New York MTA

On March 16, PEB 254, the second POTUS 47-appointed board assigned to the long-running contract dispute between a coalition of five unions and LIRR, “like an earlier appointed board of experts, recommended raises and retroactive pay for rail workers,” reported the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, which is part of the coalition. (LIRR Photograph)

Labor Updates: LIRR, TTC

The second Presidential Advisory Board (PEB) to help settle a years-long contract dispute at MTA Long Island Rail Road in New York issues recommendations. Also, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) formally files for conciliation with Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 2, a bargaining unit representing some 700 electrical, signal and cable technicians.

Pictured, from left to right: Diana Sorfleet and Riz Chand, CSX; Stephen Gardner, Telos Advisers; Jessie Lazarus, New York MTA; and Baker Alloush, NCTD. (Photographs courtesy of the respective organizations)
  • News

People News: CSX, Telos Advisers, NYMTA, NCTD, KLW

CSX announces changes to its executive team. Also, a former Amtrak CEO joins Telos Advisers as a Strategic Advisory Board Member; New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) appoints the first chief of its new Rolling Stock Program; California’s North County Transit–San Diego Railroad (NCTD) appoints a facilities director; and Knoxville Locomotive Works (KLW) hires a Chief Commercial Officer.

Pictured from left to right: Mariia Zimmerman, Virginia DRPT; Dianne Barnett, NS; Mike Brennan, Trinity Metro; Brady Jacoba, Ports of Indiana; and Peter Zuk, HNTB. (Photographs courtesy of the respective organizations)
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People News: Virginia DRPT, LRW/NS, NYMTA, Trinity Metro, Ports of Indiana, HNTB

Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) appoints Mariia Zimmerman as Director. Also, the League of Railway Women (LRW) recognizes Norfolk Southern’s (NS) Dianne Barnett as 2025 Railway Woman of the Year; and New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), Ports of Indiana, Trinity Metro in Texas, and HNTB Corporation hire executive leaders.

(Courtesy of Wabtec)

Watch: NY MTA Exercises Option for More Wabtec R255s

Wabtec Corporation on Jan. 7 reported landing a $386 million follow-on order to supply 45 R255 locomotives to the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for maintenance-of-way operations. Deliveries of the hybrid battery-diesel units are scheduled to begin in 2027.

“We’re thrilled to see record ridership on Metro-North,” MTA Metro-North President Justin Vonashek said. “From Super Express trains to delighting customers with our holiday lights trains, we’re always finding new ways to enhance the rider experience.” (MTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: NYMTA, SMART, HART, CTA, Santa Clara VTA

Ridership records are set for New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) commuter railroads and California’s Sonoma-Marin Area Regional Transit District (SMART). Also, the fiscal year 2025 audit for Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) receives a “favorable opinion from independent auditors”; and Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) advance transit-oriented development (TOD) projects.

Three shortlisted teams have received initial Request for Proposals for managing, operating, and maintaining the MBTA Commuter Rail system; the current contract with Keolis Commuter Services expires June 30, 2027. (MBTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: MBTA, Alto, NYMTA, CTA, NJT

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) shortlists three Commuter Rail operator teams. Also, Alto, Canada’s planned Toronto-Québec City HSR (high-speed rail) system, “could see dozens of daily trains”; crime is at a 16-year low on New York MTA subways; Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) unveils a “security surge” plan; and New Jersey Transit (NJT) encourages holiday giving through the digital “Chance For Change” program.

Parsons has landed a five-year contract, with two potential one-year extensions, to support Sound Transit’s $60 billion capital program. (Courtesy of Sound Transit)

Transit Briefs: Sound Transit, WMATA, NYMTA

Parsons Corporation (Parsons) secures a position on Sound Transit of Seattle’s 2025 Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC). Also, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is rolling out a holiday-themed vehicle fleet; and New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) subway sets a post-pandemic ridership record, and its commuter railroads install new TVMs (ticket vending machines).