Railroad News

The 45G short-line tax credit is among two tax credits that have "proven on their merits to receive a permanent extension," the U.S. Senate Finance Committee's Business Cost Recovery Task Force has concluded.

The task force reported more than 40 temporary tax provisions that expired or will expire between Dec. 31, 2017, and Dec. 31, 2019. Among those, the task force evaluated six tax credits, including 45G.

Sound Transit contractor crews last week began removing temporary steel columns and beams that were used during construction of the elevated East Link light-rail extension guideway in Bellevue, Washington. 

The project marks the next step in preparing for safety testing and pre-operation checks by 2020, with light-rail operation scheduled for operation by 2023. 

U.S. freight railroads logged 533,190 carloads and intermodal units for the week ending Aug. 10, a 4.3 percent decrease compared with the same week last year, according to Association of American Railroads (AAR) data.

Railroads posted 261,194 carloads for the week, down 3.9 percent, and 271,996 containers and trailers, down 4.6 percent, AAR officials said in a press release.

Norfolk Southern Corp.'s board yesterday approved new responsibilities for Michael Farrell and Vanessa Allen Sutherland effective tomorrow.

As senior vice president of operations and mechanical, Farrell will assume responsibility for the railroad's transportation and mechanical functions.

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.