Watco adds to management team
Aaron Coester has been named vice president, informa¬tion technology of Watco Companies, LLC. His responsibilities will include overseeing information technol¬ogy software and services related to RMI, WATSS and SAP.
TriMet now producing solar energy at South Terminus
TriMet in Portland, Ore., has a solar project at the South Terminus of the MAX Green and Yellow lines at SW Jackson Street that is now operational. Located near Portland State University, it’s the largest solar project in downtown Portland and a first for the MAX light-rail system.
CTA targets waste to save millions
The Chicago Transit Authority’s President Forrest Claypool exposed millions in waste at CTA supply warehouses, while unveiling a host of improvements to the agency’s system for managing parts and materials; each designed to reduce costs, increase oversight and improve operations.
Unitrac awarded WMATA order
Unitrac Railroad Materials, Inc., received a three year contract to supply special trackwork to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. The amount of manufactured trackwork that will be provided by Unitrac under this contract is valued at approximately $8 million over the next three years.
CSX expands RailComm yard automation system
CSX has expanded its Domain Operations Controller system located at Boyles Yard in Birmingham, Ala.
Del Cueto addresses KCS
On February 15, KCS de Mexico director ejecutivo de operaciones Oscar Del Cueto and gerente de desarrollo de negocios internacionales Marco Cervantes attended BNamericas Mexico Infrastructure Summit in Mexico City.
NYCT second round of FASTRACK improvements declared a success
Metropolitan Transportation Authority New York City Transit wrapped up its second FASTRACK line segment closure successfully completing an ambitious schedule of work on the Seventh Avenue Line from 34 th Street-Penn Station to Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. NYCT said it remains clear that the FASTRACK program is both a safer and more efficient way to maintain and clean a 24/7 subway system.
Cincinnati kicks off construction of new streetcar line
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood helped kick off construction of a new 3.9-mile streetcar line that will spur Cincinnati’s efforts to revitalize its downtown core by improving access to major employers, the developing riverfront and many area attractions. LaHood was joined at the event by Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff and Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory.
Trains are operating again on P&N corridor
The first train in more than 20 years operated on the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Piedmont & Northern Railroad corridor February 20, from Gastonia to Mount Holly, N.C. The train was operated by Patriot Rail, a freight shortline and regional railroad company based in Boca Raton, Fla., under a lease that has been signed with that company.
CN targets C$1.75 billion in 2012 capital investments
CN plans to invest C$1.75 billion (US$1.46 billion) in 2012 to maintain and upgrade its railway network, support growth and productivity initiatives and continue to provide customers with a high level of service.
Norfolk Southern earns top railroad spot in Clean Capitalism ranking
Norfolk Southern Corporation earned the top ranking among railroads in the S&P 500 Clean Capitalism Ranking published by Corporate Knights, a media, research and financial products company that focuses on clean capitalism.
RITA launches U.S. DOT research hub website
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) recently launched the U.S. DOT Research Hub website, a searchable database of the latest agency-sponsored research, development and technology projects.
RailComm hires director of transit sales
Kevin Clyne has joined RailComm as the director of transit sales. He is based in Northern New Jersey.
Koppers awarded crosstie order to South America
Koppers Inc. received a purchase order to supply treated crossties to Vale in South America. The estimated revenues from the order are $9-$11 million, and the order is expected to be completed during 2012.
CN’s Mongeau: Canada needs bold business leadership, sound public policy
Claude Mongeau, president and chief executive officer of Canadian National, said Canadian business and governments must take bold steps to develop world-class enterprises that will drive the nation’s competitiveness in global markets.
UP to invest $200 million in South Louisiana
Union Pacific will invest $200 million in three projects across South Louisiana to expand operations, creating 225 new direct jobs, retaining 1,100 employees and creating 1,500 construction jobs.
TIFIA loan requests top $13 billion
The Department of Transportation received 26 TIFIA (Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act) letters of interest exceeding $13 billion. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said that the overwhelming demand for TIFIA program loans has greatly exceeded the dollars available, underscoring President Obama’s call for greater transportation investment.
GE signaling system guides Amtrak
As part of a four-day GE Works event with discussions centered around manufacturing, innovation and jobs, GE Transportation, Amtrak and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) celebrated the operation of Amtrak trains at 110 mph on 97 miles of Amtrak-owned line between Kalamazoo, Mich., and Porter, Ind. The new service will reduce the travel time on Amtrak’s owned section of track on the Wolverine and Blue Water service by approximately 20 minutes.
Deputy Transportation Secretary Porcari touts opportunities of American-made, next-generation trains
U.S. Deputy Transportation Secretary John Porcari spoke to Midwest-based railroad manufacturers and suppliers at a Chicago rail forum about opportunities for their companies to participate in the growing industry of next-generation, American-made trains.
Feds recommend $2.2 billion to advance transit projects in 15 states
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood recommended $2.2 billion in funding to begin or advance construction of 29 significant rail and bus rapid transit projects in 15 states. All the recommendations are part of the Federal Transit Administration’s Annual Report on Funding Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2013.