Siemens in, Nippon Sharyo out of Caltrans pact

Confirming a change by its contract partner, Caltrans amended its $317-million contract for new passenger cars, replacing Nippon Sharyo with Siemens, which will join with Sumitomo Corp. of America to fulfill the delayed multi-state order. Other details of the order were changed as well.

Study: U.S. 3rd in fiber optic sensor deployment

The United States trails Germany and China in deployment of fiber optic sensors – a key technology for monitoring railroad infrastructure – according to a leading trade organization.

NJ Transit adds PTSI Transportation’s Route Learning System™

PTSI Transportation has completed work on the application of its all-digital Route Learning System™ to NJ TRANSIT’s Newark Light Rail system, the second install of the technology on the agency’s light rail lines.

MD Transit inks ZoneGuard deal with Miller Ingenuity

Miller Ingenuity, a manufacturer of rail safety products, has entered into a collaborative agreement with the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) to install ZoneGuard, Miller’s electronic roadway worker protection system, on the Maryland Transit Administration’s (MTA) Baltimore light rail lines.

What’s happening with NMB, FRA and STB?

Nearly 11 months into the Administration of Donald J. Trump, leadership appointments at the three federal regulatory agencies of significant importance to railroads—the National Mediation Board, Federal Railroad Administration and Surface Transportation Board—have yet to be finalized.

Commentary

If you get a good deal, take it

Watching Washington, November 2017: Almost three years since 12 rail labor unions commenced collective bargaining over wages, benefits and work rules with Class I railroads, plus many regionals and short lines, a coalition of six unions—representing some 60% of the 145,000 affected workers—has reached a tentative agreement with the carriers.

Keolis, Ivado in Big Data passenger pact

Keolis, a subsidiary of French National Railways (SNCF), has signed a five-year deal with Canada’s Institute for Data Valorization (Ivado) to share and analyze Big Data to help develop innovative mobility solutions.

VIA Rail expands Toronto-Ottawa service

VIA Rail will be offering 20 weekday departures between Toronto and Ottawa, adding a 10th round-trip to its regional service. A new evening departure from Toronto to Kingston also will be added, along with additional stops in Trenton Junction and Guildwood.

New executive officers for LIRW

The League of Railway Industry Women (LRIW), an organization that supports women in the rail industry, recently appointed new executive officers and elected six officers to its board of directors.

OLI’s Murphy new VP at DART

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has named Operation Lifesaver, Inc., President Bonnie Murphy as Vice President Commuter Rail & Railroad Management. Murphy will complete her term with non-profit OLI Nov. 1.

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