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USDOT Issues RFI for Potential Applications of AI

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Advanced Research Projects Agency-Infrastructure (ARPA-I) on May 22 announced that it is seeking potential applicants of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across all modes of transportation, as well

(Photograph Courtesy of FTA)

FTA: $10.5MM Available for TOD Planning

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on May 23 reported that approximately $10.5 million in Fiscal Year 2024 competitive grant funds are available to support local planning and investment near transit hubs, with a focus on projects that plan for affordable housing.

CN Receiving Next-Gen Ore Jennies (UPDATED 5/23)

CN is taking delivery on 600 new 1,150-cubic-foot iron ore hopper cars, colloquially called “jennies,” from FreightCar America. The new equipment, described as “a significant upgrade to CN’s fleet,” incorporates materials from

FRA said its three recently finalized reports on the “safety and performance of long trains” include findings from tests conducted on air brake racks (pictured) and the air brake system of a stationary train to examine how the length of long trains affects air brake system behavior and performance. (Photograph Courtesy of FRA)

FRA Finalizes Research Reports on Long Trains

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on May 22 announced that it has finalized three reports on the “safety and performance of long trains,” which have been submitted to the National Academy of

Transit Briefs: LA Metro, Amtrak, TTC, VRE

LA Metro launches TAP to exit pilot at its North Hollywood B Line station. Also, Amtrak’s Borealis service makes its inaugural trip between St. Paul, Miss., and Chicago, Ill.; the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) provides an update on its ongoing labor negotiations with the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATC) Local 113; and Virginia Railway Express (VRE) cuts the ribbon on improvements to Fredericksburg Station.

People News: IntelliTrans, GATX, Port NOLA, STV

IntelliTrans hires Jim Bell as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Also, GATX Corporation (GATX) announces a transition plan for Vice President – Government and Industry Affairs at Rail North America; the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) appoints Ronald Wendel Jr. as Acting President and CEO of Port NOLA and Acting CEO of New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB); and STV promotes Philip Hanegraaf to Senior Vice President and Patricia Macchi to Vice President.

(BNSF Photograph)

U.S. Rail Traffic Remains Flat in Week 20, AAR

For the week ending May 18, 2024 (Week 20), total U.S. rail traffic came in at 474,886 carloads and intermodal units, up 0.9%—virtually flat—vs. the same week last year, according to a May 22 Association of American Railroads (AAR) report. It is the fourth consecutive week that carloads and intermodal containers and trailers combined were comparable to the prior-year periods.

(Image Courtesy of WMSC)

WMSC Audits WMATA’s Railcar Program

An audit of Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) maintenance and engineering practices related to its rapid transit cars and associated shop equipment was released by the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC)

For GPA, Auto Volumes Up 44% in April

In its busiest month ever for autos and heavy equipment, the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) in April handled a record 80,600 units of Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro/Ro) cargo, an increase of more than 44%, or 24,760 units, compared to the same month last year, according to a recent report made to the GPA Board.

(Logo Courtesy of LRW)

LRW Welcomes Scholarship Applicants

The League of Railway Women (LRW) is now accepting applications for three scholarships—the Connie Sumara Memorial Scholarship, the Future of Railroading Scholarship, and the new Sue Black Memorial Scholarship—for the 2024-25 school year.

The six-week closure of MARTA’s Airport Station for concourse and platform renovations reduced overall construction time by 17 months. (MARTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: MARTA, NYMTA, Amtrak

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) reopens its Airport Station following a six-week renovation project. Also, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) highlights upcoming milestones in its transition from MetroCard to OMNY, the contactless fare payment system; and Amtrak seasonal service to Old Orchard Beach, Maine, resumes.

Third Coast is undertaking a rail expansion project within its Pearland, Tex., chemical plant, adding 40 railcar spots to accommodate increased demand for inbound and outbound rail movements. (Third Coast Photograph)

Industrial Development Briefs: Third Coast, UIPA

BNSF-served Third Coast, a chemical contract manufacturer, is expanding its Pearland, Tex., operations to better serve the U.S. Gulf Coast chemical industry. Also, Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) adopts the West Weber Project Area for industrial development near Union Pacific (UP).

Class I Briefs: NS, CPKC, BNSF

Norfolk Southern (NS) is named “Railroad of the Year” by Evergreen Line. Also, NS restores and donates the historic East Palestine train depot; Canadian Pacific Kansas City’s (CPKC) Shreveport Terminal earns a CEO Award for Excellence; and BNSF provides supporting materials to a just-released documentary.