In memoriam: Dr. Arnold D. Kerr
Dr. Arnold D. Kerr passed away on May 27, 2012 at the age of 84.
Back-to-work legislation enacted, CP workers return to job
The Restoring Rail Service Act passed in the Canadian Senate and received the Royal Assent, effectively ending the strike at Canadian Pacific, which began on May 23. CP workers represented by the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference will return to work on Friday, June 1.
East Side Access third tunnel bore complete
On the night of May 29, crews working on the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s East Side Access project brought a 642-ton tunnel boring machine to a halt underneath Sunnyside Yard in Queens seven weeks ahead of schedule, completing the third of four tunnels the MTA is building in Queens.
CTA offers exclusive naming rights to 11 rail stations
The Chicago Transit Authority, in partnership with IMG Worldwide, issued Requests for Proposals, seeking naming rights and sponsorships for 11 ‘L’ stations. O’Hare, Fullerton, Belmont, Addison, Chicago, Grand/State, 95th, North/Clybourn, Midway, Ashland 63rd and 79th stations could become the new location for businesses to showcase their brands.
PUCO approves work at three Ohio crossings
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio approved construction authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission authorizing the installation of flashing lights and gates at three grade crossings in Butler and Richland counties.
BNSF plans $306 million capital program in three states
BNSF plans to invest an estimated $306 million on maintenance and rail capacity improvements in California, Minnesota and North Dakota in 2012.
Former Caltrans director to head California high-speed rail project
Following an extensive international search, the California High-Speed Rail Authority Board of Directors hired Jeff Morales as the authority’s new chief executive officer.
Legislation to end CP strike successfully passes Canada’s House of Commons
The Restoring Rail Service Act has been passed by Canada’s House of Commons. The Act would end the work stoppage at Canadian Pacific and its labor disputes with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference.
GE Transportation chooses Chicago for global headquarters
GE Transportation has chosen Chicago, Ill., as its global headquarters. Erie, Pa., will remain the headquarters for GE Transportation’s global locomotive business and key manufacturing site.
CP, TCRC talks stall, Canadian government takes steps to legislate end to strike
Legislation has been introduced in Canada’s House of Commons aimed at restoring Canadian Pacific Service. The Honorable Lisa Raitt, Canada’s Labor Minister, introduced the Restoring Rail Service Act, which was put in place to end the strike at CP.
FRA’s Close Call Reporting Program shows improvement; present R&D agenda
In recent analysis, the Federal Railroad Administration said its Close Call Confidential Reporting System (C3RS) demonstration project has shown significant improvements in both safety and safety culture since C3RS was introduced, including a decrease in derailments.
CTC allocates $37.6 million to Baldwin Ave. grade separation project
The California Transportation Commission voted to allocate $37.6 million in state bond funds to construct the Baldwin Avenue grade separation project in the City of El Monte. The award of funds will permit the Alameda Corridor-East Construction Authority to prepare to release the project for bids from contractors.
Winnipeg’s Union Station to receive upgrades
The Honorable Steven Fletcher, minister of state (transport) and member of Parliament for Charleswood-St. James-Assinniboia, Manitoba and VIA Rail Canada announced a CA$6.5 million (US$6.36 million) investment in Winnipeg’s Union Station to improve public areas, accessibility, passenger services and amenities and the exterior of the heritage building.
WMATA completes Guarded #8 switch installation along mainline
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority safely completed a key National Transportation Safety Board recommendation, the Guarded #8 project, late Monday, May 28, with the installation of the 178th mainline guarded rail switch on the Metrorail system.
CTA’s Red Line station improvement project set to begin
Chicago Transportation Authority’s Red North Interim Station Improvement project will begin Friday, June 1, resulting in the temporary closure of the Granville station for up to six weeks.
CN says rail traffic controllers in Canada ratify new collective agreement
Canadian National says that members of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference-Rail Canada Traffic Controllers have ratified a new collective agreement covering approximately 210 train dispatchers in Canada.
LACMTA adopts FY13 budget, approves remaining phases of Westside Subway Extension
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s board of directors adopted a $4.5 billion budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2012. LACMTA’s FY 2013 budget does not propose raising fares, which already rank among the lowest in the nation; its farebox recovery will stay at 28 percent.
BNSF plans $111 million capital program in Montana
BNSF plans to invest an estimated $111 million on maintenance and rail capacity improvement projects in Montana this year.
WMATA Board approves FY13 budget
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Board of Directors approved WMATA’s $2.5 billion operating and capital budgets for fiscal 2013, which fund critical projects to enhance safety and reliability, as well as customer service. WMTA’s fiscal year begins July 1.
Canada prepares legislation to end CP strike
The Honorable Lisa Raitt, Canada’s Labor Minister, said that the federal government has put the Restoring Rail Service Act on notice to end the current Canadian Pacific work stoppage involving the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference.