Transit maintenance takes preparation, collaboration

NCTD knows the indispensability of a good plan and of being a good partner.

TC&W rejects freight relocation proposal for Southwest LRT

Twin Cities & Western Railroad (TC&W) rejected a proposal to relocate Minneapolis area freight rail service after reviewing a technical analysis prepared by a South Dakota engineering firm. The proposed relocation would move freight service from the Kenilworth Corridor to a St. Louis Park route to make way for the Metropolitan Council’s Southwest light-rail project.

Augimeri to chair Toronto Transit Commission

Toronto City Council appointed Councilor Maria Augimeri as chair of the Toronto Transit Commission until the term expires November 30, 2014.

NTSB issues recommendations to Metro-North regarding use of recorders and speed signs

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued a series of safety recommendations to Metro-North Railroad calling for the use of inward and outward facing audio and image recorders and the installation of approach permanent speed restriction signs along the rights-of-way.

Honolulu rail wins in two separate court decisions

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) is celebrating dual legal victories for Honolulu’s rail project.

First section of rail laid near Salisbury for Piedmont Improvement Program

The N.C. Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) Piedmont Improvement Program (PIP), a $520-million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act project to improve the North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) corridor between Raleigh and Charlotte, celebrated a major milestone with the laying of the first section of track.

SCVTA begins work on light-rail pocket track

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA) has begun work on the Santa Clara Pocket Track, a third light-rail track on Tasman Drive. This additional track will allow SCVTA to store light-rail trains and put them into service quickly to meet increased service demands.

The X Train names Penny White as president/COO

The Las Vegas Railway Express, Inc. (X Train), promoted former chief operations officer of passenger service, Penny White, to president and chief operations officer. All daily X Train operations will now report to her, including the chief operating officer of rail operations, human resources, administrative and IT departments in addition to the X Train Vacations travel agency and on board services team.

Rail, bus options recommended for Minneapolis Midtown Corridor

A study of transit alternatives in the Minneapolis Midtown Corridor recommends a combination of rail in the Midtown Greenway and enhanced bus service on Lake Street as the best long-term transit solution for the corridor.

Details of Canada’s 10-year infrastructure plan unveiled

Prime Minister Stephen Harper released important details on the New Building Canada Plan, including support that will ensure small communities have stable, long-term access to funding for vital infrastructure projects.

The T Board names new president

The Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T) has named Paul J Ballard president and chief executive officer, effective April 14.

Pasadena to Azusa Foothill Extension more than half way complete

The Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority says that its 11.5-mile extension from Pasadena to Azusa is now more than halfway to project completion.

First month ridership surpasses projections on Houston METRO’s North Line

Late in 2013, the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Houston METRO) launched its 5.3-mile North Line and in its first full month of service (January), averaged 4,200 weekday boardings, which is 1,600 more than what was forecasted.

LACMTA and Caltrans to hold a High Desert Corridor Rail webcast

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) are hosting a live webinar to discuss the High Desert Corridor’s (HDC) potential rail component and connections to the Palmdale Transportation Center in Palmdale and Desert Xpress in Victorville.

Perkins+Will to design stations for final phase of Honolulu rail project

Design firm Perkins+Will was recently selected by the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) to design eight stations for the fourth and final phase of the Honolulu Rail Transit project.

Site clearing work begins on Caltrain’s San Mateo Bridges Replacement Project

In the San Francisco area, a vegetation removal crew has started initial site clearing work along four Caltrain crossings as part of its San Mateo Bridge Replacement Project.

Sound Transit to host open house on Tacoma Trestle project

Sound Transit will conduct an open house on February 13 to provide the public an early opportunity to learn about the proposed concepts for replacing the aging Tacoma Trestle, a timber bridge east of Freighthouse Square, which was originally constructed more than 100 years ago and will be replaced with a modern, concrete, double-track structure.

Five California firms awarded contracts for HSR project

California High-Speed Rail Authority’s (CHSRA) Board of Directors approved right-of-way engineering and surveying contracts with five California firms.

Tutor Perini awarded two MTA East Side Access contracts

Tutor Perini Corporation has been awarded two contracts by the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for portions of the East Side Access (ESA) project, collectively valued at approximately $844 million.

Ontario awards funds for GO station improvements

The province of Ontario, Canada, is making CA$5 million (US$ 4.5 million) in upgrades to the Etobicoke North GO Station, which will include extending the platform to accommodate 12-car trains; installing a raised mini platform that connects to on-board train ramps for increased accessibility; adding heated shelters and more lighting and creating 10 more accessible parking spaces.

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