FTA to green light Caltrain electrification funding
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) intends to sign a Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) with Caltrain that would commit $647 million to the Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project (PCEP).
TriMet MAX lines return to regular service post-Morrison-Yamhill project
After three weeks of improvements, regular service was restored to all TriMet MAX routes in Portland City Center on May 21.
California Transportation Commission allocates more than $47 million to rail projects
The California Transportation Commission (CTC) allocated more than $47 million to state rail projects that the commission says will alleviate traffic delays, repair infrastructure and encourage non-car focused transportation.
Ontario commits to Toronto – Windsor high-speed rail
The premier of Ontario Ms. Kathleen Wynne announced on May 19 that the province will move forward with plans to build Canada’s first high-speed line.
KCSA begins first steps of transportation service expansion
The KC Streetcar Authority (KCSA), in coordination with the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA), is planning to expand transportation services.
Siemens and Brookville to build new Valley Metro fleet
The Valley Metro Rail Board has authorized the purchase of rail fleet from two manufacturers to support future growth and service expansion.
Union Pacific to invest $41 million in Wyoming rail infrastructure
Union Pacific plans to spend $41 million in Wyoming rail this year to improve its infrastructure. The state spending plan is part of the Class 1’s $3.1-billion 2017 capital program.
NJ TRANSIT awards $14.5 million early action contract for Portal Bridge Project
NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors authorized a vote to enter into an early action contract with PKF-Mark III Inc., of Newtown, Pa., for the amount of $14.5 million, plus five percent for contingencies, subject to the availability of funds.
Weekly rail freight notches up
Weekly rail traffic on U.S. railroads continued to strengthen, to 526,970 carloads and intermodal units for the week ending May 13, a gain of 5.7 percent from the same week in 2016.
‘Reimagined’ subway stations up next as MTA issues RFP for renovations
Just a day after announcing an aggressive initiative to fix delays, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) issued a Request for Proposals as part of a program to dramatically renovate subway stations in Manhattan.
Senate approves Rosen as USDOT deputy secretary
The U.S. Senate confirmed Jeffrey Rosen as deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) on May 16. Rosen is the 18th deputy secretary in USDOT’s 50-year history.
Willmar Wye project earns environmental sign off from FRA, FHWA
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Federal Highway Administration have signed the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) document for the Willmar Rail Connector and Industrial Park Access Project (Willmar Wye).
Canada introduces legislation to mandate inward-facing cameras; enhance shipper rights
The government of Canada proposed legislation aimed at providing air passengers more protection and choice and improving the nation’s freight rail system through investment and safety measures.
Union Pacific to perform $48.1 million in work to Utah property
Union Pacific plans to spend $48.1 million in Utah this year to improve its infrastructure. The state spending plan is part of the Class 1’s $3.1-billion 2017 capital program.
Metra breaks ground on new Heritage Corridor Line stop
Metra, Chicago’s suburban passenger rail provider, broke ground a station at Romeoville, which will be a new stop along the Heritage Corridor Line.
KCS plans upgrades in five states
Kansas City Southern Railway Co. is investing approximately $24.6 million in 2017 on construction and improvement projects on its Pittsburg, Heavener and Shreveport Subdivisions.
Sec. Chao: Infrastructure plan coming soon
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao said the Trump administration would share its vision for an infrastructure plan soon, specifying within the next several weeks during a speech.
Sen. Feinstein to withhold support of USDOT nominees until funding is released for Caltrain modernization project
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) said she would not support any U.S. Department of Transportation nominee until funding for Caltrain’s electrification project is released.
MBTA awards contract for Wellington Maintenance Facility to Barletta
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) Fiscal and Management Control Board (FMCB) approved a contract with Barletta Heavy Division, Inc., for the construction of improvements to the Wellington Maintenance Facility.
Sagar, Schmidt promoted at AECOM
Infrastructure firm AECOM announced that Navin Sagar has been appointed vice president and national director transit systems of the firm’s transit systems practice in North America.