Rail supplier news from Thales, Wabtec, Cubic, HDR, Roadrunner, Wasatch and James Street (June 19)

Thales was awarded a contract by the East-West Connectors to provide its SelTrac communications-based train control system for the second phase of the O-Train Confederation Line extension project in Ottawa, Canada. Under the contract, Thales will integrate control units on each train and install guideway equipment, according to a company press release. Thales also provided its SelTrac system for the project's first phase, and will be responsible for integrating the two operations.

Wabtec Corp. ratified the first four-year contract agreement with members of the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE) Locals 506 and 618 who are employed at the Wabtec locomotive plant in Erie, Pennsylvania, that was acquired from GE Transportation in February. The contract covers terms of employment, pay, benefits, hours, leave and health and safety policies, according to a UE Local 506 press release.

Cubic Transportation Systems announced that its Cubic Mobile for Merchants mobile app will serve as an upgrade to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s electronic ticketing retail network. With the app, retail partners will be able to sell LA Metro’s Transit Access Pass cards, add to transit balances, sell fare products and access transaction history and card summaries, according to a Cubic press release.

HDR has hired Harpal Kapoor as a senior program manager and the transit vehicle practice lead. Kapoor will oversee the planning and design of transit programs, facilities and systems, as well as manage major transit projects. Kappor has more than 35 years of experience, according to an HDR press release. Previously, he served as general manager for Miami-Dade Transit, as well as in managerial and consulting engineering roles with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

Roadrunner Intermodal Services acquired over 60 tractors to provide flexible and responsive drayage solutions for shippers that use major U.S. ports and rail hubs. The new equipment is expected to help improve safety, reduce breakdowns, improve fuel efficiency and allow the company to better serve high-volume freight markets, according to a Roadrunner Intermodal press release.

Wasatch Railroad Contractors (WRC) celebrated its 20th anniversary. WRC offers a variety of restoration and logistics services in full scale and miniature scale railroading. In 2015, the company launched a rail-car repair division, Wasatch Railcar Repair, and acquired Shoshoni, Wyoming-based Dimec Rail Services. The Shoshoni facility interchanges with BNSF Railway Co. via the Bighorn Divide & Wyoming Railroad.

James Street Associates received a Compass Award for creating two videos that highlight industrial development opportunities along two Anacostia Rail Holdings short lines. Awarded by the Transportation Marketing & Sales Association, the honor recognizes marketing and sales best practices that demonstrate measurable business results for transportation and logistics companies, according to a James Street press release.