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Aug
09

For Norfolk Southern, growth is predicated on a new TOP21 operating plan

Last year, NS' network planning and optimization group began developing TOP21 using computer modeling and simulation tools to analyze data and train flows, and to determine optimum network fluidity and velocity.Photo – Norfolk Southern Railway

By This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Managing Editor

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Aug
09

Rising Stars 2019: Nicolas Mabboux

Nicolas Mabboux, 39
Director of IT application management and delivery
CN

Nominator’s quote: “Nicolas is able to break the traditional barrier between teams that develop technology and teams that benefit from it, significantly improving the relevance of the technology developed for CN’s core rail and corporate stakeholders. His leadership and vision has ensured that his team is developing products more aligned to the needs of railroaders and bringing them to market much faster, thus delivering greater value to the organization.” — Leslie-Anne Lewis, CN

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Aug
09

For Norfolk Southern, growth is predicated on a new TOP21 operating plan

Last year, NS' network planning and optimization group began developing TOP21 using computer modeling and simulation tools to analyze data and train flows, and to determine optimum network fluidity and velocity.Photo – Norfolk Southern Railway

By This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Managing Editor

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Aug
08

TriMet to phase out mobile app tickets

Rail News Home Passenger Rail 8/8/2019 Rail News: Passenger Rail
Hop Fastpass allows TriMet riders to tap their physical or virtual fare card at ticket readers.Photo – TriMet

The Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) on Aug. 12 will begin phasing out ticket sales from its mobile application in favor of its electronic fare system, Hop Fastpass.

TriMet’s mobile ticketing app was launched in 2013 as a “stepping-stone” for eventually transitioning to Hop Fastpass, which went public in 2017, TriMet officials said in a press release. 

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Aug
08

San Francisco MTA reopens Chase Center Station

Rail News Home Passenger Rail 8/8/2019 Rail News: Passenger Rail
The Chase Center Station platform can now accommodate 700 riders and enables four two-car trains to load simultaneously.Photo – SFMTA

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) earlier this week marked the opening of an expanded platform at the Chase Center light-rail station in San Francisco. 

SFMTA built a larger center platform to serve inbound and outbound trains in anticipation of the September opening of Chase Center, the home venue of the NBA's Golden State Warriors. The station serves the Mission Bay neighborhood. which has been growing in jobs, housing, health care and retail services.

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Aug
08

Intermodal group to honor Fenimore, Mayes

Rail News Home Railroading People 8/8/2019 Rail News: Railroading People
The Containerization & Intermodal Institute (CII) announced this week it will award the 2019 Connie Award to Columbia Group LLC Chief Executive Officer and owner Bruce Fenimore. The award, which recognizes Fenimore’s 40 years of experience in the ocean freight and logistics industry, will be presented Dec. 9 in Newark, New Jersey. Fenimore began his tenure with Columbia Group as president of Columbia Coastal Transport, where his expansion of the U.S.-flag barge fleet earned it the reputation as a leader in containerized cargo feeder services and a provider of environmentally sustainable container transportation, CII officials said in a press release. Fenimore was also instrumental in acquiring depot operator Columbia Container Services and launched Columbia Intermodal, a trucking and leasing division. In addition, during his tenure the company built a 910 20-foot equivalent units container barge, opened the Bayonne Chassis Depot, began operating the chassis pool in the Port of Boston, relocated the Maher Terminal empty container depot into the Port of New York and New Jersey and opened the Elizabeth Chassis Depot. Fenimore currently is a Metropolitan Marine Maintenance Contractors' Association board member.Meanwhile, Gemini Shippers Group President and CEO Sara Mayes will be honored with CII’s lifetime achievement award. Mayes has more than 50 years of industry experience. She began her career as president for the then newly formed Fashion Accessories Shippers Association (FASA). FASA later began doing business as Gemini Shippers Group. Under Mayes' leadership, Gemini became a leader in the fashion accessories and garment import category. Volumes and membership more than quadrupled. Today, Gemini Shippers Group serves over 250 member companies, covering all commodities, CII officials said. Mayes serves on the board of the International Trade and Marketing Department of the Fashion Institute of Technology, and has participated on U.S. Commerce Department industry advisory committees.

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Aug
08

Port Manatee awarded $1.4M federal security grant

Rail News Home Security 8/8/2019 Rail News: Security
Port Manatee has been awarded $1,425,000 in federal funding to help bolster security at the fast-growing Florida Gulf Coast port.The port will contribute $475,000 to the federal grant. The monies will be used to advance three projects totaling $1.9 million. The federal dollars were awarded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's fiscal-year 2019 Port Security Grant Program, port officials said in a press release."Since the initial installation of the present port security system in 2010, Port Manatee's gate activity has tripled to the current annual pace of 750,000 transactions," said David St. Pierce, the port's director of public safety and security. The latest federal grant, along with federal awards in preceding years, will enable the port to "stay at the leading edge of port security while accommodating escalating amounts of cargo," St. Pierce added.Projects backed by FY2019 port grants must be completed in three years.The largest of the three projects to be funded is a $1 million expansion of the port's south security gate facility into a full-service complex with four configurable lanes and the capabilities for handling the full spectrum of registered, temporary and visitor transactions, port officials said.In addition, a $750,000 project will go toward updating port security systems, including modernizing computer software and integrating video and access control technologies into a common operating platform.The third project, at a cost of $150,000, will upgrade the port's emergency alarm system. Port Manatee's services include rail. Its short line directly connects to CSX's mainline, which is less than 1 mile from the port’s north gate.

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Aug
08

Washington UTC accepting applications for rail safety grants

Rail News Home Safety 8/8/2019 Rail News: Safety
The Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) is accepting applications for grants that will help fund safety improvements at grade crossings or along railroad track.Funding is provided through the Grade Crossing Protective Fund (GCPF) and is generally limited to $20,000 for each project. Applications will be accepted through Jan. 1, 2021. Railroads, local governments and other agencies may apply, UTC officials said in a press release.The UTC will consider and select proposals for funding based on project costs, the severity of the hazard and safety benefits resulting from completing projects.Grants are available for safety improvements including:
• upgrading active warning devices at crossings;
• installing long-lasting, energy efficient LED flashing lights;
• replacing crossbucks and signage at crossings;
• constructing sidewalks to promote safe pedestrian passage; and
• constructing fences to prevent trespassing on tracks.More information on the grants is available on the UTC website.

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Aug
08

Transport Canada announces funding to increase rail capacity at Vancouver port

Rail News Home Shippers 8/8/2019 Rail News: Shippers
The $20 million project calls for eliminating the last section of single track within 25 miles of CN’s rail corridor leading to the Port of Vancouver.Photo – Port of Vancouver Facebook

Canada's Transport Minister Marc Garneau yesterday announced the federal government would spend CA$20 million to increase rail capacity near Abbotsford, British Columbia, to aid overseas trade to and from the Port of Vancouver.

The project calls for doubling 3 miles of CN track, effectively eliminating the last section of single track within 25 miles of CN’s rail corridor leading to the Port of Vancouver, Canadian government officials said in a Transport Canada press release. 

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Aug
08

CP announces retirements, shuffles leadership team

Rail News Home Canadian Pacific 8/8/2019 Rail News: Canadian Pacific
Canadian Pacific yesterday announced organizational changes to support its profit and growth strategies.Effective Sept. 1, Mark Redd will begin his new role as executive vice president of operations. He will succeed Robert Johnson, who is retiring at the end of September. Redd joined CP in 2013 and most recently served as senior VP of operations in the western region.Also retiring in September is Tony Marquis, senior VP of operations in the eastern region. CP President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Creel expressed the company's thanks to Johnson and Marquis for their "service and dedication" to CP."Robert and Tony have developed an incredibly capable and dedicated operating team and I am excited to welcome Mark to lead that team," Creel said in a press release.Tracy Miller will succeed Marquis as senior VP of operations in the eastern region, while Greg Squires will serve as VP of operations in the western region. Both will report to Redd."As we advance in our precision scheduled railroading evolution, the importance of developing and empowering people cannot be overstated," Creel said. "Because of our bench strength and our unwavering commitment to developing the 13,000-strong CP family, we have strong options within when it comes to succession."Also effective Sept. 1, VP of Human Resources Chad Rolstad will add chief culture officer to his title. James Clements, who joined CP more than 20 years ago, will become senior VP of strategic planning and technology transformation. VP and Chief Information Officer Mike Redeker will report to Clements."Culture is the bedrock of a high-performing organization, and in Chad we have a leader who understands that," Creel said. "James is well equipped to take on the additional responsibility and has an innate ability to connect pieces across the company to the benefit of our customers."

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Aug
08

CP announces retirements, shuffles leadership team

Rail News Home Canadian Pacific 8/8/2019 Rail News: Canadian Pacific
Canadian Pacific yesterday announced organizational changes to support its profit and growth strategies.Effective Sept. 1, Mark Redd will begin his new role as executive vice president of operations. He will succeed Robert Johnson, who is retiring at the end of September. Redd joined CP in 2013 and most recently served as senior VP of operations in the western region.Also retiring in September is Tony Marquis, senior VP of operations in the eastern region. CP President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Creel expressed the company's thanks to Johnson and Marquis for their "service and dedication" to CP."Robert and Tony have developed an incredibly capable and dedicated operating team and I am excited to welcome Mark to lead that team," Creel said in a press release.Tracy Miller will succeed Marquis as senior VP of operations in the eastern region, while Greg Squires will serve as VP of operations in the western region. Both will report to Redd."As we advance in our precision scheduled railroading evolution, the importance of developing and empowering people cannot be overstated," Creel said. "Because of our bench strength and our unwavering commitment to developing the 13,000-strong CP family, we have strong options within when it comes to succession."Also effective Sept. 1, VP of Human Resources Chad Rolstad will add chief culture officer to his title. James Clements, who joined CP more than 20 years ago, will become senior VP of strategic planning and technology transformation. VP and Chief Information Officer Mike Redeker will report to Clements."Culture is the bedrock of a high-performing organization, and in Chad we have a leader who understands that," Creel said. "James is well equipped to take on the additional responsibility and has an innate ability to connect pieces across the company to the benefit of our customers."

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Aug
08

U.S. rail traffic fell for sixth straight month in July

For the sixth consecutive month, U.S. rail traffic tumbled in July compared to year-ago levels, according to Association of American Railroads (AAR) data.

U.S. railroads originated 1,264,100 carloads last month, down 4.8 percent, and 1,314,333 intermodal containers and trailers, down 6.1 percent year over year. Combined, the railroads originated 2,578,433 carloads and intermodal units, a 5.5 percent decline compared to July 2018 levels.

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Aug
08

Rising Stars 2019: James Schwichtenberg

James Schwichtenberg, 39
Vice president and chief safety officer
CSX

Nominator’s quote: “Jim has had a dramatic impact on CSX’s safety performance since joining the company as chief safety officer in May 2018. [He] oversaw a comprehensive safety review by an independent consultancy, refocused the CSX discipline policy on behavior modification, successfully advocated for inclusion of safety targets in annual incentive bonus programs, implemented new training for front-line managers, increased rules observations in the field, and intensified focus on critical rules with the greatest potential to reduce life-changing injuries. His innovative approaches and engagement have returned CSX to a position of safety leadership in the industry.”
— Diana Sorfleet, CSX

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Aug
08

Rising Stars 2019: Amanda Limburg

[Editor's note: This article was updated Aug. 1 to correct the employer of Limburg's college internship.] 

Amanda Limburg, 31
Denver Freight Rail Team Leader
David Evans and Associates Inc.

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Aug
07

Rail supplier news from Interloc, Bourque, Cedar AI, Bombardier, RECo, Westermo and ENSCO (Aug. 7)

Rail News Home Railroading Supplier Spotlight 8/7/2019 Rail News: Railroading Supplier Spotlight
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) partnered with Interloc Solutions to launch a cloud-based asset management program for its signals department. DART’s workforce will use the IBM Maximo Asset Management software and the Interloc Mobile Informer work management and conditions assessment applications to inspect and manage the assets of the system’s vital relays that are used to route trains. This is the first of three launches for DART. The entire organization will utilize the system by June 2021, DART officials said in a press release.Bourque Logistics and Cedar AI announced a joint collaboration to provide optimized switching for rail shippers and storage yards. Bourque integrated rail car inventory from its YardMaster system with Cedar’s OptiSwitch switching and train assembly algorithms to create a cutting list for blocked train assembly and other rail yard movements. The YardMaster system then uses the list to generate instructions transmitted to crew tablets which can be printed in the field.A consortium of Bombardier Transportation, Orascom Construction PLC and Arab Contractors has signed a $4.5 billion agreement with the National Authority for Tunnels in Cairo to design and build two new monorail lines in Egypt. The consortium will operate and maintain both lines for 30 years. Orascom Construction will design and build all stations, guideway structures and new depot buildings, while Bombardier will design, supply and install the electrical and mechanical equipment for the two lines including 70 four-car Innovia Monorail 300 trains and signaling and automatic train control technology, according to a Bombardier press release. Meanwhile, Bombardier appointed Andy DeLeone as president of its Europe, Middle East, Africa and India (EMEAI) regions. DeLeone will be responsible for customer relationship management, sales and services and project management in the regions. DeLeone joins Bombardier from General Electric, where he was chief executive officer and managing director of GE Power India Limited.Railway Equipment Co. (RECo) hired Russ Gehl as chief operating officer. Most recently, Gehl served as vice president of maintenance of way sales at Holland Co., where he drove consistent growth in the Class I and international markets, RECo officials said in a press release. Gehl also previously worked in a sales position at RECo.Westermo announced it has acquired Neratec Solutions AG, a Switzerland-based wireless computer network technology company specialized in the train and trackside sector. Westermo and Neratec have worked together for more than five years and Westermo’s current wireless local area network (WLAN) portfolio is based on its technology, Westermo officials said in a press release. Neratec will operate as a subsidiary of the Westermo group, as well as its and WLAN technology center.ENSCO Inc. has appointed Thomas DeFrank chief financial officer to succeed Mike Bogdanovic, who will transition into a part-time role as the director of retirement plan and special projects. DeFrank will oversee all aspects of ENSCO’s corporate finance and accounting functions, treasury management and corporate facilities, company officials said in a press release. He has more than 25 years of experience and most recently served as CFO and vice president of finance for L3 Technologies. Prior to that, he held positions at Delphinus Engineering Inc., NRG Energy Inc., Science Applications International Corp. and Lockheed Martin Information Systems and Global Services.

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Aug
07

PANYNJ moved more cars during 2019's first half

Rail News Home Intermodal 8/7/2019 Rail News: Intermodal
PANYNJ logged a 6.4 percent increase in automobile volume during 2019's first six months.Photo – portbreakingwaves.com

The Port of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) marked "significant gains" in auto volume during the first six months of 2019 versus the same period last year, port officials announced in a recent blog.

PANYNJ logged a 6.4 percent increase in automobile volume during the six-month period, including a 34.3 percent increase in autos moved during June.

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Aug
07

Senate confirms Sumwalt, Homendy to NTSB roles

Rail News Home Railroading People 8/7/2019 Rail News: Railroading People
Robert Sumwalt III and Jennifer HomendyPhoto – ntsb.gov

Last week, the U.S. Senate confirmed President Donald Trump's nominations of Robert Sumwalt III to serve as chairman and Jennifer Homendy to serve as a member of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Sumwalt was confirmed to serve a three-year term. He was sworn in as the 14th NTSB chairman on Aug. 10, 2017. Sumwalt began his tenure at the NTSB in August 2006 after President George W. Bush appointed him to the board and designated him to serve as vice chairman.

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Aug
07

MTA to modernize 42 Street subway shuttle

Rail News Home Passenger Rail 8/7/2019 Rail News: Passenger Rail
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) last week announced that on Aug. 16 it will begin modernizing its 42 Street Shuttle service, a subway route that transports riders between two of the MTA New York City Transit’s busiest stations. Crews will replace the Times Square shuttle terminal with a larger and accessible station, reconfigure platforms at Grand Central Terminal into one island platform, replace signal systems, upgrade electrical infrastructure and consolidate track operations to allow longer six-car trains to enter the terminals, MTA officials said in a press release.Shuttle service will be in operation during construction, which will continue through 2022.More than 100,000 riders use the 42 Street Shuttle daily. It provides access to MTA Metro-North Railroad’s Grand Central Terminal and commuter and intercity bus service at the 42 Street-Port Authority Bus Terminal, and serves popular tourist destinations near both stations, officials said.  “The project will allow the MTA to move more people, run longer trains and simplify transfers for customers between the city’s busiest transit hubs. We’re making crossing Midtown Manhattan quicker and easier for millions of customers,” said MTA Managing Director Veronique Hakim.

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Aug
07

Metrolink appoints three to executive team

Rail News Home Railroading People 8/7/2019 Rail News: Railroading People
Metrolink named Eric Hosey chief operating officer, Darrell Maxey chief mobilization officer and Noelia Rodriguez chief of staff.Photo – Metrolink

Metrolink yesterday announced it appointed the following to its leadership team: Eric Hosey, chief operating officer; Darrell Maxey, chief mobilization officer; and Noelia Rodriguez, chief of staff. 

As COO, Hosey will oversee dispatching and operations of Metrolink’s 538-mile network. He has more than 25 years of experience in freight and passenger rail. He is a former assistant vice president of transportation for Amtrak’s Southwestern division, and a brakeman and locomotive engineer at Norfolk Southern Railway. Hosey also served in the U.S. Navy, Metrolink officials said in a press release. 

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Aug
07

Oklahoma DOT: Stillwater Central won't launch passenger-rail pilot

Rail News Home Passenger Rail 8/7/2019 Rail News: Passenger Rail
Stillwater Central Railroad determined that passenger-rail service on the line is not financially viable.Photo – Watco Co.

The Stillwater Central Railroad last week notified the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) that it won't meet a provision of its 2014 sale agreement to provide passenger-rail service by its Aug. 4 deadline.

As part of the ODOT’s $75 million sale of the Sooner Sub rail line to Stillwater Central Railroad in 2014, the company agreed to conduct a six-month pilot program to provide daily passenger-rail service between Del City and Sapulpa, Oklahoma, at no cost to the state or taxpayers, ODOT officials said in a press release.

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