Agreement would put X Train on UP-owned track
Las Vegas Railway Express, Inc. (X Train), and Union Pacific signed a conditional agreement to provide passenger service on Union Pacific-owned right-of-way between Las Vegas, Nev., and Daggett, Calif.
BART unveils vision for future transit to meet growing demand
In response to its increasing capacity needs, San Francisco’s Bay Area Rapid Transit is drafting a three-phased plan to address sustainability and customer service objectives, while maintaining a safe and reliable rapid transit system.
New union agreements on CP and Central Railroad of Indiana
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), System Council 11 and Canadian Pacific reached a tentative five-year labor agreement covering approximately 450 employees who maintain and install railway signals and communications systems across Canada.
HDR lead designer for Dallas streetcar project
Dallas Area Rapid Transit in Dallas, Texas, selected the Stacy and Witbeck/Carcon Joint Venture team, with HDR as lead designer, for the Dallas Streetcar Oak Cliff Line. This 1.6-mile streetcar line was the recipient of a $26 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant and will be the first modern streetcar in Dallas.
Cleveland Track Material awarded several projects on low vibration ties
Cleveland Track Material will deliver five guarded, tangential geometry, double crossovers with 39-41-foot track centers on low vibration concrete tie blocks for the 2nd Avenue and 7 Line Extension projects in New York City.
Harsco CFO resigns, interim CFO named
Harsco Corporation received the resignation of Stephen Schnoor, senior vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer. Barry Malamud, who currently serves as vice president and corporate controller, has been named as interim CFO and will assume the responsibilities of principal financial officer until a permanent CFO has been selected. Both changes are effective immediately.
AAR: Railroads committed to PTC implementation, despite challenges
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reinforced the railroad industry’s commitment to implementing PTC but recognized significant challenges remain to doing so.
CSX opens new TRANSFLO facility in Westborough
Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray joined CSX, Town Manager Jim Malloy of Westborough and businesses to celebrate the opening of CSX’s TRANSFLO facility in Westborough, Mass.
NTSB praises Metrolink’s Commitment to Safety
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recognized Southern California’s Metrolink as a national leader in the Positive Train Control (PTC) effort.
CTA awards second contract for Red Line South reconstruction
The Chicago Transit Authority awarded F. H. Paschen, S.N. Nielsen and Associates, LLC, a $43.875-million contract for station improvement work related to the Red Line South reconstruction project.
First Nations and Alaskan Tribes show support for Alberta-Alaska rail link
Canada’s First Nations and Alaskan Tribes have expressed support for a new “purpose built” railway that would link Alaska with Yukon, northern British Columbia and northern Alberta to the rest of North America.
Amtrak substation repairs to be completed this week
Amtrak and New Jersey Transit are making repairs to an Amtrak-owned electrical substation in Kearny, N.J., which will be completed Friday, Nov.16.
Honolulu receives rail delivery despite project’s hold status
The first 3,000 tons of steel track for Honolulu’s rail system arrived on Oahu last week. The shipment, more than 13,000 tons of steel track and other track-related materials, was blessed at a ceremony held Tuesday at Kalaeloa Harbor.
West leg of Calgary’s LRT to open Dec. 10, 2012
Calgary Transit’s West light-rail transit line in Calgary, AB, Canada, will open for service on Dec. 10, 2012, meeting the original start of service that was promised in 2009.
DART to open two rail extensions in December
In Dallas, Texas, Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s (DART) 4.5-mile Blue Line extension from Downtown Garland Station to the new Downtown Rowlett Station will open Dec. 3.
LACMTA begins utility relocation work for Westside Subway Extension project
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Westside Subway Extension project started utility relocation work in Los Angeles’ Mid-Wilshire District.
Patriot Rail, TC&W name new executives
Patriot Rail Corp. hired George Avery Grimes, PE, Ph.D., to its management team as executive vice president and chief strategy officer. Grimes will be responsible for revenue growth through initiation and evaluation of strategic acquisitions, infrastructure investments and margin expansion opportunities. He will also be Patriot Rail’s liaison with Class 1 railroad strategic projects.
SEPTA releases first “Energy Action Plan”
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) released its first-ever “Energy Action Plan,” potentially saving SEPTA more than $2 million a year through reductions in energy usage, with additional benefits expected.
Michigan commuter line begins test run
Six newly refurbished commuter rail cars are being tested in southeast Michigan, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG).
Ohio to upgrade crossings in two counties
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) approved construction authorization at two grade crossings in Lucas and Mercer counties.