Port of Long Beach releases Pier B environmental study
The Port of Long Beach (POLB) released a draft environmental study on its proposal to reconfigure and expand the Pier B on-dock rail facility.
Railtech Matweld finalizes merger with Boutet
Railtech Matweld announced Dec. 13 that it has finalized its merger and integration with Railtech Boutet over the past few months.
Second Avenue Subway inaugural ride will be on New Year’s Eve
New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Second Avenue Subway will make its inaugural ride in time for New Year’s Eve this year, with revenue service launching at noon on Jan. 1.
Communities in three southern states to get federal funding for passenger rail service prep
The Southern Rail Commission (SRC) has allocated more than $2.47 million in Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) funding to 11 communities in three states to be used for improvements supporting potential restoration of passenger rail service.
Recommendation for new NEC would improve travel times; increase reliability
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) unveiled recommendations that would enhance the Northeast Corridor (NEC) over the next three decades; focusing on a state-of-good-repair before projects could be executed to enhance and improve service.
Stantec Consulting Services to design Tempe Streetcar, project enters design phase
Valley Metro Rail’s board of directors approved a contract with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc., for Tempe Streetcar design services on Dec. 12.
Sound Transit’s approved 2017 budget heavy on rail system expansion
The board of Sound Transit, the regional transit system serving the greater Seattle area, has approved a $1.6 billion budget for 2017.
FTA awards TEX Rail $499 million grant
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced Dec. 15 a $499.39 million federal grant agreement with the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (FWTA) to build TEX Rail, a commuter rail line between downtown Fort Worth and the Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) Airport.
Union Pacific receives 20th Responsible Care® certification
Union Pacific (UP) recently received its 20th American Chemistry Council’s Responsible Care® Management System (RCMS) certification, which recognizes the railroad’s safe handling of hazardous materials during customer shipments.
OmniTRAX, West Plains LLC and Port of Brownsville collaborate to revamp grain silo
OmniTRAX, Inc. and the Port of Brownsville have teamed up to facilitate the lease of a large grain-handling facility to West Plains LLC at the port.
Cambro Manufacturing, NCRR, Alamance Chamber celebrate completion of industrial park rail phase one
Representatives from Cambro Manufacturing, the North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) the Alamance Chamber of Commerce celebrated Dec. 15 the completion of a lead track at the North Carolina Industrial Center (NCIC) and the first freight rail shipment received by the manufacturer of food service equipment.
Gannett Fleming brings in Casado to lead southeast region
Luis Casado, PE, has joined global infrastructure firm Gannett Fleming as its new southeast region director and senior vice president.
RTA board approves $3 billion 2017 regional transit operating budget
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) board of directors has adopted the 2017 operating budgets for the RTA, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace, totaling $3 billion.
Metra enters three-year partnership with Uber
Metra joined the likes of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority Dec. 14 when the commuter railroad announced a three-year agreement with Uber, which will be the agency’s “official rideshare partner.”
STB adopts final rule for board-initiated investigations
The Surface Transportation Board (STB) announced Dec. 14 its adoption of a final rule to establish procedures for board-initiated investigations regarding railroad issues of national or regional influence pursuant to Section 12 of the STB’s Reauthorization Act of 2015 (Reauthorization Act), Pub. L. No. 114-110, 129 Stat. 2228 (2015).
Transit expert Art Lloyd dies at 91
Art Lloyd, a long-time board member of the San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) and the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (JPB) that oversees Caltrain, died Dec. 4 in his California home at 91 years old.
CP appoints Jane L. Peverett to board of directors
Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (CP) has appointed Jane L. Peverett to its board of directors, effective Dec. 13, 2016.
Union Pacific to replace century-old Steel Bridge electrical system
Union Pacific Railroad (UP) will soon replace the electrical system on its Portland-based Steel Bridge to improve lift bridge redundancies and enhance electrical system access for bridge maintenance staff.
MTA’s eTix ticketing app sales surpass $47 million since August launch
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) eTix mobile ticketing smartphone application has seen a successful launch period since its August launch.
SEPTA, BLET, SMART-UTU join FRA close call reporting system
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), SMART United Transportation Union-Local 61 (SMART-UTU) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) signed an Implementing Memorandum of Understanding (IMOU) on Dec. 12 to join the Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C3RS).