Commuter Regional

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.

WSP USA taps Bonina, Cox

WSP USA, the company formerly called Parsons Brinckerhoff, has named two rail transit industry veterans to executive positions. Stephen Bonina, P.E., joins as Vice President and Eastern Region Fleet Manager for WSP’s TEC (Transit & Rail Technical Excellence Center), Newark, N.J. Kevin Cox, P.E., rejoins the company as a Vice President providing management and technical support for transit and rail projects throughout the U.S., also in Newark.

Progress and setbacks in Ontario

Progress has been made on Metrolinx’s plan to electrify the GO Transit regional/commuter rail network. Meanwhile, major delays and controversy mark Bombardier’s streetcar contract with the Toronto Transit Commission.

Batory picked for FRA chief

The White House on July 11 announced that President Donald Trump has nominated Ronald L. Batory, who recently retired as President and Chief Operating Officer of Conrail, as the next Federal Railroad Administrator.

Commentary

FELA: Durable and still going

It was an accessory to the jailing of three labor union presidents. It may encourage bad decision-making by rail managers. Its lottery-like jury awards seduce plaintiff attorneys. It can send an injured rail worker to the poor house. And it encourages adversarial relationships in the workplace.

WSP (formerly PB) promotes three

Sweeping management changes continue at WSP USA, the Montreal-based company that acquired Parsons Brinckerhoff and in May dropped the iconic PB name. Three key positions have been filled in the firm’s Northwest Pacific, West and Northern California areas.