Watco to buy Ann Arbor Railroad
Watco Railroad Company Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Watco Companies, L.L.C., has reached a definitive agreement to purchase the stock of the Ann Arbor Railroad, Inc. (AA).
FRA grants funds for Pennsylvania rail bridge
The Federal Railroad Administration has awarded the county of Lycoming, Pa., a $2.4-million Rail Line Relocation grant to build a new bridge spanning the Loyalsock Creek in Loyalsock Township and Montoursville Borough.
San Pedro & Southwestern Railroad sets safety record
The San Pedro & Southwestern Railroad (SPSR) set a new safety record December 23, 2012, completing 5,000 days of accident-free operations on the Benson, Ariz.-based shortline.
Metro-North Railroad turns 30
New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Metro-North Railroad celebrated its 30th birthday on Jan. 1, 2013. The railroad says it has become the busiest and best passenger railroad in the country with a consistent on-time performance of better than 97 percent and a customer satisfaction rating of 93 percent.
USDOT finalizes changes to New Starts/Small Starts program
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) finalized changes to its approach for administering New Starts/Small Starts program.
Amtrak names Hardison chief marketing and sales officer
Amtrak named Matt Hardison chief marketing and sales officer (CMSO), following the retirement of Emmett Fremaux and will report to President and CEO Joe Boardman, effective immediately.
BART directors sworn in, president and vice president elected
In San Francisco, Calif., the Bay Area Rapid Transit Board of Directors welcomed two new members and voted to elect Director Tom Radulovich as president and Director Joel Keller as vice president.
Phoenix Valley Metro avoids strike
Phoenix’s Valley Metro said a potential work stoppage has been averted and light-rail service will run as normal on New Year’s Eve.
KCS’ Starling outlines infrastructure plans in state of the railroad
David L. Starling, Kansas City Southern’s president and CEO, outlined the state of the railroad in a letter dated Dec. 21 and posted to the KCS website. Starling says the railroad’s 125th anniversary year has been a success; something he aims to continue into 2013.
NRC names 2013 Hall of Fame inductee
The National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) named James J. (Jim) Daloisio, Chairman and CEO, Railroad Construction Company of South Jersey as its 2013 Hall of Fame Inductee.
STB approves GWI’s control of RailAmerica railroads
The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has approved Genesee & Wyoming Inc.’s application to control RailAmerica, Inc., and the RailAmerica railroads, effective December 28, 2012.
Sound Transit Board approves 2013 budget
In Seattle, Wash., the Sound Transit Board approved a $1.1 billion 2013 budget that moves light-rail expansions forward, while positioning the regional transit system to carry more than 28 million riders next year.
Construction begins on Massachusetts South Action commuter station
In Massachusetts, ground broke on a new South Acton Commuter Rail Station, a project that will improve, expand and revitalize the busiest station on the Fitchburg Line.
Ottawa approves Confederation Line, construction to begin in spring 2013
In Ottawa, ON, Canada, the Confederation light-rail transit line was approved by the city council in a unanimous vote.
New York MTA submits balanced budget, Lhota resigns
The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board has approved the agency’s 2013 budget and four-year financial plan.
Two Ohio grade crossings to see upgrades
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) approved authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission to upgrade two grade crossings in Wellston and Cincinnati.
CSX appoints operations, technology leaders to new roles
CSX has made executive position changes, which will take effect Jan. 1, 2013.
Minnesota Metropolitan Council awards engineering contracts for Southwest LRT
The Southwest Light Rail Transit line in Minnesota took a major step forward to opening in 2018 when the Metropolitan Council authorized preliminary engineering contracts with Kimley-Horn and AECOM.
USDOT signs $1.55 billion FFA for Honolulu transit system
U.S. Department of Transportation signed an agreement to provide $1.55 billion to the city and county of Honolulu on the island of Oahu to build Hawaii’s first-ever rail transit system.
FRA issues ROD for the Chicago-St. Louis HSR
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued two Records of Decisions (ROD) for the Chicago-St. Louis high-speed rail corridor.