MTA Transportation Reinvention Commission calls for system improvements

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Transportation Reinvention Commission, a group of 24 experts tasked with addressing challenges facing the regional transportation network,

NCRR commits more than $13 million in rail improvements

The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) is moving forward with more than $13 million in economic development investments across the state, which will expand rail access, improve safety and sustain rail projects spanning from Mecklenburg County northeast to Durham County and from Durham County southeast to Wake and Craven Counties.

Met Council shares Kenilworth bridge concepts for Southwest LRT

Three bridge concepts presented for the Kenilworth channel crossing on the Minneapolis Southwest LRT (Green Line Extension) would reinterpret the existing wooden railroad bridge with new, low-profile structures.

Watco names director of transportation safety

Watco Transportation Services appointed Jason Stutzman to director – transportation safety and training where he will work closely with the regional safety managers to develop and improve initial and annual refresher training courses.

CHSRA appoints CAO; issues RFQ for third phase of high-speed rail system

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) named Deborah Harper chief administrative officer, where she will oversee CHSRA’s administrative operations, which include the Office of Human Resources, the Office of Business Services/Facilities and the Office of Information Technology. Her post begins December 1.

Contract awarded to replace four South Coast Rail bridges

Cardi Corporation has been awarded a $42-million contract for the replacement of four bridges in New Bedford and Fall River along the future South Coast Rail Line in Massachusetts. Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) said the improvements will advance South Coast Rail, while providing immediate benefit to the active freight operations in the region.

Canada Line celebrates 200 millionth passenger

Just five years into service, the Canada Line in Vancouver, B.C., was recognized for its 200 millionth passenger November 1.

V3 Companies hires new director of railroad services

Ted Niemeyer, P.E., has joined V3 Companies as its director of railroad services, heading up its Railroad Engineering Practice.

NTSB issues report on organizational factors in Metro North accidents

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued a special investigation report on common organizational factors in five Metro North Railroad accidents between May 2013 and March 2014.

Watco names two to safety leadership positions

Watco Transportation Services has promoted Ron Martin to vice president of transportation safety and training and Michael Smith to director of engineering safety and training.

Sound Transit launches second Northgate Link tunnel boring machine

The second tunnel boring machine (TBM) mining Sound Transit light-rail tunnels from the Northgate neighborhood in Seattle, Wash., to the University of Washington launched November 20.

CANARAIL awarded contract to study feasibility of Quebec rail line

The province of Quebec awarded a contract to CANARAIL to perform a feasibility study of a new 310-kilometer (192-mile) long railway from Sept-Iles to the Labrador Trough.

HART receives $48.5 million in GET revenue for rail construction

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) received $48.5 million in General Excise and Use Tax (GET) surcharge revenue this past quarter for construction of the Honolulu rail project.

CTA approves 2015 balanced budget and 2015-2019 Capital Program

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Board unanimously approved a balanced $1.44-billion budget for 2015 that freezes fares and improves transit service levels, while continuing historic investment in projects and programs to modernize regional transit and improve the customer transit experience.

BNSF outlines $6 billion Capital Expenditure Program for 2015

BNSF ‘s planned capital expenditures for 2015 will be $6 billion, which will go toward maintenance and expansion of the railroad in order to meet the expected demand for freight rail service.

Hamberger: healthy freight rail network vital to economy

Association of American Railroads (AAR) President and Chief Executive Officer, Edward Hamberger recently said that a strong and robust freight rail network is needed to meet the country’s transforming business challenges head on.

GWI acquires Arkansas shortlines

Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (GWI) late Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014 announced it “has signed an agreement with Pinsly Railroad Company of Westfield, Mass., to acquire certain subsidiaries that constitute Pinsly’s Arkansas Division (‘Pinsly Arkansas’) for $40 million in cash, subject to adjustment for final working capital.”

UP performing Colorado track project

Union Pacific will strengthen Colorado’s transportation infrastructure by investing nearly $11 million in the rail line between Sterling and near Messex, Colo. The project, which is funded entirely by Union Pacific, began November 8 and is scheduled to be completed by mid-December.

Haigh to leave Metropolitan Council

Metropolitan Council Chair Susan Haigh decided to conclude her service as chair in order to focus her energies on her full-time position as president and chief executive officer of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. Haigh notified Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton of her decision and agreed to remain in her current position until a successor is named.

Central Maine & Quebec Railway names new CFO

Central Maine & Quebec Railway appointed Harold Tynes as chief financial officer, effective November 10, succeeding Sachi Mishra.

LOAD MORE