TTC begins reconstruction tracks on Kingston Road
The Toronto Transit Commission and the city of Toronto will be reconstructing the streetcar tracks on Kingston Road between Queen Street East and Victoria Park Avenue.
LS&I employees approve five year deal
United Transportation Union Sheet Metal, Air, Rail & Transportation workers (UTU-SMART)-represented train and engine workers employed by Lake Superior and Ishpeming Railroad Company have ratified a new five-year agreement by an overwhelming 89 percent majority.
The agreement provides for wage increases equal to the 2011 national UTU agreement, including percentage increases to crew consist payments, full back-pay and increases in training pay.
The agreement also provides improved bereavement leave, establishes a Rule-G bypass agreement and establishes a health and welfare benefit package that replicates the National Health and Welfare package, including the Early Retirement Major Medical Benefit Plan.
Lake Superior & Ishpeming’s primary business is the transportation of iron ore over a 16-mile shortline from the Empire-Tilden Mine, operated by Cliffs Natural Resources, south of Ishpeming, to Lake Superior for transport.
The Lake Superior and Ishpeming Railway was organized in 1893 as a subsidiary of Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company (now Cliffs Natural Resources), the iron ore mining company. From its beginning, the railroad’s primary business was the transport of iron ore from the Marquette Iron Range, west of Marquette, to docks on Lake Superior, from which the ore could be shipped to steel mills on the lower Great Lakes.
Members of National Freight Advisory Committee selected
The National Freight Advisory Committee (NFAC) has named its list of members, a diverse group of professionals that will provide advice and recommendations aimed at improving the national freight transportation system.
MARC trains set ridership record in April
The Maryland Transit Administration’s (MTA) MARC Train service set a new record for ridership in April 2013.
UP begins community safety grant program
Union Pacific started a grant program for community railroad safety initiatives. Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 will be provided to support initiatives that enhance railroad safety in Union Pacific communities.
Watco names GM of Baton Rouge Southern
Watco Transportation Services has named Brit Sonnier as general manager for the Baton Rouge Southern Railroad (BRS).
USDOT awards $7 million TIGER grant to Oregon
The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded more than $7 million to the state of Oregon through a Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant to support a $9.4-million project.
CN accelerates Whitehall Subdivision upgrades
Canadian National (CN) is accelerating work on the $33-million upgrading of its Whitehall Subdivision in Wisconsin to increase car-loading capacity and train velocity for the growing frac sand supply chains
Szabo pushes for integrated rail systems
In a letter to the United Transportation Union, Federal Railroad Administrator Joe Szabo pushed for more integrated rail systems. In the message, he said:
“We know well the population growth, mobility and environmental challenges revealing a clear need to invest in passenger rail and of passenger rail’s skyrocketing ridership, be it intercity, commuter, light or heavy.
BART’s first employee, former general manager, B.R. Stokes dies at age 89
Former Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) General Manger B.R. (Bill) Stokes passed away May 15, at his daughter’s home in Sammamish, Wash. He was 89. Stokes was considered a pioneer in the advancement of public transit.
Ohio approves work at six grade crossings
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) has approved construction authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission for grade-crossing upgrades at six crossings.
UP named 2013 Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles
Union Pacific has been named one of the 2013 Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles from the National Business Group on Health (NBGH). The award honors U.S. companies for their ongoing commitment to promoting healthy work environments and encouraging employees to live healthier lifestyles.
Sound Transit selects corridor for potential Tacoma Link expansion
The Sound Transit Board of Directors selected the North Downtown Central Corridor as the alignment to move ahead with further environmental review for a potential expansion of the Tacoma Link light rail system. The alignment, also known as the E1 corridor, serves the Stadium District and Martin Luther King Jr. mixed use center.
LACMTA adopts FY14 budget
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) Board of Directors have adopted a balanced $5.075-billion budget for Fiscal Year 2013-14 that begins on July 1, 2013.
Houston Metro train to travel the new North/Red Line extension
The first Houston Metro train to travel the new North/Red Line extension will be tugged along the track by a special railcar mover beginning May 28, as Metro starts testing clearance on the 5.3-mile line.
SEPTA defers budget, approves fare increases
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Board has approved a proposal to increase fares and simplify the payment process for customers in preparation for next year’s move to a modernized fare system under the New Payment Technology (NPT) project.
Amtrak extends Boardman’s contract
The Amtrak Board of Directors is extending the contract of President and CEO Joe Boardman for his achievements in improving the operational and financial performance of Amtrak and to provide continuity of leadership.
Congressmen form Congressional Public Transportation Caucus
U.S. Reps. Dan Lipinski (D-IL) and Michael Grimm (R-NY) have formed the Congressional Public Transportation Caucus, aimed at addressing issues facing the country’s public transportation systems, including rail, light rail, bus rapid transit and traditional bus service.
USDOT releases additional $3.7 billion to transit agencies for Sandy relief
The U.S. Department of Transportation has released an additional $3.7 billion in disaster relief funds to help the four major transit agencies in New York and New Jersey that sustained the greatest damage from Hurricane Sandy.
TriMet Board adopts FY14 budget, includes safety and maintenance improvements
The TriMet Board of Directors in Portland, Ore., unanimously adopted the Fiscal Year 2014 budget. The $485 million operating budget, which will take effect July 1, 2013, includes budget priorities aimed at providing better service for riders and safety and maintenance improvements.