TriMet files lawsuit against Clackamas County to make good on light-rail project
TriMet filed a lawsuit in Clackamas County Circuit Court to require the county to follow through on its commitment to the Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Transit Project.
Gold Line Foothill Extension alternative route approved, FEIR certified by board
The Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority Board of Directors approved the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension light-rail project from Azusa to Montclair, Calif., as well as certified the Final Environmental Impact Report.
Atlanta Streetcar project installs first tracks
In Georgia, the Atlanta Streetcar project received its first delivery of track on Edgewood Avenue. Crews lowered seven sections of rail into the trackbed near the intersection of Bell Street and Edgewood Avenue and will continue the installation east along Edgewood Avenue towards Jackson Street.
ARRC restructures, eliminates 54 positions
The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) has eliminated 54 positions as part of a major corporate restructuring effort, due to a $45-million negative swing in finances from 2011 until now.
Caltrain Board adopts updated MOU with CHSRA
The Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (JPB), which owns and operates California’s Caltrain, adopted an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA).
California Transportation Commission doles out $100 million to state rail projects
The California Transportation Commission allocated $333 million in new funds to 91 projects that it says will improve the state’s transportation system and strengthen California’s economic recovery.
Maryland Transit receives ROD for Baltimore Red Line
The Federal Transit Administration issued a Record of Decision (ROD) for the Baltimore, Md., Red Line project, which will expand the region’s transit network for the first time since the early 1990s.
New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania transit agencies receive $390 million federal reimbursement
The U.S. Department of Transportation has allocated nearly $390 million in FY 2013 Disaster Relief Appropriations Act funds to reimburse the New York Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ).
Rep. Sires introduces MOVE Act to strengthen freight network
U.S. Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ) introduced the Multimodal Opportunities via Enhanced (MOVE) Freight Act of 2013 on March 5.
BioNitrogen Corporation begins preliminary work on railroad spur
BioNitrogen Corporation, a cleantech company that builds environmentally-friendly plants that convert biomass into urea fertilizer, has begun engineering design for construction on a railroad spur in Hardee County, Fla., where the first BioNitrogen urea fertilizer plant will be built.
Bidders shortlisted for new GO Transit rail maintenance facility
In Toronto, ON, Canada, Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario released a request for proposals to the three teams shortlisted to submit proposals to design, build, finance and maintain a new maintenance facility for GO Transit.
TTCI’s annual review draws more than 500 to Colorado
Transportation Technology Center, Inc., held its 18th Annual AAR Research Review March 5-6, 2013, in Pueblo, Colo. This year’s theme was “Technology Driven Solutions to Improve Safety and Efficiency.”
FRA approves WSDOT environmental assessment for Point Defiance Bypass project
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has signed off on the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) environmental assessment for the Point Defiance Bypass project.
Amtrak covered 88 percent of operating costs in 2012
Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman said that the railroad is leveraging record ridership to reduce dependence on federal operating subsidies.
CHSRA names new CFO
The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) appointed Russell Fong as its chief financial officer.
MBTA seeks WiFi provider
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is seeking proposals to provide WiFi service on commuter rail cars and select commuter rail stations.
USDOT awards PANYNJ $195.7 million for Superstorm Sandy repairs
The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) is awarding the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) approximately $195.7 million for infrastructure repairs in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
FTA and FEMA sign MOA for major disaster emergencies
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on March 5 that outlines the roles and responsibilities of both agencies in providing federal assistance to repair and restore public transportation systems
NS celebrates 100th Anniversary of Ohio River Bridge
March 4, 2013, marked the 100-year anniversary of the completion of the modern version of Norfolk Southern’s bridge over the Ohio River between South Point, Ohio, and Kenova, W.Va.
New York MTA finishes 72nd Street Station Structures blasting
The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) completed blasting for the 72nd Street Station Structures contract for Phase 1 of the Second Avenue Subway.