(NYSDOT Photograph)

NY Kicks Off Public Engagement for Transportation Master Plan Development

Public engagement efforts are now under way for the development of the New York State Transportation Master Plan 2050, which will allow the state to determine how well the transportation system is working today as well as priorities for the future.

NYSDOT: $121.6MM Available Through Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program

Gov. Kathy Hochul on June 28 announced that $121.6 million in state funding is available through the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) administered Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program, which

UTA is celebrating the 15th anniversary of FrontRunner.

Transit Briefs: APTA, UTA, CTA, Amtrak

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) releases six workforce development mini guides for public transportation leaders. Also, the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) celebrates the 15th anniversary of FrontRunner; the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) expands its monthly scorecard data to include added workforce metrics; and Amtrak’s Berkshire Flyer seasonal train service between New York City and Pittsfield, Mass., will return this summer.

Phillip Eng, incoming General Manager, MBTA

Phillip Eng to Lead MBTA (UPDATED)

Former MTA Long Island Rail Road President Phillip Eng is heading to Boston. On April 10, he will become the next General Manager of Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), Massachusetts Gov. Maura T. Healey, Lt. Gov. Kimberley Driscoll and Transportation Secretary Gina Fiandaca reported March 27.

Brian L. Glassberg (right) will take over the role of GTX Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary once Deborah A. Golden (left) retires at the end of November.

People News: GATX, UP, WSP (UPDATED)

Deborah A. Golden set to retire from GATX Corporation (GATX). Also, Union Pacific’s (UP) Wendy Whalen earns a Women in Supply Chain Award; and Rob DiAdamo joins WSP as Senior Director of the firm’s Advisory Enterprise and Strategy Team.

Receiving grants are: Metrolink operator Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA; $12.5 million); Tri-Rail operator Southern Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA; $12.9 million); New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Metro-North Railroad ($4.4 million); NYSDOT and MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) ($14.9 million); and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA; $15 million).

USDOT Awards $59MM for Commuter Rail Grade Crossing Improvements

Five commuter rail agencies will receive a total of $59 million in grants for highway-rail grade crossing improvements in California, Florida, New York and Pennsylvania from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), in coordination with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The awards are part of round two of the Commuter Authority Rail Safety Improvement (CARSI) Grants Program.

The Berkshire Flyer will operate on weekends through the summer months in 2022 with a similar schedule next year.

Taking Off July 8: Amtrak’s Berkshire Flyer

Amtrak and the Massachusetts and New York State departments of transportation will run the Berkshire Flyer as a seasonal pilot service between New York City and Pittsfield, Mass., beginning July 8.

$87MM Available for New York Rail, Port Projects

The New York State Department of Transportation is accepting grant applications for freight rail, port and grade crossing improvement projects until April 22.

USDOT Awards $40.26MM for Commuter Rail Grade Crossing Improvements

Five commuter rail agencies will receive a total of $40.26 million in grants for highway/rail grade crossing improvements from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), in coordination with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The awards are part of round one of the Commuter Authority Rail Safety Improvement (CARSI) Grants Program.

FRA’s SOGR Grant Awardees

The U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) is distributing $291 million in grants among 11 projects under its FY 2020 Federal-State Partnership for State of Good Repair (SOGR) Program.