The DART Police Department has been reaccredited by the Texas Police Chiefs Association Foundation (TPCAF).

Transit Briefs: DART, GoTriangle, NYMTA, Metrolinx, Caltrain, VIA Rail, MBTA

The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Police Department has been reaccredited by the Texas Police Chiefs Association Foundation (TPCAF). Also, a new study gives a clearer picture of commuter rail project in Research Triangle, N.C.; Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) commuter railroads set ridership records, Metrolinx selects development partner to transform Spadina-Front GO Station; Caltrain improves Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) connections and increases San Francisco and South San Francisco service with new weekday schedule; new report details “critical need” for the return of VIA Rail Canada’s commuter train service along the Kingston to Toronto corridor; and the City of Boston, along with Boston Public Schools (BPS) make Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) M7 student passes available year-round.

RSI Logistics, Madison Railroad Partner on New Transload Facility

Rail logistics solution provider RSI Logistics, Inc., announced on Sept. 8 that it is partnering with Madison Railroad on a marketing campaign to promote the railroad’s new 22-acre rail-to-truck transload facility, which the railroad purchased in June and that RSI Logistics, Inc. will be operating.

FRA Grants CN Comment Period Extension for Virtual Training Software

Following a 45-day public comment period that ended on Sept. 8 on CN’s waiver request to use virtual 3D simulation as an alternative to hands-on training required by 49 CFR 232.203(b)(8), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is extending the comment period for an additional 60 days “to ensure all interested parties have ample time to provide their comments following a demonstration of the software scheduled for the second half of September.”

AAR Report: Nationwide Rail Shutdown Could Cost $2 Billion Per Day

A report released on Sept. 8 by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) has found that a nationwide rail shutdown would “dramatically impact economic output” and could cost more than $2 billion per day.

The 16th CN Canadiens Alumni Challenge raised a record $550,000. (CN via Twitter)

Class I Briefs: CN, NS

Canadian National’s (CN) 16th Canadiens Alumni Challenge raises a record $550,000. Also, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NS) returns to conventional hump operations at Moorman Yard in Bellevue, Ohio.

Association Briefs: SLSI, OneRail Coalition, ASLRRA

Limited spots available in Short Line Safety Institute (SLSI) leadership training. Also, the OneRail Coalition sends letters to lawmakers encouraging strong support for rail in appropriations packages; and American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) members receive preferred pricing on drug and alcohol testing services with Spark TS (previously Spark Training Solutions).

The New York Transit Museum's Parade of Trains "offers a chance for everyone to experience New York City transportation history firsthand," MTA says. (Photo: Max Diamond, Courtesy of MTA)

Transit Briefs: NY MTA, TransLink, TECO Line Streetcar, GCRTA

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announces that visitors of the New York Transit Museum can ride vintage trains at Brighton Beach Station. Also, the PayByPhone app comes to TransLink Park and Ride lots; the TECO Line Streetcar celebrates one million rides; and the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) launches Transit Ambassador Program.

U.S. Army veteran Ken Killingsworth (left) is heading up Watco's Military Outreach & Hire (MOH) Program.

Small-Road Briefs: Watco, ASLRRA, Mississippi Export Railroad

Watco formalizes military outreach and hiring. Also, the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) looks back at Auburn’s “greasy railroad” prank; and the Mississippi Export Railroad (MSE) celebrates its 100th anniversary.

KCS Introduces ‘Certified Premier Sites’

To “reduce the industrial development timeline for prospective shippers,” Kansas City Southern (KCS) announced on Sept. 7 the introduction of its Certified Premier Sites—larger, shovel-ready sites that are certified and pre-approved for rail service.

The comment period for STB's Draft EIS for the proposed CP-KCS merger will be extended until October 14, 2022.

STB Extends Public Comment Period for Proposed CP-KCS Merger Draft EIS

In response to a request from “affected communities,” the Surface Transportation Board’s (STB) Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) issued on Sept. 6 a notice extending the deadline for public comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed acquisition of Kansas City Southern (KCS) by Canadian Pacific (CP) to Oct. 14.

LOAD MORE