NTSB Determines Probable Cause of Fatal September 2022 UP Collision

The probable cause of a fatal September 2022 collision on Union Pacific’s (UP) Sunset Route in Imperial County, Calif., was the routing of UP train ISILB5-07 into Bertram siding, which was occupied by 74 empty intermodal railcars, “made possible by the inappropriate removal of a computer-aided dispatching system block on the siding dispatch center,” according to a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation report.

People News: TTC, STV

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) promotes Bruce Macgregor to acting CEO. Also, Kevin Young joins STV as Senior Vice President and Strategic Client Service Leader in the firm’s transportation Texas/Mountain region.

CTA Implements ZeroEyes AI-Based Technology for Gun Detection

As part of its efforts to “enhance the security of riders and its employees,” the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) on Aug. 29 announced the pilot implementation of ZeroEyes’ proactive Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based technology that “leverages existing security cameras to specifically monitor for and alert security officials to only brandished firearms.”

AAR: North American Rail Volume Up in Week 34

Through the first 34 weeks of 2024 (ending Aug. 24), total North American carload and intermodal traffic rose 2.3% from the same point last year, according to the Association of American Railroads (AAR). The U.S., Canada and Mexico all experienced gains.

(William C. Vantuono photo)

Transit Briefs: TTC, PANYNJ, CapMetro, New Orleans RTA

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) further increases service and revises schedules. Also, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s (PANYNJ) PATH commuter rail system records its busiest July 4th since 2013; CapMetro launches a newly formed Transit Police Department; and the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) finalizes a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with the City of New Orleans for the agency’s Opportunity Pass pilot program.

People News: Delta Railroad Services, League of Railway Women

Delta Railroad Services (DRS) appoints Linda Laurello as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Also, the League of Railway Women (LRW) seeks nominations for its Board of Directors.

People News: NYMTA, Transdev U.S., HDR

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) appoints Kathryn Falasca as the first Criminal Justice Advocate. Also, Transdev U.S. appoints Mischa Wanek-Libman as the new Director of Communications and announces the return of Katrina Heineking as a Senior Vice President of Transit; and Katie Caskey is named as HDR’s Transportation Strategic Communications Director.

Watch: CSX Adds Seaboard Air Line Railroad to Heritage Fleet (UPDATED, 8/30)

CSX recently revealed its latest heritage locomotive—a tribute to the Seaboard Air Line Railroad fresh out of the Class I railroad’s paint shop in Waycross, Ga.

Transit Briefs: DART, LA Metro, BART, SCVTA, KC Streetcar, TTC

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) begins a second run of vehicle testing on the Silver Line Regional Rail alignment. Also, LA Metro ridership grows 8.2% in July; Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) begins the installation of a third set of Next Generation Fare Gates; the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA) unveils a project microsite for the BART Phase II Extension Project; KC Streetcar begins test runs; and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) begins modernizing the streetcar power network on Queens Quay and Fleet Street.

SMART-TD General Committees Announce Tentative 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

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