“Public transportation is the safest mode of surface transportation, but it can be even safer for both passengers and transit workers,” said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez.

Transit Briefs: FTA, WMATA, NJ Transit, CTA, San Diego County, ORDC, TTC

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces $6 million in funding to explore transportation insecurity that leads to poverty. Also, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) announces new partnership between the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) and the DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to enhance public safety; NJ Transit engineers say they could strike over pay disparity; the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) latest interactive scorecard reveals more reliable service in January; San Diego County supervisors approve resolution to expand free youth public transit ridership program; ORDC will apply for the first phase of funding to study expanding passenger rail service in Ohio; and tunneling on the Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) Bloor-Danforth Subway Line began in January.

CN, CP, CSX and UP have been named to S&P Global's 2023 Sustainability Yearbook.

CN, CP, CSX, UP Named to S&P Global’s 2023 Sustainability Yearbook

Class I railroads CN, Canadian Pacific (CP), CSX and Union Pacific (UP) have been honored in this year’s Standard & Poors (S&P) Global Sustainability Yearbook under the Transportation and Transportation Infrastructure category.

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology Dr. Robert C. Hampshire

USDOT: $1.7MM for SBIR Program

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) on Feb. 7 announced that it is now accepting proposals for funding ranging from $150,000 to $200,000 from its Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) to “spur research and commercialization of innovative transportation technologies in select research areas,” including the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).

Brightline Launches New Rail Safety Campaign, PSA

Brightline announced Feb. 6 that it has launched a new rail safety campaign and safety public service announcement (PSA) to remind residents that their decisions around the tracks will impact others in the community and emphasizes the point: “Stopping a bad decision is easy, stopping a train isn’t. Be safe and stay off the tracks.”

NYCT Unveils R211

MTA New York City Transit (NYCT) on Feb. 3 showcased one of the two R211 open gangway subway cars that are currently undergoing testing at the Coney Island Yard in Brooklyn.

CN Deploys Innovative Technology to Remotely Monitor Temperature-Controlled Cargo

CN has deployed innovative technologies to remotely monitor operational and temperature conditions of privately-owned 40-foot international containers while in the possession of its Brampton Intermodal Terminal, the Class I reported on Feb. 2.

Alstom's Coradia iLint hydrogen-powered train will carry passengers on Quebec's Réseau Charlevoix rail network this summer.

Transit Briefs: Alstom, VTA, PRT, MaineDOT

Alstom’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train will demonstrate green traction in Quebec. Also, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) wins first place in the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) 2023 AdWheel Awards for communications and marketing; Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) is offering bulk transit passes in pilot program; and the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) proposes $3 million for a pilot project for passenger rail service between Rockland and Brunswick.

From Left to Right: ASLRRA Chairwoman Judy Petry; RTA CFO Kevin Bueso; and INRD Director, Safety and Training Austin Milton.

People News: ASLRRA, RTA, INRD

American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) Chairwoman Judy Petry retires from Farmrail. Also, Chicago’s Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) welcomes Kevin Bueso as new Chief Financial Officer (CFO); and Indiana Rail Road (INRD) promotes Austin Milton to Director, Safety and Training.

Report: Chicago City Council Approves NS Englewood Rail Yard Expansion

The Chicago City Council on Feb. 1 approved Norfolk Southern’s (NS) 15-year effort to double the size of its storage yard in Englewood, according to a WTTW News report.

North Dakota, Wisconsin Develop State Rail Plans

The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) has published an updated and, for the first time, combined State Freight and Rail Plan (SFRP). Meanwhile, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s (WisDOT) draft Wisconsin Rail 2050 is now available for review and comment.

LOAD MORE