Railroad News

2/16/2017    

Rail News: Passenger Rail

2/16/2017    

Rail News: Federal Legislation & Regulation

2/16/2017    

Rail News: Rail Industry Trends

2/16/2017    

Rail News: Short Lines & Regionals

Rail News Home Passenger Rail February 2017 Rail News: Passenger Rail

As part of its modernization efforts, the MBTA will completely replace its Red Line subway fleet.Photo – CRRC MA Corp. — By This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Associate EditorTwo years ago, a series of unforgiving winter storms pummeled the Boston area. In February 2015 alone, a record 64.8 inches of snow blanketed the region.The storms had a devastating effect on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) commuter-rail system, which reported an average on-time performance rating of 33 percent that month. The agency's locomotives sustained significant damage as they struggled through the snow.While crews worked to dig out the system, the MBTA ran trains on limited schedules and even shut down service entirely on some segments.After the February storms, it took weeks for the agency's commuter-rail service to return to normal. In the wake of the service disruptions, Beverly Scott resigned as the MBTA's general manager, while Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker formed a panel to perform a comprehensive review of the agency. He also established a fiscal management and control board to keep closer tabs on the MBTA's finances.The panel's findings painted a bleak picture of the agency, known locally as The T."The catastrophic winter breakdowns were symptomatic of structural problems that require fundamental change in virtually all aspects of the MBTA," the group's report stated.Those problems included ballooning operating expenses, poor customer service and a general lack of accountability. The MBTA also had failed to use available funding to pay for much-needed infrastructure repairs and improvements, according to the report.Since then, however, the MBTA has made progress on several fronts, including boosting on-time performance, cutting costs and modernizing its system. Although more work remains, agency officials and observers say The T is headed in the right direction."We've seen a series of improvements and also different ways of doing business," says Joseph Aiello, chairman of the MBTA's fiscal control board. "The commuter-rail system is not where we want it to be, but it's significantly better than it was when we stepped in."Staying on scheduleAnd indeed, the metrics are trending in the right direction: For 2016, the commuter-rail system's on-time performance came in at 89 percent across all lines. When adjusted for factors beyond the operator's control, such as trespassers, that figure rose to 94 percent.Hiring additional locomotive engineers and conductors has helped improve performance, says David Scorey, general manager of Keolis Commuter Services, which has a contract to operate The T's commuter-rail system. The company brought on 100 more conductors over the past year.Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker called for a comprehensive review of the MBTA after severe service disruptions in early 2015.Photo – MBTA

2/15/2017    

Rail News: Passenger Rail

2/15/2017    

Rail News: Passenger Rail

2/15/2017    

Rail News: Passenger Rail

2/15/2017    

Rail News: Canadian Pacific

2/15/2017    

Rail News: Norfolk Southern Railway

2/15/2017    

Rail News: CSX Transportation

Rail News Home CSX Transportation February 2017 Rail News: CSX Transportation

— By This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Associate EditorE. Hunter Harrison last month retired early as president and chief executive officer of Canadian Pacific in an apparent bid to pursue opportunities at other Class Is — CSX's top post presumably chief among them.His departure, which took effect Jan. 31, came five months ahead of schedule.The leadership situation at CP unfolded after Harrison approached the Class I's board to discuss modifications to his employment arrangements that would allow him to explore other opportunities. A special committee then recommended that CP enter a separation agreement with him, officials from the railroad said in a press release.Making the breakThe decision followed negotiations and careful deliberations, as well as the receipt of independent legal advice, CP officials said.As part of the separation agreement, the Class I agreed to a limited waiver of Harrison’s non-competition obligations, while Harrison agreed to forfeit 118 million Canadian dollars worth of benefits and awards.In addition, Harrison agreed to sell all his CP shares by May 31."CP will have no role in Mr. Harrison’s future endeavors," officials from the Class I said in a statement.Those endeavors might include a takeover of CSX’s CEO position. Harrison has partnered with activist investor Paul Hilal’s new investment fund Mantle Ridge LP, which reportedly has raised more than $1 billion to acquire a stake in CSX, according to a Jan. 18 Reuters article.Mantle Ridge is in talks with CSX to install more than three new board members, the news agency reported.Michael Ward — CSX's current CEO — isn't expected to retire until 2019.Harrison's partnership with Mantle Ridge may improve his chances at getting the top job at CSX, according to a report by Benjamin Hartford, a senior research analyst at Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc."We had initially assigned a low probability of Harrison landing at CSX … but the reported involvement of an activist investor clearly increases this likelihood considerably," Hartford wrote in the report.Although Harrison in early 2016 pushed for a plan for CP to acquire Norfolk Southern Railway, joining CSX would be a "more logical" move, Hartford said. That's because NS CEO Jim Squires is "relatively new" in his job, while Michael Ward has been serving as CEO of CSX since January 2003, he added.A strong track recordDuring his time at CP, Harrison helped reduce operating costs and improve profitability — achievements that may be attractive to CSX shareholders, Hartford said.CSX plans to "actively evaluate" Mantle Ridge's views and discuss its earnings-growth strategy with the firm and all shareholders, spokesman Gary Sease said in a statement."CSX Corp. welcomes the views of all of our shareholders and always considers their thoughts on the company’s business and strategy," Sease said.Meanwhile, Keith Creel succeeded Harrison as CEO of CP. Under the previous arrangement, Creel wasn't slated to take the reins until July.Creel served as president and chief operating officer since February 2013. He joined the railroad’s board in May 2015.
Keywords Browse articles on E. Hunter Harrison Canadian Pacific CSX Michael Ward Class I leadership Class I execs Class I CEOs Benjamin Hartford Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc. Baird Contact Progressive Railroading editorial staff.

2/14/2017    

Rail News: Supplier Spotlight

2/14/2017    

Rail News: Passenger Rail

2/14/2017    

Rail News: Passenger Rail

2/14/2017    

Rail News: CSX Transportation

2/14/2017    

Rail News: High-Speed Rail

2/14/2017    

Rail News: Intermodal

Rail Insider-Progressive Railroading's 2017 Finance and Leasing Guide: Private Equity Firms. Information For Rail Career Professionals From Progressive Railroading Magazine

Rail News Home Mechanical February 2017 Part 1 : Progressive Railroading's 2017 Finance and Leasing Guide: Banks Part 2 : Progressive Railroading's 2017 Finance and Leasing Guide: Equipment providers/Equipment Management Services Part 3 : Progressive Railroading's 2017 Finance and Leasing Guide: Finance Companies Part 4 : Progressive Railroading's 2017 Finance and Leasing Guide: Investment Banks Part 5 : Progressive Railroading's 2017 Finance and Leasing Guide: Lessors Part 6 : Progressive Railroading's 2017 Finance and Leasing Guide: Private Equity Firms Part 7 : Progressive Railroading's 2017 Finance and Leasing Guide: Professional Services/Consulting Rail News: Mechanical

abh consulting — transportation analysis & consulting1230 Park Ave. Suite 4A, New York, NY 10128
212-595-0457; Cell: 917-520-7101
www.abhatchconsulting.comDescription of services: abh consulting is the business title for Anthony Hatch, an independent railroad analyst with more than 30 years of Wall Street experience. Hatch serves the investment community (both public and private), as well as the railroad industry.Contact: Anthony Hatch, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.AllTranstek LLC1101 W. 31st St., Suite 200, Downers Grove, IL 60515
630-325-9977 | Fax: 630-325-9978
www.alltranstek.com | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Description of services: Rail car: Fleet maintenance management, technical and strategic consulting services, maintenance management software development, regulatory compliance, training and inspection services.Contact: Richard Kloster, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, 847-544-6760; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.CPCS72 Chamberlain Ave., Ottawa, Ontario K1S 1V9
613-237-2500
www.cpcstrans.com | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Description of services: CPCS is a management consulting firm providing strategic advisory services specific to transportation and power infrastructure, operations, investment, policy and regulation. The firm specializes in mobilizing private investment for public infrastructure, specifically through public-private partnerships. Rail services include engineering design, market studies, operations/capacity analysis and modeling, rolling stock assessment, infrastructure condition assessment, financial and economic analysis, railway business analysis and planning, and community engagement, according to the company’s website.Economic Planning Associates1050 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787
631-864-4900 | Fax: 631-864-4932
www.epainc.com | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Description of services: Economic and rail-car consulting.Contact: Peter M. Toja, PresidentEdward D. Biggs III LLC d/b/a Biggs Appraisal2255 Sumter Lake Drive, Marietta, GA 30062
404-625-4059
www.biggsappraisal.com | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Description of services: Rail equipment appraisal and inspection.Contact: Edward D. Biggs III, PresidentFTR1720 N. Kinser Pike - Suite 210, Bloomington, IN 47404
888-988-1699 | Fax: 877-222-9060
www.FTRintel.com/railguide | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Description of services: For more than two decades, FTR has offered forecasting and analysis for freight transportation and equipment demand for the North American market. The company’s forecasters collect and analyze data likely to impact freight demand and movement, and issue reports for rail, intermodal and truck transportation. FTR also provides demand analysis for rail cars and commercial vehicles.Contact: Eric Starks, President, 888-988-1699 x41, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.The Greenbrier Cos. Inc.See LESSORSHarral Winner Thompson Sharp Klein Inc. (HWTSK)8606 Timber Hill Lane, Potomac, MD 20854
301-983-9098 (U.S.) | +44 207-354-3451 (U.K.)
www.hwtsk.com
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Description of services: HWTSK provides management consulting services to railway enterprises, governments, rail industry suppliers, investors, entrepreneurs and financial institutions involved in transactions in the rail sector. The firm specializes in reforming and restructuring state-owned railways, including urban and suburban transport systems, and freight and passenger railways. HWTSK provides due diligence services in rail acquisitions and equipment financing transactions, including evaluation of fleet condition, future value and earning potential of acquired assets. Since 1998, HWTSK has acted as advisers on a number of public and private financing transactions, including more than $25 billion in transactions for freight cars, passenger rolling stock, locomotives, maintenance equipment and infrastructure.Contact: John H. Winner, President and CEO, 301-983-9098, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.NorthEast Logistics Systems LLC59 Fountain St., Suite 300, Framingham, MA 01702
617-418-3570 | Fax: 978-268-5080
www.nels.us.com | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Description of services: NorthEast Logistics Systems LLC (NELS) offers comprehensive data transformation services which utilize the company’s proprietary database of rail network assets and locations, with the ability to integrate GPS and CLM data feeds. NELS provides its clients with analytical tools and diagnostics needed to assess rail traffic performance issues. NELS can improve asset utilization, reduce risk and lower total transportation costs, thus improving operational efficiencies, the company says.Contact: Richard E. Flynn, President and Founder, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Nossaman LLP1666 K Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20006
202-887-1400 | Fax: 202-466-3215
www.nossaman.comDescription of services: Nossaman LLP’s railroad attorneys have “in-depth transactional and regulatory experience on a wide range of freight and passenger rail projects,” the company says. The railroad attorneys advise freight and passenger railroads, ports, shippers, rolling stock and equipment manufacturers and lessors and service companies on rail sector mergers and acquisitions; a wide range of STB, FRA and FTA compliance issues; and procurement of construction, maintenance, operations and professional services.Oliver Wyman200 Clarendon St., Boston, MA 02118
617-424-3510 | Fax: 617-424-3871
www.oliverwymangroup.comDescription of services: Oliver Wyman provides asset valuation, fleet strategy, due diligence and M&A services.Contact: William J. Rennicke, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.PLG Consulting2 N. LaSalle St., 14th Floor, Chicago, IL 60602
312-957-7757
www.plgconsulting.comDescription of services: Consulting services for the bulk logistics, freight-rail, energy and chemical industries.Contact: Taylor Robinson, President, 508-982-1319, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) LLC300 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10017-6204
646-471-3000 | Fax: 813-286-6000
www.pwc.com/gx/en/industries/transportation-logistics.htmlDescription of services: PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) LLC is a global firm that serves transportation and logistics clients and helps them “solve their strategy to execution challenges” by delivering consulting, tax and audit services, the company says. PwC offers fleet assessment, lease encumbered valuation (discounted cash flow analysis), residual value forecasting, above/below market lease analysis, impairment analysis, assessment of maintenance issues and effect on value, advice/implementation of lease accounting standards and impact to data and systems.Contact: Jeffery P. Elliott, Managing Director, 267-330-3186 (office), 267-750-8961 (mobile), This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Railroad Appraisal Associates1914 Springdale Drive, Spring Grove, IL 60081
815-675-3300
www.railroadappraisals.comDescription of services: Railroad Appraisal Associates offers rail-car and locomotive appraisals and inspections.Contact: Patrick J. Mazzanti, President, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Railroad Industries Inc.8098 Anselmo Ct., Reno, NV 89523
775-329-4855 | Fax: 775-825-6578
www.railroadindustries.com | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Description of services: The company offers equipment and track inspections, and appraisals; rail-line evaluations; maintenance costing and lease term valuations; repair and upgrade costing; rail equipment and service forecasting; and equipment utilization planning based on operations and railroad service.RailSolutions Inc.1307 Jamestown Road, Suite 101, Williamsburg, VA 23185
757-903-4606 | Fax: 757-903-4705
www.railsolutionsinc.comDescription of services: RailSolutions Inc. provides a variety of railroad equipment-related consulting, technical and advisory services to financial institutions, railroads, shippers and fleet operators, with a primary focus on equipment valuation and appraisal services. Additional services include rail-car and locomotive inspections, remarketing services, equipment repair and overhaul cost analyses, and portfolio valuations.Contact: James D. Husband, President, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.RALCO LLCSee LESSORSShughart Consulting LLC5216 Lourcey Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257-1146
352-284-1250
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Description of services: Shughart Consulting LLC provides railway consulting, expert witness services, economic analyses, due diligence, business case modeling and operations management improvement programs. The company has extensive experience in the revitalization of existing colonial railways and developing bankable feasibility studies for proposed new railway corridors, and its analytical models are designed to assist investor clients in analyzing railway financial, operational and pricing performance. The company provides strategic advisory services to railway financiers, carriers, shippers and manufacturers.Contact: Larry ShughartStrategic Rail Finance1700 Sansom St., Suite 500, Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-564-3122 | Fax: 215-564-3288
www.strategicrail.com | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Description of services: Strategic Rail Finance, which has served as an adviser to the railroad industry for 20 years, helps clients plan and finance equipment, infrastructure, growth strategies and acquisitions.Contact: Michael Sussman, Founder and President, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Tealinc Ltd.See EQUIPMENT PROVIDERSVanness Co. Inc.830-13 A1A North - Suite 204, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
904-280-1898 | Fax: 904-280-1899
www.vannesscompany.com | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Description of services: Strategic and financial consulting for railroads.Contact: Chris Rooney, President previous page
Keywords Browse articles on abh consulting AllTranstek CPCS Economic Planning Associates Edward D. Biggs FTR Greenbrier HWTSK NorthEast Logistics Systems Nossaman Oliver Wyman PLG Consulting PwC Railroad Industries RailSolutions Shughart Consulting Strategic Rail Finance Vanness Co. Contact Progressive Railroading editorial staff.