URS lands MARTA streetcar contract
Atlanta’s Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority said Monday it expected to award URS Energy and Construction a contract to design and build the 2.6-mile Atlanta Streetcar Project.
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Supreme Court rules for rail suppliers in asbestos case
In a case involving asbestos exposure in railroad repair work, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled unanimously that the Locomotive Inspection Act, as interpreted in 1923, preempts subsequent state laws with respect to worker exposure to brake shoes and insulation containing asbestos.
UP CEO Jim Young to take medical leave
Union Pacific announced Friday that James R. Young , its chairman, president, and CEO, will take a medical leave of absence from his responsibilities as president and CEO while he is being treated for recently diagnosed pancreatic cancer. He will remain chairman of the board during his treatment.
Industry readies for Railroad Day on Capitol Hill
Railroad Day on Capitol Hill is Thursday, March 8, and the Railway Supply Institute is urging RSI members, and indeed all pro-rail interests, to “help educate policymakers on the positive impact our job-producing industry has on the U.S. economy.”
Speed a factor in VIA Rail accident
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is continuing its investigation of the VIA Rail accident in Burlington, Ontario Feb. 26 that killed three crewmembers and injured at least 35 passengers. But TSB said it already has determined that excessive speed on a crossover was a contributing factor to the incident.
Architect of Change Matt Rose: Focused on capital investment
To borrow a term from the automobile industry, when you look closely at BNSF Railway, “this is not your father’s railroad.”
AAR: U.S. freight traffic falls in latest week
U.S. carload freight traffic for the week ending Feb. 25, 2012 fell 5%, measured against the comparable week in 2011, the Association of American Railroads said Thursday. U.S. intermodal volume also fell, though less sharply, down 2.8% compared with the same week a year ago.
Iowa Pacific Holdings joins AAR
The Association of American Railroads announced Thursday that Iowa Pacific Holdings (IPH) has become its newest full member.
Paint schemes highlight NS historical heritage
Norfolk Southern said Thursday it is honoring its predecessor railroads during 2012, its 30th anniversary year, by painting 18 new locomotives in commemorative schemes that reflect the heritage of those predecessors.
Sacramento joins neighbor’s streetcar push
Sacramento, Calif.’s City Council unanimously has approved involving the city in a starter streetcar route primarily traversing suburban neighbor West Sacramento.
CSX recognizes Wheeling Development Partnership
CSX Transportation has presented its Partnershipping Award to the Regional Economic Development Partnership (RED) in Wheeling, W.Va., for its efforts in locating three energy-related projects that will be served by CSX.
Seattle First Hill streetcar gets go-ahead
The Seattle City Council’s transportation committee Tuesday approved a contract to move forward with construction of the First Hill Streetcar, to run between First Hill and Pioneer Square.
Railway Age website redesign lauded
“Good web design is making a comeback,” says Rob O’Regan, editor of eMedia Vitals website, citing five recently revamped websites, including Railway Age magazine’s recently redesigned website.
Deadline nears for AREMA scholarship
The AREMA Educational Foundation is offering scholarships to engineering students who are specializing in the railway industry and supports other educational and training endeavors that help to ensure the future of the profession. The deadline of March 9 is fast approaching.
Poll: Third Twin Cities LRT line supported
The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports a poll conducted by three chambers of commerce shows roughly 61% of Minnesotans favor a state bonding commitment of $25 million to build a third light rail transit line in the Twin Cities.
CSX, Furniture Row Racing, and Regan Smith “Play it Safe” at Daytona 500
Monday night’s rain-delayed Daytona 500, the season-opening event in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, marked a milestone for CSX Transportation, the first Class I railroad to sponsor a Sprint Cup team.
Norfolk Southern names Graab VP Mechanical
Norfolk Southern Corp. has named Donald D. Graab vice president mechanical, headquartered in Atlanta, effective March 1. Graab succeeds Tim A. Heilig, who retires after 41 years with Norfolk Southern.
Metals shippers honor Union Pacific
Union Pacific has been named Logistics/Transportation Provider of the Year at the 2012 American Metals Market (AMM) Steel Tube and Pipe Conference.
Regan Smith, Furniture Row Racing, CSX anticipate rain-postponed Daytona 500
DAYTONA BEACH, FLA.: The 54th running of the Daytona 500 is scheduled to take place tonight (Monday Feb. 27), after heavy rains forced postponement of The Great American Race from yesterday.
Buffett praises Matt Rose leadership
If 81-year-old Warren Buffett has a short list of candidates to succeed him as head of Berkshire Hathaway, he did not directly allude to it in his annual message to shareholders, released Saturday.