Caltrain August ridership numbers rise

Caltrain said Wednesday ridership in August rose 7.8% compared with the same month a year ago, up to 1.35 million riders from 1.25 million in August 2012, or roughly 3,000 more riders per day.

Metro-North keeps pursuing off-peak ridership

MTA Metro-North Railroad has unveiled schedule changes to occur Oct. 14 which, among other things, increases off-peak and weekend service offerings.

Toronto LRT operations plan is clarified

Toronto Transit Commission officials and others Wednesday announced that TTC, not a private company, will operate the four new light rail transit additions planned for Canada’s largest city, though a private-sector company will maintain the infrastructure once it is in place.

AAR approval advances Kelso hazmat valve

Vancouver, British Columbia-based Kelso Technologies Inc. announced Wednesday that it has received certification from the Association of American Railroads for its new heavy-duty external pressure relief valve (EPRV) following successful tests in August.

RSI exhibit space for Railway Interchange/2013 now on sale

Railway Supply Institute President Tom Simpson said Wednesday RSI exhibit space for Railway Interchange/2013 is now available for sale online via RSI’s website, www.rsiweb.org.

LIRR eyes expanding waiting room hours

The Long Island Rail Road Wednesday was set to unveil a pilot program to expand waiting room hours at 41 of its stations throughout the system, in order to enhance customer service.

NREC names Batley AVP

Mt. Vernon, Ill.-based National Railway Equipment Co. says Keith K. Batley has joined the company as assistant vice president, Sales and Marketing. Batley reports NREC President and CEO Steven L. Beal.

Alstom unveils the first KZ8A freight locomotive

Alstom Transport President Henri Poupart-Lafarge on Tuesday unveiled the KZ8A, its first electric freight locomotive for the Kazakh Railways, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), at Alstom’s plant in Belfort, France. On Wednesday, Alstom followed on Wednesday by announcing a maintenance contract with a KTZ subsidiary.

Franczak quits as CP operating chief

Canadian Pacific Monday announced the resignation of Mike Franczak, executive vice president and chief operations officer, effective immediately. CP CEO E. Hunter Harrison said a replacement would not be named immediately.

RailComm to expand BNSF Amarillo yard system

Fairport, N.Y.-based RailComm said Monday it has been selected to provide a wireless remote control derail system at BNSF’s Amarillo, Tex., yard for the roundhouse engine tracks.

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