The province of Ontario and the government of Canada have reached an agreement that will provide CA$11.8 billion (US$9.02 billion) toward infrastructure spending.
The two governments say the investments will create economic growth, sustain well-paying jobs, build inclusive communities and support a low carbon, green economy.
Recently released statistics from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) reveal a mixed safety story for the rail industry with 2017 marking the lowest rate of track-caused and human factor-caused accidents ever, but the year also saw an increase in crossing incidents and in trespassing casualties.
First, the good news, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) credits rail employee's commitment to safety, as well as investments in maintenance and new technologies from railroads as reasons behind the industry's strong safety record. The AAR points to several notable safety statistics that are on a downward trend since 2000 and include a 44 percent decline in the train accident rate, a 38 percent decline in the equipment-caused accident rate, a 55 percent reduction in the track-caused accident rate, a 45 percent reduction in the human factor-caused accident rate and a 42 percent decline in the derailment rate.
The final design of a new Virginia Railway Express (VRE) train station is making progress, following the recently completed final contract amendment between the Virginia Department of Rail Public Transportation (DRPT) and CSX Transportation (CSX).
The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has begun major construction activity for Construction Package 4, a 22-mile rail segment in Kern County.
This week, crews began foundation work for a bridge that will carry high-speed trains over Garces Highway. Drill rigs and heavy machinery have been placed at the site, where workers have begun drilling shafts 80 feet into the ground, CHSRA officials said in a press release.
The New Hampshire House of Representatives has voted to designate federal funding to conduct an in-depth financial, engineering and environmental study of a proposed passenger rail expansion project that would connect Boston, Mass., to Manchester.
Contact Progressive Railroading editorial staff.
Contact Progressive Railroading editorial staff.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy earlier this week proposed tripling state funding for New Jersey Transit as part of his $37.4 billion budget plan for fiscal-year 2019.
Under the governor's proposed budget, NJ Transit would receive an additional $242 million to support rail and bus operations for a total of $383 million, NJ.com reported. The funds also would help fill gaps in staffing.
Union Pacific (UP) has announced plans to invest $85 million in Wyoming's transportation infrastructure in 2018.
Fatalities caused by railroad trespassing soared 22.3 percent and deaths at grade crossings climbed 7.4 percent in 2017 over the previous year, Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI) announced yesterday.
Citing recently released Federal Railroad Administration statistics, OLI said that 575 people died and another 505 were injured in railroad trespassing incidents in 2017. Another 274 people died in collisions at grade crossings, while another 807 were injured last year.
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As many as two-thirds of the 29 commuter railroads required to implement positive train control (PTC) might not meet the federally mandated Dec. 31 deadline or qualify for an extension, according to a new U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report.
Dan Perley is an information technology consultant and former executive who leads an IT consulting firm based in Long Beach, California. He can be reached at
By Dan Perley
Metrolink yesterday rolled out a new blog to share news and information with riders and stakeholders.
A digital extension of the railroad's on-train newsletter, the "Metrolink Matters" blog will feature weekly articles ranging from safety reminders to service updates.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will host a workshop in Nags Head next month on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) — also known as drones — for commercial and government operators
The April 19 workshop will provide an opportunity for attendees to learn more about how emerging UAS technology can benefit their operations, NCDOT officials said in a press release.
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has unveiled plans for a real-time service feature on digital advertising screens throughout its rail system.
A passenger information bar will appear across the bottom of digital screens installed at rail stations and remain onscreen even as ads play. The bar will provide arrival times for upcoming trains, as well as real-time information on service delays and disruptions, CTA officials said in a press release.
Union Pacific Railroad will spend $103.6 million this year to maintain track and bridges in Illinois.
The Class I's 2018 capital expenditures program includes $40.8 million to maintain track and $23.5 million to maintain bridges in the state, according to a UP press release.
Union Pacific Railroad will spend $103.6 million this year to maintain track and bridges in Illinois.
The Class I's 2018 capital expenditures program includes $40.8 million to maintain track and $23.5 million to maintain bridges in the state, according to a UP press release.
The Réseau de transport métropolitain (RTM) in Quebec detailed a five-year plan to improve service reliability along all rail lines and includes investments in infrastructure, rolling stock, operations, maintenance, as well as an enhanced winter operation plan.
RTM says that in addition to the CA$450 million (US$344.7 million) program, it would implement a service guarantee program that will offer user compensation options in the form of discounts or free train tickets; the details of which will be revealed later.
Union Pacific (UP) has announced it will support $103.6 million in Illinois' transportation infrastructure work this year.
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is collaborating with the city of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) on the complete replacement of the Woodland Avenue bridge.