Railroad News

A rail worker notification system that notifies maintenance workers, as well as train operators has been awarded a U.S. patent.

STC, Inc., says its now patented EMTRAC Rail Worker Notification is comprised of two main components, the onboard Vehicle Computer Units and the Personal Notification Units carried by rail workers. Optional detection units may also be installed in wayside cabinets along the railway to extend communications or to enable real-time monitoring of vehicle and worker activity. The EMTRAC system also includes setup software so administrative personnel can configure the system according to specific agency requirements.

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) LYNX Blue Line Extension (BLE) will open in March 2018, seven months later than the previously scheduled opening of August 2017.

 

Caltrain has terminated a contract with Parsons Transportation Group (PTG), the firm responsible for designing and implementing a Positive Control System or CBOSS, after the agency said lack of the contractor's progress threated to delay implementation of the technology.

The federally-mandated system must be installed by the end of 2018 and Caltrain took steps to end the contract after "continued delays in delivering the project and an utter lack of progress in moving the project forward consistent with PTG's contractual obligations."

Washington's Metropolitan Area Transit Authority on Monday threatened to bring in contractors and pursue further legal action if unionized employees refuse to work overtime.

The authority said in a release that union leadership was encouraging members to turn down extra shifts.

2/27/2017    

Rail News: Rail Industry Trends

2/27/2017    

Rail News: PTC

2/27/2017    

Rail News: Federal Legislation & Regulation

2/27/2017    

Rail News: Passenger Rail

2/27/2017    

Rail News: Labor

2/27/2017    

Rail News: People

A 2,000-linear-foot tunnel that will host light-rail service in Bellevue, Wash., as part of Sound Transit's East Link, is now under construction.

The tunnel will be approximately one-third of a mile long when completed and run between the future East Main and Downtown Bellevue stations under 100th Ave. Sound Transit says it is utilizing the Sequential Excavation Method (SEM) to excavate the tunnel rather than using the cut and cover method or a tunnel boring machine due to the tunnel's short length and to mitigate community impact. Sound Transit says SEM's advantages include minimized traffic disruption, reduced noise and dust impacts and the elimination of utility service disruptions.

On February 22, staff of U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) joined National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association (NRC) member – Atlantic Track & Turnout Co. (Atlantic Track) – for a tour of its facility in Richmond, Ill.

 

Don Orseno, who began his career in 1974 as a ticket collector on the Chicago Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, will retire as Metra executive director and CEO in December 2017.

The agency responsible for rail service between Chicago and its suburbs has launched a nationwide search with the aim of having a new executive director and CEO hired by the fall to ensure a smooth transition.

2/24/2017    

Rail News: Passenger Rail

Rail News Home Union Pacific Railroad 2/24/2017 Rail News: Union Pacific Railroad
Union Pacific Railroad's police department is seeking public input as it pursues its third accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. (CALEA), the national accrediting organization for law enforcement agencies.The voluntary accreditation is considered the "gold standard" in law enforcement to show that police force meets rigorous requirements, said UP Police Chief Robert Morrison in a press release."Receiving community feedback is an important part of the process and we encourage community members to share their thoughts as we demonstrate our commitment to law enforcement excellence," said Morrison.CALEA's on-site evaluation seeks to confirm the police department meets standards in policy and procedures, administration, operations and support services. The public comments are sought to address UP's compliance with those standards.UP is asking community members to provide feedback by calling 877-859-9008 between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. March 14. A public hearing will be held 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. that day at the Residence Inn in downtown Omaha, Neb. Comments are limited to 10 minutes at both forums. Contact Progressive Railroading editorial staff. More News from 2/24/2017

2/24/2017    

Rail News: Union Pacific Railroad

2/24/2017    

Rail News: Union Pacific Railroad

2/24/2017    

Rail News: Security

2/24/2017    

Rail News: Mechanical

2/24/2017    

Rail News: Passenger Rail