Author: Carolina Worrell

MTA photo

Transit Briefs: NYMTA, MARTA, Amtrak, Keolis, RTD

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) completes renovation of Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center subway station, as part of New York City Transit’s (NYCT) Re-NEW-vation campaign. Also, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) advances Kensington transit-oriented development (TOD) with rezoning approval; Amtrak plans $13 million project at Union Station in Meridian, Miss.; Keolis joins Latinos In Transit as business partner; and the Regional Transportation District’s (RTD) W Line marks a milestone with 10 years of service.

John Barnard, Director of Fueling Operations for BNSF and 2023 John H. Chafee Environmental Excellence Award recipient (left) with AAR SVP of Safety & Operations Mike Rush (right).

BNSF’s Barnard Receives AAR’s John H. Chafee Award

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) on April 25 named John Barnard, Director–Fueling Operations for BNSF, the recipient of its 2023 John H. Chafee Environmental Excellence Award in recognition of his environmental stewardship.

Operation Lifesaver Inc. Executive Director Rachel Maleh.

OLI: $214,075 for Crossing Safety Public Awareness Campaigns

Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh, on April 25 announced $214,075 in competitive crossing safety awareness grants to OLI programs in 12 states. The FHWA provided $200,000 of the total funding.

Wabtec 1Q23: ‘Strong Start to 2023’

“The Wabtec team delivered a strong start to 2023 demonstrating continued momentum across both our Freight and Transit segments supporting a double-digit percentage increase in earnings per share,” said President and CEO Rafael Santana, who noted during an April 26 earnings report that the company “remained resilient in the face of considerable macro-economic challenges by focusing on operational excellence as we continued to deliver for our customers and shareholders.”

Rendering Courtesy of Brightline

Transit Briefs: Brightline West, RTD, Freedom to Move Act, Minn. Met Council

Brightline and the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) apply to acquire $3.75 billion in Federal-State Partnership Program grant money to go toward construction of the $12 billion Brightline West high-speed rail system. Also, Regional Transportation District (RTD) announces that a Spanish version of its Transit Watch app is now available; Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) announce fare-free transit legislation, Freedom to Move Act; and Minnesota’s Metropolitan (Met) Council announces the creation of its new Transit Infrastructure Division.

CalSTA announced a $46 million state grant for VTA's East San Jose Light Rail Extension.

CalSTA: $690MM for Public Transportation Projects

The California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) on April 24 announced an award of more than $690 million to 28 new public transportation projects in disadvantaged communities to “close out the first wave of a historic infusion of state funding to expand transit and passenger rail service throughout the state, helping to cut planet-warming pollution.”

Penn State Altoona students Hagar Abdelaal (left) and Alyonna Vitulli (right) work with Shihui Shen, Professor of Rail Transportation Engineering, during the fourth annual Women in Engineering Design competition. (Credit: Jacob Narup of Penn State)
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Penn State Altoona Announces Women in Engineering Design Competition Winners

Penn State Altoona on April 24 announced the winners of its three-round, fourth Women in Engineering Design Competition, including Lilli Mohn and Jenicy Strong from Penn State Berks (First Prize, $3,000); Jasmin Khan and Sabiha Kermalli from Penn State Lehigh Valley (Second Prize, $2,000); and Lauren Stich and Myah Massiah from Penn State Altoona (Third Prize, $1,500).

Transit Briefs: NYMTA, SEPTA, NJ Transit

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announces record pandemic-era ridership on Metro-North Railroad and commits to slashing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 85% by 2040. Also, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) releases Request for Proposals (RFP) to develop next generation of SEPTA Key; and NJ Transit faces a nearly $1 billion deficit in 2026.

BNSF: Individual Paid Sick Days for IBEW

BNSF announced April 20 that it has reached an agreement with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) granting individual paid sick days. This most recent announcement, BNSF says, is a part