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Transit Briefs: WMATA, MBTA, NCTD, RTA

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) applauds state funding to redevelop the Capitol Heights Metro Station. Also, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) advances nearly 1,000 units of housing; the North County Transit District (NCTD) authorizes negotiations with developers for two oceanside transit-oriented development (TOD) projects; and Chicago’s Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) selects eight station activation projects for a pilot program to improve public safety near transit and develops the Chicago region’s first Mobility Hub Network Framework.

Engage for Good honors CSX for its partnership with and support for Wounded Warrior Project®’s (WWP) Drone Training Program, which provides veterans with initial training to become certified FAA drone pilots and with advanced training if they are already certified. (CSX Photograph)

Class I Briefs: CSX, NS, CPKC

CSX is recognized for its work helping veterans achieve post-military employment and holds its 2024 women in rail leadership event. Also, Norfolk Southern (NS) hosts its annual short line conference and presents its second-annual Bulldog Legacy Scholarships; and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) will open its newest automotive facility in June.

NRHS Announces 2024 Heritage Grant Recipients

The National Railway Historical Society (NRHS) at its board conference on May 5 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, announced the 28 recipients of its 2024 Railway Heritage Preservation Grants, in support of the preservation of historical railroad-related artifacts and media.

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High-Speed Increase in Brightline Fares

Until September 2023, Brightline, Florida’s private-sector passenger railroad, had only operated between Miami and West Palm Beach. Then, on Sept. 22, the railroad extended service to a new station at Orlando International

Caltrain on May 11 held the third public tour of its new EMUs, which are scheduled to begin revenue service this September. (Caltrain Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Caltrain, CTA, Colorado

California’s Caltrain welcomes thousands to the third public tour of its new Stadler-built KISS bilevel EMUs (electric multiple-units). Also, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) marks the highest ridership week of 2024; and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signs multiple transit-related bills into law, including one to advance Front Range Passenger Rail.

ITS Logistics U.S. Port/Rail Ramp Freight Index for May 2024. (Image Courtesy of ITS Logistics)

ITS Logistics Issues May Port/Rail Ramp Index

ITS Logistics on May 16 reported that “as demand shifts are spreading along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard to absorb Baltimore cargo,” Norfolk is finding “significant rate increases in dray and container storage

(Photographs Courtesy of CN, left, and CPKC, right)

Bargaining Continues for Canadian Class I’s, TCRC

Separate negotiations with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) are continuing for CN and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), with the assistance of federal conciliators, the Canadian Class I’s reported May 16.

People News: WTS, NS

WSP National Transit and Rail Market Leader Jannet Walker-Ford is the first recipient of a new WTS International award named in her honor. Also, Norfolk Southern’s (NS) Richard Scott is selected for the 2024 Employee Veteran Leadership Awards presented by Military Friendly.

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29th Annual AAR Research Review Round-Up

As one of the sponsors for the 29th Annual AAR Research Review hosted by MxV Rail, Railway Track & Structures headed to Pueblo. From April 23 to 25, MxV Rail hosted the 29th Annual AAR Research Review at

SEPTA, Conduent Launch 3D Fare Gates Pilot Program

Conduent Transportation, a provider of smart mobility technology solutions and business unit of Conduent Incorporated, on May 16 announced a pilot program by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) using the company’s 3D Fare Gate Solution at a Philadelphia area transit station to track and curb incidents of fare evasion, which costs the agency an estimated $30 million to $40 million annually.

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, LIRR/Metro-North, LA Metro, TTC

Amtrak’s public art program unveils a new digital video installation at Moynihan Train Hall. Also, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announces record ridership on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North; an LA Metro committee approves a nearly $9 billion budget for the coming year; and the union representing Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) workers takes a “final step” towards possible job action.

DOE Glowing Following Successful Atlas Test

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy on June 5 will officially unveil its nuclear waste-hauling Atlas railcar at BNSF’s 31st Street Yard, Denver, Colo. during the DOE’s 2024 National

Pictured, left to right: Alex Denis, North County Transit District (NCTD Photograph); Nabanita Nag, Norfolk Southern (NS Photograph), Angel Martinez, STV (STV Photograph); Thomas J. McGuinness, STV (STV Photograph); and Andy Klinck, U.S. Rail & Logistics (USRL Photograph).

People News: NCTD, NS, STV, USRL

California’s North County Transit District (NCTD) appoints Alex Denis as Chief Procurement Officer. Also, Norfolk Southern’s (NS) Nabanita Nag earns a corporate counsel award; professional services firm STV recruits Angel Martinez and Thomas J. McGuinness to oversee transportation infrastructure projects in the Northeast; and U.S. Rail & Logistics (USRL) taps Andy Klinck as Senior Vice President of Operations.

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