Communications

MBTA updates infrastructure improvements

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is using its increase in capital spending on system-wide upgrades and repairs. Following a 40% increase from 2016, MBTA says it’s kicking its infrastructure improvements into high gear.

Baltimore Subway contract to Hitachi Ansaldo JV

The Maryland Transit Administration awarded a joint venture of Hitachi Rail Italy and Ansaldo STS USA, Hitachi Ansaldo Baltimore Rail Partners (HABRP), a contract worth $400.5 million to provide a new fleet of metro railcars and a communications-based train control (CBTC) system for the Baltimore Metro Subway Link.

NCTD PTC RSD under way

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has authorized initiation of Revenue Service Demonstration (RSD) operations for Positive Train Control (PTC) on North County Transit District (NCTD) Coaster trains, including revenue (passenger-carrying) trains, on the San Diego subdivision.

Rio Tinto going driverless Down Under

Global mining conglomerate Rio Tinto says AutoHaul®—the US$518 million automation of its Western Australia Pilbara iron ore heavy-haul rail network—is progressing well, with about 20% of all train-miles now operating in autonomous mode, albeit with on board locomotive engineers managing certain safety and reliability systems.