Maryland Transit seeks approval for Red Line FEIS
The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) submitted the Red Line transit project’s Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
LACMTA begins utility relocation work for Regional Connector
In Southern California, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) officially began advance utility relocation work for the Regional Connector, a major light-rail project in Downtown Los Angeles.
Amtrak names chief transportation officer
Amtrak named David Nichols as its chief transportation officer (CTO) who will be responsible for setting, managing and maintaining operating rules and policies to ensure that all train operations meet federal rail safety requirements and the company’s business needs.
Harbor Rail Services appoints new executive vice president
Harbor Rail Services Company appointed Caylan Myronowicz to executive vice president.
MDOT buys 135 miles of NS line
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Norfolk Southern signed a sale agreement that transfers ownership of 135 miles of NS railroad to MDOT for $140 million.
DART secures $120 million for Orange Line project
The Federal Railroad Administration approved a nearly $120-million loan that will enable Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) to advance construction on the third phase of its Orange Line extension project.
Historic Portageville Bridge receives DEIS, plans public hearing
New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) says the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for a project to replace the Portageville Bridge carrying the Norfolk Southern railroad over the Genesee River in Letchworth State Park is available for public review. The bridge runs between Portage in Wyoming County and Genesee Falls in Livingston County.
NRC Board of Directors selects new members
The National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) voted in three new board members.
Alabama railroad votes SMART representation
According to the United Transportation Union, train and engine service employees on Birmingham Terminal Railway, a Watco Transportation property, have voted to be represented by the SMART Transportation Division.
TTCI selects new board of directors member
Transportation Technology Center, Inc., (TTCI) Board of Directors elected Scott MacDonald, senior vice president, system, Canadian Pacific, as a new board member December 13, 2012.
Alaska Railroad crossing and bridge projects advance
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Environmental Assessment (EA) of the North Pole Road/Rail Crossing Reduction project in Alaska.
Twin Cities’ Central Corridor heavy construction coming to end
The final year of heavy construction on the Central Corridor Light Rail Transit Project between Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn., is wrapping up on cue.
NJ Transit Raritan Valley Line returns to full service Dec. 17
New Jersey Transit’s (NJ Transit) Raritan Valley Line (RVL) will resume full-service starting Monday, Dec. 17, marking another milestone for customers in the transit system’s return to normalcy after Hurricane Sandy.
Canadian government introduces freight service bill, CN, CP respond
On Dec. 11, the Canadian government introduced the Fair Rail Freight Service Act bill, which will give companies that ship goods by rail the right to a service agreement with railways. It will also create an arbitration process to establish an agreement when commercial negotiations are not met.
MBTA Green Line extension project begins
The start of phase one of construction to extend the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) Green Line into the cities of Medford and Somerville has begun.
Charlotte streetcar starter line breaks ground
The Charlotte Streetcar Starter Project in North Carolina has begun and the first phase of a planned 10-mile streetcar line that will expand transit options, spur economic development and improve access to jobs, education and medical facilities.
Santa Clara VTA light rail celebrates 25 years of service
Twenty-five years ago on Dec. 11, a nine-mile, twelve-station light-rail transit line opened its car doors and would become the first of nine segments to offer passenger service in Santa Clara County in California.
TCRC- MWED and Canadian Pacific reach tentative contract agreement
Canadian Pacific and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, Maintenance of Way Employees Division (TCRC-MWED), which represents 2,600 maintenance-of-way workers, reached a tentative five-year contract settlement.
BLET members ratify new contract at Montana Rail Link
By a better than three-to-one majority, members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with Montana Rail Link (MRL) on November 20. The agreement covers approximately 400 members.
UIC Innovation and Railway Research Awards recognizes TTCI’s freight research
The inaugural International Union of Railways (UIC) Innovation and Railway Research Awards were held in Paris, France, on Dec. 11, where Transportation Technology Center, Inc., (TTCI) was recognized for its freight research at its Facility for Accelerated Service Testing (FAST).