Transit agencies concerned about impact of Omicron variant
Transit agencies are feeling the effects of and concerned about the future impact of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 as the virus blankets North America and many parts of the world.
Dallas Area Rapid Transit reviews accomplishments of 2021
Despite a very challenging 2021, Dallas Area Rapid Transit accomplished a number of projects, both in the construction arena and the social arena.
BART undertaking critical cable replacement work in Lafayette
BART is replacing electrical lines and other support components that are critical for maintaining reliable train service through Lafayette.
Rail cybersecurity with Shift5’s Josh Lospinoso
In December 2021, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration deployed a Security Directive that shined a spotlight on rail cybersecurity following a series of global cyberattacks that occurred at the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Class I CSX and short-line operator OmniTRAX, as well as several rail companies around the globe.
Major segment of LAX people mover now complete
Work to construct the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) automated people mover (APM) train guideway superstructure over Century Boulevard is now complete, further transforming the airport’s skyline as its modernization continues.
Reciprocal switching returns to Surface Transportation Board (STB) agenda
While this is not a topic RT&S would normally cover, the debate over reciprocal or “competitive” switching has been brewing for years, and all members of the rail and rail supply & maintenance industries should be aware of it.
Metra will initiate significant hiring in January
Metra is planning a major hiring effort in early January to make sure it has enough personnel for schedule adjustments in the first quarter of 2022.
Watch: Oh how they’ve grown – see video of Metrolinx light rail transit projects
This video feature is, well, very moving. Metrolinx rounded up the best video from construction of light rail transit routes captured in 2021 and wrapped them into one piece. Here’s how to speed through an entire year of progress in just over two minutes. Let’s roll.
SFMTA Central Subway revenue service update
SFMTA Central Subway construction team is working aggressively to have line open by October 2022.
MBTA Gloucester Drawbridge service restoration expected May 2022
MBTA has been working on the railroad.
NRC announces 2021 special award winners, 2022 Hall of Fame inductions, and Safety Award winners
The NRC has announced major awards for 2021 and 2022.
Nortrak fixation plant celebrates five years injury free
In early December 2021, the Fixation Division at voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak (“Nortrak”) celebrated five years without a recordable injury at their Cheyenne, WY plant.
Just for fun: the restoration of Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 #1309
Much of the recent steam locomotive restoration news focuses on Union Pacific’s 4-8-8-4 “Big Boy” #4014, which has been operating periodically for the past couple of years.
Port Authority Board of Commissioners approves 2022 operating and capital budgets
Following a month-long public comment period, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Board of Commissioners approved the agency’s $7.9 billion 2022 budget. The 2022 budget consists of $3.4 billion for operating expenses, $2.7 billion for annual capital spending, and $1.8 billion for debt service and deferred expenses.
TriMet appoints Andrew Wilson as new Executive Director of Safety and Security
TriMet General Manager Sam Desue Jr. has promoted Andrew Wilson to Executive Director of the Safety and Security Division.
TTC’s 2022 budget returns service to pre-pandemic levels with no fare increase
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Board approved next year’s operating and capital budgets. The new budgets will return service to pre-pandemic levels without a fare increase and fund longer-term projects aimed at modernizing the TTC and addressing the city’s future transit needs.
Digital transformation and rail – news and commentary
The railroad industry is becoming more digital each day.
Brightline investing millions of dollars in railroad safety and mental health awareness
Brightline is taking on the challenges of railroad safety and mental health.
MTA Long Island Rail Road awards contract to upgrade a vital interlocking near Queens Village
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board approved a contract to Hitachi Rail STS, USA Inc., for the creation and installation of a new signal system at a complex of switches near Queens Village.
STB Grants approval for Watco acquisitions in Wisconsin and Michigan
The Surface Transportation Board issued a decision granting approval for exemptions sought by Watco Holdings, Inc., and two of its subsidiaries (collectively, Watco) in the acquisition of approximately 652 miles of rail line in Wisconsin and Michigan from Wisconsin Central Ltd. (WCL), which is controlled by Canadian National Railway Company.