Short line credit added to tax reform bill
President Trump isn’t expected to sign tax reform legislation into law until 2018, but the bill already will assure short line railroads of a happy New Year.
Maintenance of Way
Schumer a thorn in Thune’s side—again
On. Dec. 21, U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.Dak.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, took to the Senate floor to voice his support and call on his colleagues for unanimous consent to confirm the nomination of Ronald Batory as Federal Railroad Administrator. Once again, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) played the spoiler.
MTA Genius Transit Challenge finalists selected
The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) on Dec. 21 announced the names of 19 finalists for the agency’s “GeniusTransit Challenge,” an international competition launched in May “that seeks to identify innovative solutions to increase the capacity and improve the reliability of New York City’s subway service.”
Pandrol adds to senior team
Arnaud Pierrard is joining Pandrol’s senior team in a new position tasked with innovating the company’s manufacturing processes.
Holland’s Flaherty retiring
Kevin Flaherty, Executive Vice President for Maintenance of Way at Holland LP, will be retiring effective Dec. 31 after 15 years of leadership within the company and 40 years in the industry.
MTA Board approves contract for Metro-North station enhancements
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board has approved a $91.5 million design-build contract to the firm Halmar International to make improvements to five Metro-North stations.
Bass new WSP VP in Carolinas
WSP USA has appointed David Bass vice president and director of transportation client services for its Carolinas business.
LAN to manage Salinas rail project construction
The Transportation Authority of Monterey County (TAMC) has selected civil engineering firm Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN) as part of the construction management team for the initial phase of Salinas Rail Extension.
Keolis, MBTA driving toward drones
Drones (formally called UAS, for “Unmanned Aerial System”) are becoming an important tool in railroad engineering and maintenance. Keolis Commuter Services, which operates regional/commuter rail for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, is among the latest to adopt the technology.
UPDATED DEC. 20: Overspeed cause of Amtrak Cascades fatal derailment
Three people were killed and more than 70 were injured as an Amtrak Cascades train derailed early Dec. 18 while traversing a curve leading into an overpass at Interstate 5 southwest of Tacoma, Wash., sending a locomotive and passenger cars crashing onto the highway below.