Pennsylvania doles out $23 million to 16 rail projects

In Pennsylvania, $23 million in state investments will fund 16 freight-rail improvement projects statewide.

Sound Transit board approves $24 million budget amendment

The Seattle-area’s Sound Transit Board of Directors unanimously approved an amendment to the agency’s 2012 budget to provide $24.3 million in additional funding for establishing a shovel-ready plan to extend light rail from S. 200th Street to the heart of Federal Way.

Twin Cities light rail system has official name: METRO

The Metropolitan Council has approved the final piece of the identity and branding framework for the Minneapolis-St.Paul developing transitway network of light-rail transit and bus-rapid transit.

FTA administrator tours DART Green Line

Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff on February 23 visited three stations along the 28-mile Dallas Area Rapid Transit Green Line light-rail expansion project in Dallas, Texas, to see firsthand the economic development resulting from the federal government’s investments in the region.

Busy year outlined for Central Corridor LRT project

The final year of heavy construction on the Central Corridor Light Rail Transit Project is kicking off.

WMATA takes a “spring break” from track work for Cherry Blossom season

The Washington Metropolitan Transportation Authority will take a break from its aggressive schedule of trackwork and rebuilding to accommodate customers traveling during Cherry Blossom season.

TriMet now producing solar energy at South Terminus

TriMet in Portland, Ore., has a solar project at the South Terminus of the MAX Green and Yellow lines at SW Jackson Street that is now operational. Located near Portland State University, it’s the largest solar project in downtown Portland and a first for the MAX light-rail system.

CTA targets waste to save millions

The Chicago Transit Authority’s President Forrest Claypool exposed millions in waste at CTA supply warehouses, while unveiling a host of improvements to the agency’s system for managing parts and materials; each designed to reduce costs, increase oversight and improve operations.

Del Cueto addresses KCS

On February 15, KCS de Mexico director ejecutivo de operaciones Oscar Del Cueto and gerente de desarrollo de negocios internacionales Marco Cervantes attended BNamericas Mexico Infrastructure Summit in Mexico City.

NYCT second round of FASTRACK improvements declared a success

Metropolitan Transportation Authority New York City Transit wrapped up its second FASTRACK line segment closure successfully completing an ambitious schedule of work on the Seventh Avenue Line from 34 th Street-Penn Station to Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. NYCT said it remains clear that the FASTRACK program is both a safer and more efficient way to maintain and clean a 24/7 subway system.

Trains are operating again on P&N corridor

The first train in more than 20 years operated on the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Piedmont & Northern Railroad corridor February 20, from Gastonia to Mount Holly, N.C. The train was operated by Patriot Rail, a freight shortline and regional railroad company based in Boca Raton, Fla., under a lease that has been signed with that company.

CN targets C$1.75 billion in 2012 capital investments

CN plans to invest C$1.75 billion (US$1.46 billion) in 2012 to maintain and upgrade its railway network, support growth and productivity initiatives and continue to provide customers with a high level of service.

Norfolk Southern earns top railroad spot in Clean Capitalism ranking

Norfolk Southern Corporation earned the top ranking among railroads in the S&P 500 Clean Capitalism Ranking published by Corporate Knights, a media, research and financial products company that focuses on clean capitalism.

CN’s Mongeau: Canada needs bold business leadership, sound public policy

Claude Mongeau, president and chief executive officer of Canadian National, said Canadian business and governments must take bold steps to develop world-class enterprises that will drive the nation’s competitiveness in global markets.

Deputy Transportation Secretary Porcari touts opportunities of American-made, next-generation trains

U.S. Deputy Transportation Secretary John Porcari spoke to Midwest-based railroad manufacturers and suppliers at a Chicago rail forum about opportunities for their companies to participate in the growing industry of next-generation, American-made trains.

Feds recommend $2.2 billion to advance transit projects in 15 states

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood recommended $2.2 billion in funding to begin or advance construction of 29 significant rail and bus rapid transit projects in 15 states. All the recommendations are part of the Federal Transit Administration’s Annual Report on Funding Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2013.

UP to put $17.1 million into Oregon, California infrastructure

Union Pacific is enhancing the California and Oregon transportation infrastructure by investing $6.5 million in its Kenton and Graham Lines in the Portland, Ore., metropolitan area and $10.6 million in the line that runs between Santa Barbara and Camarillo, Calif. The California project is in progress and is scheduled to be completed by the end of February.

Providence and Worcester and RailAmerica enter strategic alliance

The Providence and Worcester Railroad and the New England Central Railroad, part of the RailAmerica family, have established a new coordinated commercial and operating platform, the Great Eastern Route.

NS Foundation increased giving in 2011, plans expanded in 2012

The Norfolk Southern Foundation, the charitable giving affiliate of Norfolk Southern Corporation, awarded nearly $6.2 million in grants during 2011 to nonprofit, charitable organizations, an 11 percent increase over 2010.

USDOT proposed budget set at $74 billion

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today praised President Obama’s $74 billion budget for the U.S. Department of Transportation saying the funds will lay a new foundation for economic growth and competitiveness by investing in a national infrastructure network, building on recent safety achievements and modernizing transportation systems through research and innovation.

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