Canada commits to funding GO RER with CA$1.8 billion
The government of Canada will provide CA$1.8 billion (US$1.35 billion) to the GO Transit Regional Express rail (GO RER) project in the Greater Golden Horseshoe Area.
HNTB’s Diana Mendes honored, firm welcomes Robert James
Diana Mendes, HNTB Corporation transit/rail practice leader and senior vice president, was named 2017 Training Professional of the Year Award by the National Transit Institute (NTI). HNTB also welcomed Robert James to the firm’s Parsippany, N.J. office as a senior project manager for electrical engineering.
Twin tunneling machines expected in LA by fall for Purple Line Extension
Twin tunnel boring machines (TBMs) are being constructed in Germany and are expected to arrive this fall to help construct The Los Angeles Country Transportation Authority (LACMTA) Purple Line Extension project.
Sec. Chao: Regulations, not funding are holding up infrastructure advancement
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao says the administration’s forthcoming infrastructure proposal will cover more than infrastructure and reiterated the belief that regulatory red tape, not funding, is responsible for holding up projects.
Québec includes funds for REM project in budget
The Government of Québec has committed CA$1.28 billion (US$96 million), which represents 24.5 percent total equity, to the Réseau électrique métropolitain (REM) project.
SEPTA Releases Proposed FY 2018 Capital Budget
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will advance initiatives to renew critical infrastructure, replace aging portions of its fleet, expand capacity for growing ridership and make technology improvements under its proposed Fiscal Year 2018 Capital Budget.
David Friss joins GREX as director of process improvement
Georgetown Rail Equipment Company (GREX) has appointed David Friss to the position of director of process improvement. In this role, Friss is responsible for the streamlining of processes as GREX continues to develop the rail industry’s most innovative technologies.
Bruce McCuaig steps down from Metrolinx, accepts new role at Canada Infrastructure Bank
Bruce McCuaig is stepping down as president and CEO of Metrolinx to accept a new federal role in the Privy Council Office as executive adviser (Infrastructure Bank) effective April 24, 2017 to support the launch of the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
Ontario, Toronto Hydro building battery back-up and emergency power system for Eglinton Crosstown LRT project
Ontario is partnering with Toronto Hydro to build a battery energy storage system for the Eglinton Crosstown light rail transit (LRT) line, which will increase the reliability of the line, lower operating costs and reduce emissions.
Report from AAR confirms freight railroads deep connection to international trade
An assessment released by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) found that the impact of trade on the freight railroad industry is responsible for at least 42 percent of rail carloads and intermodal units, and more than 35 percent of annual rail revenue, are directly associated with international trade.
APTA calls for full project funding of “vital” transit
The American Public Transportation Association called on the Trump Administration to fully fund the FAST Act for fiscal 2017 and 2018 and public transit must be part of the administration’s proposed $1 trillion infrastructure investment.
Ferromex owner to acquire Florida East Coast Railway
FERROMEX owner Grupo México confirmed in a statement to the Mexican stock exchange on March 27 that it has reached an agreement to acquire a 100% stake in Florida East Coast Railway Holding Corporation (FEC).
CN, Duluth Cargo Connect to establish first intermodal container terminal in Twin Ports
Canadian National (CN) and Duluth Cargo Connect announced a new alliance establishing the first rail-served intermodal container ramp in the Twin Ports of Duluth, Minn. and Superior, Wis.
VTrans receives emergency order to install two temp bridges for Middlebury rail tunnel project
Two temporary bridges will be installed in downtown Middlebury, Vt., to support a rail tunnel project.
Ribbon cutting held for BART Warm Springs/South Fremont Station
Community members joined elected officials and Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) representatives for a ribbon cutting of BART’s Warm Springs/South Fremont Station, which opened for service March 25.
Rising costs force R.J. Corman to pull intermodal port project
R.J. Corman Railroad Group, LLC, has ended its efforts to establish an intermodal port on the Cumberland River in Clarksville, Tenn., citing a $3.5 million funding gap.
Construction officially starts on new York Region GO station
Ontario is making it easier for commuters and families to get around York Region and the Greater Toronto Area with the construction of a new GO station at Highway 404 and Bloomington Road.
Canada 2017 federal budget commits to transit funding
Canada’s federal 2017 budget was released March 22 in a move the government called “the next step in the government’s long-term plan to create jobs and strengthen the middle class.”
IO, Metrolinx issue RFQ for Lakeshore East project
Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx have issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the Lakeshore East – East Corridor Expansion project.
Virginia launches review of WMATA practices
Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe said the commonwealth would take on an independent review of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) “to identify potential changes to governance and funding, and help position WMATA to support growth in the region.”