Amtrak selects names for two new trains, upgrades Wi-Fi service
More than 1,200 people participated in a month-long survey to name two new Amtrak Cascades trains, which have been named Mt. Jefferson and Mt. Bachelor.
UP starts new safety campaign
Union Pacific has launched a billboard campaign aimed at encouraging drivers and pedestrians to cross tracks only at approved railroad crossings.
CTA adds new features to train tracker
The Chicago Transit Authority Train Tracker now offers new features, which includes getting train arrival information at any station more quickly, to help time-pressed customers to get around more efficiently.
KCS and Corinth police host Officer on a Train
Kansas City Southern (KCS) and the Corinth Police Department hosted an Officer on a Train event on May 16 to promote public safety at railroad crossings in Corinth, Miss.
KCS and East Baton Rouge police host Officer on a Train event
Kansas City Southern (KCS) and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office will host an Officer on a Train event on May 15 to promote public safety at railroad crossings in Baton Rouge, La. The event will start at the KCS Yard.
MARTA revises streetcar contract to $59 million
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Board of Directors has authorized a revised contract with URS Energy and Construction, Inc., to design and build the Atlanta Streetcar that sets the total price for its work on the project at $59 million.
Gov. McDonnell signs $5.9 billion transportation funding bill
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has signed Virginia’s Road to the Future, the state’s first transportation funding plan approved in 27 years, which will increase funding for Virginia’s transit providers by $509 million and provide more than $256 million in funding for intercity passenger rail within the first five years.
VIA Rail releases 2012 Annual Report
VIA Rail Canada has released its 2012 Annual Report to the public. The company’s continued commitment to the efficient use of public funds helped bring down the operating deficit for the third year in a row.
X Train elects chairman and director of the board
Las Vegas Railway Express, Inc. (X Train) elected John McPherson to chairman of the board and George Rebensdorf to director. Former Chairman Gil Lamphere remains on the board as director.
Sound Transit begins final design for East Link light rail
Sound Transit is kicking off the final design process for the East Link light rail extension’s Downtown Bellevue segment with an open house to be held May 16 at Bellevue City Hall.
WMATA to perform rebuilding work
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is investing $5.5 billion to install new rail, ties, platforms, escalators, signals, lighting, communication systems and more along its system.
Bowen Civil Engineering now part of Hanson Professional Services
Jacksonville, Fla.-based Bowen Civil Engineering Inc. (BCE) is now part of Hanson Professional Services Inc., adding expanded civil and transportation engineering, design services and 12 engineering professionals to Hanson’s national consulting practice.
USDOT makes $21.9 million available to strengthen transit safety oversight
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is making $21.9 million available to help strengthen public transportation safety for millions of riders and transit workers nationwide.
MTA 7 Subway extension project wins Construction Project of the Year
The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s $1.1 billion “Running Tunnels and Underground Structures” contract, the first portion of the $2.1-billion 7 Subway Line Extension Project, will be awarded the 2013 Construction Project of the Year by the New York State Society of Professional Engineers.
Caltrain prepares for $147-million grade-separation project
California’s Caltrain will be working on a $147-million project will elevate its tracks above three existing at-grade street crossings at San Bruno, San Mateo and Angus avenues next week. A new, elevated Caltrain station between San Bruno and San Mateo avenues will replace the station at Sylvan Avenue.
NS names six to senior management
Norfolk Southern has promoted six in upper management with effective dates of June 1 and July 1.
Amtrak launches safety video for kids
Amtrak has launched an animated video to educate kids about rail safety and security.
SYSTRA names new executive vice president of engineering
SYSTRA has promoted Joseph Sais, PE, to executive vice president, engineering. In this capacity, Sais will oversee the firm’s U.S.-based infrastructure, traction power, systems, and construction management and program management sectors.
LACMTA receives more than $390 million from CTC and Caltrans for improvements
Los Angles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) was awarded more than $390 million from the California Transportation Commission and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to support construction of new rail, upgrade existing transit service, buy much-needed rail cars,
LA City Council approves BNSF SCIG project
BNSF says that the Los Angeles City Council vote to approve its Southern California International Gateway (SCIG) project a significant vote for jobs and a greener economy.