Commuter Regional

MBCR pilot program aids MBTA conductors

Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Co. (MBCR) on Monday announced the launch of the “Conductor Companion” pilot program, using mobile device technology to allow conductors on Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) regional rail trains to receive real-time information about service.

LIRR taps Axion for more ties

Axion International Holdings, Inc. producer of recycled plastic and plastic composite technologies, said it has received a purchase order from the Long Island Rail Road for additional Ecotrax rail ties, to be used “in various locations throughout Long Island.” The size of the order was not specified.

MBTA anger with Hyundai Rotem heats up

Reports from Boston-area print and television media Friday say Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is running short of patience over continuing delays of bilevel rail passenger equipment deliveries from Hyundai Rotem.

Transit benefit restored in fiscal deal

Among the changes (and status quo) perpetuated by Congress in its Jan. 2 budgetary decision making, public transit users were offered a plus: the rise in pretax federal transit benefits to $240 per month, up from $125 in 2012.

Delay seen for AMT service addition

Montreal’s Agence Métropolitaine de Transport (AMT) reportedly will not increase frequency on its Vaudreuil-Hudson regional rail line until 2014. AMT originally had hoped to bolster service early in 2013.

GO Transit extends Bombardier contracts

Bombardier Transportation said Friday Metrolinx/GO Transit has exercised options for 10 years of fleet operations and maintenance services for its regional rail system serving the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area. The value of the two contracts, which are extended to 2023, is approximately C$927 million CDN (US$937 million), Bombardier said.