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TriMet on Aug. 28 officially launched the 7.8-mile, 10-station Max Red Line extension, wrapping up its three-year, $218 million A Better Red project to increase the light rail system’s reliability, to serve the growing job center of Washington County, and to provide more people with a one-seat ride to and from Portland International Airport. (TriMet Photograph)

Transit Briefs: LACMTA, MBTA, TriMet, CCJPA/Amtrak, City of Edmonton

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) releases its Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 adopted budget book. Also, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) wraps up Red Line track work, removing six speed restrictions; Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) celebrates the launch of its MAX Red Line extension into Hillsboro; Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA), Amtrak, and other rail partners kick off September Rail Safety Month with a safety train event; and the City of Edmonton, Alberta debuts the “Here to Help” campaign as part of its Enhanced Transit Safety Plan.

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People News: TTC, STV

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) promotes Bruce Macgregor to acting CEO. Also, Kevin Young joins STV as Senior Vice President and Strategic Client Service Leader in the firm’s transportation Texas/Mountain region.

Pinsly Railroad Company is seeking Surface Transportation Board approval to buy Texas-based Hondo Railway LLC. (Map Courtesy of Pinsly’s STB Filing)

Pinsly to Expand Short Line Portfolio

Jacksonville, Fla.-based Pinsly Railroad Company on Aug. 28 reported entering into a definitive agreement to acquire Hondo Railway LLC, located just west of San Antonio, Tex. Subject to regulatory approval, the purchase would bring

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Hudson Tunnel Project Ramping Up (Updated, Aug. 29)

Following securement of a Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in July for the Hudson Tunnel Project (HTP), the Gateway Development Commission (GDC) board on Aug. 28

CTA Implements ZeroEyes AI-Based Technology for Gun Detection

As part of its efforts to “enhance the security of riders and its employees,” the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) on Aug. 29 announced the pilot implementation of ZeroEyes’ proactive Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based technology that “leverages existing security cameras to specifically monitor for and alert security officials to only brandished firearms.”

Commentary

Growth in the Freight Rail Industry

Editor’s Note: The following is a testimony that will be submitted by Adriene Bailey, Partner with Oliver Wyman, in a hearing before the Surface Transportation Board (STB) on Sept. 16-17, 2024. Introduction

NGTC Conference Announcement: FRA RD&T Session

FRA RD&T Director Discusses Tech Innovations

Safety is the principal driver of FRA RD&T. With that in mind, Dr. Maryam Allahyar Wyrick—Director of the Office of Research, Development and Technology (RD&T) at the Federal Railroad Administration—joins Railway Age

AAR: North American Rail Volume Up in Week 34

Through the first 34 weeks of 2024 (ending Aug. 24), total North American carload and intermodal traffic rose 2.3% from the same point last year, according to the Association of American Railroads (AAR). The U.S., Canada and Mexico all experienced gains.

Rendering of IntelliTrans' new Conway, Ark., Operations office. (Courtesy of IntelliTrans)

IntelliTrans to Expand Operations Facility

IntelliTrans is expanding its Conway, Ark., Operations office to “enhance its capacity to deliver top-tier logistics and supply chain management software and services to its growing shipper customer base,” the company reported Aug. 27.

(William C. Vantuono photo)

Transit Briefs: TTC, PANYNJ, CapMetro, New Orleans RTA

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) further increases service and revises schedules. Also, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s (PANYNJ) PATH commuter rail system records its busiest July 4th since 2013; CapMetro launches a newly formed Transit Police Department; and the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) finalizes a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with the City of New Orleans for the agency’s Opportunity Pass pilot program.

CSX educated Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) on what it’s like to be a railroader during his visit to the Southover Yard in Savannah, Ga.—including how to throw a switch. Carter is pictured (right) with CSX Conductor Kevin Cook. (Screen Shot of CSX Video)

Class I Briefs: CSX, NS (UPDATED 8/30)

CSX is part of the “Take Buddy to Work Day” initiative. Also, Norfolk Southern (NS) is recognized by Reuters Automotive D.R.I.V.E. 2024 for emission reduction efforts and has made its final RoadRailer run.

(Image Courtesy of MnDOT)

MnDOT Issues Draft State Freight Plan

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has released for public review a draft State Freight Plan, outlining the importance of freight to Minnesota’s economy, the current state of its freight system and trends.

When all 23 new Stadler Rail-built KISS bilevel EMUs (electric multiple-units) enter service Sept. 21, Caltrain will be able to run faster and more frequent regional/commuter rail service. (Stadler Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Caltrain, SEPTA, WMATA, NJT, LACMTA

Caltrain releases its new schedule for electrified service. Also, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) boosts Regional Rail service; Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) reopens four Red Line stations; New Jersey Transit (NJT) launches the “Chance For Change” program; and Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) expands a fare compliance pilot program and partners with a nationwide retailer on the free-fare student GoPass program.

(Courtesy of RailState)

RailState: Rail Service Resuming in Canada

Where does freight rail service stand following the Canadian government’s Aug. 24 order for binding arbitration that has allowed its resumption at CN and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC)? On Aug. 25,