What’s the Status of Hyperloop Standardization?
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has released a status report on hyperloop standard development.
U.S. Department of Transportation
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.
Bradbury Acting U.S. SEC DOT
Following Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao’s resignation, effective Jan. 11, Steven G. Bradbury is Acting Secretary of Transportation in accordance with the Department’s established order of succession.
USDOT Previews FY21 Small Business Innovation Research Program Topics
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is providing a preview of the 13 topics to be featured in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program this year. Program grants will total $1.9 million.
First Manned ‘Hyperloop Technology’ Test in Las Vegas
Virgin Hyperloop has demonstrated for the first time with riders its hyperloop technology at the 500-meter DevLoop test site in Las Vegas, where the company has previously run more than 400 unoccupied tests.
RRIF Express 2.0: More Accessible to Small Roads
The U.S. Department of Transportation is expanding eligibility and providing more flexibility for the Railroad Rehabilitation and Investment Financing Express (RRIF Express) 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.
Small Road News: NKCR Receives CRISI Grant, Patriot Rail & Ports Names AVP Sales
Nebraska, Kansas & Colorado Railway (NKCR) has received a $4.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, as part of the FY 2020 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Grant Program. Additionally, Patriot Rail & Ports has hired Roquita C. Williams to join the commercial team as Assistant Vice President Sales.
Monitoring North America’s Rail Pulse
Norfolk Southern, Genesee & Wyoming, Watco Companies, GATX Corp. and TrinityRail are developing a telematics platform for railcars to provide real-time car location and condition/health monitoring data. Called “Rail Pulse,” it will help shippers, car owners/lessors and railroads better manage consists, incidents and maintenance. Rollout is expected by year-end 2022.
Alan S. Boyd, First Transportation Secretary, 98
Alan S. Boyd, the nation’s first transportation secretary, has died at 98.