Railroad News

The Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority board yesterday awarded a contract to the Kiewit-Parsons joint venture to design and build a 9-mile segment of the Foothill Gold Line light-rail extension from Glendora to Pomona, California. 

The $805.6 million contract includes relocation of existing freight track, track installation, 40 grade crossing improvements and construction of four light-rail stations in Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne and Pomona, authority officials said in a press release. 

By This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Senior Associate Editor

Amanda Patrick, 36
Vice president of trade shows and member relations
Railway Supply Institute

Nominator's quote: "Amanda Patrick is a consummate professional. Her significant contributions are readily recognized by anyone who has attended RSI Rail Expo or Railway Interchange events, and, of course, the RSI Board of Directors and RSI's 225-member companies. She had had a positive impact on the railroad industry."
— Patrick Ameen, Amstead Rail Co., RSI Board member

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) yesterday logged its 1 millionth ‘tap’, or use, of its One Metro New York (OMNY) contactless fare payment system. 

Since the system’s launch at 16 subway stations along the Lexington Avenue 456 line and on Staten Island buses in May, OMNY has exceeded usage expectations, MTA officials said in a press release.

For the fourth consecutive month, the Port of Los Angeles set a new single-month cargo record in July, having moved 912,154 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of cargo, port officials announced this week.

July 2019 imports rose 8.7 percent to 476,438 TEUs from the same level in July 2018.  Exports fell 4 percent to 161,340 TEUs, while empty containers climbed 20.7 percent to 274,376 TEUs, port officials said in a press release.

Metrolink yesterday announced it logged nearly 12 million boardings from July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019, marking the highest annual ridership in the Southern California commuter railroad's history. 

The new record reflects an increase of 247,000 boardings from the prior fiscal year and eclipses the previous record of 11,796,086 set in fiscal-year 2008-2009 by 139,270 boardings, Metrolink officials said in a press release. 

Freight-rail traffic volumes have been shockingly weak. Why? Six basic reasons:

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority of Harris County's (METRO) board yesterday approved the METRONext Moving Forward plan, which includes 16 additional miles of light rail.

Now, a referendum will be placed on the Nov. 5 ballot for voters to consider $3.5 billion in bonding authority for METRO to finance the plan, agency officials said in a press release. 

By This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Associate Editor

Luke Olson, 38

Vice president of marketing and sales

Loram Maintenance of Way Inc.

Nominator's quote: "Luke has a passion for problem solving and resolving issues facing every market of the rail industry, from Class I and heavy-freight customers to short lines, transit and commuter lines. He is committed to continually exceeding customer expectations and drives his team to do the same by delivering innovative and creative solutions. He possesses a steely resolve and has built a team of leaders to manage for the long term."
— Barb Christensen, Loram Maintenance of Way Inc.

Loram Pty Ltd., a subsidiary of Loram Maintenance of Way Inc., forged an agreement to acquire the rail grinding business assets of Aurizon Operations Ltd. Upon completion of the acquisition, which remains subject to certain conditions, Loram will provide rail grinding services to four Australian customers, including mainline and turnout rail grinding for Aurizon Network Pty Ltd. Loram will retain all Aurizon employees, Loram officials said in a press release. 

Shanghai Keolis, a joint venture between Shanghai Shentong Metro Group and Keolis, has opened an 8-mile section of the Songjiang tram network in Shanghai. The complete 19-mile tram network is due to be completed by year's end. The joint venture is responsible for operating and maintaining the network, Keolis officials said in a press release. 

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) Interim Chief Executive Officer Flounsay Caver today announced the launch of free Wi-FI at select Red Line Stations in East Cleveland, Ohio.

The service is now available at Tower City Station platforms and the rail lobby at Cedar University Station in Cleveland, as well as the the interior lobby and rail platform at Louis Stokes/Windermere Station, GCRTA officials said in a press release. 

Transport Canada yesterday announced CA$18.5 million in federal dollars will be awarded to a project to increase efficiency, capacity and security at the Port of Montreal.

The project includes building a rail bridge outside the truck entrance to improve truck traffic at the port, Transport Canada officials said in a press release.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Fiscal and Management Control Board yesterday approved accelerated work plans for 11 system construction projects. 

The new plans will allow MBTA crews to undertake multiple projects at the same time as opposed to performing projects one after the other during the limited overnight hours, MBTA officials said in a press release. 

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker late last week signed a bill that will require freight trains operating in the state to have at least two crew members.

The law will take effect Jan. 1, 2020. The measure was proposed by Illinois State Rep. Jay Hoffman.