MBTA, MassDoT, Massport collaborate on projects for big savings

Three Massachusetts transportation agencies, managing three different projects, worked closely together to save a total of more than $4.1 million while completing the work and limiting disruptions to subway service for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Blue Line Orient Heights Station.

Sound Transit picks preferred alternative for Lynnwood light rail; plans to open University Link extension early

The Sound Transit Board of Directors identified a preferred alternative to extend light rail from the Northgate mall area in Seattle, Wash., north to Lynnwood in Snohomish County. The preferred route will mostly run adjacent to I-5 with stations in the Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood areas.

MTA wraps up blasting for Second Avenue Subway

All blasting operations for Phase 1 of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Second Avenue Subway Project are complete.

Study says Texas highways would accommodate high-speed rail

A University of Texas, Arlington (UT Arlington), feasibility study of high-speed rail in Texas shows that trips between most city pairs that use existing Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) right-of-way can be made in less than two hours, making it competitive with air travel and superior to highway driving.

Caltrans and Amtrak California set ridership record

In 2012-2013, Amtrak California carried a record 3.9 million passengers on its Pacific Surfliner and San Joaquin rail lines. Over the past 10 years, ridership on the Pacific Surfliner and the San Joaquin increased by nearly one million passengers and ticket revenues skyrocketed from 
$44 million to $102 million.

All Aboard Florida picks Fort Lauderdale Station location

All Aboard Florida passenger line plans to develop its Fort Lauderdale station on parcels of land adjacent to the Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) corridor on NW 2nd Avenue, between Broward Boulevard and NW 4th Street.

SFMTA launches TBM “Big Alma” to help Central Subway boring

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), says that its tunnel boring machine (TBM) Big Alma has launched, joining her twin Mom Chung to construct the two Central Subway tunnels.

SMART awards design-build contract

Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) has selected Shimmick Construction Company as the design-build contractor for its next major construction contract.

NARP, Midwest High Speed Rail Association make recommendations for rail reauthorization bill

With the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure moving to organize a mark-up on the rail reauthorization before Congress adjourns for the year, the National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) and Midwest High Speed Rail Association are making recommendations.

CTA offers sneak peek at 95th Street Terminal design

Chicago Transportation Authority (CTA) unveiled the design renderings for the new 95th Street Red Line station, a project to modernize transit and promote economic opportunity on Chicago’s South Side.

MTA continues Sandy resiliency work on all fronts

Despite a historic level of repair work throughout the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s network of tracks, tunnels and under-river tubes, the authority said that effects of Superstorm Sandy will be felt for years to come.

Metrolink receives OTA grant to promote public safety campaign

The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) has awarded a $61,325-grant to Metrolink for a year-long Public Safety Awareness on Railroads campaign.

BRIDGE Act introduced to leverage private transportation investment

A bipartisan coalition of 10 senators introduced legislation to establish a new infrastructure financing authority to help states and localities better leverage private funds to build and maintain the nation’s outdated infrastructure, including rail.

Sen. Schumer mediates plan to improve East River Tunnels

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) says that Amtrak has developed a plan to greatly and quickly improve the conditions of the East River Tunnels used by every Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train that leaves or arrives at Penn Station. The tunnels are owned by Amtrak and, according to Schumer, have been a massive source of delays for commuters.

Disputed proposal may send BART, unions back to negotiations

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) officials are requesting a return to the negotiating table after it was discovered a provision was included in its recent labor contract that the district did not agree to.

Maryland MTA seeks “Preferred Training Partners” for Purple and Red Line projects

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) and the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR) have started the “Preferred Training Partner” program for the Baltimore Red Line and the Purple Line light-rail projects.

TSB says Transport Canada falls short in response to recommendations issued from VIA Rail Burlington accident

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is concerned Transport Canada’s lack of firm action indicates there is no clear strategy in place to address the rail safety issues identified by the board.

MassDOT begins rehabilitation efforts needed for South Coast Rail

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) began construction to rehabilitate the Fall River and New Bedford railroad lines, a necessary step toward providing South Coast Rail service.

Metro-North to perform Bronx trackwork

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Metro-North Railroad will complete a major track improvement project in the Bronx this weekend that will improve reliability with all four tracks in the area back in service for the first time since the upgrade began July 1, 2013.

CTA 2014 budget approved

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Board unanimously approved a balanced $1.38-billion budget that freezes fares and preserves service levels while continuing the agency’s investment in projects and programs.

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