Metra Finalizes Multilevel Order
Metra has awarded Alstom a $775.4 million contract for an initial order of 200 multilevel cars for Chicago commuter rail service.
Metra
Passenger Rail Facing $28MM Liability Cap Increase
March 27 is the deadline for commuter railroads to secure a new liability insurance coverage limit of $323 million, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation—$28 million more than is currently required.
Metra Eyes ‘Green’ Switchers
Metra will issue an RFP for new low-emission switchers, including the Chicago commuter rail agency’s first zero-emission, electric-powered unit.
NICTD Advances Railcar, Track Projects
The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District’s (NICTD) Board of Directors has approved the lease of 26 bi-level EMUs from Metra to boost capacity on the South Shore Line as it advances two expansion projects that, once online, will add 26 trains per day to the schedule.
Oberman to Chair STB (Updated)
Martin J. Oberman was designated Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board (STB) on Jan. 21 by President Joe Biden. He was sworn in as an STB member on Jan. 22, 2019, and has held the Vice Chairman position since Jan. 6, 2020.
Metra Orders Alstom Multi-Levels
The Metra Board of Directors has approved the purchase of up to 500 multi-level commuter railcars from Alstom to replace aging bi-level gallery cars.
High Profile: MTA Metro-North SVP Ops; Nexsen Pruet Legal Counsel
New York MTA’s Metro-North Railroad has promoted Justin Vonashek to Senior Vice President-Operations, succeeding John Kesich, who has held the position since 2013 and will retire in April. Nexsen Pruet, a North Carolina-based economic development group, has hired attorney Scott Saylor.
For House Rail Subcommittee, an Earful on Multiple Matters
“Examining the Surface Transportation Board’s Role in Ensuring a Robust Passenger Rail System” was the topic of a virtual Nov. 18 hearing before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
Metra Board Signs Off on 2021 Budget
Chicago’s Metra commuter rail agency is moving its Board-approved $700 million operating budget and $386.8 million capital program for 2021 to the Regional Transportation Authority for final approval. RTA’s Board will review them as part of a consolidated budget for the area’s public transit systems, including Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Pace Suburban Bus.
Metra: UP in Breach of Contract
Metra has filed a lawsuit against Union Pacific (UP), which operates several of its commuter rail lines, for breach of contract in Cook County (Ill.) Circuit Court.