text: ` Hot News! Hot News!Edited by Carl G. Perelman June 30, 2016: LONG ISLAND RAIL ROAD TO ENHANCE SERVICE TO EAST END OF LONG ISLAND: More people than ever want to visit the beautiful East End of Long Island during summer weekends, and the Long Island Rail Road is adding train service to meet that demand and reduce crowding on trains. The improved, all-new service begins tomorrow, Friday, July 1, and runs every Friday through September 2. "The changes we are launching will make it easier to get to eastern Long Island's popular getaway destinations," said LIRR President Patrick Nowakowski. "That means more customers for the region's businesses and a stronger economy on the East End of Long Island." On the North Fork, the LIRR is adding cars to the trains that serve the North Fork stations en route to and from Greenport. On the South Fork, the LIRR is adding two trains that are timed to connect with Fire Island ferries at Bay Shore, Sayville and Patchogue. With these new trains catering specifically to Fire Island-bound customers, the LIRR expects reduced crowding on existing Hamptons-bound trains. "By creating all-new service specifically for customers heading toward Fire Island, we hope to reduce crowding on our Montauk Branch trains used by folks heading not only to Fire Island, but also to the Hamptons and Montauk," Nowakowski said. "We're using our limited number of trainsets more effectively to create more service." The two extra eastbound trains for Fire Island-bound customers will stop at Bay Shore, Sayville and Patchogue about 10 minutes prior to the existing Montauk-bound trains. One of the new trains will depart Jamaica at 8:04 a.m., and arrive at Bay Shore at 8:48 a.m., Sayville at 8:59 a.m., and Patchogue at 9:06 a.m. Customers from New York City can catch this train via the 7:39 a.m. departure from Penn Station or the 7:41 a.m. departure from Atlantic Terminal, Brooklyn. The other train will originate at Babylon at 12:02 p.m., and arrive at Bay Shore at 12:08 p.m., Sayville at 12:19 p.m., and Patchogue at 12:26 p.m. Customers from New York City can catch this train via a new train departing from Penn Station at 10:59 a.m. This is a super-express electric train that stops at Jamaica and Babylon only. Customers from Brooklyn can also connect to this train from the existing 10:35 a.m. departure from Atlantic Terminal, which connects with that train at Jamaica. (MTA - posted 6/30) SEPTA UNVEILS 5TH STREET/INDEPENDENCE HALL STATION: Just in time for July Fourth, SEPTA has renamed the station at the doorstep of Independence National Historical Park and neighboring cultural and historical attractions. The newly minted "5th Street/Independence Hall Station" was unveiled today during a ceremony with elected officials, dignitaries and community members. The station is a main destination point on the Market-Frankford Line, serving over 3,300 riders each day. It also provides connections with bus routes 17, 33, 38, 44 and 48, the City of Philadelphia's Indego Bike Share Program and a network of pedestrian pathways leading to and through Independence National Historical Park. "The intersection of 5th and Market Streets is the anchor for millions of visitors looking to connect with the founding of our nation," said SEPTA Board Chairman Pasquale T. Deon Sr. "It is important that this station be clearly identifiable. We can now point to 5th Street/Independence Hall Station as the hub for travel to and from America's birthplace." "SEPTA provides essential and affordable access to employment, education and human services throughout the region," said SEPTA General Manager Jeffrey D. Knueppel. "And at 5th Street/Independence Hall Station, SEPTA is the gateway to America's most historic square mile." As part of the renaming effort, SEPTA replaced station and street-level signage. The Authority is also updating system maps to reflect the new name. Rail and bus announcements also note Independence National Historical Park as vehicles approach 5th Street/Independence Hall Station. "As trustees of the nation's most historically significant landmarks, we are responsible for preserving our legacy and keeping it vital for future generations," said Mayor Jim Kenney. "A renamed station that emphasizes its prominent location will help direct visitors and residents to these historical treasures." "I applaud SEPTA for being such a collaborative partner and for re-naming this El station to include Independence Hall. The increased visibility will help enhance this major gateway to the Independence National Historical Park," said Independence National Historical Park Superintendent Cynthia MacLeod. "This renaming is an important first step toward an overall revitalization of the 5th Street/Independence Hall Station," SEPTA GM Knueppel said. "We have big plans for the station." SEPTA recently applied for a federal TIGER grant that would fund critical structural repairs at the station. The project would transform surrounding street-level pedestrian and multi-modal connections, fully upgrading the station and making it a first-class transportation hub. "On behalf of my constituents who live and work near 5th Street/Independence Hall Station, I'm grateful to SEPTA for being responsive to the needs of stakeholders," said City Councilman Mark Squilla. "I'm looking forward to seeing SEPTA's planned improvements become a reality." (SEPTA - posted 6/30) FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION ALLOCATES FINAL $834.6 MILLION IN HURRICANE SANDY DISASTER RELIEF FUNDS: Secretary Foxx announced the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will allocate the final $834.6 million available in Hurricane Sandy disaster recovery funding. FTA is providing maximum flexibility for impacted communities to direct repairs and has validated additional eligible damage for each recipient agency. Agencies can utilize recovery funds on any validated Sandy-related damage that meets FTA criteria, including repairs to tunnels owned by Amtrak and used by New Jersey Transit and the Long Island Railroad. Agencies will also have the flexibility to apply some of their previously directed resilience funds for recovery projects. "This final allocation of funding provides the Governors of New York and New Jersey, through their respective transit agencies, the flexibility to put Federal dollars to work where they are needed most to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. A Federal Register notice describes in detail this final allocation of $432 million to the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), $299.8 million for the PATH system operated by Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), and $102.8 million to the New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJT). Funds are being allocated on a proportional basis based on each agency's revised and validated estimated unfunded need. "These transit agencies are critical to the region's transportation network and economic vitality and we have taken direct action to see that Federal funds are provided to make necessary repairs," said FTA Acting Administrator Carolyn Flowers. FTA has determined that the need for disaster recovery funding will likely exceed the amount of FTA disaster recovery assistance available. As a result, FTA is ensuring maximum flexibility for the states to decide where relief funds are best spent and providing a voluntary option for MTA, NJT and the PANYNJ to request that some Hurricane Sandy relief funds that were previously allocated for resilience improvements be reallocated toward recovery needs. Consistent with previous FTA Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief allocations and program policies, recovery funding can be used for eligible recovery expenses in accordance with the Emergency Relief program requirements. Eligible expenses include the recovery costs of transportation assets owned by other entities, to the extent those assets are used for public transportation purposes, and in a proportion consistent with written agreement(s) between the public transit agency and the owner of the asset. This is the fourth and final allocation of funds under this program and brings the total of Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief funds allocated by FTA to date to nearly $10.1 billion. Of that amount, approximately $5.2 billion has been allocated for emergency response, recovery, and rebuilding projects and $4.9 billion has been allocated for resilience projects. (USDOT - posted 6/30) SEE THE SIGHTS ON THE AMTRAK PERE MARQUETTE: Spectacular 360-degree views, made possible by windows on all four sides and curving up into the roof, are a feature of the Amtrak Great Dome car, which will be assigned to the Amtrak Pere Marquette train on four weekends this July. Officially known as car 10031 "Ocean View," it is the only Dome Lounge car in the entire Amtrak fleet. It will operate eastbound on Thursday nights with round-trips through the weekend, returning west to Chicago on Monday mornings, June 30-July 4, July 7-11, 14-18 and 21-24. There is no extra charge to ride in this car, built for the Great Northern Railway in 1955. The upper level offers panoramic views of the of one of the prettiest routes in the Midwest, from the Chicago skyline to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, carousel and beach in St. Joseph, massive pickling tanks in Bangor, famous tulip town of Holland and the bright new station in Grand Rapids. Heavy traffic, steep tolls and pricey parking are far away for Amtrak customers, with adult fares starting at $32 each way, plus add-ons for bikes or small pets. (Amtrak - posted 6/29) NORFOLK SOUTHERN SUPPORTS STORM RELIEF IN WEST VIRGINIA: To assist in flood recovery in West Virginia, The Norfolk Southern Foundation is committing $25,000 in new funding to the American Red Cross. The funding will support relief for families who suffered casualties and injuries, evacuations, power outages, and property damage after a destructive wave of storms hit the southern part of the state last week. More than 20 people died and thousands of homes and businesses were severely impacted during the series of weather events. "The American Red Cross has the proven track record for delivering fast and effective help when disaster hits," said Jim Squires, NS chairman, president and CEO. "If our support can provide even the smallest measure of relief for our West Virginia employees, business partners, and neighbors, then we consider ourselves fortunate and grateful to be able to provide it." (NS - posted 6/29) AAR REPORTS WEEKLY RAIL TRAFFIC FOR THE WEEK ENDING JUNE 25, 2016: The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending Jun. 25, 2016. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 526,161 carloads and intermodal units, down 3.9 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending Jun. 25 were 257,965 carloads, down 5.2 percent compared with the same week in 2015, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 268,196 containers and trailers, down 2.7 percent compared to 2015. Three of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2015. They were miscellaneous carloads, up 20.7 percent to 10,559 carloads; grain, up 16.5 percent to 22,182 carloads; and motor vehicles and parts, up 2.7 percent to 19,339 carloads. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2015 included petroleum and petroleum products, down 15.3 percent to 11,657 carloads; coal, down 14.3 percent to 77,514 carloads; and forest products, down 7.1 percent to 10,623 carloads. For the first 25 weeks of 2016, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 6,031,201 carloads, down 13 percent from the same point last year; and 6,447,827 intermodal units, down 2.4 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 25 weeks of 2016 was 12,479,028 carloads and intermodal units, a decrease of 7.8 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending Jun. 25, 2016, on 13 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 345,606 carloads, down 6.6 percent compared with the same week last year, and 337,865 intermodal units, down 2.7 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 683,471 carloads and intermodal units, down 4.7 percent. North American rail volume for the first 25 weeks of 2016 was 16,348,993 carloads and intermodal units, down 7.5 percent compared with 2015. Canadian railroads reported 69,822 carloads for the week, down 13.2 percent, and 58,608 intermodal units, down 2.2 percent compared with the same week in 2015. For the first 25 weeks of 2016, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 3,190,939 carloads, containers and trailers, down 7.8 percent. Mexican railroads reported 17,819 carloads for the week, up 2.1 percent compared with the same week last year, and 11,061 intermodal units, down 4.9 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 25 weeks of 2016 was 679,026 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, down 0.2 percent from the same point last year. (AAR - posted 6/29) INCOMING CN PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER APPOINTED AS COMPANY DIRECTOR: CN announced that its Board of Directors has approved the appointment of Luc Jobin as a company director effective June 30, 2016. Jobin will become CN president and chief executive officer on July 1, 2016. Jobin will replace Claude Mongeau as a CN director. CN announced June 7, 2016, that Mongeau would step down as president and chief executive officer at the end of June, and he will resign as Company director on June 30, 2016. CN's board will continue to be composed of 11 directors, 10 of whom are independent of company management. (CN - posted 6/28) NJ TRANSIT INCREASING CAPACITY ON NEWARK LIGHT RAIL: In response to customers' calls for more capacity, NJ TRANSIT has rolled out the first expanded light rail vehicle on the Newark Light Rail system. This is the first of 10 expanded vehicles to come for the Newark Light Rail following prototype testing. With 21 vehicles in the Newark Light Rail line, nearly half (10) will be the expanded type. Customers will enjoy a more comfortable ride as the larger vehicles provide a 50 percent increase in the number of seats per car. This is the second expanded light rail in the NJ TRANSIT system. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail has been using a prototype of the extended light rail car for almost three years with great success. "Listening is an important tool when it comes to Customer Service, and that's exactly what we did through our Scorecard process. The roll out of this new expanded vehicle on Newark Light Rail allows for 50 percent increase in capacity per car, which will help us to alleviate crowded conditions particularly at the platform level,'' said NJ TRANSIT interim Executive Director Dennis Martin. As part of a program approved by NJ TRANSIT's Board of Directors in July 2014, a total of 35 light rail vehicles were authorized for expansion; 25 on Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and 10 on Newark Light Rail. In July 2013, NJ TRANSIT unveiled a prototype of the expanded light rail vehicle and launched a pilot program to test the vehicle by rotating it in service along the three segments of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail system. To address the need for increased capacity, NJ TRANSIT partnered with Kinkisharyo International, LLC, the original vehicle manufacturer of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail's existing fleet, and Twenty-First Century Rail Corporation to find an innovative, cost-effective solution that would not significantly impact the system's infrastructure or require a costly investment in new rail cars. Kinkisharyo came up with a design for an expanded vehicle that adds two additional sections to the existing light rail vehicle, increasing the number of sections from three to five. The additional sections increase the car length by 37 feet and expand seating capacity from 68 to 102 seats, as well as provide additional standing room. Development of the five-section prototype drew upon existing resources and spare Hudson-Bergen Light Rail equipment, resulting in no additional cost to New Jersey taxpayers. Retrofitting existing vehicles in the fleet with the vehicle extender represents a significant cost savings over the purchase of entirely new standard light rail vehicles. At approximately $1.55 million per car, the cost for converting vehicles is about one-third the cost of purchasing new vehicles at $4.6 million each. Further, more than 80 percent of the project costs are federally funded under the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program jointly administered by the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration. (NJ Transit - posted 6/27) AMTRAK OPENS NEW CHICAGO LOUNGE FOR PREMIUM CUSTOMERS: Amtrak has more than doubled the space and added many new amenities at Chicago Union Station for customers who are traveling in Sleeping cars or in Business class, as well as Select Plus and Select Executive Amtrak Guest Rewards members, with this morning's opening of a new "Metropolitan Lounge." Located behind and above one of the two grand staircases off the Great Hall, the lounge has two entrances. The primary access is located inside the station between the Great Hall and the Concourse, with a red carpet exterior entrance near the taxi stand on the west side of Canal Street. These premium customers are welcomed arriving in or departing from Chicago. Once inside, customers are greeted by Amtrak customer service representatives who will check their baggage. After stowing their carry-on bags, they can relax, work or even take a shower. These customers will be pre-boarded from the lounge to their Amtrak trains. Customers can enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages in the lounge. For the rail enthusiast, there is a Pennsylvania Room located in the former Pennsylvania Railroad Passenger Department space on the upper level. An elevator and staircase connect both floors of the lounge, which meets the latest Americans with Disabilities Act standards. For travelers "living online," AmtrakConnect® Wi-Fi covers both levels of the lounge, with powered furniture in place so they can charge their devices while meeting and mingling and making preparations for their upcoming journeys. Table tops and individual work stations are also available. With many families traveling with young children choosing Amtrak trains in Sleeping cars or Business class for their "traincations," there is also an area in the lounge designed for children. "Not only does this project greatly improve the Amtrak experience for these customers, it also clears the way for changes at the Concourse Level that will improve those boarding areas," said Mark Murphy, Chicago-based Amtrak Senior Vice President & General Manager, who announced the initiation of the nearly $7 million lounge project at a news conference last fall with federal, state and local officials. At 13,500 square-feet and with seating for 360, the new lounge replaces one opened in 1991 in the station's Concourse and later enlarged to 6,475 square-feet and 90 seats, too few for today's Amtrak ridership. At an open house event last week, representatives of the project's architect and general contractor previewed the space to the news media and other invitees, with Tom Carper, Director and Immediate Past Chairman of the Amtrak Board of Directors. "Since the last major improvements 25 years ago, Amtrak Chicago Union Station customer counts have grown by nearly 40 percent," said Carper. "The board and Amtrak management are taking additional steps to improve the station in order to both welcome additional Amtrak and Metra customers and to further develop this landmark as a revenue source to support our core business as America's Railroad®." "We are honored to assist Amtrak in the stewardship of the historic Chicago Union Station. Revitalizations and restoration projects both celebrate this iconic Chicago building and provide greater services and amenities for the growing number of Amtrak customers." said architect Leonard Koroski, FAIA, LEED AP – Principal, Goettsch Partners. "As a Chicago-based company, the Chicago Union Station has always been a historic icon to our employees," said Bill Abromitis, Clune Construction CEO. "We were honored to be brought in as the general contractor for this project in the early stages to assist with the design development. It was our goal to work with the Amtrak project team to preserve the history and romance of Union Station while constructing a world-class lounge for a world-class client." Since 2010, Amtrak has primarily used its own funds from customer ticket revenue and federal capital grants to make nearly $60 million in investments in the station. In addition to the new Metropolitan Lounge, this work includes the Szabo Control Center, regional offices, reinstituting air conditioning in the Great Hall and surrounding spaces, restoration of the grand staircases and establishment of a service center in the Great Hall, remediation and life-safety and facade repairs (all in the Headhouse); supplemental heating, refreshing of furniture and carpeting and new door systems leading to and from the concourse and the boarding platforms (all in the Concourse). About 125,000 Metra commuter rail and Amtrak passengers use the station daily, with Chicago's 3.2 million annual Amtrak passengers ranking in the top four of all Amtrak stations. More than 165,000 Amtrak passengers were ticketed to originate in Chicago in Sleeping cars or Business class last year. (Amtrak - posted 6/27) WASHINGTON METRO GM APPOINTS NEW CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER: Metro General Manager/CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld announced the appointment of Joseph Leader as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) in charge of rail, bus and paratransit services, effective August 1. Leader will also provide executive management of Metro Transit Police, parking and support services. (MTA - posted 6/23) After 30 years in transportation operations, Joe recently served as a consultant to the General Manager/CEO on rail organizational and fleet management as an associate for Bianco Associates. "Working with Joe on restructuring Metro's rail operations gave me an opportunity to learn his strategic approach to operational safety, day to day safety culture, and his customer service orientation, which are consistent with the way I want Metro to conduct itself moving forward," said Paul J. Wiedefeld. "I am pleased that Joe sees us as an organization that is changing and hungry for improvement, and that he is enthusiastic about taking on this crucial role." Until this year, Leader served as Senior Vice President of the Department of Subways, New York City Transit, which includes 27,000 employees, 800 track miles and 469 stations. He previously served as Chief of Safety Investigations for NYC Transit. Through a strong incident command structure and a solid safety and customer service culture, Leader and his team were credited with restoring service in the wake of Superstorm Sandy. He also led a comprehensive maintenance program that accelerated track work, and improved safety and productivity. Leader has an electrical engineering degree from Manhattan College and serves as a local volunteer firefighter. (WMATA - posted 6/24) GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL WILL BE VENUE FOR OVERNIGHT FDNY/U.S. MARINE CORPS TRAINING EXCERCISE TONIGHT: MTA Metro-North Railroad today announced that the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) will host a rescue exercise involving the United States Marines' Chemical Biological Incident Response Force at Grand Central Terminal overnight. Metro-North train service will not be effected by the drill, which is scheduled to begin at 11 p.m. and end at 5 a.m. tomorrow, although entrances to Grand Central from Vanderbilt Avenue may close earlier than usual. Grand Central's Biltmore Room will be closed to the public at 8 p.m. to accommodate the exercise. Through the exercise, about 150 Marines will conduct training on how to remove chemical or biological attack victims from a train, out to the platform out of Grand Central to the street level where they can proceed with mock decontamination. Twenty-five actors and ten mannequins will serve as victims for the drill. Some drill actors may be made-up with mock injuries. A staging area for the tactical drill will be established along Vanderbilt Avenue and 43rd Street for emergency response personnel, and the MTA Police Department will close off selected blocks for exercise staging. (MTA - posted 6/23) READING & NORTHERN RAILROAD PROMOTES THREE TO VICE PRESIDENT POSITIONS: Reading and Northern Railroad announces the promotion of three veteran employees to Vice President level positions at the company. Erik Yoder has been named Vice President of Maintenance of Way. He replaces Justin Levan who has been promoted to Vice President Special Projects. Lieutenant Matthew Johnson has been promoted to Vice President Asset Management and Community Affairs. In announcing these appointments Andy Muller, Jr, CEO said, "These promotions reflect the ever changing nature of our business. The fact is our railroad is growing fast. Business is up and in 2016 we have acquired the Humboldt Industrial Park and the Locust Valley Line. As we adapt to our new business and increased infrastructure we recognized that we needed to better align our resources. Since Reading & Northern always likes to look within to find capable people for our management positions, we were delighted to recognize that Erik, Justin and Matt were already in place and ready to do the jobs." Yoder started at the Railroad in September 2011 as a MOW Administrator. He was promoted to AVP-MOW in August 2013, transferred to AVP-Operations in October of 2014 to learn more about the railroad and then returned to AVP-MOW in May of 2015. Prior to working at RBMN, Yoder was a 6th grade school teacher for 6 years, and a foreman for an excavation contractor for four years prior to that. Yoder lives in Mohrsville, PA with his wife Deborah, and children; Aubree, Mindy, Wesley and Gabriel. In his spare time, he enjoys riding his bike to and from work, gardening and enjoying the great outdoors. Johnson started at the Railroad in January 2005 as Police Consultant, was transferred to Police Officer in May 2005, promoted to Sergeant in February 2009 promoted to AVP-Asset Management/Lieutenant in February 2013, and promoted to Senior AVP of Asset Management/Lieutenant in February of 2016. Prior to working at RBMN, Johnson was a Deputy Sheriff for a year and a half, and was a Police Officer for a little over a year prior to that. Johnson lives in Kutztown, PA with his wife of 17 years, Deanna, and children; Adyson and Elliot. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, working out, watching his kids grow in school/sports/theatre, and spending time with his family. Levan started at the Railroad in January of 2004 as an Equipment Operator within our MOW department. He was promoted to AVP – Cost Control; MOW in September of 2012, and then he was promoted to VP of MOW in December of 2013. Prior to working at RBMN, Levan was an Equipment operator for Wexcon Inc. for 3.5 years. Levan lives in Kutztown, PA with his wife Christina, and children; Colton, Reese, and Sierra. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, riding ATVs with his son, Colton, and riding horses with his daughters, Sierra and Reese. (Reading & Northern Railroad - posted 6/23) READING, BLUE MOUNTAIN & NORTHERN RAILROAD ACQUIRES LOCUST VALLEY LINE: Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad acquired the 5.5 mile Locust Valley Line effective June 8, 2016. RBMN has been operating the line since it was returned to service in 2006. By taking on ownership RBMN will be better able to pursue industrial development along this line, which has many excellent sites due to its proximity to I-81. The line runs from Laurel Jct in Delano Township to near Mahanoy City in Mahanoy Township in Schuylkill County. RBMN acquired the line from the Locust Valley Coal Company. CEO Andy Muller, Jr. said, "This acquisition continues our efforts to acquire and operate contiguous railroad lines in our service territory. Our efforts to require county-owned railroads in the region to privatize and sell their assets is part of our overall strategy to bring our award-winning service to more areas in our service territory. We believe through our economies of scale that we can deliver better service at lower prices to customers throughout the region. The Locust Valley purchase is part of that overall strategy." (Reading & Northern - posted 6/23) NJ TRANSIT OFFERS SUMMER SERVICE OPTIONS FOR BEACH GOERS NJ TRANSIT is making it convenient and affordable to get to summer shore destinations with express weekend rail service from Penn Station New York to shore communities along the North Jersey Coast Line, the return of weekday late-night Bay Head-Long Branch shuttles, and daily express bus service from Philadelphia to Wildwood and Cape May. Saturday, June 25: The #316 express bus from Philadelphia to Wildwood and Cape May resumes for the summer. This year, the #316 will conveniently originate on JFK Boulevard just outside the Amtrak 30th St. Station in Philadelphia providing access to Wildwood and Cape May from the University City section of Philadelphia. All trips will continue to serve the Greyhound Terminal in Philadelphia and then serve the Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden, eliminating the need for customers to travel to the Avandale Park and Ride to transfer to the #316. Also new this year, the #316 will stop at the Gloucester Premium Outlets in Blackwood, providing access to the new and popular shopping destination. Beach goers can enjoy service to North Wildwood, Wildwood, Rio Grande and Cape May. The complete timetable is available at njtransit.com. Sunday, June 26: Enhanced Saturday, Sunday and holiday express rail service on the North Jersey Coast Line will operate from June 26 through September 10 and feature the agency's dual-powered locomotives to provide a one-seat ride. "Going 'down the shore' is a time honored summer tradition in New Jersey. So whether you're traveling from North Jersey or South Jersey, New York or Philadelphia we are providing more options to get you to the fun in the sun," said NJ TRANSIT Interim Executive Director Dennis J. Martin. "Everyone should experience New Jersey's beautiful beaches and what better way to relax than a stress-free ride on a bus or train." Four round-trip weekend and holiday express trains will operate between Penn Station New York and Bay Head. This service also features hourly train service between Bay Head and Long Branch from approximately 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Two of the round-trip express trains will be geared to beach travelers, with an additional two round-trips providing service during the early morning and late night timeframes. The express service will serve Penn Station New York, Secaucus Junction, Newark Penn Station, Elizabeth, Rahway, Aberdeen-Matawan, Red Bank, Long Branch, Asbury Park, and then all station stops to Bay Head, and no need to transfer in Long Branch. A travel time savings of approximately 25 minutes is expected from the regular travel time between New York and towns such as Belmar, Manasquan and Point Pleasant. Seating will be limited aboard the express service. Customers are strongly encouraged to purchase round-trip tickets or discounted beach packages to Long Branch, Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach and Belmar (a savings of $5.00) prior to the start of their trip. NJ TRANSIT beach packages are available at all rail station ticket windows and ticket vending machines except on the Atlantic City rail line. More information on beach packages is available on njtransit.com. Customers can also purchase NJ TRANSIT tickets using MyTix mobile ticketing. However, beach packages are not currently available on the NJ TRANSIT mobile app. Express trains will supplement NJ TRANSIT's regular weekend hourly rail shuttle service between Long Branch and Bay Head, and will operate using the ALP-45 dual-powered locomotives. These specialized trains operate in electric mode between New York and Long Branch and switch to diesel operation for travel between Long Branch and Bay Head – allowing for the one-seat ride. (NJ Transit, Alex Mayes - posted 6/23) CHRISTIE ADMINISTRATION CELEBRATES OFFICIAL REOPENING OF ICONIC TERMINAL BUILDING AT LIBERTY STATE PARK: The Christie Administration today celebrated the official reopening of the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal at Liberty State Park following extensive repairs and renovations made necessary when Superstorm Sandy slammed the iconic building along the Hudson River in Jersey City. "The reopening of this historic terminal, through which millions of immigrants passed as they embarked on new lives in the United States, is indeed a momentous occasion," said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin during ceremonies at the terminal building. "The efforts that went into restoring this landmark are nothing short of miraculous and are testimony to our state's resolve to rebuild from Superstorm Sandy. Today, the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal again takes its rightful place beside the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as America's symbols of immigration, opportunity, national growth – and freedom." The nearly $20 million restoration of the building marks the next-to-last component of the park's recovery, and has easily been the most complex, involving restoration of a unique piece of architecture that is more than 120 years old. "One of the great privileges of our work at DEP is to be able to preserve and restore buildings and sites such as this that are inextricably entwined with the ideals of America," said Assistant Commissioner for Natural and Historic Resources Richard Boornazian. "Liberty State Park and the terminal bring an important storyline in the nation's history to life – that of the fortitude and determination of people from around the world seeking a better life for themselves and their children. Preserving this heritage is our solemn responsibility to future generations." "To see this building restored is truly inspiring and moving," said Mark Texel, Director of the DEP's Division of Parks and Forestry. "We are performing our duty to history by honoring the millions of brave immigrants, many arriving nearly penniless, who made our nation the great melting pot of the world." The state's Corporate Business Tax funded $11.3 million of the work, and an insurance policy funded nearly $5 million. A National Park Service Sandy Disaster Relief grant provided $2 million and the Federal Emergency Management Agency provided $1 million. The park's operating fund kicked in $576,000. Sandy's record storm surge caused extensive water, electrical and structural damage. Mechanical and electrical equipment were elevated to avert future damage. The interior of the terminal, which briefly reopened in 2014 for the annual memorial observance of victims of the 9/11 terror attacks, was subsequently closed to allow for the additional interior work Skylights, doors , roofing and the structure's distinctive cupola were repaired or replaced as part of exterior restoration. This phase was completed in 2014. "After Sandy hit, I didn't know whether to cry or scream, we were so demoralized," said Park Superintendent Rob Rodriguez. "It was like a giant washing machine went through – everything tossed about, equipment and artifacts all over the floors, and doors, windows and drywall blown out. But one day at a time, one piece of debris at a time, we've worked to reach this important milestone. Today, the building is fully accessible. The public can come and admire its unique Romanesque-style architecture and take a step back in time – and perhaps even walk in the footsteps of their grandparents or great-grandparents." From 1892 to 1954, the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal served as the largest rail hub in the New York metropolitan area. Of the 12 million to 17 million immigrants who passed through Ellis Island during those years, approximately two-thirds embarked on their new lives on trains departing from the terminal. As many as 50,000 people per day used ferries and trains served by the terminal. More than four million people per year visit Liberty State Park, which encompasses some 1,200 acres. It is the most popular destination in the state park system and, with the terminal reopening, has made a nearly full comeback from Sandy. Work still needs to be done on the interpretive center. Liberty State Park offers a two-mile waterfront walkway known as Liberty Walk, the 9/11 Memorial and Grove of Remembrance, the Liberty Landing Marina, the Green Park playground, nature trails, wildlife habitats and other recreational amenities. Hundreds of thousands of people use the ferries at the terminal to access Liberty Island, Ellis Island and Manhattan's Battery Park. The park is celebrating its 40th anniversary. It was dedicated on Flag Day, June 14, 1976. (Bernie Wagenblast, NJDEP - posted 6/22) AAR REPORTS WEEKLY RAIL TRAFFIC FOR THE WEEK ENDING JUNE 18, 2016: The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending Jun. 18, 2016. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 516,096 carloads and intermodal units, down 6.3 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending Jun. 18 were 250,748 carloads, down 8.5 percent compared with the same week in 2015, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 265,348 containers and trailers, down 4.2 percent compared to 2015. Three of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2015. They were grain, up 24.3 percent to 22,711 carloads; miscellaneous carloads, up 16.8 percent to 10,454 carloads; and motor vehicles and parts, up 0.1 percent to 18,700 carloads. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2015 included petroleum and petroleum products, down 24.8 percent to 10,627 carloads; coal, down 20.6 percent to 75,606 carloads; and metallic ores and metals, down 8.9 percent to 22,944 carloads. For the first 24 weeks of 2016, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 5,773,236 carloads, down 13.3 percent from the same point last year; and 6,179,631 intermodal units, down 2.4 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 24 weeks of 2016 was 11,952,867 carloads and intermodal units, a decrease of 8 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending Jun. 18, 2016, on 13 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 334,723 carloads, down 9.3 percent compared with the same week last year, and 334,037 intermodal units, down 4.9 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 668,760 carloads and intermodal units, down 7.2 percent. North American rail volume for the first 24 weeks of 2016 was 15,665,522 carloads and intermodal units, down 7.6 percent compared with 2015. Canadian railroads reported 67,059 carloads for the week, down 13.2 percent, and 57,744 intermodal units, down 7.9 percent compared with the same week in 2015. For the first 24 weeks of 2016, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 3,062,509 carloads, containers and trailers, down 7.8 percent. Mexican railroads reported 16,916 carloads for the week, down 4.1 percent compared with the same week last year, and 10,945 intermodal units, down 5.7 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 24 weeks of 2016 was 650,146 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, down 0.2 percent from the same point last year. (AAR - posted 6/22) CANADIAN PACIFIC PROVIDES SECOND QUARTER 2016 EARNINGS OUTLOOK: Canadian Pacific Railway Limited today announced it is providing an earnings outlook for the second-quarter of 2016 due to lower-than-anticipated volumes in bulk commodities, such as grain and potash, the unexpected and devastating wildfires in northern Alberta and a strengthening Canadian dollar.? CP now expects revenues to decline approximately 12 percent from the same quarter a year ago, adjusted diluted earnings per share of approximately $2.00 and an operating ratio of about 62 percent. Given the transitory nature of these impacts, CP remains confident in its business model and believes actions taken in the first half of the year – coupled with an anticipated improvement in commodity volumes – provide a path for the company towards meeting its full-year guidance. "CP will continue to focus on controlling costs in a difficult environment," said E. Hunter Harrison, CP Chief Executive Officer. "While we acknowledge the environment remains challenging, additional cost reduction opportunities and the potential for stronger volumes in the back half of the year still lead us to believe that achieving double-digit EPS growth in 2016 is a possibility." CP will release its second-quarter financial and operating results at 8:30 a.m. eastern time (6:30 a.m. mountain time) on July 20, 2016. (CP - posted 6/21) SEPTA TROLLEY TUNNEL BLITZ: Due to power, track and station improvement projects, SEPTA Trolley Routes 10, 11, 13, 34 and 36 will not operate in the Center City tunnel from 10 p.m. on Friday, July 8 through 4 a.m. on Monday, July 18. Trolley service will begin and end at 40th and Market Streets; trolleys will use their alternate diversion service routing to connect to SEPTA's Market-Frankford Line at 40th and Market Streets. Trolley passengers can board the Market-Frankford Line at 40th Street Station for travel to and from Center City, as the work efforts will not affect that service. This is the fourth consecutive summer SEPTA has held the Trolley Tunnel Blitz. During this year's nine-day tunnel closure (the tunnel was closed for 16 days in 2015), more than 400 members of SEPTA's in-house Engineering, Maintenance & Construction Division crews will build on last year's accomplishments and work around-the-clock on key maintenance and construction tasks. "Since the first Trolley Tunnel Blitz in 2013, our crews have replaced switches and thousands of feet of rail and overhead contact wire, and undertaken an aggressive improvement and cleaning program at the trolley stations," said SEPTA GM Jeffrey Knueppel "However, we still have work to do to bring the tunnel into a state of good repair." An average of 700 vehicles operate through the five-mile single loop Center City tunnel everyday. Because the tunnel is used 24 hours a day, it is difficult for SEPTA crews to get productive work windows to complete necessary repairs and improvements. "The Trolley Tunnel Blitz allows SEPTA to maximize productivity during improvements projects while minimizing the period of inconvenience to passengers and communities because it is held during the summer when ridership is lower," said Knueppel. Members of SEPTA's Power Department will remove and replace 1,500 feet of wood protection board (a part of the system attaching overhead wire to the tunnel ceiling) on the eastbound side of the tunnel between 19th Street-22nd Street Stations. SEPTA's Track Department will replace the existing track on the westbound side of the tunnel between 19th and 22nd Street Stations. This track has been in use for 30 years. The track department will also upgrade infrastructure directly outside of the 40th Street Portal. Other work that will be completed during the tunnel closure includes: Completing signal and wire reliability work throughout the tunnel Performing critical maintenance tasks and component replacement work at the substation Performing maintenance tasks including graffiti removal, tile repair, painting, drain clearing and heavy cleaning at all stations Testing emergency generators and lighting throughout the tunnel "The projects we work on during the blitzes improve safety and service reliability throughout the trolley tunnel," said Knueppel. "We thank our customers for their continued support and understanding during these closures. We will work to make this year's blitz as productive and successful as in previous years." SEPTA's Trolley Tunnel Blitz is part of the Authority's "Rebuilding the SEPTA System" capital program and funded through Pennsylvania Act 89. (SEPTA- posted 6/21) FULTON CENTER IS FIRST SUBWAY HUB TO RECIEVE PRESTIGIOUS LEED® RATING: Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials joined representatives from the US Green Building Council (USGBC) today to unveil a plaque honoring the Fulton Center as the first New York City subway hub to receive a LEED® rating for sustainability and design. Earlier this year, the MTA was awarded LEED® Silver certification by USGBC for the Fulton Center transit hub, located on Broadway between Fulton and Dey Streets, in Manhattan's Financial District. LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the most widely used third-party verification for green buildings. "This LEED certification demonstrates New York City Transit's commitment to the environment and to the community we serve," said MTA New York City Transit President Veronique "Ronnie" Hakim. "We want to do our part toward a better environment for all, and this new state-of-the-art facility will help minimize our energy footprint." "The MTA and its design firm Arup, in conceptualizing a design for the Fulton Center transit hub, sought to marry the old with the new to improve facility performance and rider experience," said MTA Capital Construction (MTACC) President Michael Horodniceanu. "Through adaptive reuse of this historic structure, daylighting (maximizing natural light), and the enhancement of the indoor environment, we have achieved a powerful sustainable design that will be used as inspiration for future station enhancement." The MTA's Fulton Center, situated in the heart of Lower Manhattan and a dynamic transportation hub streamlining connections between subway lines for up to 300,000 daily passengers was designed as a demonstration of an environmentally responsible 21st century rail transit center. It achieved LEED® certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies in sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. The facility achieves more than 25 percent in energy savings compared to a baseline building of similar type. Half of the energy used at the Fulton Center comes from renewable sources. Additionally, daylighting from the iconic oculus reduces electricity use, while low flow plumbing fixtures reduce water consumption by 40 percent. "I want to thank the US Green Building Council for acknowledging all of the thought that went into the environmentally conscious design of this project," said Fulton Center Project Executive Uday Durg. "Working to bring the customer experience into the 21st century while working within the confines of this historic building was no easy task, and I am proud of our team's accomplishment." The LEED® rating system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the foremost program for buildings, homes and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human health performance. Other MTA facilities achieving LEED® status include Mother Clara Hale Bus Depot in Harlem, the Corona Maintenance Shop in Queens and Metro-North Railroad's office building at 525 North Broadway in North White Plains. Contractors working on the Fulton Center project under the leadership of MTACC Project Executive Uday Durg included Citnalta Construction Corp., Gramercy Group Inc., Skanska USA Civil Northeast, Inc, WDF, Inc, Plaza/Schiavone JV, and Judlau Contracting Inc. Consultants included Arup, Grimshaw, HDR, Page Ayers Cowley Architects, Parsons Brinckerhoff/LendLease JV, and Jamie Carpenter Associates (MTA- posted 6/21) CATSKILL MOUNTAIN RAILROAD WILL RESUME OPERATIONS: Ulster County, New York has selected the Catskill Mountain Railroad to operate the eastern end of the county owned Ulster & Delaware rail corridor. The Catskill Mountain Railroad had suspended operations over the trackage during the end of May. Subsequently, the county had opened the line for bid, soliciting a railroad to operate the line. Catskill Mountain Railroad was the sole bidder. The railroad will pay the county $50,000 per year to operate the trackage, under a five year agreement. Train service is expected to resume this fall, over six miles, from Phoenicia to Boiceville, N.Y. (Alex Mayes - posted 6/20) RECORD LEVELS OF PROJECTED FOR MBTA COMMUTER RAIL REVENUE: Fare revenue on the MBTA Commuter Rail system has grown 5.8 percent in Fiscal Year 2016 to date when compared to Fiscal Year 2015. Commuter Rail is on track for record revenue in Fiscal Year 2016, currently forecast at $215 million. The nation's sixth busiest commuter rail system has lines going as far south as Rhode Island, as far north as Newburyport, and as far west as Worcester and Fitchburg. "We are committed to continuing to drive strong revenue growth on the Commuter Rail through enhanced fare collection efforts and use of the latest technology," said MBTA Chief Administrator Brian Shortsleeve. Revenue for the month of May reached $17.8 million. Over the past 16 months, monthly Commuter Rail revenue has averaged $17.4 million. Last year, 64 new conductors were hired to bolster fare collection efforts and reduce fare evasion. Plans to boost staffing and on-time performance were part of a service improvement agreement between the MBTA and Keolis, which was approved last year by the MBTA's Fiscal Management and Control Board. At the April 25th meeting of the FMCB, Keolis presented a new proposal for fare collection that it said would reduce fare evasion on the system while increasing revenue by up to $24 million annually. Under the Keolis proposal, the MBTA fare collection system would be updated to make it easier to buy tickets, but more difficult to evade fares. (MBTA- posted 6/20) PROPOSED LOCOMOTIVE EMISSIONS REGULATIONS REDUCE AIR POLLUTANTS: The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, today announced that the Government of Canada will publish proposed Locomotive Emissions Regulations in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on June 18, 2016 to limit air pollution. For the first time, the Government of Canada will regulate air pollutant emissions from locomotives. The proposed regulations are being developed under the Railway Safety Act and will improve health and the environment. The proposed changes would limit harmful air pollutant emissions, also known as criteria air contaminants, from locomotives operated by railway companies under federal jurisdiction through increasingly stringent emission standards and reduced idling. The emission standards set out in these proposed regulations will also align with those of the United States which will improve the efficiency of the transportation system and advance green technologies. The Government of Canada has already taken action to reduce emissions from light- and heavy-duty vehicles. Canada has also moved forward with regulations to implement the North American Emission Control Area which will reduce emissions of key air pollutants from ships, and the adoption of more stringent nitrogen oxides emission standards for aircraft. The proposed regulations support the Government of Canada's efforts to transition to a greener transportation sector. Canada and the U.S. are also working together on approaches to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from locomotives under the Canada-U.S. Regulatory Cooperation Council. (The Honourable Marc Garneau Minister of Transport - posted 6/17) AAR REPORTS WEEKLY RAIL TRAFFIC FOR THE WEEK ENDING JUNE 11, 2016: The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending Jun. 11, 2016. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 513,471 carloads and intermodal units, down 7.5 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending Jun. 11 were 248,039 carloads, down 8.7 percent compared with the same week in 2015, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 265,432 containers and trailers, down 6.3 percent compared to 2015. Four of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2015. They included miscellaneous carloads, up 16.4 percent to 11,149 carloads; farm products excl. grain, and food, up 2 percent to 16,545 carloads; and grain, up 0.6 percent to 20,300 carloads. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2015 included petroleum and petroleum products, down 23.5 percent to 10,820 carloads; coal, down 18.3 percent to 73,279 carloads; and metallic ores and metals, down 9.9 percent to 22,642 carloads. For the first 23 weeks of 2016, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 5,522,488 carloads, down 13.5 percent from the same point last year; and 5,914,283 intermodal units, down 2.3 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 23 weeks of 2016 was 11,436,771 carloads and intermodal units, a decrease of 8 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending Jun. 11, 2016, on 13 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 333,806 carloads, down 7.9 percent compared with the same week last year, and 335,295 intermodal units, down 6.5 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 669,101 carloads and intermodal units, down 7.2 percent. North American rail volume for the first 23 weeks of 2016 was 14,996,762 carloads and intermodal units, down 7.7 percent compared with 2015. Canadian railroads reported 68,428 carloads for the week, down 7.5 percent, and 58,207 intermodal units, down 8.4 percent compared with the same week in 2015. For the first 23 weeks of 2016, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 2,937,706 carloads, containers and trailers, down 7.6 percent. Mexican railroads reported 17,339 carloads for the week, up 3.4 percent compared with the same week last year, and 11,656 intermodal units, up 1 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 23 weeks of 2016 was 622,285 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, remaining flat from the same point last year. (AAR - posted 6/17) BR&W PHOTOGRAPHER'S STEAM TRAIN: The Volunteer Railroaders Association in conjunction with the Black River Railroad Historic Trust is proud to announce a special photographers Photo Freight on June 25th featuring the Black River & Western #60. The #60 is a 2-8-0 Consolidation and is New Jersey's oldest operating steam locomotive. The train will be made up of passenger equipment, freight cars and even a caboose. At least 7 photo run-bys will be staged along the route between Three Bridges and Ringoes, which will give everyone the chance to get some great pictures. The day will start at 2:30pm in Flemington where participants will meet to find out all the details for the day. When the last regularly scheduled train of the day arrives, it will head for Three Bridges instead of turning back for Ringoes. Due to "excepted track" we will not be able to board the train for this leg of the trip, but instead we will follow the train and be given the chance to take some very rare photos of the #60 and her train. After a few photo run-bys the train will return to Flemington where passengers will board for a round trip to the end of in service track at Boss Road in Ringoes. Along the route the train will stop a number of times for more photo run-bys, some at locations not accessible to the public. When completed passengers will reboard the train for a non-stop run back to Flemington and then head out for dinner on their own. As darkness arrives a Night Photo session will take place for up to 30 photographers in and around the Ringoes yard and station. A variety of scenes will be set up featuring the #60 and other equipment operating on the BRW. Passengers can choose to ride in coach for $40, Club Car for $60 or for a select few you can ride in the Caboose for $50. The night photo session is limited to only 30 participants and can be purchased for $25. A special combination ticket is being offered in coach for $55, Caboose for $65 and Club Car class for $75, each a $10 savings. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the VRA's web site at www.vratrips.org or by calling 973-238-0555 and leaving a message. Be sure to buy your tickets early as there a very limited quantity available and are sure to sell fast. This event is being run as a fund raiser for the VRA and to help raise funds needed for the BRW to return service to the line to Lambertville. You are encouraged to visit www.blackriverrailroad.com for more information and to donate directly to this effort. (VRA - posted 6/17) u.s. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ANNOUNCES A TIFIA LOAN OF $874.6 MILLION FOR THE MARYLAND PURPLE LINE PROJECT: U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today announced a Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan of $874.6 million to Purple Line Transit Partners, LLC, for implementation of the Maryland Purple Line. The TIFIA loan will support the construction of the light rail line connecting Montgomery and Prince George's Counties, MD. "The Washington metropolitan region is one of the most congested areas in the country, and viable transportation alternatives are needed to accommodate a growing population," said Secretary Foxx. "When completed, the Maryland Purple Line will connect residents in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties, MD with improved access to jobs, education, and medical care and, overall, will help improve the quality of life." The Maryland Purple Line Project is a 16.2 mile, 21-station, east-west light rail line that will connect numerous communities in Maryland, from Bethesda in Montgomery County to New Carrollton in Prince George's County. The corridor is located inside the Capital Beltway near Washington, D.C., in a densely populated area with commercial, mixed use and residential development. The line will connect major activity centers in Bethesda, Silver Spring, Takoma-Langley Park, College Park, and New Carrollton with communities along the alignment, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's (WMATA) Red, Green and Orange Metrorail lines, all three Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) rail lines and Amtrak's Northeast Corridor line. Although the project will provide direct connections with WMATA, MARC and Amtrak, it will remain physically and operationally separate. In addition to the TIFIA loan of $874.6 million, the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is working with the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) on a Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) that would provide $900 million from FTA's Capital Investment Grant Program. In addition, MTA will use $36 million of FTA Section 5307 Urbanized Area Formula Grant funds for the project. FTA anticipates that the FFGA will be signed this summer. "The Federal Transit Administration is proud to help provide a new transit option for Maryland residents in one of the most highly populated corridors in the nation," said FTA Acting Administrator Carolyn Flowers. "The Purple Line will help residents access one of the state's largest job centers as well as its flagship state university without having to drive on heavily congested roads. Moreover, the Purple Line's unique public-private partnership allows the state of Maryland to better leverage federal funding." The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be the owner of the project and its selected private partner, Purple Line Transit Partners, will implement the project on a design-build-finance-operate-maintain basis. The Purple Line project was procured as a public-private partnership under a concession agreement that was executed on April 7, 2016, and expires approximately 30 years after substantial completion, which is anticipated in March 2022. The TIFIA program seeks to advance critical transportation infrastructure nationwide by leveraging federal, state, local, and private sector funding sources. Under the TIFIA program, the DOT provides secured direct loans, lines of credit, and loan guarantees to public and private applicants for eligible surface transportation projects. TIFIA can finance transportation projects such as highway, transit and passenger rail; certain freight and port facilities; surface transportation facilities at airports; and other transportation improvements. The TIFIA program maximizes limited federal resources to deliver large infrastructure investments. Historically, TIFIA has supported total infrastructure investment of about four times the amount of total credit assistance it has made available. Since program inception, TIFIA has approved 62 loans totaling more than $23 billion to stimulate over $83 billion of transportation infrastructure investments throughout the United States. The DOT recently announced new funding availability in the TIFIA program as well as changes to the program made in the most recent surface transportation funding authorization, the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. Further details are available here. In July 2014, Secretary Foxx established the DOT's Build America Transportation Investment Center (BATIC). BATIC is a one-stop-shop for states, municipalities, and project sponsors looking to utilize federal transportation expertise, apply for federal transportation credit programs, and explore ways to access private capital in public private partnerships. Since launching the BATIC, DOT has provided credit and financing support to projects representing billions of dollars in infrastructure investment. BATIC is helping to advance projects like the Maryland Purple Line more efficiently through the review process. (USDOT - posted 6/16) COMPLETION OF PHILADELPHIA 30TH STREET STATION DISTRICT PLAN HIGHLIGHTED BY ACTION ON NEAR TERM IMPROVEMENTS: Amtrak, Brandywine Realty Trust, Drexel University, PennDOT and SEPTA today unveiled the Philadelphia 30th Street Station District Plan and announced the initiation of several follow-on projects to improve the immediate station area and catalyze future development throughout the District. The Plan is a collaborative two-year joint planning effort to produce a single, integrated long-term vision for growth and development in the area surrounding 30th Street Station. Forty new acres of open space and 18 million square feet of new development are envisioned in the Plan, including an entirely new mixed-use neighborhood anchoring the District atop 88 acres of rail yards along the western bank of the Schuylkill River. With a proposed $2 billion investment in roads, utilities, parks, bridges, and extension of transit services, the Plan has the potential to unlock $4.5 billion in private real estate investment, in addition to $3.5 billion for Drexel's Schuylkill Yards project being developed by Brandywine Realty Trust. These investments will have robust and widespread economic benefits, with the potential to generate $3.8 billion in City and State taxes and 40,000 new jobs. As outlined in the Plan, the coming months will see action on one of the most common areas of community feedback, as SEPTA starts preliminary work to support consideration of a preferred option for restoring the underground connection between 30th Street Station and its Market-Frankford Line. "The 30th Street Station District Plan is a transformative approach," said SEPTA General Manager Jeff Knueppel. "This location is well served by the Market-Frankford Line, 5 Trolley Lines, 6 Bus Routes and all Regional Rail Lines, and the District Plan is another example of how transportation can drive economic development. SEPTA is excited to partner with Amtrak and all stakeholders to accelerate a vision that re-energizes this area and continues to meet the region's travel needs." "The vision for 30th Street Station District complements the recently unveiled master plan for Schuylkill Yards to be developed by Drexel and Brandywine," said Drexel President John A. Fry. "Together these two developments will bring fundamental transformation to University City and become the centerpiece of America's next great innovation district, a district characterized by its superior access to transportation." To pave the way for future development of the conceptual Arch Street Transportation Center, PennDOT will work with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission to study possible changes to the I-76 on- and off-ramps at 30th Street. "The department works hard to support development for all modes, including safer driving, walking, or riding bicycles and transit," PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards said. "I am encouraged by the vision that has been created for the area around the station." With an eye toward improving station conditions in the near-term, Amtrak will pursue funding to advance the Station Plaza concept outlined in the District Plan. Station Plaza involves the development of new public spaces on all four sides of 30th Street Station, creating a more welcoming and seamless experience for all station visitors. Later this year, Amtrak also intends to solicit partners to develop certain property adjacent to 30th Street Station, as well as analyze and suggest station improvements including retail offerings. "Philadelphia's iconic 30th Street Station is poised to anchor what could be a transformative new neighborhood built around transportation and the Schuylkill River waterfront," said Amtrak Board Chairman Tony Coscia. "The Amtrak team is committed to continuing the important and productive collaboration reflected in the creation of this single, integrated District Plan and will work hard to help realize the great opportunities it envisions." "This vision is an excellent collaboration between key stakeholders to create a long term civic and economic value for Philadelphia at our regional mass transportation hub and represents the next phase in the ongoing renaissance of University City," said Jerry Sweeney, President and CEO of Brandywine Realty Trust. Over the past two years, the project team has engaged a wide range of stakeholders from across the City of Philadelphia and its neighborhoods, soliciting feedback and synthesizing ideas collected during open houses, community events and other public meetings with the expertise of a world-class consulting team. "Crafting meaningful consensus toward a unified vision within a multitude of stakeholder interests is hard work that requires imagination, problem-solving creativity, flexibility and perseverance," said Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Project Manager Kristopher Takács. "This journey has been a sheer delight for SOM and our world-class team of professional experts, whose leadership and collaboration have laid the foundations for a game-changing transformation." Additional information about the District Plan is included on the following pages. High-resolution images, renderings, a project film and the complete Plan areavailable for download from the project website. (Amtrak - posted 6/16) FIRST NATION PROPOSES THE RESUMPTION OF ALGOMA CENTRAL PASSENGER SERVICE: Canada's First Nation is proposing to resume passenger service over the former Algoma Central Railroad, between Sault Ste. Marie and Hearst, Ontario. The Canadian Government has discontinued the service in 2015, leading to a hardship on many of the remote towns along the railroad. The propose train would be known as ask-wa Oo-ta-ban (Bear Train). A First Natin press release states "The Algoma Central Railway (ACR) rail line travels through the Treaty No. 9, Robinson Superior Treaty and Robinson Huron Treaty territories, including the traditional territories of Missanabie Cree First Nation and other First Nations between Sault Ste. Marie (Batchewana First Nation) and Hearst (Constance Lake First Nation). First Nations have used these traditional territories for hunting, fishing, trapping and also as areas in which they are developing ecotourism businesses, forest management plans and other resource- based initiatives. A First Nation led initiative to operate the passenger train is highly appropriate considering the fact that the ACR was built over 100 years ago on the land that was acquired without First Nation consent. In late 2013 the Federal Government's cancellation of the passenger train subsidy under the Remote Passenger Rail Program (RPRP) was also decided without First Nation consent. The Missanabie Cree First Nation led initiative is a way to help reverse the colonial relationship between this rail line and the First Nations through whose territory it runs. This is a way that the current Federal Government can fulfill its mandate to First Nations by ensuring that the passenger service plays its essential role as infrastructure for the regional economic development of the First Nations through whose territories it passes. Since the founding of the Algoma Passenger Train, more than 100 years ago, Mask-wa Oo-ta-ban has been extremely important to the economic, employment, social and remote access needs of the First Nations, communities, residents, businesses and visitors of the Algoma region. The Algoma region is a distressed area for employment and economic opportunity. About $38 - $48 million in economic activity and 100's of jobs are supported, directly and indirectly, by the Algoma passenger train, according to the 2014 BDO Canada socio-economic impact study. Approximately, 400 km of the 470 km Algoma rail line is not accessible by public road. Although there are some industrial roads into the rail corridor, they are built and maintained at the discretion of industry and cannot be relied upon for reliable, safe or long-term access. Since the discontinuation of the passenger train a number of businesses, communities and residents have been unable to access their residences, lodges and other business properties via safe, reliable public infrastructure and services. According to the BDO study, approximately 75% of properties of the private residents would be deemed "inaccessible" without the passenger train." (Alex Mayes - posted 6/16) AMTRAK PROGRESSES WITH NEW SECOND TRACK BETWEEN ALBANY AND SCHNECETADY: On June 6, Amtrak's Track Laying Machine began laying rail and ties for the second track between Albany and Schenectady. The TLM has been working from Monday thru Thursday, starting from just west of the Livingston Ave. Bridge and working its way west to CP 156 (New Hamburg), where the Schenectady controlled siding begins. Also, on Sundays, Amtrak has been using GP38-H3s to haul ballast hoppers and flat cars (loaded with concrete ties) to spot them at strategic locations along the newly laid track for installation. (Andy Kirk - 6/15) RECORD LEVELS PROJECTED FOR MBTA COMMUTER RAIL REVENUE: Fare revenue on the MBTA Commuter Rail system has grown 5.8 percent in Fiscal Year 2016 to date when compared to Fiscal Year 2015. Commuter Rail is on track for record revenue in Fiscal Year 2016, currently forecast at $215 million. The nation's sixth busiest commuter rail system has lines going as far south as Rhode Island, as far north as Newburyport, and as far west as Worcester and Fitchburg. "We are committed to continuing to drive strong revenue growth on the Commuter Rail through enhanced fare collection efforts and use of the latest technology," said MBTA Chief Administrator Brian Shortsleeve. Revenue for the month of May reached $17.8 million. Over the past 16 months, monthly Commuter Rail revenue has averaged $17.4 million. Last year, 64 new conductors were hired to bolster fare collection efforts and reduce fare evasion. Plans to boost staffing and on-time performance were part of a service improvement agreement between the MBTA and Keolis, which was approved last year by the MBTA's Fiscal Management and Control Board. At the April 25th meeting of the FMCB, Keolis presented a new proposal for fare collection that it said would reduce fare evasion on the system while increasing revenue by up to $24 million annually. Under the Keolis proposal, the MBTA fare collection system would be updated to make it easier to buy tickets, but more difficult to evade fares. (MBTA - 6/15) 1906 ELECTRIFICATION OF GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL DESIGNATED AS HISTORIC MILESTONE BY INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS: FMTA Metro-North Railroad today announced it accepted an award from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers for the 1906 electrification of Grand Central Terminal. The award, known as the IEEE Milestone in Electrical Engineering and Computing, is a bronze plaque to be mounted on a wall at Grand Central Terminal. It was presented to Joseph Giulietti, President of Metro-North, by IEEE Past President, Dr. Howard Michel, at a ceremony at the Terminal today. IEEE Milestones are given for revolutionary, historical innovations in fields covered by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers activities, such as: electricity, electronics and information and communication. To earn the commendation, a technology must be recognized to have contributed to the development of society and industries for at least twenty-five years. The purpose of the Award is to promote public understanding of technology that has changed our world for the better. As of 2016, more than 160 IEEE Milestones have been approved and dedicated across the globe. The bronze plaque will placed on a wall at the entrance of Track 32 and inscribed with the citation, "Grand Central Terminal Electrification, 1906 -1913." Grand Central Terminal, in continuous use since 1913, was the first large-scale railroad electrification project, a development that enabled it to become a major railroad terminal. The modernization transformed railroad travel from old steam engines to more efficient, clean electrical power. The design of the Terminal included several notable achievements in the field of electric traction, such as innovative designs of electric locomotives, multiple unit (MU) control of electric rolling stock and the pioneering use of underrunning third rail. "Grand Central Terminal is rooted in a profoundly rich and important history," said Giulietti. "Metro-North will honor the Terminal's historic technological breakthroughs by continuing to propel the Railroad into the future. Metro-North will remain at the forefront of state-of-the-art advancements to rail safety, operating efficiency and customer communication." With over 420,000 IEEE members in more than 160 countries, IEEE is the world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. IEEE publishes a third of the world's technical literature in electrical engineering, computer science and electronics, and is a leading developer of international standards that underpin many of today's telecommunications, information technology and power generation products and services. The Milestone Award program is administered through the IEEE History Center. (MTA - 6/15) AMTRAK EXHIBIT TRAIN TO VISIT CLAREMONT JUNCTION, JUNE 18: The Amtrak® Exhibit Train, showcasing the past, present and future of America's Railroad®, will roll into Claremont Junction for free tours, the first time the train has visited the Granite State. The Exhibit Train is celebrating the 45th anniversary of Amtrak this weekend with a colorful timeline showing the milestones in the history of Amtrak since its operations began on May 1, 1971. Step aboard to see model trains, and interactive displays that include railroad horns, trivia questions, workable signals and an engineer's stand. The event is this Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Claremont Junction Station, Plains Road and Maple Avenue. For the youngest rail fans, stop off at Chuggington Depot, featuring toy trains and coloring tables. Enjoy family-friendly activities including performances by Claremont's Off Broad Street Players and food vendors. The City will also be celebrating the 100th anniversary of Moody Park. Meet at 8am and enjoy a guided bird walk. Amtrak has also partnered with the National Park Service in celebration of their centennial. A special National Park Service passport stamp has been created to commemorate this milestone. It will be available at all Exhibit Train stops. For more information about the Exhibit Train and tour dates, please visit the All Aboard America Tour (Amtrak - 6/14) PATH 2016 WEEKEND SERVICE AND WORK ADVISORY - WEEKEND PATH SERVICE ON THE 33RD STREET LINE TO BE SUSPENDED STARTING IN AUGUST FOR FEDERALLY MANDATED SAFETY AND SERVICE UPGRADES Weekend PATH service on the 33rd Street line in Manhattan will be suspended starting in early August as part of a comprehensive, federally-mandated safety initiative to install a new computerized signal system designed to improve passenger service and safety. Service on the 33rd Street line will be suspended from approximately 12:01 a.m. on Saturdays until 5 a.m. on Mondays, a schedule that is set to continue most weekends through December 2016, with the exception of major holidays. Regular weekend service will continue on the Newark-World Trade Center (WTC) line and between Journal Square and Hoboken. Direct service between Hoboken and WTC, normally not available on weekends, also will be introduced. PATH riders affected by the closures may travel to the WTC station, which offers easy and accessible New York City subway service to uptown destinations. While service is suspended, shuttle buses will be provided, making stops between the WTC and 29th Street along 6th and 7th avenues. The weekend closures will impact the Christopher, 9th,14th, 23rd and 33rd street stations. Further updates, bus maps and details will be provided as available through the Port Authority's website, www.panynj.gov/PATH . The 33rd Street PATH line upgrade is part of a multi-phased plan to improve the system and provide riders more frequent rush hour service. Additional weekend closures on the system will be necessary next year on a schedule to be announced. At the center of the project is installation of Positive Train Control (PTC), an updated safety-enhanced system that the federal government has mandated be completed by the end of 2018. Allotting this work time is vital to upgrading PATH to improve current and future service. In addition to safety enhancements, this work will provide PATH riders increased reliability in the future, as well as lay the groundwork for increased passenger capacity. As part of the Port Authority's 10-Year Capital Plan, PATH also will upgrade the signal system with Communications Based Train Control (CBTC), which continuously calculates and communicates a train's exact position, speed, travel direction and safe braking distance. Trains then will be capable of running more frequently and closer together, leading to a projected increase in rush-hour service on PATH lines of up to 20 percent. Additionally, the CBTC system also will allow for further enhancements such as real time information in PATH stations (PANYNJ, Alex Mayes - 6/14) CSX FREIGHT DERAILS INSIDE BALTIMORE TUNNEL: At approximately 5:30 a.m. on Monday CSX Q373, a Phildelphia to Cumberland freight train, derailed 13 freight cars inside the Howard Street Tunnel in Baltimore, Md. No leaking freight cars were reported leaking, nor did any haz-mat cars derail. (6/13) POSSIBLE VIA RAIL CANADA STRIKE: On June 9, 2016, UNIFOR, the union representing more than 1 800 of the 2 500 employees who work in stations, telephone sales offices, maintenance centres and administrative offices, informed VIA Rail of its intent to exercise its strike mandate at 12:01 a.m. (ET) on June 13, 2016 should no agreement be reached by that time. In the event of a trains strike, all services across the VIA Rail network will be interrupted. With the assistance of government's conciliators, VIA Rail and the union are currently negotiating as part of the normal process of renewal of collective agreements which expired on December 31, 2015. We are doing our utmost to reach a settlement without service disruption before the strike deadline. (VIA Rail Canada, Bryce Lee - posted 6/10) !-- BEGINNING A NEWS BLOCK --> RIDE THE LIRR WINE TRAIN TO GREENPORT: Bottle of red. Bottle of white. They can be featured on your commute tonight. MTA Long Island Rail Road is offering a menu of refreshments, including choices from North Fork wineries, for eastbound customers taking the 5:21 p.m. train from Ronkonkoma on Friday nights throughout the summer. Bedell Cellars, Duck Walk, Jason's Vineyard, Pindar, etc. Travelers can sit back and unwind with a variety of reasonably priced beverages from local wineries as well as Montauk Brewing Company. The rotating list of reds, whites and roses includes offerings from Bedell Cellars, Duck Walk, Jason's Vineyard, Laurel Lake, Macari, Pelligrini, Pindar, and Raphael. Snacks are also available, including North Fork Potato Chips (in a variety of flavors) and cookies from Tates in Southampton. The average price of a glass of wine is $4 or $5. Snacks are $2.50 and $3. Soft drinks, juices and spirits are also available. The wine train began Memorial Day weekend and will run through the Friday before Columbus Day. (MTA- posted 6/10) NJ TRANSIT CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF MIDTOWN DIRECT SERVICE: Twenty years ago today, NJ TRANSIT launched the weekday MidTOWN DIRECT service on the Morris & Essex Lines. The direct connection to New York Penn Station by rail proved to be a pivotal point in the history of the agency and set the upward trend in rail ridership experienced over the past two decades. Not only did direct service to New York Penn Station shave 20 minutes off of the commute for customers who no longer had to transfer to PATH or ferries in Hoboken, it was the invitation for tens of thousands of future customers to get on board. "MidTOWN DIRECT service has become part of the core fabric of NJ TRANSIT's rail operations," said interim Executive Director Dennis J. Martin. "It's hard to imagine that prior to just 20 years ago, this vital connection did not exist. It has served as a driver of the region's economy, but more importantly, the quality of life improvements for our customers are priceless. The shortened commutes are measured not in dollars and cents, but rather in dinners together with families, ball games attended and school concerts making life long memories." In the year leading up to the debut of MidTOWN Direct, the M&E Lines carried approximately 28-thousand passenger trips on the average weekday. In FY15, that number was nearly 59-thousand, more than doubling the ridership over the 20 year span. NJ TRANSIT broke ground for the new connection in 1993. Infrastructure improvements included more than 7,000 feet of new track, installation of high-speed switches, and construction of two ramps to support the connection tracks. Before MidTOWN DIRECT, Morris & Essex Lines customers traveling to Midtown had no option but to transfer to PATH trains or trans-Hudson ferries at Hoboken Terminal. MidTOWN DIRECT service provides either a one-seat ride into Manhattan or a convenient transfer at Summit Station or Newark Broad Street Station to continue to Manhattan for residents of Essex, Union, Morris, Somerset and Warren counties. (NJT - posted 6/10) NEW GENERATOR ENSURES STATION READINESS AND RESILIENCY: Amtrak and the Maryland Transit Administration have invested $1.2 million in a new backup generator system at Baltimore Penn Station to ensure station readiness and reliability as well as maintain continuity of critical station operations during extended utility outages. The new generator is capable of providing emergency backup power to maintain critical station services in the event of a power failure. The reliable supply of power is essential to Baltimore, which is the eighth busiest station in Amtrak's national network, serving approximately three million passengers in fiscal year 2015. In addition to Amtrak passengers, the station serves commuter operations for MARC Penn Line, the city's light rail, buses and university shuttles. "Baltimore Penn Station is an integral part of the Northeast Corridor transportation network and these upgrades will support system reliability in the station well into the future," said Rina Cutler, Amtrak's senior director of Infrastructure and Investment Development. "The support systems may be invisible much of the time, but behind the scenes, the generator ensures uninterrupted service to critical utilities like the fire alarm systems and computer information display systems to provide a seamless station experience for all passengers." In addition, Amtrak will roll out new technological advancements this year. Baltimore Penn was selected as one of two stations in the country for a pilot upgrade of the station's wireless network. Amtrak will provide faster, more reliable Wi-Fi in the station as well as the platform to ensure passengers stay connected while traveling. Near-term improvements to the passenger experience as well as structural rehabilitation of Baltimore Penn Station remain a focus. Over the past five years, Amtrak, the State of Maryland, the City of Baltimore and other partners invested more than $19 million in improvements to the station and its vicinity. To plan for the station's long-term future, Amtrak is seeking a public-private Master Developer partnership for a comprehensive redevelopment of Baltimore Penn Station and adjacent property which would transform the station into a mixed-use, transit-oriented hub for regional transportation and economic growth. Amtrak anticipates releasing a Master Development Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to the market in fall 2016. (Amtrak - posted 6/09) MTA POLICE DEPARTMENT OPENS PREMIER CANINE TRAINING CENTER: The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today opened the MTA Police Department's innovative Canine Training Facility in Stormville, New York, with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by MTA and MTA Police officials. The 72-acre campus houses nine indoor-scenario training areas and multiple outdoor training fields and obstacle courses and areas with cars, buses, platforms and even a decommissioned train, classrooms, twenty-four kennels, a veterinary room with medical kennels, and administrative offices. The outdoor and indoor training grounds provide the MTA Police with an unlimited number of scenarios to teach, drill and test the dogs. "Our top priority at the MTA is ensuring public safety," said MTA Chairman and CEO Thomas F. Prendergast. "In our post 9/11 world, the MTAPD's specialized Canine Unit is a crucial component of the MTA's overall security strategy. The Canine training center will help the MTA honor its commitment to maintain the highest levels of safety and protection for customers, employees and system infrastructure." "Everything about this sophisticated, 17,000 square foot facility was designed to train dogs to meet the unique demands of patrolling the MTA's railroads, stations, subways, platforms and buses, making it the only state-of-the art 'mass transit' specific canine training center in the nation," said MTAPD Chief of Police, Michael Coan. The MTA Police Department's Canine Unit was established in 2002 to protect customers from terrorism and other criminal acts and to help reduce railroad service disruptions by expediting inspections of unattended packages. The dogs support the MTA's security strategy in ways other tools could never do. The structure of a dog's nose gives it a sense of smell that is 3,000 to 5,000 times stronger than the human nose, allowing them to detect explosives and follow a scent trail untraceable to humans, even breaking down specific scents. Canines can do in minutes what can take hours for humans to do when searching for explosives or other evidence in crimes. "As North America's largest transportation agency, the MTA has a responsibility to remain at the forefront of security initiatives," said MTA Board Member representing Dutchess County, James Sedore. "The new training facility is a powerfully important investment in public safety." The MTA purchased the training center property, a former farm, in 2010 and started building the facility in 2012. Prior to 2012, the MTAPD relied on borrowing space and equipment from the New York State Police, the Port Authority Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff's Department. "Our Canine Unit team is incredibly dedicated," said MTAPD Lt. John Kerwick. "Officers and dogs worked in the facility throughout the construction process, using improvised classroom space." The MTAPD has the largest mass-transit canine explosives detection force in the country, with approximately 50 dogs in service at any time. Last year, the canine teams responded to over 26,000 requests for assistance, and inspected and cleared 2,748 unattended packages. "We have a highly elite Canine Unit," said Lt. John Kerwick. "Dogs are put through a rigorous testing and training program, and only about one in thirty are deemed skilled enough to join the MTAPD." The MTA Police Department patrols the trains, stations, tracks and yards of the Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad and Staten Island Railway. (MTA - posted 6/08) AAR REPORTS WEEKLY RAIL TRAFFIC FOR THE WEEK ENDING JUNE 4, 2016: ? The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending Jun. 4, 2016. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 455,346 carloads and intermodal units, down 17.3 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending Jun. 4 were 224,258 carloads, down 16.6 percent compared with the same week in 2015, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 231,088 containers and trailers, down 17.9 percent compared to 2015. Two of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2015. They were grain, up 2.3 percent to 18,628 carloads; and miscellaneous carloads, up 0.5 percent to 9,008 carloads. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2015 included petroleum and petroleum products, down 29.1 percent to 9,706 carloads; coal, down 23 percent to 68,008 carloads; and motor vehicles and parts, down 20.9 percent to 15,411 carloads.? For the first 22 weeks of 2016, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 5,274,449 carloads, down 13.7 percent from the same point last year; and 5,648,851 intermodal units, down 2.1 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 22 weeks of 2016 was 10,923,300 carloads and intermodal units, a decrease of 8.1 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending Jun. 4, 2016, on 13 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 307,051 carloads, down 14.8 percent compared with the same week last year, and 300,037 intermodal units, down 15.8 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 607,088 carloads and intermodal units, down 15.3 percent. North American rail volume for the first 22 weeks of 2016 was 14,327,661 carloads and intermodal units, down 7.7 percent compared with 2015.? Canadian railroads reported 66,457 carloads for the week, down 11.3 percent, and 57,296 intermodal units, down 9.3 percent compared with the same week in 2015. For the first 22 weeks of 2016, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 2,811,071 carloads, containers and trailers, down 7.6 percent. Mexican railroads reported 16,336 carloads for the week, down 1.6 percent compared with the same week last year, and 11,653 intermodal units, down 0.9 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 22 weeks of 2016 was 593,290 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, down 0.1 percent from the same point last year. (AAR - posted 6/07) CLAUDE MONGEAU TO STEP DPWM FOM HIS ROLE LEADING CN: CN (CNI) announced today that its President and Chief Executive Officer Claude Mongeau will step down from his role leading CN at the end of June. Mongeau joined CN 22 years ago, was CN's Chief Financial Officer for 11 years, and its Chief Executive Officer for the last six and a half years. He has been one of the key architects of CN's remarkable business transformation from the early days towards the company's Initial Public Offering in 1995, to its successful expansion as a leading North American railway today. Mongeau said: "I was filled with joy returning at the helm earlier this year, but I gradually came to realize that it is difficult to fulfill such a demanding ?role given my new condition as a laryngectomee. I sincerely thank the key members of my Leadership Team and my fellow CN Directors for their understanding and support in the circumstances." Mongeau continued: "Facing up to a situation like this inevitably stirs a lot of emotions?, but I step down from my role with a deep sense of pride and the firm conviction that CN remains in good hands and has a bright future." ?CN's Directors today unanimously appointed Luc Jobin as President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the CN Board effective as of July 1st, 2016. Jobin, 57, joined CN as Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer in 2009 following a successful career as a senior executive at Imasco, Imperial Tobacco, British American Tobacco and Power Corporation. CN has greatly benefitted from his very broad business experience over the last seven years as he set out to strengthen the finance, information technology and strategic planning functions; he also co-ordinated the CN Leadership Team during Mongeau's medical leave in the fall of 2015. CN's Chairman, Robert Pace, said: "Although Claude will remain available to help with the transition, we will miss him and his sound leadership dearly. His bold innovation agenda, centred on true supply-chain collaboration and solid customer service, has set CN on a path of sustainable value-creation for many years to come and we warmly thank him for that contribution on behalf of all our stakeholders." Pace concluded: "?Luc and the senior Leadership Team are well-prepared to carry on delivering CN's agenda of operational and service excellence. With its unique three-coast network, its diversified business franchise and its workforce of 23,000 highly talented railroaders, CN remains very well-positioned for the future." (CN - posted 6/07) COMMUNITIES ACROSS AMERICA SEEK $9.3 BILLION IN TRANSPORTATION FUNDING: U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today announced that the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program has received 585 applications from across the country totaling $9.3 billion in requested funding – over 18 times more than the $500 million that will be awarded. Now in its eighth year, the TIGER program has continued to attract overwhelming demand from communities of all sizes, with 337 applications coming from urban areas and 248 from rural communities. The high level of interest underscores the continued need for transportation investment nationwide. "Communities across the country know that if we want a strong, multimodal transportation system that will meet our needs in the future, we need to make meaningful investments today," said Secretary Foxx. "As we have seen year after year, there are far more worthy projects than we can fund through TIGER, demonstrating the need for a serious, long-term investment in transportation funding." Like the first seven rounds, 2016 TIGER discretionary grants will fund capital investments in surface transportation infrastructure and will be awarded on a competitive basis for projects that will have a significant impact on the nation, a metropolitan area, or a region. The 2016 TIGER grant program focuses on capital projects that generate economic development and improve access to reliable, safe and affordable transportation for communities, both urban and rural. As in previous rounds, the TIGER program supports projects that promote safety, economic competitiveness, quality of life, environmental sustainability and state of good repair. The program also prioritizes innovation, partnership and ladders of opportunity. The highly competitive TIGER program, which began as a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, offers federal funding possibilities for large, transformative multi-modal projects. Since 2009, TIGER has provided nearly $4.6 billion to 381 projects in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, including 134 projects to support rural and tribal communities. Overall, the Department has received more than 6,700 applications requesting more than $134 billion for transportation projects across the country. The TIGER grant program supports innovative projects, including multi-modal and multi-jurisdictional projects. These federal funds leverage money from private sector partners, states, local, and tribal governments, metropolitan planning organizations, ports, and transit agencies. The 2015 TIGER round alone has enabled communities to leverage $500 million in federal investment to support $1.4 billion in overall transportation investments. TIGER funding was provided in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016, signed by President Obama on December 18, 2015. More information about previous years' TIGER grantees as well as this year's application process can be found at http://www.transportation.gov/tiger (USDOT - posted 6/07) CELEBRATE THE NY TRANSIT MUSEUM'S 40TH ANNIVERSARY": On July 4th, 1976, a group of New York City Transit employees opened the "New York Transit Exhibit" as part of the United States Bicentennial year celebrations. Housed in the decommissioned Court Street Station, the exhibit allowed visitors to climb aboard fifteen vintage subway and elevated cars and explore a variety of exhibits dedicated to the rich and sprawling history of mass transportation in New York City. Only scheduled to be open for two months, the exhibit was so popular that its run was continually extended – for the next thirteen years. In 1989, the exhibit was officially established as the New York Transit Museum. The New York Transit Museum has grown substantially in the ensuing years, with the addition of the Grand Central Gallery Annex and Store in 1999, a major renovation to the Museum's Court Street Station home completed in 2003, and the opening of the Gabrielle Shubert Research Center in 2015. Not only has the Museum expanded its physical footprint and the extent of its historic collections, but its educational, public programming, and growing exhibit offerings have flourished as well – providing nostalgia, entertainment and information for the benefit and enjoyment of New Yorkers and transit-lovers young and old. This summer, the Transit Museum marks its 40th anniversary with three action-packed events featuring the Museum's vintage fleet of buses and train cars! Learn more at www.nytransitmuseum.org/40. . PARTY ON WHEELS! Sunday, June 12th, 9am – 11am | Tickets start at $35 Bring the whole family for private early access to the Museum in Downtown Brooklyn, breakfast and birthday cake, crafts and dancing, and unlimited rides on the Museum's vintage R 1/9 subway cars from the 1930s. They'll even take you for a spin on a vintage bus! Tickets: www.bit.ly/PartyonWheels16. The Party on Wheels is generously sponsored by Transit Wireless. Proceeds benefit the Transit Museum's education programs. All but $25 per ticket is tax deductible. BLOCK PARTY! Sunday, June 12th, noon – 5pm | FREE The Transit Museum is pulling out all the stops with an all-day, all-ages block party up above the Museum's subway-station home in Downtown Brooklyn. Schermerhorn Street will be closed to make way for transportation games, entertainment, and… beep-beep… a selection of vehicles from the Museum's vintage bus fleet! Admission to the Museum will be free all afternoon. RIDE THE RAILS! Saturday June 25 and Sunday, June 26, noon – 4pm | FREE with the swipe of a MetroCard! The Museum's vintage train cars are headed on a special trip to the end of the line – the BMT Brighton line, that is! Ride the rails in historic style by hopping on and off a selection of the Museum's vintage fleet at the Brighton Beach station B/Q platforms, including BRT/BMT "Standards," BMT D-Type Triplex, and IND R1/9s. A pop-up retail shop and hands-on activities for the whole family round out this day of fun at the Brighton Beach station! To celebrate the Museum's 40th anniversary, artist Julia Rothman has created a collection of handmade paintings depicting the Museum and its extensive collection, entitled 40 Years, 40 Paintings. The original paintings will be on view in an upcoming exhibit at the Transit Museum in Downtown Brooklyn, opening on June 12th. The New York Transit Museum is also rolling out a new website in honor of its 40th anniversary! Over the next few weeks, www.nytransitmuseum.org/40.will feature images and artifacts that highlight the Museum's storied history as well as the institution's favorite events and exhibitions over the years. ABOUT NEW YORK TRANSIT MUSEUM: The New York Transit Museum, one of the city's leading cultural institutions, is the largest museum in the United States devoted to urban public transportation history and one of the premier institutions of its kind in the world. The Museum explores the development of the greater New York metropolitan region through the presentation of exhibitions, tours, educational programs and workshops dealing with the cultural, social and technological history of public transportation. Since its inception 40 years ago, the Museum – which is housed in a historic 1936 IND subway station in Downtown Brooklyn – has grown in scope and popularity. The New York Transit Museum operates a Gallery Annex in Grand Central Terminal that presents changing exhibitions. As custodian and interpreter of the region's extensive public transportation networks, the Museum strives to share through its public programs their rich and vibrant history with local, regional, and international audiences. (Amtrak - posted 6/06) AMTRAK EXHIBIT TRAIN TO MAKE A STOP AT BRUNSWICK TRAIN DAY, JUNE 11: The Amtrak® Exhibit Train, a traveling museum showcasing the past, present and future of America's Railroad®, will roll into Brunswick Station for free tours as part of Brunswick Train Day. The Exhibit Train is celebrating the 45th anniversary of Amtrak with a colorful timeline showing the milestones in the history of Amtrak since its operations began on May 1, 1971. Interactive displays include railroad horns, trivia questions, workable signals and an engineer's stand. Brunswick Train Day is Saturday, June 11, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. at the Brunswick Visitor Center and Train Station, 16 Station Avenue and will include an array of free activities. In addition to the Amtrak Exhibit Train, the event will include a model train display by the Maine 3-Railers, a railroad-themed kids activity area, samples of Maine Made products from the Amtrak Downeaster, train merchandise, giveaways and more. Amtrak has also partnered with The National Park Service in celebration of their centennial. A special National Park Service passport stamp has been created to commemorate this milestone. It will be available at all Exhibit Train stops. For more information about the Exhibit Train and tour dates, please visit The All Aboard America Tour. To make getting to the event more fun, the Amtrak Downeaster is offering a Buy-One-Get-One Free special on tickets to Brunswick Station for those interested in riding the rails to Brunswick Train Day. Simply reference Promo Code V489 when making reservations. A three-day advanced reservation is required. For a complete Downeaster schedule and to make your reservation, click here. (Amtrak - posted 6/06) BR&W STEAM PHOTO FREIGHT AND NIGHT PHOTO JUNE 25TH: The Volunteer Railroaders Association in conjunction with the Black River Railroad Historic Trust is proud to announce a special photographers Photo Freight on June 25th featuring the Black River & Western #60. The #60 is a 2-8-0 Consolidation and is New Jersey's oldest operating steam locomotive. The train will be made up of passenger equipment, freight cars and even a caboose. At least 7 photo run-bys will be staged along the route between Three Bridges and Ringoes, which will give everyone the chance to get some great pictures. The day will start at 2:30pm in Flemington where participants will meet to find out all the details for the day. When the last regularly scheduled train of the day arrives, it will head for Three Bridges instead of turning back for Ringoes. Due to "excepted track" we will not be able to board the train for this leg of the trip, but instead we will follow the train and be given the chance to take some very rare photos of the #60 and her train. After a few photo run-bys the train will return to Flemington where passengers will board for a round trip to the end of in service track at Boss Road in Ringoes. Along the route the train will stop a number of times for more photo run-bys, some at locations not accessible to the public. When completed passengers will reboard the train for a non-stop run back to Flemington and then head out for dinner on their own. As darkness arrives a Night Photo session will take place for up to 30 photographers in and around the Ringoes yard and station. A variety of scenes will be set up featuring the #60 and other equipment operating on the BRW. Passengers can choose to ride in coach for $40, Club Car for $60 or for a select few you can ride in the Caboose for $50. The night photo session is limited to only 30 participants and can be purchased for $25. A special combination ticket is being offered in coach for $55, Caboose for $65 and Club Car class for $75, each a $10 savings. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the VRA's web site at www.vratrips.org or by calling 973-238-0555 and leaving a message. Be sure to buy your tickets early as there a very limited quantity available and are sure to sell fast. This event is being run as a fund raiser for the VRA and to help raise funds needed for the BRW to return service to the line to Lambertville. You are encouraged to visit www.blackriverrailroad.com for more information and to donate directly to this effort. (VRA - posted 6/06) GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES AWARD OF KEY CONTRACTS IN LIRR DOUBLE TRACK PROJECT: Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that two design-build contracts have been awarded for work that will significantly advance the Long Island Rail Road's Double Track project. When completed, the project will dramatically increase capacity of the Ronkonkoma Branch along 18 miles between Farmingdale and Ronkonkoma. The addition of the second track will allow the LIRR to provide more frequent off-peak service to the Ronkonkoma Branch in both directions and will increase flexibility and reduce delays associated with service disruptions. Completion of the Double Track project is targeted for the end of 2018. "This is a major step forward in our plan to modernize one of the Long Island Rail Road's busiest lines," Governor Cuomo said. "The Double Track project will increase the reliability of our mass transit system, improving the commute for thousands of Long Islanders and helping to facilitate future economic growth in the entire region." Contract For 7.4 miles of track between Farmingdale and Central Islip: The first contract awarded is to design and construct a total of 7.4 miles of track between Farmingdale and Central Islip. The contract has been awarded to Skanska-Posillico II Joint Venture, and is valued at up to $59.7 million. The joint venture will design and build 6.1 miles of trackbed between Farmingdale and Deer Park, and 1.3 miles of trackbed between Brentwood and Central Islip. Under the Design-Build Contract for Phase 1 previously approved by the MTA Board, the civil work is nearing completion on 5.2 miles of the second track between Ronkonkoma and west of Central Islip. As a result, the project will add a total of 12.6 miles of track to an existing 5.4 miles of track, creating an 18 mile-stretch of double track. Signal System Contract: The second contract is to design and build a new signaling system that will use computer-based train control software to better coordinate train movement when the second track is activated. The contract has been awarded to Ansaldo STS USA, Inc., and is valued at $44.8 million. The work will include final design, fabrication, delivery and system integration, and testing of new components, including transmitters and 28 new wayside "huts," and other infrastructure associated with new interlockings at Farmingdale, Wyandanch, Deer Park, and Central Islip, and a modified interlocking at Ronkonkoma. Design-Build Contracts: At the direction of the Governor, the LIRR is using design-build contracts for both projects. Design-build contracts call for a single team of contractors to be responsible for both designing and building an entire project in order to ensure that coordination is seamless, and that work is completed in the shortest possible time frame. MTA Chairman Tom Prendergast said, "By using design-build contracts, we can eliminate a host of delays. When one team handles both design and construction it eliminates the all-too-common disconnect between various phases of a project, and helps move the process along at a more rapid clip. That's good for the LIRR, good for the contractors and, most of all, good for New Yorkers." President of the Long Island Association Kevin Law said, "Over the past five years, we've strengthened Long Island's economy by focusing on what works – like investing in world-class infrastructure, attracting first-rate jobs and driving smart growth in communities from Montauk to Melville. This new Welcome Center will build on that progress, further boosting tourism and showcasing all that Long Island has to offer. I commend Governor Cuomo for his dedication to investing in this region's infrastructure and strengthening our local economy." Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone said, "I commend Governor Cuomo and the Long Island Rail Road for their efforts to add a second track to the Ronkonkoma line. This project will not only make the commute more efficient for thousands of residents, but it will continue to spur economic growth, create jobs and bring more opportunity throughout the entire region. Today we reached another important milestone in the Double Track project and I look forward to seeing it progress and create a brighter future for the entire Long Island community." Construction work on the Double Track project is already in progress. By the time the entire project is completed, the LIRR estimates Double Track will have injected close to $100 million into the Long Island economy. Double Track is one of seven major LIRR construction projects subject to an innovative Project Labor Agreement with the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The unions signed an agreement that will result in an estimated direct labor savings of over $6 million or about 11 percent of the total labor cost of these capital projects. The pact also provides opportunities for minorities and women to enter the trade union apprentice program and includes non-discrimination provisions in union hiring and job placement practices. Ridership on the LIRR's Ronkonkoma Branch is more than 48,000 each weekday. With just one track along most of the 18-mile route between Farmingdale and Ronkonkoma, the LIRR can operate a limited number of trains and lacks operational flexibility in the event of a disruption. If one train becomes disabled, all other trains (east and west) have no way around the problem. The construction of the Double Track between Farmingdale and Ronkonkoma will also support Long Island-wide resiliency by enabling the LIRR to provide better Main Line Service options in conditions where either the Montauk Branch or Port Jefferson Branch is compromised because of severe weather. (MTA - posted 6/03) CN ENCOURAGES CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES TO SUBMIT INPUT FOR KEY ROUTE CORRIDOR RISK ASSESSMENTS: CN (CNI) said today it is encouraging communities to submit input for corridor risk assessments along rail routes carrying significant amounts of dangerous goods. CN performs specific risk assessments on railway lines carrying substantial amounts of dangerous goods, known as Key Routes, looking at factors such as population and emergency response capabilities. Under new Transport Canada regulations, CN will incorporate input from Canadian municipalities along these Key Routes as part of those risk assessments. "Nothing is more important at CN than safety, and we recognize that safety is also of the utmost importance to communities we serve," said Sam Berrada, vice president of safety and sustainability at CN. "We believe rail safety is a shared responsibility and look forward to continuing our ongoing partnerships with communities as we advance rail safety." CN has created a webpage where municipalities can submit input for the assessments. The webpage debuted during the annual meeting of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in Winnipeg. Last year, during FCM's annual meeting in Edmonton, CN launched a campaign urging first responders to sign up for AskRail, a mobile application that gives them real-time information about the contents of rail cars. More than 2,000 firefighters, police officers and emergency managers across CN's network have downloaded the application. CN annually shares information about the nature and volume of dangerous goods moving through specific communities with hundreds of municipal emergency response departments across Canada. Also this week, CN issued its 2016 CN in Your Community Report describing the company's role as a backbone of the North American economy and how the railroad contributes to the local communities it serves. (CN - posted 6/03) READING & NORTHERN RAILROAD RECEIVES STATE GRANT FOR AN IMPORTANT NEW BRIDGE: The construction of a modern railroad bridge across the Lehigh River to create a connection between the Reading, Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad has been assured with the announcement of a second $5 million grant by the Pennsylvania State Transportation Commmission. The $14 million project, known as the Nesquehoning Bridge Phase II, will creat an efficient direct route from Philadelphia ti Binghamton, N.Y., which will be a sbustantial economic benefit to eastern central Pennsylvania, including Carbon, Luzerne and Berks Counties. The bridge will be 1,200 feet long. Andrew M. Muller, Jr. CEO noted that this is a project that has been puresued since the late 1990s and has been enabled by the administrations of Governors Tom Wold and Tom Corbett, plus a number of key members of the General Assembly, including Senators John Yudchak (D-Luzerne, Carbon), David Argall (R-Schuykill, Berks) and Representative Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon). "This new transportation infrastructure will creat a stronger economic base for Carbon, Luzerne, Schuykill, and Berks Counties, not to mention the eastern portion of our Commonwealth," Muller said "it would not have happened without the enthusiastic support of our legislative delegation." (R&N - posted 6/02) AMTRAK PETS PROGRAM ON ACELA WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS NOW PERMANENT: Amtrak announced today it has extended its pets program on Acela Express, allowing customers to continue traveling with their small pets on weekends and holidays only, just in time for families making summer travel plans. As a result of the overwhelming success of its pilot test, Amtrak has made this program permanent on weekend Acela trains. More than 7,400 pets have traveled with their owners along the Northeast Corridor since the pilot launched in October 2015. Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., remain top departure cities. Amtrak continues to welcome service animals on board at no charge. For more information about Amtrak's Pet policy, visit amtrak.com . (Amtrak - posted 6/02) AMTRAK AND PARTNERS HOST OPEN HOUSE ON PAOLI STATION ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT: Amtrak, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will host an open house this month to provide details on the construction phase of the Paoli Station Accessibility Improvements Project. This project will include a series of improvements aimed at making the station fully accessible for all passengers. The open house will be held on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at the Paoli Train Station from 4:00 p.m. -7:30 p.m. Identical Information/displays and project staff will be available and located in the northwest outbound SEPTA permit parking lot and the south inbound parking lot adjacent to the station. The Open House provides an opportunity to review project renderings, discuss project details and review the project construction timeline. The project team welcomes your questions and interest in this important project. Accessible vans will be available at the lower northwest parking lot (SEPTA Permit Lot) to transport passengers to the area of the Open House. The public is also invited to learn more about the project by visiting nec.amtrak.com or www.septa.org/rebuilding . (Amtrak - posted 6/01) AAR REPORTS WEEKLY RAIL TRAFFIC FOR MAY AND WEEK ENDING MAY 28, 2016: The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported weekly U.S. rail traffic, as well as volumes for May 2016. Carload traffic in May totaled 962,571 carloads, down 10.3 percent or 110,678 from May 2015. U.S. railroads also originated 1,049,631 containers and trailers in May 2016, down 3.3 percent or 36,365 units from the same month last year. For May 2016, combined U.S. carload and intermodal originations were 2,012,202, down 6.8 percent or 147,043 carloads and intermodal units from May 2015. In May 2016, ten of the 20 carload commodity categories tracked by the AAR each month saw carload gains compared with May 2015. These included: miscellaneous carloads, up 30.8 percent or 5,854 carloads; crushed stone, gravel and sand, up 5.3 percent or 4,670 carloads; and chemicals, up 3.8 percent or 4,514 carloads. Commodities that saw declines in May 2016 from May 2015 included: coal, down 29.6 percent or 109,276 carloads; petroleum and petroleum products, down 20.3 percent or 11,988 carloads; and metallic ores, down 12.9 percent or 3,701 carloads. Excluding coal, carloads were down 29.6 percent or 259,735 carloads from May 2015. Total U.S. carload traffic for the first 21 weeks of 2016 was 5,050,191 carloads, down 13.6 percent or 792,892 carloads, while intermodal containers and trailers were 5,417,763 units, down 1.3 percent or 70,136 containers and trailers when compared to the same period in 2015. For the first five months of 2016, total rail traffic volume in the United States was 10,467,954 carloads and intermodal units, down 7.6 percent or 863,028 carloads and intermodal units from the same point last year. "Most economists think the economy has picked up in the second quarter from the dismal 0.8 percent growth in the first quarter, but so far railroads aren't seeing much of it," said AAR Senior Vice President of Policy and Economics John T. Gray. "A variety of environmental and market forces continue to punish coal, and high business inventory levels and excess truck capacity, among other things, are pressuring rail intermodal volumes. Railroads are focusing on what they can control — providing safe, reliable service — while looking forward to the forces they can't control turning their way." WEEK ENDING MAY 28, 2016:...... Total U.S. weekly rail traffic for the week ending May 28, 2016 was 513,917 carloads and intermodal units, up 1.9 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending May 28 were 246,881 carloads, down 4.1 percent compared with the same week in 2015, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 267,036 containers and trailers, up 8 percent compared to 2015. Note: Traffic this week this year does not include Memorial Day. The comparable week last year does include Memorial Day. Therefore, this week's numbers are not a true reflection of rail traffic when compared to 2015. Seven of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2015. They included miscellaneous carloads, up 57 percent to 11,119 carloads; motor vehicles and parts, up 10.2 percent to 18,897 carloads; and nonmetallic minerals, up 9.3 percent to 35,410 carloads. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2015 were coal, down 25 percent to 65,832 carloads; petroleum and petroleum products, down 13.9 percent to 12,258 carloads; and forest products, down 6.9 percent to 10,104 carloads. North American rail volume for the week ending May 28, 2016, on 13 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 330,252 carloads, down 5.5 percent compared with the same week last year, and 334,742 intermodal units, up 3.7 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 664,994 carloads and intermodal units, down 1.1 percent. North American rail volume for the first 21 weeks of 2016 was 13,720,573 carloads and intermodal units, down 7.3 percent compared with 2015. Canadian railroads reported 65,392 carloads for the week, down 12.9 percent, and 56,557 intermodal units, down 10.8 percent compared with the same week in 2015. For the first 21 weeks of 2016, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 2,687,318 carloads, containers and trailers, down 7.5 percent. Mexican railroads reported 17,979 carloads for the week, up 6 percent compared with the same week last year, and 11,149 intermodal units, down 8.6 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 21 weeks of 2016 was 565,301 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, down 0.1 percent from the same point last year. (FRA - posted 6/01) TRACK RENEWAL PROJECT SCHEDULED ALONG SEPTA'S ROUTE 15 TROLLEY LINE: SEPTA will conduct a track renewal project on a portion of its Route 15 trolley line from June 5-September 3, 2016. The project will take place on Girard Avenue at the following locations: from the intersection at 58th Street to west of the intersection a 60th Street; Poplar Street from west of Ringgold Street to 25th Street; and from just east of 9th Street to the east curb line at Broad Street. Some of the track in this area was installed in the 1940s. Other track was installed in the 1950s and 1970s. The street structure supporting the tracks has deteriorated due to weather, traffic and the age of the road surface. SEPTA will excavate and replace approximately 9,800 track feet and repave the track area. The new track will result in reduced sound and vibration because the new rail is incased in an insulated rubber boot. The new and improved track components will make for a smoother ride. Buses will replace trolleys along the entire Route 15 from June 5-September 3, 2016. Trolleys will return between Frankford and Delaware Avenues and 63rd Street and Girard Avenue on September 4. Shuttle buses currently in use between Richmond Street and Allegheny Avenue and Front Street and Girard Avenue due to PennDOT construction will continue to operate in place of Route 15 trolleys. SEPTA will also replace switches for the Route 10 and Route 15 trolleys at 59th and 60th Streets. Buses will replace Route 10 trolleys from June 5-July 23, 2016. Route 10 passengers traveling to Center City will take buses to 33rd and Market Streets, where they can transfer to Route 11, 13, 34 or 36 trolleys to complete their trips. Westbound passengers should board Route 11, 13, 34 or 36 trolleys in Center City and transfer to the Route 10 bus at 33rd and Market Streets. Signs for buses will be posted at 33rd and Market Streets. The project will start at 60th Street and progress east over the summer. The inner lanes on Girard Avenue will be closed to all traffic in five separate, multi-block construction areas. Girard Avenue will remain open for emergency vehicles and deliveries during the entire track renewal project. Lanes for local traffic will be shifted in the construction area with the exception of 58th-60th Streets. Haverford and Girard Avenues will be closed to through traffic and detours will be posted. All side streets in the construction areas will be closed to thru traffic, but local traffic will be permitted up to construction sites. Parking will not be permitted in the area or adjacent to the tracks being reconstructed, however, exceptions will be made for those with special needs. Walking access for businesses will be arranged. Normal construction hours will be Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Weekend work may be required to maintain the project schedule. Temporary trailers will be placed on the sidewalks at 59th Street north of Girard Avenue (east side of the street) and Girard Avenue through July 25, and on the sidewalk of Girard Avenue between Hutchinson and 10th Streets through September 5, 2016. Parking lanes on the north side of Girard between 58th and 59th Streets and on the north side of Poplar between Ringgold and 25th Streets will be closed through July so rail strings can be welded and stored until installation. The parking lane on the south side of Girard between 10th and 11th Streets will be closed through August for rail string welding and storage. (SEPTA - posted 5/31) NEW FRA RULES STRENTHEN PROTECTIONS FOR WORKERS ALONG RAILROAD TRACKS AND EXPAND DRUG TESTING: The U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) today announced it has issued two final rules to better protect railroad employees working on or near railroad tracks. One rule amends the existing Roadway Worker Protection regulation. The second rule, Control of Alcohol and Drug Use, revises FRA's existing alcohol and drug testing regulations and expands the requirements to now cover maintenance of way (MOW) employees. The second rule fulfills a requirement of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008. "Clear communication, multiple layers of safety and a rigorous alcohol and drug testing policy are critical to keep workers along and near tracks—and ultimately passengers and train crews—out of harm's way," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "These are common sense rules that will help make our railroads safer." The Roadway Worker Protection final rule amendments will: (1) resolve different interpretations that have emerged since the rule went into effect nearly 20 years ago; (2) implement FRA's Railroad Safety Advisory Committee's (RSAC) consensus recommendations; (3) codify certain FRA Technical Bulletins; (4) codify a FAST Act mandate by adopting new requirements governing redundant signal protections; (5) address the safe movement of roadway maintenance machinery over signalized non-controlled track (not under a dispatcher's control); and (6) amend certain qualification requirements for roadway workers. The latest amendments require that job briefings include information for roadway worker groups on the accessibility of the roadway worker in charge; set standards for how "occupancy behind" train authorities (when the authority for a work crew does not begin until the train has passed the area) can be used; and require annual training for any individual serving as a roadway worker in charge. In addition to the existing requirement to have a primary means of protection by establishing working limits and a requirement that all affected roadway workers be notified before working limits are released, FRA's rule changes will now require another level of redundant signal protection. "These new rules add another layer of protection for workers who work along and near railroad tracks and will help us reduce preventable worker injuries and fatalities," said FRA Administrator Sarah E. Feinberg. In response to both a congressional mandate and a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendation, FRA is broadening the scope of its existing drug and alcohol testing regulation to cover MOW employees. Currently, a MOW employee is only drug and alcohol tested when he or she has died as a result of an accident or incident. MOW employees will now be fully subject to FRA's drug and alcohol testing that includes random testing, post-accident testing, reasonable suspicion testing, reasonable cause testing, pre-employment testing, return-to-duty testing and follow-up testing. "Whether you are an engineer, conductor or someone working alongside the tracks, safety requires alertness. Any reduction in awareness caused by drugs or alcohol use can often be the difference between life and death," Feinberg added. The Control of Alcohol and Drug Use rule, which also clarifies interpretations since the testing rule went into effect in 1986, includes other substantive changes. In response to another NTSB recommendation, the rule changes will now allow drug testing of railroad and MOW employees that are believed to have caused an incident at a railroad crossing. The final Roadway Worker Protection rule is effective April 1, 2017. The Control of Alcohol and Drug Use goes into effect one year after publication (USDOT- posted 5/31) 765 TO OPERATE EXCURSION TO GALESBURG RAILROAD DAYS IN JUNE: For the first time in over a decade, a steam-powered passenger excursion will depart downtown Chicago Union Station on June 25th and 26th. Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive no. 765 will operate The Galesburg Zephyr between Union Station and Galesburg, Illinois for the Galesburg Railroad Days. These all-day, round-trip excursions will feature vintage passenger cars from the 1940s and 50s and include accommodations in standard coach, deluxe coach, and first class and dome car. Passengers will enjoy a three-hour layover at the festival. Tickets can be railroad tickets or by calling 888-718-4253. Additional information and frequently asked questions can be read at fortwaynerailroad.org/faq. Information and a schedule of events and attractions for the Galesburg Railroad Days can be read at galesburgrailroaddays.org. The Galesburg Zephyr, a 16 car excursion train, is a nod to the fleets of passenger trains that the Burlington Route operated "EVERYWHERE WEST" starting in the 1930's. The Burlington Route was an early innovator in diesel locomotives, stainless steel passenger cars and the development of the dome car with superior visibility. This train will carry two vintage dome cars from the 1950's. In order to accommodate passengers in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, an additional passenger stop will also be made both days at the Amtrak station in Naperville, Illinois. The trips are being operated in concert with Amtrak and BNSF – a first for the railroad historical society. There will be an Amtrak diesel locomotive on the train, primarily to generate electricity for the lighting and air conditioning on the passenger cars. "These trips represent our first partnership with Amtrak and BNSF to bring the magic of the 765 to thousands of people," said Bill Otter, president of the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society (FWRHS). "Passengers aboard this trip will be the first to experience the 765 at high-speed in many years." Owned and operated by the FWRHS, no. 765 has operated passenger excursions and public exhibitions throughout the Midwest since 1979. The locomotive and train attract passengers from around the world for numerous sell-out excursions throughout the year. No. 765 was originally built in 1944, restored in 1979 and completely rebuilt in 2005 and is maintained by an all-volunteer crew. . (Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society - posted 5/27) FAREWELL TO THE SECRET CITY SCENIC EXCURSION: The Secret City Scenic excursion operation, located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is being forced to suspend operations. The excursion operation received notification the owners of Heritage Railroad, that they would be unable to renew the Operating Agreement. The reason given was liability concerns.In nearly two decades of service SARM is most proud of the thousands of volunteer hours worked and tens of thousands of passengers transported safely.The museum's extensive equipment collection is safe and we will be working on other opportunities in the future. We would like to thank the Department of Energy, CROET, Energy Solutions, the Oak Ridge Heritage Rail Authority, Walden's Ridge Railroad and the Oak Ridge community for their years of support in this endeavor.We will be refunding all pre-paid reservations. (Southern Appalachia Railway Museum - posted 5/27) METRO-NORTH AND CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SIGN PARTERNING LETTER: The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced that Metro-North Railroad and the Connecticut Department of Transportation have signed a "partnering letter" agreeing to a strong, collaborative effort as plans are finalized to replace the Walk railroad bridge – the 120-year-old bridge over the Norwalk River that swings open and closed to accommodate marine traffic below. The bridge carries all four tracks and is a key link on the New Haven Line – the busiest commuter line in the country – and the entire Northeast corridor between Boston, New York and Washington DC. When it fails to close properly – as has happened in recent years – it causes significant inconvenience to commuters and both commercial and recreational mariners, and disrupts commerce and economic activity. The bridge carries over 165 commuter and freight trains daily. "This complex project requires meticulous planning and effective communications between the DOT and Metro-North so that everyone has input and consistent information," said CTDOT Commissioner James Redeker. "This will ensure the best and most informed decision-making as the project advances." "To maintain the ongoing safety and reliability of the New Haven line, replacing the Walk railroad bridge is of paramount importance to both the Connecticut Department of Transportation and Metro-North Railroad," said Joseph Giulietti, President of Metro-North Railroad. "Metro-North is collaborating closely with the Connecticut Department of Transportation to make sure we build a highly reliable structure, while minimizing potential service disruptions." The attached letter is written to memorialize "the management approach and working relationships … that are necessary to advance the Walk Bridge Program," which includes the replacement of three nearby bridges and makes other operational and safety enhancements. "The extraordinary challenges associated with building the new Walk Bridge … will require innovative approaches to all aspects of the program from design through construction," the letter states. "With the primary goals being public safety and minimizing impacts on rail customers and the community, CTDOT and MNR will consider any and all reasonable opportunities to accelerate the work program. "This spirit of innovation must also extend to public outreach. A well-informed and engaged community is more likely to be tolerant of unavoidable negative impacts during construction and more supportive of the overall program," states the letter signed by Redeker and Giulietti. The letter also spells out schedules of meetings between various parties in order to keep robust communication and informed decision-making at the forefront. While construction of the Walk Bridge is not scheduled to begin until mid-2018, three advance construction projects are necessary before the bridge replacement project begins. More on the Walk Bridge Program at www.walkbridgect.com. (MTA - posted 5/26) SEPTA BOARD APPROVES FY 2017 OPERATING & CAPITAL BUDGETS: The SEPTA Board today approved Operating and Capital Budgets for the upcoming fiscal year - spending plans that provide funds for the everyday costs of running the transit system, and for critical improvement projects. The budgets cover Fiscal Year 2017, which is the 12-month period beginning July 1, 2016. The SEPTA Board's approval follows a series of public meetings on the budget proposals earlier this spring. The Operating Budget, which provides day-to-day funding for expenses such as labor, fuel and power, is $1.4 billion, an increase of approximately 3 percent over Fiscal Year 2016. The Operating Budget maintains current service levels, with no fare increase for riders. The Fiscal Year 2017 Capital Budget and 12-Year Capital Program advances initiatives to renew critical infrastructure, replace aging portions of SEPTA's fleet and expand capacity for growing ridership. The $548.63 million spending plan for FY 2017 advances SEPTA's "Rebuilding the System" initiative. The Authority embarked on this plan following the November 2013 passage of Pennsylvania Act 89, which provides capital funds for transportation improvements throughout the Commonwealth. In the coming year, SEPTA will move ahead with projects such as its bridge program, including the Crum Creek Viaduct replacement - an initiative to renew a critical span along the Media/Elwyn Line that dates back to the late 1800s. Other major initiatives include: Communications, Signal Systems and Technology Improvements Safety and Security Improvements SEPTA Key - fare modernization project Stations, Loops and Parking Improvements Substations and Power Improvements Track and Right-of-Way Improvements Vehicle Acquisitions and Overhauls To view or download the full budget documents, go to .http://www.septa.org/reports http://www.septa.org/reports . (MTA - posted 5/26) AAR REPORTS WEEKLY RAIL TRAFFIC FOR THE WEEK ENDING MAY 21, 2016: The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending May 21, 2016. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 506,983 carloads and intermodal units, down 8.5 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending May 21 were 244,290 carloads, down 10.6 percent compared with the same week in 2015, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 262,693 containers and trailers, down 6.5 percent compared to 2015. Four of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2015. They included miscellaneous carloads, up 20.7 percent to 10,071 carloads; nonmetallic minerals, up 4.7 percent to 37,326 carloads; and motor vehicles and parts, up 2.1 percent to 19,067 carloads. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2015 included coal, down 28.8 percent to 66,709 carloads; petroleum and petroleum products, down 21.5 percent to 11,593 carloads; and forest products, down 8.3 percent to 10,341 carloads. For the first 20 weeks of 2016, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 4,803,310 carloads, down 14 percent from the same point last year; and 5,150,727 intermodal units, down 1.7 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 20 weeks of 2016 was 9,954,037 carloads and intermodal units, a decrease of 8.1 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending May 21, 2016, on 13 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 329,662 carloads, down 10.2 percent compared with the same week last year, and 335,581 intermodal units, down 5.1 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 665,243 carloads and intermodal units, down 7.7 percent. North American rail volume for the first 20 weeks of 2016 was 13,055,579 carloads and intermodal units, down 7.6 percent compared with 2015. Canadian railroads reported 67,402 carloads for the week, down 12.7 percent, and 61,756 intermodal units, up 1.2 percent compared with the same week in 2015. For the first 20 weeks of 2016, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 2,565,369 carloads, containers and trailers, down 7.3 percent. Mexican railroads reported 17,970 carloads for the week, up 7.2 percent compared with the same week last year, and 11,132 intermodal units, down 4.4 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 20 weeks of 2016 was 536,173 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, down 0.1 percent from the same point last year. (AAR - posted 5/25) MODERNIZATION OF HICKSVILLE STATION NOW ON FAST TRACK FOR COMPLETION IN LESS THAN TWO YEARS: Governor Andrew Cuomo has put the planned $121 million modernization of the Long Island Rail Road's aging Hicksville station on the fast track, announcing the LIRR and the prime contractor have agreed to complete the job in 22 months, 13 months sooner than planned. "Hicksville station is the LIRR's third busiest station – topped only by Penn and Jamaica - and it's a key transfer point for customers on the Port Jefferson and Ronkonkoma branches," Governor Cuomo said. "To have such an important transportation hub encumbered by construction for three years was out of the question. In order to speed up the process both the LIRR and the contractor have worked out a unique construction methodology shortening the total construction time from 35 to 22 months." The Governor's announcement came as the MTA Board today unanimously approved the award of $56.7 million construction contract for Hicksville to Railroad Construction Company/Citnalta, a joint venture. LIRR officials said work could get underway as early as July. Governor Cuomo noted that the Hicksville upgrade is one of number LIRR projects subject to an innovative 2013 Project Labor Agreement between the LIRR and the Buildings and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk that has helped reduce construction costs by 10%. The entire project is funded by the MTA Capital Program, of which the state is the chief supporter. The Hicksville modernization is really two projects in one, the complete rehabilitation of the 55 year-old station at a cost of $68.8 million and construction of the Hicksville North Track Siding at the west end the station at a cost of $52.4 million. The North Track Siding will be built by the LIRR's workforce. Railroad Construction Company/Citnalta will handle the station renovation and prepare the North Track Siding site. The station upgrades include new platforms with glass-enclosed, heated waiting rooms, lighting, translucent canopy roof, stairways, escalators, plaza elevators, a video security system, audio and digital communications systems and signage. MTA Arts & Design plans artist designed ceramic mosaic murals and laminated art glass. If construction begins this summer, the station work should be done by spring 2018. The North Siding will connect Track 1 at Hicksville to an existing track siding situated about one-half mile west of the station platform. The siding will improve the Railroad's ability to reroute trains in the event of maintenance, construction or service disruptions. Railroad Construction Company is a major East Coast general contractor with experience in all areas of civil construction, rail construction and building construction and is currently working for the LIRR on the new Colonial Road Improvement Project near Great Neck station. Citnalta is a Bohemia, L.I based construction firm that has over the past decade completed more a dozen projects for the MTA, including rehabilitation of 15 subway stations. The design for the Hicksville Station revitalization was done by AECOM, a global provider of professional technical and management support services to a broad range of markets, including transportation, facilities, environment, energy, water and government. (MTA - posted 5/25) MTA AWARDS CONTRACTS FOR PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING WORK ON TWO STATIONS AT WILLETS POINT: The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced that it has awarded $7.5 million in contracts for preliminary engineering work at two stations at Willets Point, Queens. The preliminary engineering work, which is expected to be completed within a year, will pave the way for major enhancements at both stations, and prepare the MTA to collaborate with the Port Authority as planning for the AirTrain at LaGuardia moves forward. The first contract is valued at $4.6 million and is for work at the Long Island Rail Road's Mets-Willets Point Station. It has been awarded to STV, Inc. The second contract is valued at $2.9 million and deals with the Willets Point Station for New York City Transit's No. 7 train station. It has been awarded to HDR Architecture and Engineering, PC. "The preliminary engineering work we're doing at the two Willets Point stations is the first step in a plan to dramatically enhance both stations," commented MTA Chairman and CEO Thomas F. Prendergast. "It will also enable us to be ready to work with the Port Authority as planning for the LaGuardia AirTrain moves forward, which we see as critically important." The scope of the preliminary work will include plans for lengthening the LIRR station's platform to accommodate 12-car-long trains for greater service capacity, as well as Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility. For the modernized subway station, which is served by the 7 line, the preliminary engineering work will pave the way for newly designed mezzanines with state of the art electronics and communications, full ADA-compliant accessibility, and improved passenger flow for both events and normal service. (MTA - posted 5/25) GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES FINAL APPROVAL OF MTA CAPITAL PROGRAM: Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the $27 billion 2015-19 MTA Capital Program has received final approval from the Capital Plan Review Board. The passage of this Capital Program marks the largest investment in MTA infrastructure in state history, and outlines five years' worth of vital investments to renew, enhance and expand the MTA network. "The MTA is the lifeblood of the New York metropolitan area's transportation network and we must ensure it has the capacity to meet the travel demands of the next generation and fuel one of the largest economies on the globe," Governor Cuomo said. "By investing in the most robust transportation plan in state history, we are reimagining the MTA and ensuring a safer, more reliable and more resilient public transportation network for tomorrow." This year, the state committed to $8.3 billion in funding to the MTA's $27 billion Capital Plan. This investment, when combined with existing efforts, will purchase more than 2,340 buses and 1,450 subway cars to the system; advance an initiative to build four new Metro-North stations in underserved areas of the Bronx and bring Metro-North service to Penn Station; begin the extension of the Second Avenue Subway to East Harlem; continue the project to enhance LIRR performance by adding a second track along 18 miles between Farmingdale and Ronkonkoma; renovate and revitalize stations; an accelerated plan to create a new fare payment system to replace the MetroCard; and continue building the East Side Access project so that LIRR riders will be able to travel into Grand Central Terminal. In addition to the $27 billion the CPRB approved, the MTA's Capital Program includes nearly $3 billion in self-funded bridge and tunnel improvement and repair projects financed by MTA Bridges and Tunnels. Station Renovations: The Governor also announced that the MTA is moving forward with a plan to renovate 31 subway stations throughout the New York metropolitan area – a key aspect of his plan to reimagine the MTA for the 21st century. This week, the MTA Board is expected to approve a Request for Statement of Qualifications to begin identifying design-build teams to undertake the massive renovation program. "Today marks a major step forward for the MTA, and the people of New York," said MTA Chairman and CEO Tom Prendergast. "With historic levels of funding through the capital plan, we have the resources and support we need to fulfill the Governor's mandate to renew, enhance and expand our transportation infrastructure. We'll be taking the Governor's lead by employing strategies that speed construction – such as design-build contracts – while at the same time introducing the latest technologies across the system, more intuitive wayfinding at our stations, and a host of other amenities. And, as always, we'll continue to fulfill our core mission of ensuring the safety and reliability of the entire system." The station renovation initiative will include a wide range of innovative designs to enhance the customer experience, including dramatically improved lighting and more intuitive signs to make it easier for customers to navigate stations. The renovated stations will also offer amenities such as cellular connectivity, Wi-Fi and new art. The RSQ is the first step in a two-step process in which the most qualified teams are identified and shortlisted. After a group of pre-qualified design-build teams have been identified by early summer, teams on the shortlist will be invited to submit proposals on all subsequent station renovation packages beginning in July. The first contract is expected to be awarded in the fall. Makeover work at the selected stations is expected to be completed in six to 12 months, and the work at most of the 31 stations will be completed by December, 2018. The 31 stations included in the Station Renovation Program build upon a larger campaign designed to improve the customer experience that will include component and renewal work at more than 170 other stations. Double Track: The MTA also announced the advancement of key contracts for the design and construction of the final phase of the Long Island Rail Road's Double Track project, which will dramatically increase capacity of the Ronkonkoma Branch along 18 miles between Farmingdale and Ronkonkoma by adding a second track. The addition will allow the LIRR to provide more frequent off-peak service to the Ronkonkoma Branch in both directions and improve reliability and on-time performance, increasing flexibility and reducing delays associated with service disruptions. A design-build contract valued at up to $59.7 million will be awarded to Skanska-Posillico II (JV) to design and construct 7.4 miles of track between Farmingdale and Central Islip. A related $44.8 million design-build contract will be awarded to Ansaldo STS USA, Inc. to build a new design and signaling system that will use computer-based train control software to better coordinate train movement when the second track is activated. Both contracts are expected to be approved by the MTA Board on Wednesday. Completion of the project is targeted for the end of 2018. At the direction of the Governor, the LIRR is using design-build contracts – in which a single team of contractors is responsible for both designing and building an entire project –to ensure that coordination is seamless, and that work is completed in the shortest possible time frame. "When the Double Track project is completed, the LIRR will be able to expand service, reduce congestion-related delays and deliver dramatically enhanced service to its customers," said LIRR President Patrick Nowakowski. "The simple fact is that to have better train service, you have to have more tracks, and Long Islanders are eager for this project to go from concept to reality." Construction work is already in progress. By the time the entire project is completed, the LIRR estimates Double Track will have injected close to $100 million into the Long Island economy. The completion of Double Track is also dependent on finalizing other elements of the overall work plan. Double Track is one of seven major LIRR construction projects subject to an innovative Project Labor Agreement with the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The unions signed an agreement that will result in an estimated direct labor savings of over $6 million or about 11 percent of the total labor cost of these capital projects. The pact also provides opportunities for minorities and women to enter the trade union apprentice program and includes non-discrimination provisions in union hiring hall and job placement practices. Ridership on the LIRR's Ronkonkoma Branch is more than 48,000 each weekday. With just one track along most of the 18-mile route between Farmingdale and Ronkonkoma, the LIRR can operate a limited number of trains and lacks operational flexibility in the event of a disruption. If one train becomes disabled, all other trains (east and west) have no way around the problem. The construction of the Double Track between Farmingdale and Ronkonkoma will also support Long Island-wide resiliency by enabling the LIRR to provide better Main Line Service options in conditions where either the Montauk Branch or Port Jefferson Branch is compromised because of severe weather. (MTA - posted 5/24) FTA Issues Safety Advisory to Collect Information on Third Rail System Hazards - See more at: https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/fta-issues-safety-advisory-collect-information-third-rail-system-hazards#sthash.m7WFJxGg.dpuf The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) this week issued Safety Advisory 16-2 to collect information from State Safety Oversight Agencies (SSOAs) regarding the condition and safety performance of contact rail (third rail) traction power electrification systems at rail transit agencies within their jurisdiction. In recent months, FTA has investigated several safety events related to third rail system failures, including smoke incidents, explosions, intense fires, damage to railcar propulsion equipment, and exacerbated deterioration of poor track conditions. Specifically, the safety directive is requesting that each SSOA provide FTA with a description of any major upgrade to the third rail system or traction power cables within the past 10 years, a listing of any third rail system corrective action plans approved by the SSOA since 2012, and detailed information regarding smoke/fire events during 2015, among other items. FTA requires that SSOAs submit the requested information within 90 days. There are 13 rail transit agencies with third rail traction power electrification systems (in order of daily ridership): New York City Transit, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Miami-Dade Transit, Maryland Transit Administration, Puerto Rico Highways and Transportation Authority, Port Authority Transit Corporation, and Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority. - See more at: https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/fta-issues-safety-advisory-collect-information-third-rail-system-hazards#sthash.m7WFJxGg.dpuf. (USDOT- posted 5/24) LANDSLIDE EFFECTS WESTERN MARYLAND SCENIC OPERATIONS: Repair of a landslide that has kept Western Maryland Scenic Railroad excursions from reaching their Frostburg destination is expected to be completed by Aug. 1. The landslide discovered during routine track inspection in late February was the result of a mine-related issue near a switch about two miles from Frostburg, said John Garner, the railroad's superintendent. Land below the railroad tracks slipped away at an estimated 2 to 4 feet. Garner said the Maryland Bureau of Mines is in the process of removing debris and coal from the former mine site and improving the drainage system in the area to prevent future incidents. The repairs are being funded with federal money administered by the state bureau. In the meantime, the railroad's 2016 season is offering tourist train rides between Cumberland and Switch No. 9. (AP via Alex Mayes - posted 5/23) MBTA GENERAL MANAGER DEPAOLA TO RETIRE ON JUNE 30: Frank DePaola, P.E., who has served as General Manager of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) since February 2015, announced to staff today that he plans to retire after his current appointment expires on June 30. Secretary of Transportation Stephanie Pollack thanked DePaola in a letter to MBTA employees and announced that MBTA Chief Administrator Brian Shortsleeve would step into the role of Acting General Manager effective July 1, with MBTA Chief Operating Officer Jeffrey Gonneville assuming additional responsibilities at that time. Secretary Pollack said, "I have already begun consultations with the members of the Fiscal and Management Control Board on how best to ensure that during the coming transition the MBTA continues to serve its customers safely and reliably, builds on the progress that has been made on financial stability and increases its investment in maintenance and capital assets." "It has been an honor to serve as General Manager during this critical period and to work with so many dedicated colleagues and employees who have helped the MBTA improve service, become more resilient and fix the T's aging assets," DePaola said. Referring to his battle with cancer, DePaola called the job of General Manager "rewarding and relentless." He added, "My decision to retire is a difficult one but I cannot continue to spend the countless hours that the job demands while continuing needed treatment and focusing on my health." Governor Charlie Baker praised DePaola for his service, "Frank has been the kind of General Manager that the MBTA needs, someone whose management style has helped the MBTA to increase the public's confidence in the transit system's performance while also leading the T workforce during a period of change. On behalf of the Baker-Polito Administration, I want to express my appreciation to Frank for his work ethic and dedication." Secretary Pollack added, "Frank has always stepped up when his management and engineering skills were needed." She noted that DePaola had been working at the MBTA as Assistant General Manager for Design and Construction in March 2011, when he was named MassDOT's Highway Administrator after a light fixture fell from the ceiling in one of the Central Artery tunnels. DePaola went on to serve as Acting Secretary of Transportation beginning in November 2014 and, after Pollack was named Secretary in January 2015, DePaola was named the first Chief Operating Officer of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. "Almost exactly four years after Frank left the MBTA to help MassDOT's highway programs regain their footing, he agreed to return to the MBTA to help the organization recover from the devastating winter of 2015, re-focus on customer service and operating performance and develop and implement a winter resiliency program," Pollack noted. She recalled that, "When I walked into his office to ask if he'd take on the challenge, Frank told me he'd already begun planning for both the recovery effort and for repairs to tracks, power and signals that would need to begin almost immediately in order to be completed before the next winter." Since assuming the leadership role of the MBTA in February 2015, DePaola has shared responsibility with Chief Administrator Shortsleeve, overseeing the MBTA departments responsible for operations, safety, systemwide accessibility and capital program delivery. His accomplishments as General Manager include improving service for MBTA riders, designing and implementing an $83 million Winter Resiliency program and ensuring that the renovation of Government Center Station was completed on time and on budget. DePaola also supervised the Interim Project Management Team that re-designed the Green Line Extension Project after massive cost overruns led the MassDOT Board and MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board to call for comprehensive changes in the project. DePaola is a licensed, registered Professional Engineer in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and holds a Master of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from Northeastern University and a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. Secretary Pollack, who under the MBTA reform legislation enacted last year is responsible for hiring the MBTA's General Manager, pledged to "work closely with FMCB and MassDOT Board members and MBTA leaders to develop a transition plan that will ensure continued progress in the near-term while laying the groundwork for the stable, long-term leadership and governance that will help the MBTA to once again become one of the safest, most reliable and customer-focused and best maintained transit agencies in the United States." As part of that transition, as of July 1 Chief Administrator Shortsleeve will become Acting General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Gonneville will take on additional responsibilities including oversight of the MBTA's safety, environmental and system wide accessibility departments. (MBTA - posted 5/23) [ Home Page I Subscribe! I Photo Gallery I Interlocking I Railpace Store I Magazine Info I Contributions I Contact Us ] Questions regarding this page can be directed to theWebmaster, Paul Tupaczewski, at email@example.com. Copyright 2000-2015, 2016 Railpace Company, Inc.All Rights Reserved.