New FTA Report Shows U.S. Ridership ‘Continues to Increase’
According to a recent Federal Transit Administration (FTA) report on transit trends, ridership in the U.S. continues to increase, growing by more than 17% nationwide from 2022 to 2023.
Breaking News
Small-Road Briefs: ASLRRA, Watco
The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association’s (ASLRRA) Legislative Policy Committee elects a Board representative, Chair and Vice Chair. Also, 10 Watco teams wrap up 2024 on a high note, achieving safety milestones.
Cruz Cruises to Commerce Committee Chairmanship
The Senate Republican Conference on Jan. 9 ratified Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. The Committee has jurisdiction over a vast range of
For Greenbrier, an ‘Impressive’ First Fiscal Quarter
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. on Jan. 8 reported financial results for its first fiscal quarter ended Nov. 30, 2024 that CEO and President Lorie L. Tekorius termed “impressive … delivering exceptional bottom-line
Transit Briefs: TEXRail, TriMet, NJ Transit, MTI, Amtrak
Trinity Metro TEXRail surpasses record ridership in December 2024. Also, TriMet and law enforcement partners welcome changes to make transit a drug-free zone; NJ Transit launches an anti-human-trafficking awareness campaign; the Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) releases a study that identifies the indirect benefits of a transit apprenticeship; and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awards a $21 million Restoration and Enhancement (R&E) grant to Amtrak for Gulf Coast passenger rail.
People News: STV, HNTB, INIT
Professional services firm STV elevates Marcos Díaz González to President, Transportation Northeast and John Ponzio to Executive Vice President, Centers of Excellence, and hires Garo Hovnanian as Executive Vice President, Advisory Services. Also, Janet Campbell-Lorenc joins infrastructure firm HNTB Corporation as Rail Planning Practice Consultant; and INIT Innovations in Transportation, Inc., announces changes to the leadership team.
AAR: Carloads Down, Intermodal Up in First Week of 2025
Total U.S. rail traffic for the week ending Jan. 4, 2024 (Week 1) was up 1.0% from the prior-year period, with intermodal gains offsetting carload losses, according to the Association of American Railroads’ (AAR) latest report.
NCCC, ATDA Ratify National Agreement
The National Carriers Conference Committee (NCCC) on Jan. 7 reported the ratification of a national collective bargaining agreement with the American Train Dispatchers Association (ATDA), the fourth such agreement reached in recent weeks.
NY: $101.8MM Available for Rail, Port Projects
New York state’s Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program has $101.8 million available to fund rail and port projects that will preserve and improve the state’s major trade and passenger corridors. Applications will be accepted through April 7, 2025.
REEF Act Ends Railroad Unemployment, Sickness Benefit Reductions
The Railroad Employee Equity and Fairness (REEF) Act, incorporated into the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 and signed into law by President Biden