The League of Railway Women (LRW) has announced its 2025 Board of Directors, whose members will focus on promoting the association’s mission “to enhance the representation, recognition, and opportunities for women in the rail industry; opening doors for learning and development opportunities; and unlocking new avenues for growth and leadership.”
Amtrak Executive Vice President of Capital Delivery Laura Mason earns Woman of the Year title from the Washington, D.C. chapter of WTS (WTS-DC). Also, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) appoints an interim President; and Railway Association of Canada (RAC) taps a new leader.
Sims Metals will receive a $750,000 grant to construct track access to its Chesapeake, Va.-based facility through the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation’s (DRPT) Rail Industrial Access Program, which “promotes truck diversion by providing grant assistance to connect new or expanding businesses to the freight railroad network.”
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) and the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) earlier this month submitted comments to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regarding its proposal to amend regulations governing PTC (Positive Train Control) systems to address temporary situations when the technology is not enabled.
Alstom on Jan. 15 reported signing a framework agreement valued at approximately C$500 million with Metrolinx to refurbish 181 Series VIII bilevel commuter railcars for GO Transit in Ontario, Canada.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announces MTA New York City subway safety initiatives. Also, MTA releases preliminary traffic and transit data from the congestion relief program’s first work week; Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey plans an $8 billion investment to improve regional transit, roads, and bridges and to stabilize MBTA finances; New Mexico’s Rio Metro Regional Transit District (Rio Metro) lands a federal grant for a new commuter rail Operations and Maintenance Facility; progress on Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s (DART) Silver Line continues with passenger service targeted for late 2025 or early 2026; Utah Transit Authority’s (UTA) ridership recovery reaches near pre-pandemic levels; and Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) and 17 other transit agencies sign the Equity In Infrastructure Project Pledge.
Total North American carload and intermodal traffic rose 1.5% through the first two weeks of the new year compared with the same period in 2024, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported Jan. 15. The United States and Canada saw gains, while Mexico experienced a loss through the week ending Jan. 11, 2025.
The approximately 100 onboard and lead attendants at Brightline, Florida’s private-sector passenger railroad, have voted to join Transport Workers Union of America (TWU).
California has withdrawn its pending waiver and authorization requests that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not yet acted on. In a win for railroads, this includes the In-Use Locomotive Regulation.
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) President announces his retirement from the agency. Also, Sound Transit (Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority) names first Chief Strategy Officer; Port of Los Angeles appoints new Chief Financial Officer; infrastructure firm HNTB Corporation hires National Practice Consultant to support its transportation practice; American Public Transportation Association (APTA) names General Counsel; and Railway Association of Canada (RAC) President and CEO is stepping down.