MTA hires former NTSB managing director as first head of safety; board to consider contract for pocket track and bridge replacement
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has named David Mayer as the agency’s new chief safety officer.
Caltrain celebrates a decade of Baby Bullet service; coalition to coordinate funds for modernization
As Caltrain marks its 10th year of Baby Bullet service, major employers that have grown their companies along the Caltrain/101 corridor announced the formation of a new advocacy coalition that will work to support efforts to expand Caltrain capacity and service as the system struggles to meet the unprecedented ridership and financial demands it’s facing.
Proposed 2015 CTA budget holds fares, continues system improvements
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has proposed a balanced $1.44 billion budget that, for the fourth year in a row, maintains or improves transit service levels and holds the line on base fares, while continuing investment in projects and programs to improve the customer experience and modernize regional transit.
Contract awarded for three new Connecticut to Massachusetts rail stations
Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) revealed plans for three new train stations in Wallingford, Meriden and Berlin, Conn., as part of the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield (NHHS) Rail Program.
MTA marks 110 years of New York subway service
October 27th, 2014, marks the 110th anniversary of the New York City Transit subway system. The first train ran north from City Hall to 145th Street and Broadway. Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) notes that the New York City Transit system that now benefits 5.8 million daily customers sprang from a single line that didn’t leave the confines of Manhattan.
Foothill Gold Line completes work at 14 crossings ahead of schedule
On the heels of last week’s completion of all light rail track installation for the Foothill Gold Line from Pasadena to Azusa, the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority has achieved another major milestone for the project – completion of all 14 grade crossings for the 11.5-mile light-rail extension, three months ahead of schedule.
MTA works to fight “slime” on rail lines
The foliage, while colorful and plentiful this time of year, is not always ideal for the railroad, notes the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). That’s because when leaves fall on the rails, they become crushed and produce an oily substance known as pectin. MTA says this “slime” can cause wheels to slip or slide when a train attempts to speed up or slow down, often leading to minor service delays.
Washington state seeks input on state-owned railways
As part of an ongoing effort to improve the movement of goods produced on Northwest farms, officials are asking for input from eastern Washington citizens, businesses and communities to help make state-owned rail lines better.
CREATE’s Englewood Flyover opens
On October 23, federal, state and local officials celebrated the opening of the $142-million Englewood Flyover, a major railroad bridge that has eliminated a significant source of train delays on the south side of Chicago and has reduced emissions and noise from idling trains in the neighborhood.
FASTRACK comes to the Lexington Av. Line
On October 27, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit (NYCT) brings FASTRACK to the 4, 5 and 6 lines in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Service on all three lines will be suspended in both directions between Grand Central-42 St. and Atlantic Av.-Barclays Ctr. for four consecutive weeknights until October 31.
Elecnor, Cobra short-listed for Caltrain Modernization Program
Elecnor, in a joint venture with Cobra, has been short-listed for the Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project (PCEP), a key component of the Caltrain Modernization Program in California. The project worth nearly $1.23 billion and scheduled to be implemented by 2019.
HDR hires transportation director
Randy Altshuler joined HDR as the firm’s West Region transportation director, based in the Oakland, Calif., office. His responsibilities include leading business development activities and growth strategies throughout the West Region.
Construction begins on Chicago-Moline rail service
Construction has started on the new passenger rail route connecting Chicago and Moline, Ill. The $23 million in improvements underway at the BNSF’s Eola Yard in Aurora, Ill., are made possible by funds from the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) $177-million grant toward the project, as well as $78 million in matching funds provided by Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn’s Illinois Jobs Now! capital program.
Quebec, Champion Iron and Adriana to study Labrador Trough rail feasibility
The Québec government and Lac Otelnuk Mining Ltd., a joint venture between Adriana Resources and WISCO International Resources Development & Investment Limited, have formed a partnership with Champion Iron Limited, the Northern Quebec Railway Partnership (SFNQ), to study Labrador Trough rail feasibility.
Watco, GNPD break ground on South Heart Rail Terminal
Watco Terminal and Port Services and Great Northern Project Development (GNPD) broke ground on the South Heart Rail Terminal (SHRT), a multi-purpose rail transload terminal and railcar maintenance shop near South Heart, N.D., and will serve the energy industry and its service providers in the Bakken, Three Forks, Tyler and emerging oil and gas formations.
CHSRA opens two RFQs for consultant services to advance high-speed project
The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) released two separate Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) for Regional Consultant services for the Palmdale to Burbank Project Section and the Burbank to Los Angeles/Anaheim Project Section of the high-speed rail program.
Axion receives West Coast switch tie order
Axion International Holdings, Inc., received a purchase order from a major West Coast based transit line. The purchase order calls for approximately $377,000 in switch ECOTRAX 100 percent recycled ties for 26 turnouts.
FRA develops first multi-state planning study for high-performance rail in the Southwest
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has published its first multi-state plan for a comprehensive, high-performing passenger rail network that will support rail planning in six Southwestern states over the next 35 years.
FECR, PortMiami alliance now offering ship to rail service
Florida East Coast Railway (FECR) and PortMiami, through a strategic alliance, are offering the Sunshine Gateway service, which includes on-dock intermodal rail capabilities.
NCDOT Secretary Tata pledges commitment to rail safety
N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Secretary Tony Tata visited the BeRailSafe booth at the North Carolina State Fair to sign a pledge stating his commitment to rail safety.