Commentary

The New York Times Magazine: The Case for the Subway

Jonathan Mahler, a staff writer for The New York Times Magazine, has written what I believe to be the definitive story of New York City’s subway system, to date. Mahler’s piece, available here in its entirety, is provocative, thought-provoking, and even a bit disturbing. In my opinion, anyone involved with rail transit—operators, suppliers, consultants, engineers, legislators, planners—should read this.

Network Rail Consulting appoints Alderman VP North America-West

Network Rail Consulting (NRC) has appointed Mitch Alderman as Vice President, North America-West. He will focus on business development, working with NRC’s business development specialists to find and secure new growth opportunities. He will also oversee and support work with existing clients.

LACMTA TAPs Cubic for mobile app

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) has awarded Cubic Transportation Systems (CTS) a contract with for an integrated mobile app in support of the TAP regional contactless fare system. TAP links 24 transit agencies across the Los Angeles region, and the mobile app “will provide travelers with a range of convenience tools to enhance their daily commute,” CTS said.

Greenbrier 1Q: 2018 guidance reaffirmed

In reporting results for its first fiscal quarter (Sept. 1-Nov. 30, 2017), The Greenbrier Cos. reaffirmed its Fiscal Year 2018 guidance. The company expects revenue of $2.4 -$2.6 billion and diluted EPS of $4.00, based on deliveries of 20,000-22,000 units.

NJT’s Santoro calling it quits

New Jersey Transit Executive Director Steve Santoro, who has spent 18 years with the agency, submitted his resignation to New Jersey Transportation Commissioner Rick Hammer on Jan. 5. He will be leaving in April and said he is “committed to ensuring a smooth transition for the new administration” of incoming Governor Phil Murphy.

600-plus (so far) headed to MARS

More than 600 people have registered for the 250th meeting of the Midwest Association of Rail Shippers (MARS) that will be held January 16–18, 2018 in Lombard, Ill. The theme for the meeting is “Can Rail Pick Up Transportation Capacity Shortfall?”

Commentary

Trump to Schumer: “Drop dead”

“Non-existent”: This is the exact term the United States Department of Transportation used to describe any commitment the federal government has toward funding the ambitious, multi-billion-dollar Gateway Program, which would vastly improve passenger rail access to New York City, the nation’s busiest transportation hub.

Toyo Engineering a “solid” choice for CN

CN has selected Calgary-based Toyo Engineering Canada Ltd. to design and build a pilot project to produce CanaPux™pellets, described as “a key step toward demonstrating the commercial viability of moving bitumen by rail in solid form.”

CN places major power order with GE

CN will acquire 200 new locomotives over the next three years from GE Transportation—the General Electric division that CEO John Flannery recently said would be sold off because it is a business “that drains investment and management resources without the prospects for a substantial reward.”

Foote firmly planted at CSX

CSX Corp. on Dec. 22 named James Foote as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Formerly Chief Operating Officer, Foote had been acting CEO since Dec. 14 after E. Hunter Harrison was placed on medical leave. Harrison died Dec. 16. Foote will also join the CSX Board of Directors.

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