People News: HDR, Quandel

HDR has promoted Santanu Roy to Global Transportation Planning Director. In addition, Quandel Consultants has named Randy Grauberger Senior Rail Consultant.

Florida Transportation Officials Place Brightline Under the Gun

Brightline is under renewed pressure to complete negotiations with several Florida entities by July 31 before it can secure approval for a proposed expansion to Tampa.

Next Stop for Brightline: Disney Springs?

Florida’s Brightline announced it has entered into an agreement with Walt Disney World Resort to build a train station at Disney Springs, near Orlando.

Tri-Rail, Virgin Trains USA Vying for Miami Access

A railroad battle is shaping up in Miami. Two competitors want to serve potential commuters into Brightline’s new Miami Central downtown hub. It may not be as dramatic as the Chile War, when the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe and the Denver & Rio Grande Western literally fought armed skirmishes to determine who could build new rail lines in the New Mexico Territory in the early 1880s, but it nevertheless is a battle.

Four more stops added as Sunrail opens southern expansion

SunRail inaugurated service on its southern expansion Monday, with four new stations added to the timetable on the commuter line running in the Orlando area.

FLA DOT rail projects budget heads to capitol

The Florida Transportation Commission approved the state Department of Transportation’s project plan, including freight and passenger rail, through fiscal 2022.

Orlando SunRail expansion faces delay

SunRail regional (“commuter”) train service expansions south of the current system into Florida’s Osceola County, and north to DeLand, face potential delays of at least six months, Florida’s Department of Transportation says.

VHB acquires transport firm

VHB has announced its acquisition of GMB Engineers & Planners, Inc. (GMB), a transportation firm with offices in Orlando and Chipley, Fla., and in Atlanta.

SunRail rolling in central Florida

Central Florida’s new SunRail regional/commuter rail service has been in operation since May 1 along a 32-mile route comprised of 12 stations between DeBary and Sand Lake Road, near Orlando International Airport. The new service marks completion of the first phase of the $1 billion Central Florida Commuter Rail Transit (CFCRT) project.