“I am grateful for the opportunity to assist the Chairman and to work with my colleagues as we continue to streamline our procedures to ensure timely and effective adjudications,” STB Vice Chairman Michelle Schultz said. (STB Photograph)

STB Looks to Streamline Operations

Five initial recommendations for streamlining Surface Transportation Board (STB) processes and procedures have been garnered from recent Board-led listening sessions with legal practitioners, STB reported June 10.

For CSX, Lowest PDT in 20 Months

CSX on June 10 reported reaching “a new milestone,” posting a May 2025 Process Dwell Time (PDT) of 20.01 hours—a slight improvement from its previous PDT low of 20.47 hours in January

Raffa Promoted to RBMN EVP Marketing & Sales

Reading & Northern (RBMN) executive Jim Raffa has been promoted to Executive Vice President Marketing and Sales. He will assist CEO Andy Muller Jr. and President Wayne Michel in creating and implementing the company’s

“Today marks a historic first. For the first time since LAX opened its doors nearly a century ago, travelers can connect to the airport by Metro rail,” LACMTA/Metro reported via social media on June 6. “The new LAX/Metro Transit Center Station represents a generational leap forward in how people move through Los Angeles, offering a smarter, more sustainable way to travel.” (Screen Grab from LACMTA video)

Transit Briefs: SMART, SCCRTC, LACMTA

Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) District is in line for a $81 million award to extend its passenger rail service in Northern California. Also, Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (SCCRTC) releases details on a potential Santa Cruz-to-Pajaro passenger rail service; and Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA/Metro) celebrates the official opening of the LAX/Metro Transit Center station.

Highlights: IRSE-NAS AGM, Technical Tour, Railway Interchange 2025

The Institution of Railway Signal Engineers-North American Section (IRSE-NAS) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Technical Tour during Railway Interchange 2025 in Indianapolis, marking three days of educational presentations, knowledge sharing,

“To every member of the Mechanical team, thank you for your diligence, focus, and dedication,” NS VP Mechanical Brian Barr said during the announcement of the team’s “injury-free” May. (NS Photograph)

Class I Briefs: NS, UP, CSX

Norfolk Southern’s (NS) Mechanical Department marks a safety milestone. Also, Union Pacific’s (UP) Del Rio, Tex.-based Engineering team celebrates five years of injury-free service; and CSX reports improved service metrics.

(Rendering Courtesy of The Greenbrier Companies)

Watch: Greenbrier Unveils Safety Training Tank Car

The Greenbrier Companies, Inc., now offers a rolling tank car platform that can be used to deliver “expert-led,” hands-on safety training to railcar operators, maintenance teams, and safety professionals.

Valley Metro in Phoenix on June 7 held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open its 5.5-mile light rail extension connecting South Phoenix to Valley Metro Rail’s new two-line system (Valley Metro Photograph).

Phoenix Launches South Central Extension/Downtown Hub

Valley Metro light rail on June 7 expanded into south Phoenix, Ariz., with the opening of the $1.34 billion South Central Extension/Downtown Hub project, marking its evolution to a 35-mile two-line system. More than 5,000

Heartland Flyer train. (Amtrak Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, State of Nevada, Santa Clara VTA

Is it the end of the line for the Heartland Flyer? Also, the Nevada Governor approves a regional rail transit study; and Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) reaches an agreement with its largest union, which represents some 1,500 frontline workers, including light rail and bus operators, mechanics, dispatchers, fare inspectors and customer service representatives.

Former New York MTA Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for subways Mandeep Lali (center) at a June 5 news conference on his appointment as TTC CEO. (Photograph courtesy of Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, via social media)

Mandeep Lali Tabbed as TTC CEO

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) on June 5 reported the appointment of Mandeep Lali as CEO, effective July 7. He will come to Canada by way of senior leadership roles in the

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