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.
EDA awards $4.7 million for Utica Main Line Revitalization
The Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded more than $4.7 million in federal disaster funding for the Chenango Industrial Development Agency (IDA) to move forward with the Utica Main Rail Line Revitalization project in New York.
NS opens $5.9 million TBT
Norfolk Southern (NS) opened its new $5.9 million Thoroughbred Bulk Transfer (TBT) terminal in Knoxville, Tenn.
Caltrain moves to elevated grade separation in San Bruno
The Caltrain San Bruno Grade Separation Project has reached an important milestone. Beginning with the first southbound train on May 26, trains will travel on the new elevated grade separation. During construction trains have been operating on a “shoofly” or temporary tracks.
NJ Transit adds express service to the Jersey Shore
New Jersey Transit has added express service this summer to New Jersey’s shore towns, beaches and boardwalks.
MWAA awards contract for Silver Line Phase 2
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) has selected the Capital Rail Constructors joint venture for the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project, Phase 2: Package A.
Chicago Terminal employees select UTU-SMART
Operating employees of Chicago Terminal Railroad (CTR) have selected United Transportation Union Sheet Metal, Air, Rail & Transportation workers (UTU-SMART) for representation.
RailWorks subsidiaries name two new presidents
RailWorks Corporation, named Mark Patterson president of its transit systems subsidiary L.K. Comstock National Transit, Inc., and named Nuno Pereira president of its Canadian subsidiary PNR RailWorks Inc.
USDOT awards $10.9 million TIGER grant for rail improvements to multimodal logistics park
The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded a $10.9-million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) 2012 grant to the city of West Memphis, Ark., to expand the city’s port.
Twin Cities’ Hiawatha light-rail now Metro Blue Line
In Minnesota, the Hiawatha light-rail line has been rebranded as the Metro Blue Line, the first of the Twin Cities rapid transit lines. The Metro system will also include Green Line light-rail service between the downtowns (service begins mid-2014).
Axion receives order from Edmonton LRT
Axion International Holdings, Inc., has received a purchase order from a new customer, Edmonton Light Rail Transit, in Edmonton, AB, Canada, for its ECOTRAX ties. These ties will be used for road crossing applications where the transit line’s rail tracks intersect with roads.
Meyer named COO of the Nebraska Central Railroad Company
Rio Grande Pacific Corporation appointed rail industry veteran Tres Meyer as chief operating officer of its Nebraska Central Railroad Company.
STV names Silver Transportation & Infrastructure vice president, Western Region
STV hired Aarin Silver, PE, as vice president of its Transportation and Infrastructure Division’s Western Region.
Gov. O’Malley signs $4.4 billion Transportation Infrastructure Act of 2013
Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley signed the $4.4 billion Transportation Infrastructure Investment Act of 2013.