USDOT selects three regional UTCs
The U.S. Department of Transportation selected three institutions to receive grants under the University Transportation Centers (UTC) program.
Carnival Corp. buys Alaska heritage railroad
The world’s biggest cruise ship operator is hoping an historic Alaska rail gateway will be a gold mine for its tourist trade.
BNSF files for PTC deadline extension, cites interoperability challenges
BNSF Railway, citing interoperability issues, has filed a two-year extension request of the Positive Train Control (PTC) deadline with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
Canadian National plans CA$210 million Quebec investment in 2018
Canadian National (CN) aims to improve safety while supporting efficient service through the province of Quebec with a planned CA$210 million (US$160 million) investment during 2018.
Agreement to provide $600M for Portal Bridge construction
New Jersey Transit’s Board of Directors on June 13 approved a financing agreement with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) that provides up to $600 million toward the construction of the
It’s official: The Boring Company to develop Chicago-O’Hare express loop
Chicago Infrastructure Trust (CIT) and the city of Chicago have selected The Boring Company to bring faster transit service between downtown and O’Hare International Airport a reality.
FTA certifies Oregon’s SSO Program, total now sits at 14 out of 30
Oregon has obtained certification of its State Safety Oversight (SSO) Program from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA); bringing the number of states to obtain the certification to 14.
ASLRRA names three firms to help members take advantage of grant opportunities
Three firms have been named as Preferred Providers by the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) for an inaugural program aimed at helping members take advantage of grants available through
HRSI adds Ron Rhodes to team
Herzog Railroad Services, Inc. (HRSI), has hired Ron Rhodes as key account manager. Rhodes will represent HRSI to Canadian Pacific and Canadian National accounts.
NAMRC names Spilker Supplier of the Year
North American Maintenance Railway Club (NAMRC) has named Greg Spilker of Encore Rail Systems, Inc., as the club’s Supplier of the Year 2018.
FDOT grant supports TECO streetcar service
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) awarded $2.7 million to the Hillsborough Area Regional Authority (HART) that will support greater service and provide free rides on the TECO Line Streetcar for the
TriMet names Henderson as COO
TriMet General Manager Doug Kelsey has tapped Maurice Henderson II as TriMet’s new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Henderson joins TriMet from the city of Portland, where he served as Mayor Ted Wheeler’s
Amtrak marks PTC progress on BNSF lines
Amtrak, working with BNSF, will the week of June 11 implement Positive Train Control (PTC) on BNSF-owned subdivisions that host the Southwest Chief and California Zephyr, marking the first activation on host-owned
Brazeau to head RAC
The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) on June 11 appointed Marc Brazeau President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 3, 2018. Brazeau succeeds Michael Bourque, President and CEO from April 2012 to
CN plans heavy investment in Alberta yard, maintenance projects
Alberta will see a CA$320 million (US$245.8 million) investment from Canadian National (CN) to boost rail capacity and improve network resiliency across the province.
APTA awards UTA top honors at 2018 rail conference
American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has awarded the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) of Salt Lake City, Utah, its Rail Transit Team Achievement Award at the 26th annual APTA International Rail Rodeo. The
UTA begins double track project along streetcar route
The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) held a ceremonial groundbreaking to mark the start of efforts to double track a portion of its streetcar route.
More changes for Brightline executive team
A new executive team has climbed aboard South Florida’s higher-speed passenger train operator, as it continues to seek investors amid political opposition to its Phase 2 plan. In a release, Brightline named
Was it a washout? NTSB releases prelim CSX derailment report
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued a preliminary report on the May 19, 2018, derailment of a CSX train near Alexandria, Va.
AAR takes freight rail message to mayors
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) issued a letter to mayors across the United States on June 8 pointing out the merits of the freight railroad industry to those who are at the front lines of local public policy decisions.