The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Board of Directors has authorized the release of an updated draft of its 2020 Long Range Transportation Plan (2020 LRTP), a $400 billion, 30-year transportation blueprint for the region. There is a 45-day public review period (through July 13, 2020) to gather comments.
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced the availability of $1.25 million in funding to demonstrate and evaluate innovative technologies and designs to improve the state of good repair for transit agencies.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced approximately 15.5 million cloth facial coverings will be sent to the transportation workforce.
Among the final duties that former MTA New York City Transit Vice President Network and Resignaling Pete Tomlin discharged before he left the agency following Andy Byford’s resignation as President was demonstrating an innovative piece of new technology—UWB (Ultra-Wide Band), wireless technology that offers faster and less-expensive installation of modern CBTC (communications-based train control) by eliminating much of the onboard and wayside equipment traditionally required for advanced-technology signaling. Tomlin—arguably one of the finest signaling and train control people on the planet—collaborated with suppliers Thales and Piper Networks in an impressive public demonstration of UWB.
Focused Technology Solutions (FTS)—a Marmon/Berkshire Hathaway Company—has entered into another international market sector by partnering with Freightquip, a distributor located in Australia, FTS President Peter Bartek announced.
As part of the Caltrain Modernization (CalMod) Program, Caltrain recently placed the first EMU (electric multiple-unit) trainset from Stadler Rail on the 25KV-electrified test track at the builder’s Salt Lake City manufacturing facility.
The New York Metroplitan Transportation Authority’s loss is Transport for London’s (TfL’s) gain. On May 27, London Mayor Sadiq Khan and the TfL Board named Byford as London’s Transport Commissioner.
The Railway Supply Institute (RSI) has hired Lee Verhey as its new Director of Regulatory and Industry Affairs.
Railway Track & Structures Editor-in-Chief Bill Wilson talks with transit mapper and author Christof Spieler on transit systems in the U.S., Ottawa’s efficient passenger rail line, transit life after COVID-19, and more.
On May 22, R. J. Corman opened up part of the 2,000-acre grounds at company headquarters in Nicholasville, Kent., for The Providence School, East Jessamine High School and West Jessamine High School to celebrate graduation with processions by car.
The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) is releasing the project-level draft environmental document for the approximately 14-mile Burbank to Los Angeles Project Section. The document for the Southern California project section will be available for public review and comment starting on Friday, May 29.
It’s not often that I find myself in agreement with the National Transportation Safety Board. Not only is it infrequent, it’s downright uncomfortable. Truth be told, nothing worries me more than finding myself in agreement with a government agency, or a panel of experts, or the vice president operations of whatever railroad I happen(ed) to be working for at the time.
As Amtrak enters it 50th year, many of its schedules bear little resemblance to the service that was offered a mere two months ago. President and CEO Richard Anderson is out (though serving in a transitional role), and William Flynn is in. Will that change at the top mean much to Amtrak customers and supporters? The COVID-19 pandemic has knocked out a large portion of Amtrak service, as well as much local transit. Still, the nation will come back to life in some fashion, someday. How will Amtrak participate in the recovery? Anything can happen in these unpredictable times. What could happen in Amtrak’s possibly most-pivotal year?
Ever check out the list prices of brand-new main line diesel-electric locomotives? They are expensive, about $3 million each. Are you mesmerized by the horsepower quoted? Nah! You want tractive effort. Hauling heavy, long freight trains is the North American business model. You need to purchase tractive effort.
On May 12, IANA (Intermodal Association of North America) offered an interesting look at the North American rail intermodal sector. The webinar featured technical slides shared by Bloomberg Senior Analyst Transportation & Logistics Lee Klaskow and TTX Vice President Fleet Management Company Pat Casey. TTX market development experts John Woodcock and Peter Wolff also participated.
It is no surprise that due to the financial crisis resulting from COVID-19 on New York City’s municipal budget, Mayor Bill de Blasio is reconsidering advancing his $2.7 billion Brooklyn Queens Streetcar Connector (BQX) project. He has 16 factors to consider:
