Transit Briefs: Amtrak, DART, LA Metro, TriMet, Jacobs, Denver RTD

Amtrak debuts a new integration with Google to support more sustainable transportation choices. Also, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is named Agency of the Year by Latinos In Transit (LIT); LA Metro shares its Mobility Concept Plan for the 2028 Olympic games; TriMet approves a new labor contract with the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 757; the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) appoints Jacobs as the program management consultant for the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Station Improvements Project; and the Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) marks 30 years of light rail.

New FTA General Directive Addresses Assault Against Transit Workers

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on Sept. 25 announced a General Directive that will require more than 700 transit agencies nationwide to take action to protect frontline transit workers from the risk of assaults.

AAR: North American Rail Volume Up in Week 38

Through the first 38 weeks of 2024 (ending Sept. 21), total North American carload and intermodal traffic rose 2.6% from the same point last year, according to the Association of American Railroads (AAR). The U.S., Canada and Mexico all experienced gains.

Florida Awarded $18MM to Increase Supply Chain Capacity

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Sept. 20 announced the award of $18 million in funding to invest in Florida’s supply chain and “boost aggregate storage for critical infrastructure and asphalt and concrete production.” These awards are the first of $100 million to be invested over five years.

Progress Rail Signs S&C Contract With Network Rail

Progress Rail on Sept. 24 announced that it has signed a five-year contract with Network Rail to supply switches and crossings (S&C) and associated components in the U.K.

SMART-TD General Committees Ratify Agreement With Amtrak

General Chairpersons Francis Ariola (GO 663) and Rick Pauli (GO 769), who handle the Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal Air, Rail and Transportation Workers’ (SMART-TD) Amtrak properties, on

Transit Briefs: NYMTA, Amtrak, Metro-North, DART, UDOT, MBTA

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) launches a new feature on its TrainTime app. Also, Amtrak launches the Floridian, with daily service between Chicago and Miami; Metro-North Railroad launches a pilot program for customers to report restrooms in need of maintenance; Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) signs a 10-year office lease at Knoll Trail Crossing; the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) gets ready to begin a statewide passenger rail feasibility study; and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) wins $472 million in federal funding to replace the North Station Draw One Bridge.

Class I Briefs: CN, UP, CPKC

Pivotal Energy Partners Inc. opens its new facility on a CN Certified Rail Ready Site. Also, 19 Union Pacific (UP) employees graduate from the Leadership Development Program; and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) raises more than $550,000 for veterans experiencing homelessness in Canada and the U.S.

People News: AAR, RSI

Michael Wiley is named as the new General Manager of the Association of American Railroads (AAR) Mechanical Inspection Department. Also, Jeffrey Ostrander joins the Railway Supply Institute (RSI) to help manage the association’s Quality Assurance, Equipment Leasing and American Railway Car Institute (ARCI) Committees.

Caltrain Commences Fully Electrified Service

Caltrain on Sept. 21 launched its new electrified schedule, bringing the 160-year-old San Francisco-San Jose rail line corridor from diesel power to electric.

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