TriMet GM launches outside review of light-rail maintenance needs

TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane has launched an outside review of the Portland, Ore., agency’s light-rail maintenance system, which includes MAX vehicles and trackway. In order to better address both an aging and an expanding rail system, McFarlane wants a more comprehensive look at maintenance needs and to set a course for continuous improvement in the years ahead.

MDOT/MTA receive six statements of qualification for Purple Line

Maryland Department of Transportation/Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT/MTA) received six private-sector responses to a Request for Qualifications to design, build, construct, finance, operate and maintain the Purple Line in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties under Maryland’s newly adopted Public-Private Partnership (P3) law.

FRA issues industry-wide safety advisory on speed restrictions

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued an industry-wide Safety Advisory to help ensure railroads adhere to federal regulations regarding maximum authorized train speed limits. The advisory contains four recommendations to ensure railroads comply with speed restrictions through appropriate operating policies, procedures and effective implementation.

RTD Board of Directors approves North Metro Rail Line contract

The Denver, Colo., Regional Transportation District (RTD) Board of Directors approved a $343-million contract award to Graham, Balfour Beatty, Hamon Constructors (GBBH) to design and build the North Metro Rail Line to 124th Avenue.

Gold Line Bridge received five engineering and construction awards in 2013

This year, the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority was honored with five industry awards for the Gold Line Bridge, a 584-linear foot structure is says now serves as a gateway to the San Gabriel Valley.

NCDOT seeks applicants for grants to improve shortlines

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is accepting applications through January 18, 2014, for recipients of $2.5 million to $3 million available in state grants through the Shortline Industrial Access Program (SIAP).

Metrolink’s Perris Valley Line extension receives federal money

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will dole out $75 million in federal grant funds to extend the Metrolink 91 passenger rail line from Riverside to Perris, Calif.

MTA set to greet Old Man Winter

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit (NYCT), Metro-North Railroad, Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and MTA Bridges and Tunnels are once again preparing for the arrival of winter weather.

CN’s rehabbed Barron Sub lands another frac sand producer

Canadian National will start serving a new frac sand producer on its Wisconsin rail network this month.

Educating the future of railway engineering

Railroad engineering education programs, both established and new, are offering a variety of courses and training opportunities for the young and growing workforce.

Seattle digs deep for light rail

Three machines the length of a football field tunnel a three-mile extension for Sound Transit’s light-rail system.

Strong and helpful hand-held tools

Notable jobs sometimes require the smallest of tools. Suppliers are offering up big improvements for these hand-held devices in 2013.

Metro-North answers state and federal directive with immediate safety improvements

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Metro-North Railroad is making immediate improvements to reinforce safety at critical curves and movable bridges along the railroad’s right-of-way. These improvements were directed by New York Gov.Andrew Cuomo in a letter to the MTA and by an emergency order from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

Sen. Schumer calls for 2017 shortline tax credit extension

At Pactiv, a food packaging manufacturing company in Canandaigua, N.Y., U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) joined Finger Lakes Railway President Mike Smith and Pactiv Plant Manager Rod Kucera to launch his push for the Short Line Railroad Rehabilitation and Investment Act of 2013, which extends the tax credit to shortline freight railroads.

CTA to make largest Blue Line investment in 30 years

The Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) will overhaul its Blue Line O’Hare Branch, which will provide faster travel times and updated stations while creating more than 1,300 jobs.

UTA readies S-Line for official opening

The first segment of the Utah Transit Authority’s (UTA) Sugar House Streetcar line (S-Line) will open December 8. The UTA says new service connects thousands of area residents with local employers, shops and area attractions while spurring millions of dollars in residential and retail development along the route.

ICC approves rail spur, two crossing projects

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) issued an order approving construction of a new highway-rail grade rail crossing on Broadway Road in Coal City.

RailComm provides Yard Control System to Wisconsin yard

RailComm has provided a yard control system to a yard in Stevens Point, Wis. The yard is now able to wirelessly control 15 switches using RailComm’s Domain Operations Controller (DOCĀ®) system, RailComm’s RADiANT™ data radios, universal switch machine controllers and field control panels.

Two unions sue BART board over contract snafu

Bay Area Rapid Transit’s (BART) largest unions, SEIU 1021 and ATU 1555, filed a lawsuit against members of the transit agency’s board of the directors, challenging the directors’ action on the ratification of the unions’ contract.

Rep. Maloney introduces legislation to help passenger railroads fund PTC investment

Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY-18) introduced the Commuter Rail Passenger Safety Act, to help commuter rail lines, such as Metro-North, fund and implement positive train control (PTC) systems.

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