Author: Douglas John Bowen

Mobile ticketing looms for LIRR, Metro-North

New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) said Monday, April 28, 2014 its rail customers on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad “are one step closer to buying and getting tickets scanned right on their smart phones and tablets.”

Thales to modernize W. Va. University PRT

Thales said Tuesday, April 29, 2014 it has been awarded a contract by West Virginia University to modernize the Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) network operating on the university’s Morgantown, W. Va., campus.

Ansaldo STS taps Protran Technology

Protran Technology said Monday, April 28, 2014, it has landed a contract from Ansaldo STS “to provide the Protracker Roadway Worker Protection System (PWPS) on over 500 railcars.” The amount of the contract was not disclosed.

Deb Miller sworn in as STB member

The Surface Transportation Board said Monday, April 28, 2014, Deb Miller has been sworn in as the board’s newest member. Miller’s term runs through Dec. 31, 2017.

Virginia Beach, state reach LRT accord

Light rail transit, and not urban maglev service, is the more likely transit development for Virginia Beach, Va., following an informal agreement reached late last week between the city’s mayor and the state’s secretary of transportation.

KCS: Record revenue, good earnings in 1Q

Kansas City Southern reported net income in its 2014 first quarter of $94 million, or 85 cents per diluted share, slipping from $104 million, or 94 cents per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2013. But excluding the impacts of lease termination costs, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, and debt retirement costs, adjusted diluted earnings per share for first quarter 2014 was $1.05, compared with 89 cents in the first quarter of 2013, an 18% increase, KCS said.

DART test train reaches D/FW Airport

DART’s first light rail transit consist operated over five new miles of the Orange Line Wednesday, April 16, 2014, testing the extension for future service to and from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

Two firms eyed for big LACMTA contract

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) analysts are recommending two contractors be selected to construct the Downtown Regional Connector, improving connections among LA’s subway and light rail lines.