SEPTA’s Fox Chase Station is first LEED Silver train station in USA

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s recently rebuilt Fox Chase Regional Rail Station has earned a LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Fox Chase Station is the nation’s first train station to receive LEED Silver.

"This classification exemplifies SEPTA’s commitment to environmental responsibility and demonstrates how ‘green’ public transportation can be," said SEPTA General Manager Joseph Casey. "We are proud of the hard work and dedication of our engineering team to ensure that SEPTA achieved this certification."

To achieve the LEED Silver status, SEPTA implemented numerous eco-friendly processes throughout planning, design and building phases, including recycling construction waste materials such as drywall; using low-pollutant emitting building materials and purchasing energy from a local green energy supplier. The completed station has energy efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning and lighting systems; is entirely smoke-free; features receptacles for recycling papers, cans and bottles and has 15 parking spots designated specifically for energy efficient vehicles.

Fox Chase Station was designed by HNTB and built by Shared Systems Technology. The Sheward Partnership, LLC, provided LEED project oversight. The station project cost $1.1 million and was funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

UTA hires HDR to Provide services for Sugar House Streetcar Project

The Utah Transit Authority hired HDR to provide preliminary engineering, with the option to provide final design and design services during construction, for the Sugar House Streetcar project in Salt Lake City and South Salt Lake City, Utah.

The proposed two-mile streetcar line is jointly owned by the Utah Transit Authority, South Salt Lake and Salt Lake City. Project goals include designing and developing a transit corridor with an emphasis on economic potential, livability and walkability.

As part of the new contract, HDR will provide preliminary engineering and final design services for the track work, structures, drainage, utility relocations, stations, street reconstruction and at-grade crossings.
Construction costs are estimated to be approximately $37 million, with the streetcar opening as early as 2013.

URS awarded contract for design, survey services of HSR corridor

The Illinois Department of Transportation awarded a contract to URS Corporation for design and survey services for the Chicago to St. Louis High-Speed Rail corridor.

These services will help make high-speed rail a reality in Illinois by introducing 110 mph service between these key metropolitan areas and providing transportation alternatives for the citizens of Illinois.

One of URS’ first assignments is to develop preliminary plans for more than 200 highway rail crossings to support 110 mph service. This will include the initiation of Quad Gate systems throughout the corridor, fencing and the installation of pedestrian gates where appropriate. URS will provide civil, structural, drainage and roadway services associated with these new designs.

URS will work closely with Union Pacific, the Illinois Commerce Commission and local corridor stakeholders to help the Illinois Department of Transportation achieve its vision of high speed passenger service in the state.

Canada’s Masse rolls out “Need for Speed” rail investment campaign

Brian Masse Member of Parliament (Windsor-West) is rolling out the "Need for Speed Campaign," urging Federal government to prioritize rail investment in Canada. Masse has written the Minister of Transport Infrastructure and Communities Denis Lebel advising him to move decisively toward augmenting Canada’s rail capacity by investing in higher-speed rail.

"Today I am calling on the minister to create a working group of stakeholders along the Windsor to Quebec City corridor from government and the private sector to work to ensure that higher-speed rail investments become a reality and are implemented effectively," he stated.

Masse notes that, currently Canada has no higher-speed rail networks, the only G8 country without this capacity. Rail experts, NGOs, elected officials from all levels of government and across party lines have indicated support for significant upgrades to Canada’s rail capacity. There is widespread consensus that the Windsor to Quebec City corridor is an ideal route to begin the process of addressing this glaring infrastructure deficit.

"Rail investments are critical to our future economic growth. Countries all over the world are investing in rail and the unfortunate reality is that we are lagging behind in an increasingly dramatic way," explained Masse. "Canada is facing an infrastructure deficit, particularly in the context of rail and in an era when the global challenge to attract investment is fierce we must ensure that we are in the best possible position to remain competitive."

Going forward, Masse will be galvanizing support for rail investments by engaging elected officials, business and labor and the general public. Further announcement about the "Need for Speed Campaign" will be forthcoming as the push to address Canada’s infrastructure needs continues.

BNSF allows peak inside its Topeka Locomotive Shops, tops veteran employer list

More than 5,000 people showed up for a rare peak inside the BNSF Topeka Locomotive Shops in Kansas during a special open house on Labor Day.

The event was designed to showcase the railroad’s long history in Kansas, as the state celebrates its sesquicentennial. It also allowed the public to see inside the shop on the northeast side of downtown Topeka.

"We drive by these buildings all the time and wonder what goes on in there," said Preston Taylor of Topeka. "It’s great to see that all this work for the railroad happens here in our city. I know lots of communities would love to have this kind of business employing its citizens. It makes me appreciate what this place means to Topeka and it is fitting that the shops are open on Labor Day."

The open house took place at the massive locomotive repair facility where visitors were able to view locomotives in various stages of repair. For some, it was an opportunity of a lifetime to climb into the cab of a diesel locomotive and tour a vintage rail car.

"By all measures this was a very successful open house," Curt Meyers, shop superintendent, said. "We are very proud of the shops and appreciate the opportunity to show them off to the public."

In other BNSF news, the railway has been named the No. 1 "Best Employer for Veterans" in the United States by Military Times EDGE magazine. The magazine’s annual recognition program highlights those employers in the United States that "prove they make veterans a priority-not just with slogans and statements of support, but with programs, policies and positive track records."

"This award is an honor and a true testament to BNSF’s military-friendly culture," said Riz Chand, vice president and chief human resources officer, BNSF. "We are committed to helping veterans transition to the workforce and we value their focus on safety, their leadership and operational skills and their unique life experiences."

BNSF has hired more than 4,000 veterans since 2005 and currently employs more than 7,000 veterans. This equates to approximately 18 percent of BNSF’s workforce. BNSF has hired more than 1,000 veterans so far in 2011.

"The military candidate embodies the core competencies essential at BNSF: leadership, teamwork and the ability to work safely in a fast-paced, dynamic environment," said John Wesley III, manager, military staffing and a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Army.

UGL secures $88 million in new locomotive supply and maintenance projects

UGL Limited has secured two new orders to supply and maintain new rail freight locomotives for the Australian market valued at $88 million.

The orders include the supply of seven C44ACi locomotives and a five-year maintenance support program to support rail haulage services for a resources company in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales.

UGL has also secured the supply of thirteen new GE Evolution locomotives to support Rio Tinto’s Pilbara iron ore operations and ongoing growth in Western Australia. This brings the total number of GE/UGL rail locomotives at Rio Tinto’s Karratha operations to more than 150.

"These new contracts reinforce UGL’s market leading position in the rail freight market," said UGL’s Managing Director and CEO Richard Leupen. "Our locomotive business is performing well with strong demand across all key resources markets."

"We are very pleased that a number of leading resources companies have chosen UGL as a key supply and maintenance partner. These projects also support a healthy forward workload for our rail business and further add to our recurring revenue base as we commence the 2012 financial year," addd Leupen.

LACMTA holds ceremony to kick off Expo Line Phase 2 construction

A ceremonial groundbreaking was held Sept. 12 by Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority in Santa Monica, Calif., for the second phase of the Expo Line light-rail project.

The 6.6-mile second phase, with a budget of about $1.5 billion, will connect Culver City and Santa Monica, Calif., mostly via the old right-of-way that runs along Exposition Boulevard. The budget includes several significant bridges for the train over busy streets, including Sepulveda Boulevard, as well as a maintenance yard and new rail cars.

The Source, a publication of the LACMTA, stated that the first phase of the Expo Line from downtown Los Angeles to Culver City is nearing completion and train and track testing has been underway since spring. No formal date for the opening of that line has been set.

The second phase of the Expo Line between downtown Los Angeles and downtown Santa Monica, Calif., is expected to open in 2015.

The second phase of the Expo Line is funded mostly by the Measure R half-cent sales tax increase approved by Los Angeles County voters in 2008.

 

Maryland Transit to begin construction on Edgewood MARC station

The Maryland Transit Administration will soon begin construction of a new MARC Train Station in Edgewood. The contract for construction has received approval from the Board of Public Works. The new station will provide a permanent facility at a key location on the MARC Train Penn Line near the Aberdeen Proving Ground, a critical component in the Base Realignment and Closure process.

"This investment is yet another sign of our full commitment to BRAC in Maryland," Governor Martin O’Malley. "Public transportation will play a vital role in the Aberdeen BRAC Zone and this new MARC Train station will help ensure that BRAC growth is smart growth."

The $4.3 million dollar project will include a new station with bathroom facilities, ticket vending machines, two ADA accessible ramps from the existing platforms to the existing underpass on Edgewood Road (MD 755); retaining walls to support the accessible ramps; a new platform shelter located adjacent to the northbound platform; full-depth pavement reconstruction at portions of the existing parking lot and Old Edgewood Road and miscellaneous civil/site work, including parking lot paving, drainage, storm water management, signing, pavement markings, rehabilitation of the existing concrete stairs, replacement of the existing railing along the west side of Edgewood Road (MD 755), landscaping and other aesthetic improvements.

Phase one of the project included demolition of the Old Post Office Building, platform rehabilitation work and additional parking and storm water management. Phase two is expected to be completed in early 2013.
The project is 60 percent federally funded.

GCRTA recognized for green practices

Crain’s Cleveland Business recognized the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority with a 2011 Emerald Award, distinguishing outstanding Northeast Ohio companies for increased sustainability efforts and a decreased carbon footprint. GCRTA won in the large non-profit category.

The Emerald Awards define sustainability as, "the commercialization or adaptation of processes and products which are both feasible, economical and make a positive impact on the triple bottom line — Profits, People, Planet."

GCRTA won for its goals to strive for social, environmental and economical sustainability throughout its system.

The GCRTA Board of Trustees adopted a Policy Statement and Environmental Commitments to bring value and awareness to employees and customers in order to reduce carbon emissions.

The long term Carbon Management Plan calls for a 20 percent reduction in emissions throughout GCRTA by 2019. Some early successes come from zero waste initiatives through recycling and compost collection and decreased cost and increased effectiveness through energy-efficient lighting retrofits at several facilities.

GCRTA will receive the Emerald Award at Cleveland State University on Sept. 20.

Ground breaking ceremony held for Richland Hills TRE station improvements

The Mayor of Richland Hills, Texas, David Ragan, and city council members hosted Tarrant County Commissioner Gary Fickes, The T’s Board Chair Gary Cumbie and other officials at a ground-breaking ceremony Sept. 12, for a multi-phase enhancement project at the Richland Hills Trinity Railway Express (TRE) Station.

The project, which has been planned for several years in cooperation with the Fort Worth Transportation Authority, is designed to improve street and pedestrian access to the Richland Hills TRE Station, expand parking, enhance traffic flow around the station and encourage future development adjacent to the station.

The majority of the funding for the enhancements will be from grants through the Federal Transit Administration.

The first phase of the long-term project will be the addition of 100 parking spaces at the TRE Station park and ride lot bringing it to a total of 671 spaces. Construction will begin in September. The TRE Station has the third highest TRE boardings of stations in Tarrant County.

The second phase will be the realignment of Burns Street to match up with Trinity Boulevard, providing dedicated turn lanes to expedite traffic flow into and out of the station.

The final phase includes future economic development by private entities on property adjacent to the station.

"Improved access and additional parking for the area surrounding the Richland Hills TRE Station will enhance the Southeast entrance of our city and make it welcoming for future development opportunities," said Richland Hills Mayor David Ragan.

"The T is very pleased with its partnership with Richland Hills and the city’s commitment to public transportation and its potential to expand economic development," said Dick Ruddell, president of The T.

Axion launches

Axion International Holdings, Inc., launched EcoTraxTM, a new Axion brand name for its existing composite railroad ties, which have gone through extensive proof-of-concept testing over the past 12 years and are now being sold in many domestic and international markets throughout the railroad tie industry.

Utilizing Axion’s technology, EcoTraxTM is said to be easy to install at the track site using traditional wood tie equipment. Since the ties are designed using 100 percent recycled plastic and plastic composites, the ties are longer lasting, environmentally friendly, and are said to be ideal for harsh climates and weather conditions.

"The launch of the EcoTraxTM brand is a huge milestone for Axion as we strive to become the market leader in the composite rail tie business," said Steve Silverman, Axion’s president and CEO. "What many do not realize, is that our patented technology has been used to manufacture and install railroad ties with many customers around the globe over the last 12 years. Additionally, the products have been tested extensively with customers and at the test track in Pueblo, Colo., with over 1.85 million gross tons of freight traffic recorded. It is safe to say this product is well proven and well tested. All great products have a brand name and the time has come to give our great product a name."

Jim Kerstein, Axion’s chief technology officer, added, "The number one compliment you can receive for your product is when a customer re-orders. Even within the limited time we have been actively marketing our rail products, we have seen customers re-order our railroad ties on a consistent basis. When customers need an eco-friendly product that performs well in weather challenged areas and will reduce maintenance time and costs, we want them to call on EcoTraxTM."

Axion’s EcoTraxTM contains no toxic materials. It is impervious to insect infestation, will not leach toxic chemicals nor warp. EcoTraxTM is completely recyclable at the end of its functional life.

LIRR to perform tie replacement work, rail inspection

New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority Long Island Rail Road will begin tie replacement trackwork on the Montauk Branch between Babylon and Sayville, N.Y., starting September 12 and continuing through November 6. The work will affect six midday, weekday trains, three eastbound and three westbound, that operate between Babylon and Speonk, N.Y.

Additionally, on September 14 and 15 only, rail inspection will be performed between Patchogue and Montauk, N.Y., which will result in bus service being substituted for four other midday trains, two eastbound and two westbound, on the Montauk Branch east of Patchogue, N.Y., September 14 and east of Speonk, N.Y., September 15. This replacement bus service for the rail inspection is in addition to the alternate bus and train service already replacing some midday trains between Babylon and Speonk, N.Y., for the track tie replacement work.

On Wednesday, September 14 and Thursday, September 15 only, rail inspection will be performed on the stretch of track between Patchogue and Montauk, N.Y., using the special Sperry Rail Inspection Car.

The Sperry Rail Car, which will be performing the specialized track inspection, is fitted with ultrasonic and induction test equipment and it’s designed to detect internal rail defects not readily visible to the eye. Defects that are found will be corrected immediately by a crew of LIRR track maintenance workers. The Sperry Rail Car is used twice a year to inspect approximately 500 miles of LIRR track.

 

Amtrak says proposed budget would cut state-supported service

Despite record-breaking ridership and strong support for intercity passenger rail by 15 states, Amtrak says the House Republican transportation budget plan will eliminate all state-supported Amtrak service across the country for the fiscal year, beginning October 1.

The FY 2012 Transportation-HUD House Appropriations Subcommittee budget proposal offered by the majority prohibits the use of federal funds provided to Amtrak to fund any operating costs of state-supported trains. If enacted by the full Congress, it will eliminate nearly 150 weekday state-supported trains and impact the more than nine million passengers who ride those trains each year and the communities they live in.

"The House Republican plan is shortsighted and is the wrong policy for America," said Amtrak President and CEO Joseph Boardman. "It will result in the loss of jobs and reverses significant progress made to use passenger rail to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil."

"The GOP plan penalizes states that have made investments in passenger rail, some of which have contributed toward costs for nearly 40 years," said Amtrak Board Chairman Tom Carper. "It kills an engine of local and regional economic growth much needed today, harms the future economic vitality of the nation and is unnecessary."

Under legislation passed by Congress in 2008, Amtrak is working cooperatively with its state partners to develop a common methodology to share more of the operating and capital costs of state-supported trains with the states.

"The Republican proposal forces an unwelcome decision on states who clearly want to preserve and expand passenger rail service," Carper stated.

 

MIA people mover begins service

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, Inc., in cooperation with its local partners, completed construction of an Automated People Mover system capable of fully automated, driverless operation. The APM system connects Miami Airport Station with the Miami Intermodal Center over an approximately 1.25 miles of track, smoothly and efficiently transporting passengers on a one-way journey of roughly four minutes from one end of the system to the other.

Service began on September 8, 2011.

The APM project began in September 2008 when MHIA and Sumitomo Corporation of America, as a subcontractor to the Parsons-Odebrecht Joint Venture, won the competitive bid process. MHIA was responsible for supplying the operating system, which includes the vehicles, train control, power distribution and communication systems. The APM project was successfully completed in just 36 months.

MassDOT names new manager for South Coast Rail Project

Massachusetts Department of Transportation Secretary Richard Davey appointed Jean Fox manager of the South Coast Rail project. A Freetown resident, who serves on the Board of Selectmen, Fox has worked at the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board since 2007.

“We have built positive state and local partnerships during the planning process for South Coast Rail and with Jean’s strong connection to the community, we anticipate these will continue,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “South Coast Rail is a priority that will deliver real economic benefits for the region for decades to come and I look forward to working with Jean as we move this project forward.”

As manager of the project to bring commuter rail service to Fall River, New Bedford and Taunton, Fox’s responsibilities will include securing funding for construction and operation of the lines, shepherding the project through the environmental review and permitting process and keeping the public fully engaged throughout the design phase.

“South Coast Rail is a priority for the Patrick-Murray Administration and the communities in the region,” said Fox. “My predecessor, Kristina Egan, made great strides during her tenure in catalyzing public engagement and enthusiasm for commuter rail service that will build on the region’s many assets. This project will also enhance growth an opportunities for South Coast residents and businesses.”

She begins her new job at MassDOT September 12.

Toronto Transit Commission appoints COO

The Toronto Transit Commission hired Andy Byford to become TTC’s first chief operating officer. Byford will join the TTC in November from Sydney, Australia where he was COO of RailCorp.

Byford’s appointment follows an international search conducted to fill the senior operations position at the TTC, formerly the general manager of operations. The title change and role is in keeping with organizational structures in large urban transit systems around the world.

In addition to overseeing TTC operations, Byford will act as deputy chief general manager.
“I am very excited to be joining the TTC and look forward to being part of the team to drive forward our customer service delivery,” said Byford.

SFMTA receives $20 million in federal funds for Central Subway project

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency received $20 million in federal funds for Phase II of the Third Street Light-Rail Project, the Central Subway. In addition to these funds, the SFMTA will send to the Federal Transit Administration the final submittal for the New Starts Full Funding Grant Agreement by September 19.

“The momentum continues to build for San Francisco’s Central SubwayPproject because it will expand transit options in the heart of the city,” said Jerry Lee, vice chairman of the SFMTA Board of Directors. “The city’s transportation infrastructure serves as the lifeblood of our expanding industries as well as our vibrant neighborhoods and the residents, visitors and employees that support them.”

“The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce continues to support the Central Subway Project for the simple reason that it will improve San Francisco’s economic growth,” said Jim Lazarus, San Francisco Chamber of Commerce senior vice president of public policy. “Economic growth does not happen by accident. A great workforce and the right policies bring businesses to the City; well-planned infrastructure makes it possible for them to thrive here.”

The project will serve as an engine for economic growth and recovery in San Francisco, creating thousands of job opportunities as the project moves into the construction phase.

During these difficult economic times, the progress and development of the Central Subway will employ thousands of individuals throughout the Bay Area and beyond. Furthermore, the improved service will decrease transit travel times, relieve congestion, enhance the environment and stimulate economic activity along the corridor.

The project has consistently received positive reviews as part of the FTA’s New Starts program. The new infusion of $20 million from the program means that Central Subway has received $92.4 million in New Starts funds to date. The total project cost (with contingency) is expected to be $1.57 billion, with the federal government contributing close to $1 billion.

The SFMTA continues to work closely with its funding partners: the San Francisco County Transportation Authority, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the leadership in Sacramento and the FTA. This collaboration has leveraged state and local funds to secure $942.2 million in federal New Starts funding for this project that would otherwise be unavailable to San Francisco for any other project.