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International aid for North American HSR

North America’s marathon journey to renewing its passenger trains could gain a measure of inspiration this summer, when the world’s expertise in deploying and operating high speed rail will be concentrated on this continent for the first time in at least 75 years. For a week in July, the world’s best and brightest high speed train designers, developers, and operators will gather in Philadelphia for the 8th World Congress on High-Speed Rail. Branded as “Highspeed 2012,” this meeting of minds will be a co-production of the International Union of Railways (known by its French acronym, UIC), the industry association based in Paris, and the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).

Joint venture awarded Tucson streetcar contract

Granite Construction Inc. announced late Thursday that it and RailWorks Track Systems have been awarded a a $56 million contract by Tucson, Ariz., to build the city’s 3.9-mile streetcar project. The two companies have formed a joint venture, Old Pueblo Trackworks, to perform the work.

LIRR East End DMU plan now funded

MTA Long Island Rail Road long has had plans to provide diesel multiple-unit (DMU) service to its riders on both the North Fork and South Fork of the railroad’s namesake territory. Those plans now have capital funding identified.

House extends surface transport funding again

Unable to craft its own long-term surface transportation bill, and equally unable to agree to a Senate version already passed by the upper house, the House of Representatives Thursday managed to approve yet another extension of SAFETEA-LU, this one for 90 days.

RT&S magazine redesign debuts

Railway Age sister publication Railway Track & Structures launched a redesign with its March 2012 issue. The new look is designed to better reflect the progression and energy of the rail industry. RT&S has been redesigned to be more contemporary and easier to read.

U.S. carload traffic slump continues

U.S. freight carload traffic for the week ending March 24, 2012 fell significantly, down 7.2%, measured against the comparable week in 2011, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) said Thursday, continuing a decline that now has run for some time.

Rio de Janeiro EMUs go into service

Electric multiple-unit (EMU) trains manufactured by China’s CNR Changchun Railway Vehicles Co., Ltd. went into operation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on March 20. An inaugural ceremony was held on that date.

Standard & Poor’s upgrades KCS credit rating

Standard & Poor’s on Tuesday upgraded Kansas City Southern’s credit rating to B+ with a positive outlook, one level below an investment grade rating, which would further cut borrowing costs. The upgrade is based on stronger earnings along with lower debt and interest expenses.

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Reactivation of Arkansas short line sought

North Louisiana & Arkansas Railroad, Inc. (NLA) has petitioned the Surface Transportation Board for authority to lease and operate a 21.8-mile line of railroad extending from a point near Lake Village in Chicot County, Ark., to a location near Louisiana Arkansas border. The line is owned by the Southeastern Arkansas Economic Development District.

GE TV ad features Transportation employees

Fairfield, Conn.-based General Electric Co. Wednesday advanced its latest television commercial highlighting various aspects of the company, this one featuring employees from GE Transportation’s Erie, Pa., plant.

MBTA railcar deliveries behind schedule

Deliveries of bilevel passenger railcars to Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority are up to 18 months behind schedule, with delays appearing to result at least in part due to previous problems endured by Hyundai Rotem USA.

FTA OKs TEX Rail for preliminary engineering

The Fort Worth Transportation Authority (the “T”) said its TEX Rail commuter rail project has been approved by the Federal Transit Administration “to advance to Preliminary Engineering.” The authority made the announcement Monday at its Board of Directors meeting.

Obituary: Frederick A. Winkler, 83

Frederick A. Winkler, general agent  of the Winchester & Western Railroad and a powerful voice within New Jersey railroading, died peacefully at his home in Clarksboro, N.J., on March 24, at age 83.

For sale: Ontario Northland Railroad

Ontario’s provincial government intends to end fiscal support of Ontario Northland Transportation Commission, which oversees the Ontario Northland Railroad, which receives C$103 million a year in provincial fiscal support.