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financing authority to help states and localities better leverage private funds to build and maintain the nation’s outdated infrastructure, including rail.

Watco reorganizes leadership team; agrees to invest in Federated Capital Holdings, LLC

Growth has prompted Watco Transportation Services to realign its leadership team.

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.

Report: Canadian rail construction shows stable, solid growth

The Business Monitor has released its latest findings on Canada’s expanding infrastructure sector in its newly-published Canada Infrastructure Report, revising down its outlook for the overall construction industry in Canada for 2013 to 2.2 percent, but pointing to a strong railway sub-sector.

KCS operations department undergoes reorganization

Kansas City Southern has reorganized several of its operations department functions.

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.

Stella-Jones completes acquisition of The Pacific Wood Preserving Companies

Stella-Jones Inc. has completed the acquisition of substantially all of the operating assets of Arizona Pacific Wood Preserving, Inc., Nevada Wood Preserving, Inc., and Pacific Wood Preserving of Oregon, Inc., (commonly referred to as The Pacific Wood Preserving Companies®) conducted at their wood treating plants in Oregon, Nevada and Arizona and their wood concentration yard in Texas.

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.

TriMet begins pedestrian safety upgrades along MAX Blue Line

The first in a series of pedestrian safety improvement projects along TriMet‘s Eastside MAX Blue Line in Portland, Ore., is underway, kicking off the pedestrian safety element of the Renew the Blue program.

Siemens, Bombardier awarded contract for PTC work on LIRR and Metro-North Railroad

Siemens Rail Automation, in a consortium with Bombardier Transportation, has been awarded a contract, not to exceed $428 million including all phases and options, by the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to upgrade train control systems on two passenger lines.

UP to perform improvements on Nebraska line

Union Pacific will strengthen Nebraska’s transportation infrastructure by investing $2.4 million in the rail line between South Morrill and Joyce, Neb. The project began on November 7 and is scheduled to be completed by mid-December.

Plans for Erie Rail Terminal revealed

The Greater Erie Industrial Development Corporation (GEIDC) has plans for a new intermodal facility in Harborcreek Township, Erie County, Pa.

NCDOT hosts planning forum centered on rail’s role in state

The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) Rail Division hosted a Rail Planning Forum in Chapel Hill November 12 focused on the role that rail transportation plays in the continued growth of North Carolina’s economy, key industries and its overall quality of life.

Belt Railway of Chicago ratifies UTU SMART Transportation Division agreement

United Transportation Union Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (UTU-SMART) members of General Committee of Adjustment GO 065 employed by Belt Railway of Chicago (BRC) recently ratified a new agreement governing their rates of pay and working conditions, according to SMART Vice President John Lesniewski.

Metrolinx awards second Crosstown Project tunnel contract

The Metrolinx Board of Directors in Toronto, ON, Canada, has approved the award of the Eglinton Crosstown East Tunnel construction contract from Yonge Street to just east of Brentcliffe Road.

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