Ballard Expands HFC Agreement with Caltrans, Stadler US

Vancouver, B.C.-based Ballard Power Systems has signed a multi-year supply agreement with Stadler US to supply 8 mW (megawatts) of FCmove®-HD+ HFC (hydrogen fuel cell engines) to power California Department of Transportation

MTA Metro-North Railroad will run its first-ever Holiday Lights Train on all three commuter rail lines from Nov. 29 through New Year’s. (Photo: MTA / Emily Moser)

Transit Briefs: Caltrans, NJ Transit, Metro-North, UTA, MDOT MTA

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) receives a federal grant to improve passenger rail service and freight movement in the San Joaquin Valley. Also, New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) earns a spot on the Forbes 2025 America’s Dream Employers list; MTA Metro-North Railroad debuts its Holiday Lights Train; Utah Transit Authority (UTA) celebrates 25 years of TRAX light rail service; and Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) launches an online merchandise store.

The Madera High-Speed Rail Station Project involves designing and constructing the Madera Station in California through improvements at the relocated Madera Amtrak Station location. These include new platforms, trackwork, an overhead contact system, a bus depot, expanded auto parking, an access roadway network, a multi-use path, and a station building. (Image Courtesy of USDOT)

Madera High-Speed Rail Station Project Lands $54.5MM Grant

The San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) on Oct. 30 reported securing $54.5 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Mega (National Infrastructure Project Assistance)

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Hydrogen Finds its Place in California

State government regulations are accelerating the shift from diesel to alternative traction in California. Kyle Gradinger, Division Chief of Rail and Mass Transportation at the California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS), explains the

From Left to Right: Mario Orso, CEO, SANDAG; John Jerome, Vice President, LJA Rail; Del Walker, Denver Office Leader, HNTB; and Michelle Buonacuore, Construction Services Manager, HNTB. (Images Courtesy of LinkedIn, LJA and HNTB)

People News: SANDAG, LJA Engineering, HNTB

The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) appoints Mario Orso as Chief Executive Officer. Also, LJA Engineering welcomes John Jerome as Vice President of LJA Rail; and HNTB names Del Walker as Denver Office Leader and Michelle Buonacuore joins as a Construction Services Manager.

Caltrain is shipping 32 of its nearly 40-year-old Nippon Sharyo gallery cars (pictured) for storage in Petaluma, Calif., where they will await a buyer. The transit agency, which had not recently used the cars in revenue service, is making room for its new electric fleet from Stadler, slated to start running this fall. (Caltrain Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Caltrain, Denver RTD, KC Streetcar

California’s Caltrain retires 32 gallery cars to make room for its new electric fleet. Also, Denver (Colo.) Regional Transportation District (RTD) kicks off a customer service pilot program; and Missouri’s Kansas City (KC) Streetcar Authority releases the results of its 2023 rider satisfaction survey.

The first Stadler hydrogen powered train for San Bernardino was on display at the outside track area.

Stadler Flirt H2 Sets World Record

The hydrogen fuel cell-powered multiple unit travels 2,803 kilometers (1,741 miles) without refueling.

A Siemens Mobility Venture trainset at the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission facility in Stockton, Calif. (Caltrans)

Amtrak San Joaquins, Caltrans Deploy New Siemens Venture Cars

The San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) on March 5 celebrated the launch of new, state-of-the-art Siemens-manufactured Venture Cars for deployment across the Amtrak San Joaquins service.

(Rendering Courtesy of Caltrans)

California Orders Another Six HFC Trainsets

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) on Feb. 14 reported exercising an option with Stadler for six additional zero-emission HFC (hydrogen fuel cell) FLIRT H2 trainsets, valued at $127 million. The $80 million base

BART crews have installed prototype fare gates at West Oakland Station to “protect against fare evasion, expand access to transit-dependent riders, and reduce system downtime due to maintenance.” (BART Photograph)

Transit Briefs: NJT, BART, SacRT

Buses of migrants bound for New York City have been stopping at New Jersey Transit (NJT) stations to avoid New York rules. Also, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) unveils prototype fare gates and boosts its “Clipper START” means-based fare discount; and Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) eyes a Blue Line light rail and/or bus rapid transit extension from the city of Sacramento to the city of Elk Grove, supports Sacramento’s Truxel Bridge Concept and Feasibility Study, and lands a Caltrans Climate Adaptation Planning grant.

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