CN-Unifor Bargaining Update (11/18)
CN on Sept. 27 reported that Unifor filed a Notice of Dispute three days after the beginning of negotiations. The union represents 3,300 Mechanical, Clerical, and Intermodal employees in Canada across three
news
BNSF Grows ‘Shortline Select’ Program
BNSF on Sept. 6 reported launching a new short line program to provide “expanded opportunities for customers to reach an even broader consumer base.” The first small road to participate was Genesee
Canadian Minister of Labor Intervenes in Port Disputes
Canadian Minister of Labor Steven MacKinnon on Nov. 12 moved to intervene in port labor disputes in Montreal, Vancouver and Quebec City by asking the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to order an end to work stoppages and impose binding arbitration.
Commentary
R.I.P., Capitol Limited
The Capitol Limited was a great train. It was the flagship train for the Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) during its initial 48-year incarnation and an Amtrak train for its second, and final,
HRT Lands Transit Safety Pledge Grant
Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) has received a $10,000 Transit Safety Pledge Grant from Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) to develop a safety campaign for The Tide, its light rail service in Norfolk, Va.
Transit Briefs: Caltrain, STM, PANYNJ/PATH, Montreal REM, Minn. Metropolitan Council, Honolulu TOD
Caltrain’s first month of electrified service sees 750,000 riders. Also, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) releases its 2025 budget; the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) proposes a reduced fare program for passengers with disabilities using the PATH system; CDPQ Infra targets fall 2025 for the next commissioning on the Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM) project in Montreal; Minnesota’s Metropolitan Council will simplify and lower transit fares in 2025; and Honolulu receives a $2 million grant as part of a 2024 Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning.
Intermodal Briefs: POLB, GPA, Port of LA
The Port of Long Beach (POLB) reaches a cargo record in October, as consumer demand drives trade headed into the holiday season. Also, Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) reports that Savannah container volumes last month were up 10% year-over-year; and the Port of Los Angeles earns employer of the year and innovative project awards from WTS-Los Angeles.
PANYNJ Awards $1.184B Design-Build Contract to Tutor Perini/O&G for AirTrain Newark System
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) on Nov. 14 announced that it has selected the joint-venture firm of Tutor Perini/O&G to design and build a new 2.5-mile elevated rail structure and three new stations to replace its existing AirTrain Newark on-airport mass transit system.
Kentucky, North Carolina Invest in Short Line, Port Infrastructure Projects
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) Rail Division have awarded $7.5 million and $12.9 million, respectively, to rail projects at short lines and ports in their states.
NS to Add New Independent Board Member
Norfolk Southern (NS) on Nov. 14 reported entering into a “cooperation agreement” with Ancora Holdings Group, LLC (together with certain of its affiliates; Ancora) in which the organizations will work together to identify
Keeping Rail, Metro Networks Safe From Cyber Threats
Cybersecurity has rapidly risen to become a top priority for rail and metro operators. Mark Simmons talks to UITP Senior Manager Miryam Hernández and UITP’s Cybersecurity Committee Chair Paul Gwynn to discover how operators can become cyber-resilient.
FRA: Nearly $1.5B for 19 Projects Along NEC
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on Nov. 15 announced additional funding of nearly $1.5 billion for 19 projects along the Northeast Corridor (NEC), “continuing its historic investment in passenger rail.”
Port Strike Fears Grow as USMX and ILA Fail to Hammer Out Automation Issues
Not all is going smoothly in the negotiations between U.S. East and Gulf Coast port employers, represented by the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX), and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) union. Both sides are
Transit Briefs: GCRTA, CTA, MBTA, NJT, SFMTA
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) celebrates 50 years of service. Also, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) signs a new two-year agreement for expanded social service outreach; Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) releases its Strategic Plan Update detailing progress on fiscal and infrastructure improvements; New Jersey Transit (NJT) lands federal grant to study transit-oriented development in Paterson; and San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) launches an official Muni merchandise store.
STB Directs UP to Correct ‘Deficiencies’ in Arizona Rail Line Project Proceeding
The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has issued a decision in Union Pacific Railroad Company—Construction and Operation Exemption—in Maricopa County, Ariz., Docket No. FD 36501, in which the railroad petitioned the Board for an exemption
People News: METRO, MBTA
The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) appoints Ban Tien as the new Police Chief. Also, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) announces the return of Subway Line Managers.
Greenbrier Issues 2024 Sustainability Update
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc., on Nov. 13 released a 2024 interim report updating its sustainability efforts.
Bohr Electronics Secures Contract With VRE for Magnetic Transfer Switches
Bohr Electronics has been awarded a contract by Virginia Railway Express (VRE) to supply 80 magnetic transfer switches, which will support ongoing maintenance of VRE’s locomotive fleet at its Crossroads Maintenance Storage Facility in Fredericksburg, Va.
Metra, CTA Boards OK 2025 Budget Proposals (UPDATED 11/14)
Chicagoland’s Metra commuter railroad and Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), the area’s rapid transit and bus service provider, last month proposed 2025 operating budgets of $1.135 billion and $2.16 billion, respectively. The proposals
G&W Continues its 125 Anniversary Celebration in Florida
Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) on Nov. 13 marked 125 years of service with a celebration in Jacksonville, Fla., where it has a corporate support center that employs nearly 200 area residents.