a.m., Feb. 15, 2015.

BNSF outlines planned 2015 capital investment for Illinois

BNSF‘s 2015 capital program for its operations in Illinois will be an estimated $339 million for rail capacity improvement projects and maintenance.

Shortline tax credit legislation enters House

Reps. Lynn Jenkins (R-KS), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Rodney Davis (R-IL) and Dan Lipinski (D-IL) introduced H.R. 721, the Short Line Railroad Rehabilitation and Investment Act of 2015. This legislation would extend the Section 45G shortline track maintenance tax credit that expired at the end of 2014.

RTD begins Operation Lifesaver outreach program

Denver Regional Transportation District says “Safety first” is plastered on every light-rail vehicle for a reason – it’s the agency’s top priority.

UP achieves seven-percent derailment decrease

Union Pacific says training, technology and investments helped the railroad improve safety in 2014, which reduced its reportable derailment rate seven percent. UP improved its reportable derailment rate to 3.0 from 3.24 in 2013 and has improved this rate 38 percent over the past 10 years.

BNSF plans $189-million capital program on its Washington network

BNSF ‘s 2015 capital program for its operations in Washington will be an estimated $189 million for rail capacity improvement projects and maintenance.

CTA opens new Green Line station

On February 9, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) opened the newly constructed Cermak-McCormick Place Green Line station, which will serve the growing area near historic Motor Row area and provide a crucial additional transportation option for the Near South Side.

University of Delaware conference aims to help railroads deal with big data

A railroad track geometry vehicle regularly collects a terabyte or two of data every month. How to store that much data is one challenge, but a much more pressing challenge is how to turn the raw material into useful information.

Simmons-Boardman Rail Group awarded Railway Interchange 2015 event guide contract and electronic media partnership

Simmons-Boardman Rail Group, which consists of Railway Age, Railway Track & Structures (RT&S) and International Railway Journal (IRJ), has been awarded the event guide contract and emedia partner for Railway Interchange 2015.

NJDOT provides $4.3-million grant for rail bridge

New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) awarded a $4.3-million grant to replace the rail bridge spanning the Overpeck Creek in Ridgefield Park.

Caltrain Board authorizes release of electrification design build RFP

The Caltrain Board of Directors authorized the release of the Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project (PCEP) Design Build Request for Proposals (RFP), which is the next step in the design and construction of the project to electrify the Caltrain system. Electrification, a $1.5-billion project, is expected to be operational late in 2020.

North Dakota DOT to work with partners on statewide rail plan

The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) formed a partnership with the North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute (UGPTI) in updating the current rail plan to include a component enhancing statewide rail safety to meet growing transportation needs in the state.

UP names Fritz president, CEO; plans $4.3 billion capital plan for 2015

Union Pacific‘s board of directors elected Lance Fritz president and chief executive officer, succeeding John Koraleski, who was named executive chairman, effective immediately. Fritz was also elected to the company’s board of directors. Fritz had been president and chief operating officer since February 6, 2014.

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