Carmen Bianco named president of MTA New York City Transit
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chairman and CEO Thomas Prendergast has appointed Carmen Bianco as president of MTA New York City Transit (NYCT).
NS marks 50th anniversary of Pier 6
On September 18, Norfolk Southern commemorated the 50th anniversary of the original dedication of Pier 6, its coal transloading facility in Norfolk, Va., with a ceremony at Lamberts Point, where the railroad has been transferring coal directly from rail cars to ships for export for 130 years.
Caltrain Modernization Program kicks off advanced signal system work
California’s Caltrain has begun work on an advanced signal system that will improve the performance and enhance the safety of the rail system, formally kicking off the first element of the Caltrain Modernization Program.
Sen. Casey pushes for long-term federal transportation policy
As Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA) demonstrates need for funding to keep its service operational throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) called on Congress to begin work on a long-term transportation bill that could increase funds and provide more certainty to SEPTA.
LIRR, construction unions reach cost saving agreement
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and local private-sector unions have reached a Project Labor Agreement designed to reduce the LIRR’s labor costs on seven major construction projects by nearly 11 percent, saving the railroad an estimated $6.5 million
Raleigh receives additional TIGER funds for Union Station complex
The city of Raleigh, N.C., has received a $5.5 million increase to a previously received grant for the first phase of construction of the Raleigh Union Station complex.
GAO issues PTC report, urges flexibility with implementation
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) made public its report on positive train control (PTC) implementation and issued a trio of recommendations including extending the deadline, approving alternative safety technologies and granting provisional certification of PTC systems.
BNSF plans maintenance, capacity improvements in Oklahoma
BNSF plans to invest an estimated $125 million on maintenance and rail capacity expansion projects in Oklahoma this year.
FRA and MaineDOT to test rail trespassing system
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded a research grant for the city of Brunswick, Maine, the Northern New England Passenger Authority (NNEPRA) and the Maine Department of Transportation, among other partners, to participate in a field research program to develop and test new trespass detection and deterrent technologies.
CTA, LIRR launch rail safety campaigns
As part of its continuing focus on customer safety, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has launched a new informational campaign reminding “L” riders about the dangers of trespassing on CTA railroad tracks.
Ruddell to retire from The T in October
The president and executive director of the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T), Dick Ruddell plans to retire, effective October 4.
Jim Carter reviews past year as AREMA president
AREMA President Jim Carter looks back at his 2012-2013 term at the helm of the association.
Genesee & Wyoming doubles down
After its largest acquisition to date,GWI plans a capital program for 2013 to continue its growth and development.
Chicago goes through LOOP therapy
CTA and its contractors work to overhaul 30-year-old track components in the heart of one of North America’s largest cities.
MBTA celebrates groundbreaking for new Salem Commuter Rail Station
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) General Manager Dr. Beverly Scott recently joined state and local officials to celebrate the groundbreaking for the new MBTA Salem Commuter Rail Station.
Wisconsin awards $11 million for shortline projects
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker approved four freight rail improvement projects totaling approximately $11 million in grants and loans. The goal of Wisconsin’s freight railroad assistance program is to increase the use of rail transportation and support economic development and job creation.
Sec. Foxx joins Florida congressmen to discuss state’s TIGER grant
On September 13 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx joined four members of Congress, Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Ted Deutch D-(FL), Lois Frankel (D-FL) and Patrick Murphy (D-FL) and other local leaders to talk about how the South Florida Freight and Passenger Rail Enhancement project will help South Florida.
Washington State Supreme Court rules in favor of East Link light rail across I-90
The Washington State Supreme Court has dismissed a lawsuit seeking to stop the construction of East Link light rail across Lake Washington on I-90.
SEPTA details doomsday rail plan to deal with funding shortage
Joseph Casey, general manager of The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), said that without an infusion of funding for a backlog of critical state of good repair projects, the authority will have to significantly shrink the transit system over the next 10 years, including major reductions in rail service.
BART’s Oakland Airport Connector one year away from completion
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) said the Oakland Airport Connector (Connector) project is on time, on budget and will be complete one year from now.