Construction begins on Massachusetts South Action commuter station

In Massachusetts, ground broke on a new South Acton Commuter Rail Station, a project that will improve, expand and revitalize the busiest station on the Fitchburg Line.

Ottawa approves Confederation Line, construction to begin in spring 2013

In Ottawa, ON, Canada, the Confederation light-rail transit line was approved by the city council in a unanimous vote.

New York MTA submits balanced budget, Lhota resigns

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board has approved the agency’s 2013 budget and four-year financial plan.

Two Ohio grade crossings to see upgrades

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) approved authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission to upgrade two grade crossings in Wellston and Cincinnati.

CSX appoints operations, technology leaders to new roles

CSX has made executive position changes, which will take effect Jan. 1, 2013.

Minnesota Metropolitan Council awards engineering contracts for Southwest LRT

The Southwest Light Rail Transit line in Minnesota took a major step forward to opening in 2018 when the Metropolitan Council authorized preliminary engineering contracts with Kimley-Horn and AECOM.

USDOT signs $1.55 billion FFA for Honolulu transit system

U.S. Department of Transportation signed an agreement to provide $1.55 billion to the city and county of Honolulu on the island of Oahu to build Hawaii’s first-ever rail transit system.

FRA issues ROD for the Chicago-St. Louis HSR

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued two Records of Decisions (ROD) for the Chicago-St. Louis high-speed rail corridor.

WisDOT awards funds to revive freight service

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is contributing more than $17 million toward a rail restoration project in Sheboygan County.

CTA approves 2013 Budget

The Chicago Transit Board unanimously approved the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) 2013 budget of $1.39 billion, a spending plan that maintains current service levels, freezes base fares and continues investment to modernize and repair infrastructure.

MetroPlan Orlando approves maglev project

In Orlando, Fla., American Maglev Technology (AMT) has proposed to build, operate and maintain a privately financed fully automatic train system powered by magnetic levitation.

LAX officials unveil possible light-rail station sites

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) staff says it has a strong commitment and desire for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) to locate a light-rail station directly at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Houston Metro CEO stepping down at end of month

Houston Metro President and CEO George Greanias plans to resign from his post on December 31, 2012.

Maryland Transit seeks approval for Red Line FEIS

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) submitted the Red Line transit project’s Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

LACMTA begins utility relocation work for Regional Connector

In Southern California, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) officially began advance utility relocation work for the Regional Connector, a major light-rail project in Downtown Los Angeles.

Amtrak names chief transportation officer

Amtrak named David Nichols as its chief transportation officer (CTO) who will be responsible for setting, managing and maintaining operating rules and policies to ensure that all train operations meet federal rail safety requirements and the company’s business needs.

Harbor Rail Services appoints new executive vice president

Harbor Rail Services Company appointed Caylan Myronowicz to executive vice president.

MDOT buys 135 miles of NS line

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Norfolk Southern signed a sale agreement that transfers ownership of 135 miles of NS railroad to MDOT for $140 million.

DART secures $120 million for Orange Line project

The Federal Railroad Administration approved a nearly $120-million loan that will enable Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) to advance construction on the third phase of its Orange Line extension project.

Historic Portageville Bridge receives DEIS, plans public hearing

New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) says the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for a project to replace the Portageville Bridge carrying the Norfolk Southern railroad over the Genesee River in Letchworth State Park is available for public review. The bridge runs between Portage in Wyoming County and Genesee Falls in Livingston County.

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