Lili Tran, incoming CPO at Denver RTD. (Courtesy of RTD)

Denver RTD Tabs Tran as CPO

Lili Tran on Jan. 5 will join the Regional Transportation District (RTD) of Denver, Colo., as Chief People Officer (CPO).

(Courtesy of Amtrak OIG)

OIG to Amtrak: Improved Facilities Planning Needed to Support New Trains

While Amtrak has started upgrading its maintenance facilities to support major fleet acquisitions, including NextGen Acela, Airo, and planned Long Distance trains, developing and implementing a strategic plan would help the company

“We are pleased to introduce America's 250th locomotive! 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙,” NSHR reported via social media on Dec. 22. (NSHR Photograph)

NSHR Unveils ‘Semiquincentennial Locomotive’

Northumberland, Pa.-based North Shore Railroad Company & Affiliates (NSHR) on Dec. 22 rolled out a tribute to America’s 250th anniversary: NSHR 2238. Local artist Pedro Reyes hand-painted symbols of “our nation’s liberty and

(Logos courtesy of the respective organizations)

People News: SJRRC, MDOT, BLET

The San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) appoints Chris Orlando as CEO. Also, Kathryn B. “Katie” Thomson is Acting Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), following the departure of Paul J. Wiedefeld; and Pete Semenek is retiring as National Vice President of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET).

Transit Briefs: SEPTA, STV, NYMTA, Amtrak/USRC

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) system-wide ridership decreases 1% in November. Also, STV’s Quantico Station Improvement Project wins an American Council of Engineering Companies of Virginia (ACEC Virginia) Grand Award; Governor Kathy Hochul vetoes a bill that would require two-person crews on the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) subway trains; and Amtrak and Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC) leaders approve an agreement to restore federal control of the facility.

FreightCar America President and CEO Nick Randall (FreightCar America Photograph)

Carly Railcar Components Sold to FreightCar America

Chicago, Ill.-based FreightCar America, Inc. on Dec. 22 reported completing the acquisition of Carly Railcar Components, a move that will strengthen its “aftermarket distribution business with a focus on running-repair components” and

USDOT: $33MM for UTC Program

The U.S. Department of Transportation on Dec. 19 issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that makes $33 million in funding available for the Department’s University Transportation Centers (UTC) Program and aims to “advance transportation science and innovation to solve for tomorrow’s problems today.”

Class I Briefs: UP, CSX, CN/CPKC

Union Pacific’s (UP) Chicago Service Unit celebrates a world-class safety achievement. Also, CSX’s Columbus, Ohio, Mechanical Team achieves 1,500 days injury-free; and the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) releases its annual Maximum Grain Revenue Entitlements for CN and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC).

Three shortlisted teams have received initial Request for Proposals for managing, operating, and maintaining the MBTA Commuter Rail system; the current contract with Keolis Commuter Services expires June 30, 2027. (MBTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: MBTA, Alto, NYMTA, CTA, NJT

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) shortlists three Commuter Rail operator teams. Also, Alto, Canada’s planned Toronto-Québec City HSR (high-speed rail) system, “could see dozens of daily trains”; crime is at a 16-year low on New York MTA subways; Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) unveils a “security surge” plan; and New Jersey Transit (NJT) encourages holiday giving through the digital “Chance For Change” program.

RTA Board Approves 2026 Regional Operating Budget and Capital Program

The Regional Transportation Authority (Chicago, Ill.) on Dec. 18 voted to adopt the 2025 Regional Transit Operating Budget and 2026-2030 Capital Program following the signing of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)

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