European partnership looks to develop smart ties
Crossties capable of data collection will be the development focus of a new partnership between technology and consulting firm Indra and Greenrail, an Italian producer of eco-sustainable crossties.
Amtrak to rename Rochester station for Rep. Louise Slaughter
Amtrak will rename its Rochester Intermodal Station the “Louise M. Slaughter Intermodal Station in Rochester,” U.S. Sens. Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announced this week.
LIRR lays out improvement plan
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) detailed a slate of nearly 60 actions it will take to improve the railroad’s performance through a new initiative called the LIRR Performance Improvement Plan (PIP).
Chicago to O’Hare RFP: Musk’s loop concept vs. traditional rail transit
Two teams have been chosen to compete for work to design, build, finance and operate Chicago’s O’Hare Express operating system.
Light rail at heart of Quebec City transport plan
The mayor of Quebec City, Mr Régis Labeaume, in the presence of Quebec province’s premier Mr Philippe Couillard and the president of Capital Transport Network (RTC) Mr Rémy Normand, has unveiled a $C 2.9bn ($US 2.22bn) plan to expand the city’s public transport network, as the existing bus-based system is at maximum capacity in several locations.
Begeman named permanent STB chairman
Ann Dawn Begeman was designated permanent chairman of the Surface Transportation Board (STB) March 19 by President Trump. She has been acting chairman since January 2017.
FRA holding PTC meetings with railroads, suppliers
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) leadership is stepping up its role in the journey toward positive train control (PTC) implementation by meeting with railroad and supply representatives to ensure progress is being made.
FTA certifies SSO Programs in Massachusetts and Hawaii
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has certified the rail transit State Safety Oversight (SSO) Programs of Massachusetts and Hawaii.
TRC awarded contract with LACMTA
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) has selected TRC Companies Inc., to provide services for the agency’s environmental program.
Union Pacific Louisiana network to receive $87 million investment
Union Pacific will spend an estimated $87 million on its Louisiana network this year to enhance safety, operating efficiency and support customer service.
CSX names Angela C. Williams vice president and corporate controller
CSX Corporation (CSX) has appointed Angela Williams as its new vice president and controller as successor to Andrew Glassman.
Pacific Harbor Line marks 20th anniversary
The Pacific Harbor Line (PHL) recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of railroad services in the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles area.
TransLink Mayors’ Council, British Columbia agree on regional funding transit expansion
The TransLink Mayors’ Council and the government of British Columbia have agreed on a plan to fund the CA$2.5 billion (US$1.91 billion) regional share of the Phase Two Plan for infrastructure.
DEIR released for LACMTA turnback facility
A Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) has been released for a Los Angeles County Metropolitan Authority (LACMTA) project that will speed the turnaround time Red and Purple line trains need at Union Station, which will allow more of these trains along the lines.
British Columbia to chip in for Pacific Northwest HSR study
Studying the potential of connecting Canada to the Pacific Northwest through ultra-high-speed rail service received a sign of support with the government of British Columbia agreeing to help fund analysis of such service.
APTA rails against public transit cuts in proposed budget
Public transit officials nationwide spoke out at a March 19 press briefing to express strong opposition to deep cuts to public transit in the Trump Administration’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2019.
Charlotte opens light rail Blue Line extension
Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) opened an extension to its 15km (9.3-mile) Lynx Blue Line light rail line on March 16.
High-speed mapping for high-speed rail
The California High Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) is planning the first dedicated high-speed rail system in the U.S. When completed, it will enable passengers to travel from San Francisco to Los Angeles in under three hours, at speeds greater than 200 mph.
Ontario strikes multi-billion-dollar deal with Canada on infrastructure
The province of Ontario and the government of Canada have reached an agreement that will provide CA$11.8 billion (US$9.02 billion) toward infrastructure spending.
Latest safety stats a mixed bag with crossing, trespassing incidents up
Recently released statistics from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) reveal a mixed safety story for the rail industry with 2017 marking the lowest rate of track-caused and human factor-caused accidents ever, but the year also saw an increase in crossing incidents and in trespassing casualties.