FTA: $1.94MM for Research to Improve the Transit Customer Experience

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on July 1 announced that $1.94 million in competitive grant funding is now available to support research conducted by providers of public transportation under the Enhancing Mobility Innovation (EMI) program, which “supports research projects that will improve customer convenience, such as creating easier ways to pay for transit and enhancing transit schedules based on rider demand.”

Commentary

FRA L-D Study Reveals ‘Interesting’ Numbers

The Federal Railroad Administration released the latest update of its Long-Distance Service Study in mid-June. While there is nothing definitive revealed as far as routes (if any) likely to be recommended for

More than 250 UP employees are certified to fly drones. (Caption and Photographs Courtesy of UP)
Commentary

Rising to the Occasion: UP Drones Support Safe Operations

Union Pacific (UP) is leveraging technology to support safe operations from every viewpoint—on its tracks, inside its locomotives and hundreds of feet off the ground with its drones.

Commentary

Bridging the Telematics Technology Gap: A Conversation With 2 RailPulse Members

As technology continues to evolve at the speed of light and make access to data increasingly available, how does rail keep pace, especially when it comes to monitoring logistics? Today’s solutions are at times considered antiquated and disparate across the industry. RailPulse seeks to answer this question and modernize rail shipping for today’s world and beyond.

Commentary

Fifth of a Series: NJT Gets Five-Year Reprieve

The last week of June was an eventful one for New Jersey Transit (NJT) and its riders. On the negative side, service on the portion of Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor (NEC) in New

The LACMTA Board of Directors on June 28 unanimously approved the establishment of the Transit Community Public Safety Department (TCPSD), whose objectives will be “increased visibility, accountability and consistent service delivery,” which LACMTA said will result in a safer transit system for employees and riders. (LACMTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: LACMTA, LIRR, PATH, SEPTA, Sound Transit

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) is establishing an in-house transit police department. Also, MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) completes two station accessibility projects; Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s (PANY/NJ) PATH surpasses 5 million riders in May, the first time since the pandemic’s onset; Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s (SEPTA) Board approves a wayfinding signage contract; and Seattle’s Sound Transit advances the Link Operations and Maintenance Facility South project.

Class I Briefs: CSX, NS, UP, CPKC, CN, BNSF

CSX is honored by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) for “exceptional support” of military employees. Also, Norfolk Southern (NS) highlights Thriving Communities grant recipient Citi Fields; Union Pacific (UP) releases a video of the Big Boy heading westward; Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) is named the Most Sustainable Company in the Transportation Industry by World Finance; CN opens the protective enclosure for its 2747 locomotive in Rotary Park, Winnipeg, and congratulates its transportation service partner TransX Group of Companies for winning the 2023 Hershey Carrier Award; and BNSF celebrates its Montana employees and welcomes former Montana Rail Link employees with the Employee Appreciation (EAS) train ride.

IAIS Founding Chairman Dr. Paul H. Banner (IAIS Photograph)

IAIS Founding Chairman Paul Banner, 1922-2024

Iowa Interstate Railroad (IAIS) Founding Chairman Dr. Paul H. Banner died June 17, 2024; he was 102.

(National Railway Labor Conference Photograph)
Commentary

Freight Rail Employees Reach New Pay, Compensation Milestones

The average employee tenure at America’s largest freight railroads is more than double that of comparable industries and occupations, a reflection of the long, rewarding careers that are commonplace at railroads. And with another annual salary adjustment on July 1, the great pay and benefits that help make railroading a desirable career are increasing even further.

Aerial view of Pier B, courtesy of Port of Long Beach.

POLB Awards First Pier B Construction Contract

The Port of Long Beach, Calif., (POLB) has awarded Alameda, Calif.-based Stacy & Witbeck Inc. a $21.7 million contract for the Pier B Rail Yard East Expansion Project.

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