Axion International secures $15 Million contract with Class 1

Axion International, a producer of recycled composite plastic industrial building products and railroad ties, signed a $15 million contract with North American Class 1 railroad. This Class 1 railroad has agreed to purchase a minimum of $5 million per year of Axion’s composite railroad ties, designed from 100 percent recycled plastic.

"Entering into this $15 million contract represents a historic event and extraordinary milestone for Axion and our shareholders," said Steve Silverman, Axion’s president and chief executive officer. "As we continue to expand our sales efforts, this contract is a clear signal that the Class 1 railroad market is looking for longer-lasting, more long-term economical alternatives to wood and concrete and is ready to make significant investments in Axion’s innovative recycled plastic technology."

Clifford named CEO of Chicago’s Metra

The Metra Board of Directors has selected Alexander D. Clifford, an executive with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, to be the commuter rail agency’s executive director and chief executive officer.

The appointment was made in a unanimous vote by the 11-member Metra board after a nationwide search conducted by Slavin Management Consultants, a government executive search firm.

"His experience as a big-picture policy-maker and a day-to-day operations manager make him uniquely qualified to lead Metra," Metra Chairman Carole R. Doris said. "It is my belief that he is the right man for the job at the right time."
Mr. Clifford said he is coming to Metra with a reform agenda. "The Metra Board has tasked me with restoring public confidence in our agency by instilling strong financial and management controls and inspiring Metra employees to meeting these important challenges," he said. "We will also continue to modernize our operation including incorporating new technology for better customer communications."

Clifford, 51, most recently served as executive officer, high-speed rail, for Metro, working as an ombudsman with the California High Speed Rail Authority to help facilitate the integration of high-speed train service into existing transportation corridors in Los Angeles County. He was responsible for making sure the interests of the county, various municipalities and other stakeholders were represented and that the potential impacts of the project were properly addressed.

Clifford also oversaw Metro’s interest in the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink commuter rail) as well as its interests in the Los Angeles-San Diego Rail Corridor Agency (LOSSAN).

NJ TRANSIT opens Bayonne station

 

NJ TRANSIT Executive Director James Weinstein joined local, state and federal officials at the grand opening of the new 8th Street Station in Bayonne, welcoming Hudson-Bergen Light Rail service to a new neighborhood and kicking off inaugural service on the recently completed one-mile extension.

OCTA awarded nearly $140 Million to deliver projects

 

Transportation projects throughout Orange County received an added boost when the California Transportation Commission allocated nearly $140 million to fund construction.
The projects awarded are part of the State Transportation Improvement Program and voter-approved Proposition 1B, a $20 billion bond program to fund transportation projects throughout the state.

The commission allocated the money as a result of state bond sales last month.

In addition to the $69 million awarded to a road project, OCTA rail projects that received funding include:

• $29.2 million for construction of the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center

• $22.6 million for the Kraemer Boulevard railroad grade separation

• $15 million for the Placentia Avenue railroad grade separation

• $2 million for rail crossing improvements in San Clemente and Dana Point

• $1 million for signal synchronization

Since its passage in 2006, more than $7 billion in Prop 1B funds has been allocated, including more than $420 million for Orange County projects.

MTA to make every dollar count in 2011

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has released an agenda for 2011 that carries forward the work begun last year under the agency’s report entitled "Making Every Dollar Count." The 2011 agenda continues a fundamental re-shaping of the MTA that includes cost-cutting that will result in cumulative savings of $3.8 billion by 2014, customer service improvements begun last year such as countdown clocks and implementation of systemic changes, including all-electronic tolling. 

 

"It’s a new year, but our focus remains unchanged," said MTA Chairman Jay Walder. "We will make every dollar count. We will continue to cut costs to create a more efficient MTA. We will continue to improve service for our customers. We brought change to the MTA in 2010, and we’re going to build on that success in 2011." 

 

In pursuing the goals of last year’s agenda, the MTA identified $525 million in annual savings through an emergency overhaul of the way the MTA does business – helping to limit the impact of the economic downturn on the MTA’s customers. Despite historic budget austerity, the agency delivered a number of long-promised benefits to customers: activation of countdown clocks at more than 100 subway stations; bringing security cameras online; overhauling the MTA website and demonstrating the promise of bus service through a series of travel innovations that have significantly increase bus speeds.

IAIS increases 2011 capital expenditures to highest ever

Iowa Interstate Railroad has increased its 2011 capital spending program to $4.5 million. The company expects to invest a total of approximately $35 million during the year. Principal components of the program include:

1. Construction of a modern diesel shop and logistics center in Homestead, Iowa for $14 million to support its recently upgraded locomotive fleet;
2. Completion of a car repair shop, maintenance-of-way base and train crew center in Silvis, Ill., for $1.3 million to support current and anticipated traffic growth;
3. Installation of 15 miles of new rail for $6.4 million; and
4. Replacement of ties and surfacing for $7.6 million.

To meet customer-specific needs and expansion, the company also expects to spend $2 million on track spur improvements to a customer elevator in Atlantic, Iowa; $1 million in paving an intermodal facility in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and $1 million on yard improvements and construction of a new team track for transmodal expansion in Council Bluffs.

Part of the required financing will be met with a bank loan and the balance will be generated from internal funds and utilization of the recently extended "45G" Tax Credit through 2011.

IAIS President and& CEO Denny Miller commented, "While it is gratifying to see these improvements driven by traffic growth, it is important to note that we increased the infrastructure portion of our capital program from roughly $9.5 million to $14 million as a direct result of the extension of the 45G Tax Credit program into 2011. This program provides for tax credits tied to infrastructure investment in support of increased capacity and we are making full use of it. Additional benefits to the regional economy will of course include increased employment and purchases from our suppliers, but this is first and foremost about infrastructure investment in support of growth."

WMATA completes first phase of Shady Grove platform rehabilitation repairs ahead of schedule

WMATA’s Shady Grove Metrorail station customers have full use of the station’s platform again – three days early as a result of repair work that took place round-the-clock.

The first phase of this state-of-good-repair project involved replacing deteriorated sections of the platform edges with new concrete. Construction personnel will return in the spring to replace the platform tiles.

Platform repair work at the Shady Grove Metrorail station began on Friday, Dec. 17, and during that time, one side of the station platform was closed to conduct the work. WMATA officials expedited the platform repairs to take advantage of traditionally lighter passenger counts during the winter and to ensure completion of the work prior to the start of the tourist season.

The platform work is a part of the larger comprehensive Red Line rehabilitation program, which runs through 2013, and is focused on bringing the rail system back to a state of good repair to help ensure and improve service reliability.

Pennsylvania receives $750,000 grant to study Keystone Corridor expansion

The Federal Railroad Administration has provided a $750,000 High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Program grant to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to study the expansion of Amtrak’s Keystone Corridor from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh.

Passenger trains on the Keystone Corridor currently operate at 110 mph between New York, Philadelphia and Harrisburg and have seen ridership grow from 891,764 passengers in 2006 to 1,296,838 last year.

The study will evaluate the feasibility of electrifying track between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, construction of dedicated tracks for passenger trains and major signal and switch improvements. The study will also evaluate installation of concrete ties, procurement of new passenger cars and alternative route alignments. The FRA grant is from FRA’s fiscal year 2009 Intercity Passenger Rail appropriation with a 50 percent state match requirement from Pennsylvania’s Department of Transportation.

Amtrak president speaks on high-speed rail

Amtrak President Joe Boardman participated in a roundtable discussion regarding high-speed rail in the Northeast Corridor hosted by House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman U.S. Representative John Mica.

Below is Boardman’s statement:

"It is critical for the Northeast Corridor to remain a public asset for the generations of Americans that are depending on our collective leadership to secure their future. It is about connecting the major metropolitan communities of the Northeast, and also connecting the Northeast to the rest of the United States.

"As a result of Amtrak’s stewardship and improvement of the Northeast Corridor infrastructure, train speeds have increased from 90 mph to 150 mph, America’s only high-speed rail service was introduced, and additional capacity was created to support significantly expanded commuter rail operations. We have collaborated with Northeastern states on a plan to make additional infrastructure improvements to the existing corridor and have unveiled a revolutionary vision to build a new corridor that supports 220 mph high-speed rail service.

"Amtrak was created by Congress precisely because the privately-owned railroads could no longer sustain the vital public service of intercity passenger rail. No other operator or company is prepared to mobilize to take over the operation of the Northeast Corridor nor are they funded to cover the long-term capital and operating costs."

Caltrain construction and maintenance

California’s Caltrain will be undergoing construction and maintenance January 29-February 4.

San Bruno Grade Separation Project:

Work on the San Bruno Grade Separation Project will take place Monday, Jan. 31 through Friday, Feb 4. This work includes continuation of the storm pipe installation near the intersection of San Bruno and Huntington avenues; communication cable installation near Walnut Street and another near the Scott Street crossing, drainage improvements near the I-380 overpass; upgrading signal systems and preparation work for the construction of the future temporary station.

Night work will include installing temporary signal structures and new signal houses near the Scott Street crossing and construction of the retaining wall for the temporary station. Any required digging work will require the use of a backhoe, mini-excavator and jackhammer and noise levels could potentially reach 75 decibels at times. Crews will use generators to power portable light towers.

The $147 million project will elevate the Caltrain tracks above three existing at-grade street crossings at San Bruno, San Mateo and Angus avenues. A new elevated Caltrain station will be constructed between San Bruno and San Mateo avenues, replacing the existing station at Sylvan Avenue.

Santa Clara Station Improvement Project:

Work on the new pedestrian underpass at the Santa Clara station will be from Saturday, Jan. 29 to Friday, Feb. 4. The underpass will connect the north- and southbound platforms, allowing two trains to pass through the station at the same time and improving safety for pedestrians in the station.

The work is part of an 18-month station improvement project that will add a new wider, longer center-boarding platform and extend the southern platform 150 feet.

San Mateo Bridges Rehabilitation Project:

Caltrain will begin retrofitting four rail bridges in San Mateo on Monday, Jan. 31. The project involves seismic improvements to the bridges that cross Poplar, Santa Inez, Monte Diablo and Tilton avenues. Construction activities include excavating around current bridge foundations, installing new foundations and building new abutments to enhance the strength of the bridges.

Jerrold Avenue Bridge Replacement Project:

Crews will continue building the piles for the foundation of the new Jerrold Avenue Bridge in San Francisco. Work will be done from Monday, Jan. 31 to Friday, Feb. 4, from 8 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Construction activities include excavation, removing bridge overhangs and moving earth.

Santa Clara County Grade Crossing Improvements:

Construction on a VTA project that will improve safety at eight grade crossings in Sunnyvale, Mountain View and Palo Alto continues.

Maintenance:

Caltrain will perform routine maintenance at several locations. San Francisco to Milbrae,
Sunday, Jan. 30 to Thursday, Feb. 3, crews will resurface tracks and replace crossties between the Bayshore and Millbrae stations. Palo Alto to Santa Clara, Monday, Jan. 31 to Thursday, Feb. 3, crews will weld and resurface tracks between California Avenue and Santa Clara stations. San Jose, Sunday, Jan. 30, crews will weld on the tracks north of the San Jose Diridon station.

CSXT starts its second year with EDF Climate Corps

CSX Transportation will continue its participation in Environmental Defense Fund’s (EDF) Climate Corps for 2011. EDF Climate Corps places top MBA students in companies to develop practical, actionable energy efficiency plans that cut costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

As a result of its participation in the program last year, CSXT and the company’s fellow identified savings of more than $160,000, 1.5 million kWh of electricity (enough to power 140 homes), and 940 metric tons of CO2 (equivalent to removing 150 SUVs from the road) annually.

“CSX’s commitment to the environment has enabled the company to drive great results for the planet and our bottom line,” said Carl Gerhardstein, assistant vice president, environmental systems and sustainability. “We are constantly seeking ways to improve energy efficiency across our network, and we look forward to continuing our work with EDF to identify additional improvements.”

The railroad was the first transportation company to set its own goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions through a partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. CSXT committed to reducing its carbon dioxide intensity eight percent by 2011. As part of this effort, CSXT has deployed fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly “GenSet” locomotives in rail yards across its network. 

Over the last decade, CSXT invested more than $1.5 billion to upgrade its locomotive fleet with technology that reduces fuel consumption and air emissions. Through all of these efforts, the company has improved its fuel efficiency by more than 90 percent since 1980.

“We are pleased that CSX will continue to participate in EDF Climate Corps,” said Rachel Hinchliffe, project manager for corporate partnerships, EDF. “EDF’s goal is to challenge both companies and fellows to identify environmental innovations and best practices that protect the environment and make business sense.”

WMATA Board names new CEO and chair; four new members join

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to confirm Richard R. Sarles as general manager/chief executive officer of the transit agency, to continue the work he began as interim general manager in establishing a safety-first culture, modernizing the system and improving service for riders. 

Catherine Hudgins has been elected Chair of the Board of Directors of WMATA effective immediately. Hudgins, a Board member representing Fairfax County, Va., succeeds Peter Benjamin, whose one-year term as chair has ended.

Four new members have joined the board, Tom Downs, Tommy Wells, Mary Hynes and Kathy Porter.

Iowa City-Chicago railway plans are a no-go for now

Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad will not allocate funds for the Iowa City-Chicago railway in the near future, the governor’s communications director, Tim Albrecht, is reported saying in The Daily Iowan.

Branstad said at a press conference that he is skeptical of the project during tough economic times, but did not rule out allocating funds in the future.

The federal government has pledged $230 million for the $310 million project. Iowa would have to contribute $20 million to the project in addition to $45 million from Illinois.

It remains unclear what would happen to the federal funds if the rail was not built immediately.

The Obama administration rerouted $1.195 billion in federal funding from Ohio and Wisconsin in December, after governors in both states indicated their rail projects would not continue. Iowa was a beneficiary of the re-directed funds.

Rail spur projects approved by Ohio Rail Commissioners

Rail spur projects at three industrial development sites with the potential to create much-needed jobs have been given the go-ahead from ORDC Commissioners.

An $85,000 grant and $85,000 loan for a rail spur project will allow the Cleveland Commercial Railroad to serve a new steel trans-loading facility. The four steel processing firms that could be served by the Transload facility employ approximately 320 people. The rail project also opens up new markets for steel processors by providing another shipping option.

Commissioners approved a request by the Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority for the ORDC to serve as project sponsor so the Port Authority may access $475,000 in federal rail line relocation funds for a project to improve grade crossing safety and further develop rail service into the industrial park.

In Van Wert County, a grant of up to $500,000 was approved for the rehabilitation of a portion of rail line into a 1,600 acre Job Ready Mega Site that could generate up to 2,500 jobs and improve service and business for two existing companies. The project also improves rail service for two existing companies.

A $235,000 grant for track rehabilitation and repairs to four bridges on an unused portion of the City of Greenville-owned rail line was approved. The grant will leverage up to $58,000 from the City for the project, which is needed for the reopening of Johnson Controls’ Greenfield plant, creating 130 new jobs and another 80 jobs on a planned second production line.

Staff-approved projects included the following:

A grant of up to $150,000 for the first phase of rehabilitating the 26-mile Indiana & Ohio rail line between Lancaster and Logan. Leveraging another $150,000 from the railroad, the project will improve the effectiveness of rail service to three rail dependent shippers that employ 259 people. The project is also critical to expansion/investments by companies that will add 30 to 50 new jobs.

A $125,000 grant for emergency repairs to two bridges on the Ashtabula, Jefferson & Carson Railroad that would benefit several major local shippers and may assist another company that desires to ship by rail. The project would also benefit a weekends-only tourist train on the line that brings travel and tourism dollars to the local economy.

Approval of funds for these projects to move forward will require State Controlling Board approval.

WMATA weekend trackwork on Red, Orange and Blue Lines

From January 28-30, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority will upgrade areas of track and the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project will continue construction activities on the Orange Line. This crucial work, which includes repairing rail fasteners and repairing tunnel leaks, is critical to maintain the railroad in a state of good repair and ensure reliable service.

During the work, trains on the Red, Blue and Orange lines will be single-tracking from 10 p.m., Friday, Jan. 28 to closing on Sunday, Jan. 30.

Red Line Service: Metro will replace fasteners and repair tunnel leaks. As well as make track and station improvements that will help improve reliable service.

Orange Line Service: Trains will use a single track while rail and insulators are replaced and the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project conducts major construction activities that will eventually connect the new rail line to the existing Metrorail system.

Blue Line Service: Metro will replace concrete slabs underneath the rails to help ensure more reliable service and a state of good repair and perform maintenance work related to the Wilson Bridge Project.

Agreement made for new intermodal transit terminal in Guelph, Ontario

An agreement between Canadian National and the City of Guelph, Ontario, Canada, closed this week allowing the ity to proceed with its plans for a new intermodal transit terminal on Carden Street. The $1.5 million purchase allows work to resume on-site in the next four to six weeks.

The city now owns the land it needs to build the open-air transit terminal. The city already purchased the existing Greyhound station and plans to remove the building to make room for the new transit platform.

A pending agreement with VIA Rail is expected to transfer ownership of the VIA Rail station to the City of Guelph this summer. An estimated $1 million dollar interior renovation project will preserve the building’s National Heritage status, improve accessibility and allow the station to accommodate all VIA Rail, Greyhound, GO Transit and Guelph Transit users.

The $8 million dollar intermodal transit terminal is one of 25 projects that make up the city’s Guelph Remastered Infrastructure Upgrade Program which is funded in part by Provincial and Federal Infrastructure Stimulus Funds.

CTA 2010 ridership: overall decrease but rail up

The CTA has concluded that the 2010 combined bus and rail ridership totaled 516.9 million rides, a decrease of 0.8 percent, or 4.4 million rides, compared to 2009 ridership. Although ridership decreased, total 2010 ridership finished stronger than expected considering the impact the recession has had throughout the year and the reduction of bus and rail service in February. CTA projected 2010 ridership at 512.2 million rides. 
 

Rail ridership was 210.8 million for 2010, an increase of 4.1 percent or 8.3 million rides, compared to 2009. The largest ridership increases were recorded outside of the morning and evening rush periods. 

 

“We have worked hard to provide riders with enhancements such as CTA Train Tracker and improvements to CTA Bus Tracker to help offset the impact of service reductions. These technology improvements have helped us reach a large number of riders while keeping a tight rein on the bottom line,” said CTA President Richard L. Rodriguez. “The fact that CTA has lost very little ground from a ridership standpoint under the most difficult financial circumstances this country has seen in decades is something I feel is reason to look forward to the new year and hope that the economy continues to rebound, even if at a slow pace.”

 

“It would be unreasonable to expect that the growth in ridership CTA has experienced in recent years would sustain itself with so many people unemployed and businesses struggling. The fact that it is less than a 1 percent drop demonstrates the value of public transit as a convenient, cost-effective travel option,” said Chicago Transit Board Chairman Terry Peterson. “We remain committed to providing as much service as we can within our limited resources and ask that our riders stick with CTA while the economic recovery moves forward.”

  

Over the past decade, CTA has seen overall ridership grow by 37.3 million rides, or 7.8 percent. Rail ridership has lead the surge with a 19.6 percent increase (34.6 million rides) compared to 2000.