Baltimore Red Line gets FTA approval

The Federal Transit Administration has given its approval for the Baltimore Red Line in Maryland to move forward and enter the engineering phase. The phase includes preparation of more detailed plans, schedules and cost estimates, as well as completion of final environmental studies.

"For the past two years the Maryland Transit Administration has been working to comply with rigorous FTA requirements," said Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley. "By granting permission for a project to enter preliminary engineering, the FTA signals that the project has merit and a high likelihood of ultimate success."

The FTA review of the Red Line proposal focused on the projects ridership and benefits, as well as the State’s financial commitment and technical capacity to build and operate the project.

The proposed Red Line is a 14.5 mile, east-west transit line connecting the areas of Woodlawn, Edmondson Village, West Baltimore, downtown Baltimore, Inner Harbor East, Fells Point, Canton and the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center Campus. When constructed, the Red Line will run mostly in dedicated surface rights of way with tunnels under Cooks Lane, downtown and Fells Point. The Red Line, expected to be completed in 2020, will carry 57,000 riders per day in 2030 and cost approximately $1.8 billion in year 2010 dollars.Accounting for inflation, the cost is approximately $2.2 billion. The current ridership forecast is slightly down from the prior forecast of 60,000 riders per day based on input from the FTA.

"Getting the go-ahead from FTA to enter this next significant phase of the Red Line project is great news for Baltimore and the region," said Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. "The fact that the Red Line has progressed to this stage underscores the quality and competitiveness of this much-needed transit project that will help create jobs and economic development for Baltimore’s future."

Preliminary engineering is expected to take approximately two years and is followed by final design, during which plans are finalized and put out to bid. The Maryland Department of Transportation’s capital budget includes funding for the preliminary engineering, final design phases and right-of-way phases and construction funding will be addressed by 2015 when it is first needed.

SEPTA celebrates Langhorne Station

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority representatives, joined by elected officials and community members, celebrated the Authority’s rebuilt Langhorne train station facility at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Juune 28.

The Langhorne Station serves passengers on SEPTA’s West Trenton Regional Rail line.

"The improvements and new building at Langhorne Station demonstrate SEPTA’s commitment to investing in our communities," said SEPTA General Manager Joseph Casey. "We are pleased to provide our current and future passengers with a comfortable place to wait for their trains, complete with technological advancements."

The new Langhorne Station building features energy efficient heating, cooling and lighting systems; expanded indoor and outdoor passenger waiting areas and a restroom. The station improvements project also included the installation of new electrical and communications systems, as well as an audiovisual public address system.

The 18-month project cost $1.4 million and was funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"We thank our customers, Middletown Township and Langhorne, Langhorne Manor and Penndel Boroughs for their patience and support throughout the construction period," Casey said. "The end result of this project is a beautiful station we will enjoy for many years to come."

Metrolink to add more service in July, change AV Line express train schedule

Southern California’s Metrolink is planning a 16-train service expansion, including four all-new express trains. The growth will continue during the first week of July when Metrolink will add new weekend beach trains and six weekday trips on the Orange County Line.

Metrolink will operate two round-trips on the Inland Empire-Orange County line from San Bernardino to both Oceanside and San Juan Capistrano on weekends from July 2, 2011, through October 9, 2011.

Additionally, Metrolink will add six weekday trips on the Orange County Line, between Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo and Fullerton stations, starting July 5, 2011, as part of the Metrolink Service Expansion Program.

On July 5, there also will be minor schedule adjustments to accommodate the additional service. The Antelope Valley Line morning and evening express trains will depart later to better serve passengers.

FTA taps PB for asset management framework

Parsons Brinckerhoff has been awarded a contract by the Federal Transit Administration to develop and document a transit asset management framework and implementation guide that will support the FTA’s State of Good Repair and Asset Management Programs.

The FTA estimates there is a nationwide backlog of $50 billion to $80 billion in deferred maintenance and replacement needs, the vast majority of which are rail related.

The project will result in the creation of a conceptual framework for asset management and provide guidance and tools that transit agency managers can use to enhance asset management and positively impact reliability, safety, cost management and customer relations.

Parsons Brinckerhoff will be responsible for researching best practices within transit and other industries, creating a framework and implementation guide and developing training materials. The team includes three partner transit agencies, New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Utah Transit Authority, that have agreed to collaborate in the development and validation of the research and participate in facilitated work sessions to document their practices, implementation issues and other considerations.

The project is scheduled for completion in spring 2012.

SFRTA governing board elect new chair and vice chair

Florida’s Broward County Commissioner Kristin Jacobs was elected chair of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority Governing Board at its June meeting. At the same meeting, Palm Beach County Commissioner Steven Abrams was elected vice chair of the Board. Both terms begin on July 1, 2011 and last for one year.

Commissioner Jacobs was elected to represent District 2 on the Broward County Commission in 1998. She has always been a supporter of mass transit as a means of easing traffic congestion and pollution in Broward County. She spearheaded the Community Bus Transport Network, which connects neighborhoods to Broward County Transit in more than 20 cities.

Commissioner Abrams has been serving on the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners representing District 4 since 2009 and was elected in 2010 without opposition to a full four-year term. A former Mayor of Boca Raton, he was elected in 2001, re-elected in 2003 without opposition and again in 2005.

 

DOT gives $1.58 billion for transit improvements

U.S. Department of Transportation allocated $1.58 billion for 27 transit projects nationwide that will improve public transportation access for millions of Americans while reducing our dependence on foreign oil and curbing air pollution.

"Investing in a modern transportation network is a key part of President Obama’s strategy to win the future by out-building and out-competing the rest of the world," said USDOT Secretary Ray LaHood. "America’s long-term economic success requires investing now in transportation infrastructure capable of moving people and goods more safely, efficiently and quickly than ever before."

Twenty-seven transit projects across America are on a path to receive funding under the New Starts program, through which Federal Transit Administration provides federal support for major capital construction projects such as subways, light rail, streetcars and bus rapid transit.

Denver’s 13-station Eagle Commuter Rail project will add more than 30 miles of service to Denver’s transit system connecting downtown Denver and Denver International Airport to the east with numerous communities in between. The FTA estimates contributing approximately $1 billion towards the $2 billion project which is said to create 5,400 jobs during peak construction.

The Central Corridor light-rail project will connect Minnesota’s two largest cities, Minneapolis and Saint Paul, by light rail for the first time. The FTA recently signed a Full Funding Grant Agreement making a long-term financial commitment to the $957 million light rail-line, which will carry 40,000 riders along the 11-mile corridor. The project, which includes 18 new stations and 31 new rail cars, is scheduled to open in 2014.

For a full list of projects receiving New Starts funding in 2011, click here .

 

CTA cuts management, reduces expenses to save $15 million

The Chicago Transit Authority is eliminating 54 non-union positions, including 26 manager-level positions. In addition, CTA is reducing expenses which, when combined with personnel moves, will save the agency $15 million annually. The reductions meet Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s target for leaner senior management at city agencies.

Nearly half the cost savings are from personnel reductions. CTA will save approximately $7.6 million in salaries and benefits, a 10 percent reduction in senior management. None of the positions are safety related or directly impact service. Additional savings of $900,000 in labor and benefit costs will be achieved by delaying hiring for open positions that have been deemed necessary. A reduction in materials, utilities and contractual services expenses will further reduce costs for 2011.

"The CTA faces severe financial challenges and cannot wait for next year’s budget to begin making cuts," said CTA President Forrest Claypool. "By reorganizing and streamlining, we gain immediate savings with no adverse effect on the current level and quality of service provided to customers."

 

Florida to develop dedicated inland port/logistics center

Jones Lang LaSalle will be the exclusive project advisor to Treasure Coast Intermodal Campus on its more than 4,000 acre site in southwest St. Lucie County, Fla. The TCIC will be developed into a major logistics hub over the next 30 to 35 years, with pre-development efforts now in full swing.

"TCIC will create an entirely new industrial model for Florida, ultimately providing a connection to direct, on-dock rail service at Florida’s key seaports, along with easy access to all major highways," said John Carver, who heads Jones Lang LaSalle’s Ports Airports and Global Infrastructure practice.

The TCIC is served by the Florida East Coast Railroad, which is accessed at the northern border of the development. Its inland port is situated in an area of St. Lucie County that has well-developed urban infrastructure and support services necessary for a large-scale industrial complex.

"This large scale project is being engineered specifically in preparation for the Panama Canal expansion, which also coincides with the emergence of South America as one of the largest exporters in the world," said Steve Medwin, managing director of Jones Lang LaSalle in Miami.

The TCIC plan has passed preliminary market, regulatory and construction feasibility tests and over the estimated 30 to 35-year development period, the project is said to create a significant positive fiscal impact for local government and the region’s economy, including thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

 

Metro-North moves closer to a transit-oriented development at Harrison Train Station

Metropolitan Transit Authority Metro-North Railroad is issuing its first solicitation for a transit-oriented development at Harrison Station in New York. It will improve access to trains by replacing three surface parking lots with a mixed-use development that includes retail space and housing units wrapped around a new parking structure.

The project is also intended to serve as a catalyst for downtown revitalization in Harrison. The New York State Department of State awarded a Smart Growth Grant to aid this TOD project.

"We have branded this project ‘It’s Happening in Harrison,’ because we believe this project, when realized, will create a sustainable, lively, walkable and vital development that will expand and complement the existing village hub at the same time it increases access to trains and reduces reliance on single occupancy vehicles," said Metro-North President Howard Permut.

In May, the town board unanimously passed a resolution in support of the TOD solicitation.

The site consists of slightly more than three acres of property owned by MTA Metro-North Railroad currently used as commuter parking. The railroad, working with the Real Estate Department of the MTA, intends to use the property to facilitate expanded access to the station. The amount of commuter parking will be doubled, from 255 to about 500 spaces to address needs on this segment of the New Haven line.

 

 

ShipCarsNow launches smartphone app

ShipCarsNow has developed the industry’s first mobile application, ShipCarsNow Mobile, that gives auto dealers and remarketers a way to get multimodal auto transport quotes from any smartphone. The mobile app provides shippers the ability to make purchase decisions whenever and wherever they buy wholesale inventory.

ShipCarsNow’s mobile provides users a link to register with ShipCarsNow.com for lower rates and to access auto transport tips and industry news. Auto dealers and remarketers can use the app to login to ShipCarsNow.com to get quotes, track shipments and access ShipCarsNow sales representatives.

ShipCarsNow’s multimodal options of economical rail, expedited truck and overseas vessel service allow business auto shippers to reach inventory and ship cars.

 

Axion wins 2011 R&D 100 award

Axion International’s Recycled Structural Composite technology, specifically its I-beam design, was selected as a winner of the 2011 R&D 100 Award, presented by R&D Magazine, for the top 100 new technologies in the world.

The I-beam design was used in the construction of several 100% recycled plastic bridges for the US Army at Fort Bragg, N.C., designed to allow for the crossing of an M1 Abrams Tank weighing in at approximately 70 tons.

The R&D 100 Award spans industry, academia and government-sponsored research. The Award for the innovative recycled plastic design was granted to the following joint developers and contributors to the I-beam project: the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Rutgers University’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering, McLaren Engineering Group and Axion International Holdings, Inc.

"We are confident that Axion’s proven and innovative building materials will attract new and exciting uses as engineers and architects increasingly seek advanced infrastructure building solutions that have environmentally friendly attributes," said Axion President and CEO Steve Silverman.

 

Relm Wireless joins ARINC test lab

ARINC Inc., and Relm Wireless Corp., a leading provider of high-specification radios for public safety, industry and government, have become partners in ARINC’s radio interoperability test laboratory in Annapolis, Md.

Relm has provided the ARINC lab with two of its new P25 digital portable 800MHz KNG P800 land mobile radios. The KNG P800 model provides interoperability under the Project 25 standard established by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials.

The ARINC Interoperability Test and Demonstration Center enables independent, hands-on testing of LMR performance across multiple platforms and objective performance evaluations. It is vendor-neutral platform where makers of LMR equipment, their customers and technology partners can test performance characteristics and evaluate the interoperability of radio systems.

 

 

Durbin wants parties to return to table for Springfield rail consolidation

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) proposed a second meeting to clear up recent confusion about cost estimates for the Springfield rail consolidation and bring all parties back on the same page. Durbin also said that he would be extending invitations to other members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation to discuss federal financing options and challenges.

Durbin sent a letter to the Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary, Gary Hannig; Federal Railroad Administration, Joe Szabo; the CEOs of the three major railroads Norfolk Southern, Union Pacific and Canadian National; Amtrak CEO Joe Boardman; Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter; Springfield Mayor Mike Houston and representatives from Hanson Engineering.

Durbin’s letter read:

I am writing to request your participation in a meeting to discuss possible rail consolidation in Springfield. As you may know, there have been several conflicting accounts regarding the size, scope and price of rail consolidation options currently under review. This meeting will hopefully clear up any confusion and help local leaders make the best decisions regarding future rail consolidation projects.

Two years ago, many of us gathered for a similar meeting with the goal of finding a path forward on Springfield rail consolidation. That meeting was helpful in keeping all of the parties at the table and ultimately resulted in a Memorandum of Understanding between the State, Sangamon County and the City of Springfield on studying rail consolidation in Springfield. That agreement called for the environmental and alternatives studies of Springfield rail consolidation to be completed before April 2012, a deadline that will likely be met according to federal officials.

I am requesting participation from FRA, IDOT, the railroads and Amtrak to make sure all of us fully understand the positions of these critical stakeholders. Hearing from all parties will give us a clear understanding of the stakeholders’ positions and afford us the opportunity to ask critical questions about their role in the rail consolidation projects under review. I will also be reaching out to other members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation asking them to join us and discuss federal financing options and challenges.

My office will be in touch to schedule a meeting.

Sincerely,

Richard J. Durbin
U.S. Senator

Honolulu Rail Transit project will receive $55 million in federal funding during 2011

The Honolulu Rail Transit project will receive $55 million from the Federal Transit Administration for the current fiscal year according to a statement from Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye, Hawaii Senator Daniel Akaka, Hawaii Second District U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono and Hawaii First District U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa.

"This is excellent news and a testament to the strength of Honolulu’s rail project. The fact that, in a climate of cutbacks, Honolulu’s project was able to get the full $55 million speaks volumes about the federal support for this project. This is a major achievement and positions us well for future funding requests and we are grateful to Hawaii’s Congressional delegation for their support," said Hawaii Mayor Peter Carlisle.

The $55 million in New Starts funding is identical to the amount requested in President Obama’s FY2011 budget. This is significant because the total amount of funds for Honolulu’s New Starts for FY 2011 was reduced from the $1.998 billion level enacted in FY 2010 to $1.597 billion, a 20% reduction in the total program.

"This project will bring welcome relief to thousands of commuters who are forced to spend hours in their cars on congested roadways. We have planned this project and debated its merits for decades and we must press forward. I remain committed to this project and will continue to do everything I can to direct federal funds to the work and ensure its timely completion," said Senator Inouye.

 

WMATA’s Sarles testifies on transit security progress

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority General Manager and CEO Richard Sarles said that WMATA has substantially improved its emergency preparedness by taking a layered and strategic approach to protecting customers, employees and assets with a combination of technology, training and target hardening. The update came in testimony before the House Subcommittee on Health Care, District of Columbia, Census and National Archives.

"[WMATA] has a thorough, up-to-date, threat assessment that guides resource allocation and personnel deployment." Sarles said. "And our transit police now collaborate with more than 40 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to enhance security in the region and coordinate anti-terrorism efforts, including the FBI and Transportation Safety Administration with whom we have active and positive partnerships."

According to Sarles and WMATA Transit Police Chief Michael Taborn, WMATA uses highly visible policing techniques to deter threats to the system, including an Anti-Terrorism Team, a group of sworn officers made possible through federal Transit Security Grant funding, as well as efforts such as Blue TIDE and Operation RAILSAFE which both partner with area law-enforcement agencies to increase the show of force on the Metro system.

Taborn reported that WMATA has responded to 339 calls for service in the first half of 2011 involving a suspicious person, package, bomb threat or similar condition.

While Sarles did not detail all of WMATA’s efforts in the interest of security, he said that the Authority has implemented multiple high tech security measures, including a chemical detection system that alerts incident commanders to the chemical’s identity and provides estimates of the above and below ground spread of the chemical to protect public safety.

Since FY 2006, WMATA has received commitments of $108.6 million in transit security funds, for which it has obligated 100 percent for specific projects and expended nearly $24 million to date.

 

 

PRASA places largest ever signaling contract with Siemens

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa has commissioned Siemens with the delivery of signaling equipment and the construction of the Gauteng Nerve Center operations control center. The €90 million (US$128.6 million) contract is the largest contract for signaling equipment ever awarded in South Africa.

The contract includes 15 type Sicas S7 electronic interlockings for the railway network in the province of Gauteng. It also comprises the interlocking for Johannesburg Park Station. In addition, more than 800 counting heads and more than 380 switch machines will be installed. The communication network will also be upgraded to meet the signaling requirements. The project is due to be completed by 2016.

The South African railway network is the largest in Africa and the tenth largest in the world. Its routes can now be set and monitored electronically. The new operations control center will control a total of 70 interlockings in the Johannesburg area. The interlockings and the GNC will communicate through an optical fiber network, which Siemens delivered in 2010. The new train protection system will increase the operational capacity, provide a higher level of flexibility and safety and reduce train delays.

 

 

Caltrain gets $16 million federal grant for PTC

The Federal Railroad Administration awarded a $16 million grant to the California-High Speed Rail Authority for the design of a new, modernized signaling system on the Caltrain corridor between San Francisco and San Jose.

The money will pay for the design of a positive train control technology system and is the first step in the modernization of the Caltrain corridor, which is being planned to support electrified passenger rail service, including high-speed rail.

"Keeping people safe is our top priority and positive train control technology will ensure California’s rail network transports passengers more safely and efficiently than ever before," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "This comprehensive safety technology will improve passenger service along the highly-traveled corridor between San Francisco and San Jose and will ultimately benefit the entire high-speed rail system in California."

"This initial federal investment will enable Caltrain to take an important step forward in our efforts to provide Bay Area communities with a modernized, sustainable commuter rail system that is fully compatible with future high-speed rail service," said Caltrain Executive Director Mike Scanlon. "The Administration and our Congressional leaders should be applauded for recognizing the importance of optimizing safety and promoting integration with regional systems as we continue to plan a project that will transform the way Californians travel."

The project is being developed by Caltrain as part of the continuing partnership between the Peninsula rail system and the California High-Speed Rail Authority to undertake projects of mutual benefit to both systems.

The new signal system will allow train movements and schedules to be coordinated more efficiently, improving the safety and reliability of all passenger rail operations that use the corridor: Caltrain, Altamont Commuter Express, Amtrak and the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority.

The overall modernization of the Caltrain system includes the electrification of the corridor and the operation of electric vehicles.

Caltrain will match the federal investment with $4 million. The project’s total cost is $251 million.

Illinois gets federal OK to spend money on rail corridor

The Illinois Department of Transportation received the "go ahead" from U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to start spending $126 million for Chicago’s Englewood Flyover project, after an agreement was reached between NS, Amtrak and IDOT.

The project, which will get under way late summer, will eliminate one of the nation’s largest rail bottlenecks. The Illinois Department of Transportation contributed $6.6 million to the $133 million project.

The Englewood Flyover is a grade separation project south of Chicago Union Station that eliminates one of the most delay-prone intersections in the entire Amtrak system. It separates Rock Island District Metra commuter trains from Amtrak passenger trains traveling on the Norfolk Southern corridor.

"Untying rail congestion in Chicago is critical to developing a Midwest passenger rail network that will connect the 40 largest markets in the Midwest," said Secretary LaHood. "Building the Englewood Flyover will put Americans back to work this summer and create new orders in our domestic supply chain."

The Englewood Flyover project is part of the CREATE Program, a partnership between the State of Illinois, the City of Chicago, freight railroads, Metra and Amtrak, to remove and reduce train congestion throughout Chicagoland and the Midwest region.

"Not only will Illinois see the benefit of new construction jobs and some desperately needed congestion relief, this is a great opportunity for Illinois suppliers to bid on new orders," said Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph C. Szabo. "Illinois has more railway suppliers than any other state in the country and does more than $4.5 billion in sales each year."

 

Sound Transit ready to close final construction contract for Central Link project

Seattle’s Sound Transit staff has decided on the cost to close out the last major construction contract for the Central Link light rail initial segment.

With the decision, the total estimated project cost of $2.32 billion brings the project in at about $117 million below the $2.436 billion baseline budget established in 2001. The project opened on time in July 2009, consistent with the schedule adopted in 2001.

"We are poised to close the books on one of the most significant transportation investments in this region," said Ahmad Fazel, Sound Transit executive director of design, engineering and construction management. "This was a challenging project and we’re proud to have delivered it on time and under budget."

Sound Transit contractor RCI-Herzog had originally sought $137 million as part of its claim for work the contractor performed building the 4.3-mile light rail segment through the Rainier Valley in southeast Seattle. This week, an independent arbitration panel awarded the contractor approximately $66 million.

Because Sound Transit had already paid approximately $17 million as part of an interim settlement for the work, the contractor will receive approximately $49 million from the award during contract closeout.

While rebuilding the roadway, sidewalks and constructing the new light rail right of way and stations, the contractor encountered significant challenges. These included more contaminated soil than expected, underground utility conflicts and other design issues to complete the segment in time for the July 2009 opening.

 

BART board approves $300 million contract for Warm Springs extension

California’s Bay Area Rapid Transit has awarded a contract for the design-build of line, track, station and systems for the Warm Springs Extension to Warm Springs Constructors in the amount of $299,050,00.

The Warm Springs Extension project will extend the BART system 5.4 miles south from Fremont Station to the Warm Springs district of the city of Fremont. It will be implemented primarily via two major construction contracts: the Fremont Central Park Subway contract, which was awarded the joint venture of Shimmick Construction Co. Inc./Skanska USA Civil West California District Inc., and the design-build of the line, track, station and systems.