The LACMTA Board of Directors on June 28 unanimously approved the establishment of the Transit Community Public Safety Department (TCPSD), whose objectives will be “increased visibility, accountability and consistent service delivery,” which LACMTA said will result in a safer transit system for employees and riders. (LACMTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: LACMTA, LIRR, PATH, SEPTA, Sound Transit

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) is establishing an in-house transit police department. Also, MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) completes two station accessibility projects; Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s (PANY/NJ) PATH surpasses 5 million riders in May, the first time since the pandemic’s onset; Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s (SEPTA) Board approves a wayfinding signage contract; and Seattle’s Sound Transit advances the Link Operations and Maintenance Facility South project.

IAIS Founding Chairman Dr. Paul H. Banner (IAIS Photograph)

IAIS Founding Chairman Paul Banner, 1922-2024

Iowa Interstate Railroad (IAIS) Founding Chairman Dr. Paul H. Banner died June 17, 2024; he was 102.

Aerial view of Pier B, courtesy of Port of Long Beach.

POLB Awards First Pier B Construction Contract

The Port of Long Beach, Calif., (POLB) has awarded Alameda, Calif.-based Stacy & Witbeck Inc. a $21.7 million contract for the Pier B Rail Yard East Expansion Project.

Six fully electric cranes power NS’s stacking operation at Austell, Ga., which the Class I says “represent a significant step toward reducing environmental impact and increasing operational efficiency.” (NS Photograph)

Class I Briefs: NS, UP

Norfolk Southern (NS) switches from a wheeled to a stacked operation at its Austell, Ga., intermodal terminal. Also, Union Pacific (UP) earns a 2023 Premier Supplier Award from Trinity Industries.

(SEPTA Photograph)

SEPTA Board OKs $2.6B Budget for FY2025

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Board has signed off on a $2.6 billion Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget proposal comprising a $1.74 billion Operating Budget and a $924 million Capital Budget,

OmniTRAX on Aug. 1 is slated to add the fourth domestic port to its network: Ports of Indiana-Mount Vernon. (Ports of Indiana-Mount Vernon Photograph)

OmniTRAX Named Rail Operator for Ports of Indiana-Mount Vernon

OmniTRAX on June 27 reported being selected as the exclusive rail operator for Ports of Indiana-Mount Vernon; the projected start date is Aug. 1. This will be the fourth domestic port in

ASLRRA SVP, Law and General Counsel Sarah Yurasko (pictured far left) has been sworn in as a member of the U.S. Supreme Court Bar; she is shown here at the Supreme Court with her sponsoring attorney Susan Warshaw Ebner of ASLRRA member Stinson (ASLRRA Photograph). MBTA Deputy Director of Administration Katie Kalugin (pictured far right) has earned the WTS 2024 Claire Barrett Member of the Year Award. (MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department Photograph).

People News: ASLRRA, MBTA

Sarah Yurasko, Senior Vice President, Law and General Counsel for the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA), has been admitted to the Bar of the U.S. Supreme Court. Also, WTS International and its Boston Chapter have selected as member of the year Katie Kalugin, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Deputy Director of Administration.

By spring 2026, Amtrak and CSX, in partnership with the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, will install a PTC system on more than 100 miles of track to support Downeaster service. (Amtrak Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, TTC, WMATA

Amtrak and CSX team on a Positive Train Control (PTC) installation between Haverhill, Mass., and Brunswick, Maine. Also, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) addresses “systemic racism within the transit system”; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) Takoma Station is reopening early with new amenities and a rebuilt interlocking.

CPKC on June 26 reported via LinkedIn that it has opened its newest automotive facility near Dallas, Tex., to boost vehicle distribution capacity. (Screen Grab of CPKC Video Posted on LinkedIn)

Class I Briefs: CPKC, CSX, NS, UP

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) opens a new automotive facility in Texas. Also, CSX earns a 2024 Navy Employer Recognition Award; Norfolk Southern (NS) launches its 2024 internship program; Union Pacific (UP) EVP Marketing and Sales Kenny Rocker provides a service status report, and UP is teaming with Viterra to serve a new grain facility in Dalhart, Tex.

Pictured: FreightCar America’s Castaños, Mexico, manufacturing plant, which just rolled out the company’s 10,000th railcar. (FreightCar America Photograph)

Supply Side: FreightCar America, Rail Vision

FreightCar America marks a milestone with the 10,000th railcar produced at its Mexico plant. Also, Rail Vision Ltd. receives a follow-on order from a U.S.-based rail and leasing services company.

LOAD MORE