Railroad News

Editor's note: This story was updated at 1:45 p.m. (CDT) to correct the Q1 2017 operating expense figure.

Safety Vision LLC

Safety Vision LLC offers the RoadRecorder® 8400 Network Video Recorder, which features an open architecture designed to enable “unlimited integration” of mobile video with other security and business applications, the company says. With up to two terabytes of storage, the RoadRecorder 8400 can support up to 16 IP cameras for high-definition video surveillance that can be used with any open VMS platform, according to Safety Vision.

Siemens has acquired Agilion GmbH, a Germany-based supplier of industrial real-time locating systems (RTLS). Agilion specializes in the RTLS field in the ultra-wideband frequency spectrum. The technology enables precise localization of tools, vehicles and other assets to optimize production and logistics processes, Siemens officials said in a press release. The acquisition marks a "significant addition" to Siemens' offerings in the field of industrial identifications, and to its digital enterprise portfolio, said Herbert Wegmann, head of the company's industrial communication and identification business segment. In addition, RTLS marks the next step toward "flexible automation in production," he added.

VIA Rail Canada Inc. has awarded a CA$46 million contract to Cad Railway Industries to upgrade 25 rail cars for use on the Canadian long-haul route, which runs from Toronto to Vancouver, British Columbia. Built in the 1950s, the cars will undergo a complete refurbishment that includes mechanical upgrades and interior design updates. The work also includes renewing heating systems and installing devices to prepare the units for future Wi-Fi deployment.

GoTriangle has chosen a Gannett Fleming/WSP joint venture to serve as construction management consultant for the Durham-Orange light-rail project in North Carolina.

The 17.7-mile system will connect southwest Chapel Hill to eastern Durham and serve educational, medical and other key activity centers.

In a newspaper column published this week, Federal Railroad Administrator Ronald Batory called on motorists and pedestrians to "make safe choices" at railroad crossings by honoring warning signals and lowered gates.

Batory pointed out that 94 percent of rail-related fatalities and injuries occur at crossings or while trespassing. Also, about every three hours, a person or vehicle is hit by a train in the United States.

Port Manatee in Palmetto, Florida, has posted a record first half of fiscal-year 2018 and is on pace to break full-year marks, the Manatee County Port Authority announced yesterday.

The Central Florida Gulf port logged new first-half highs for total tonnage throughput and a host of cargo sectors, according to a port authority press release.

Metra has set aside $84.8 million for its 2018 construction program, which includes major bridge replacement projects on two lines.

Projects will include station improvements, track upgrades and grade crossing updates. Among the highlights: The Chicago commuter railroad allocated $20.9 million for track maintenance and $12 million for bridge projects.

The Hartford Line commuter-rail route in Connecticut and Massachusetts will begin serving passengers June 16, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced yesterday.

The department will hold an inaugural launch event June 15, followed by free weekend train service June 16 and 17. Full, expanded weekday service will begin June 18, with trains running every 45 minutes during the morning and evening peak periods, CTDOT officials said in a press release.

CSX Corp. yesterday announced first-quarter 2018 earnings that surpassed analysts' estimates and a profit that nearly doubled compared with a year ago, as the Class I continued to cut costs and advance its scheduled railroading model.

CSX reported record Q1 2018 net earnings of $695 million, or 78 cents per share, compared with $362 million, or 39 cents per share in the same quarter last year.

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

Sound Transit today will kick off early scoping meetings for its Tacoma Dome Link light-rail extension.

The open house-style meetings will allow residents to comment on route and station locations for the project, as well as the location for a new operations and maintenance facility.

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) has approved more than $30,000 in grant funding for rail-crossing upgrades in Auburn.

Auburn city officials requested the funds to improve safety at the C Street SW crossing, according to a UTC press release.

The Canadian government will invest CA$18.4 million to improve rail infrastructure at the Port of Montreal, Minister of Transport Marc Garneau announced last week.

The intermodal project will "optimize" the port's rail network capacity, particularly in the port's interchange zone.

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has recognized the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), Caltrain and the San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) for sustainability efforts.

Each agency received the association's silver level recognition for "measurable sustainability achievements," APTA officials said in a press release.

BNSF Railway Co. recently recognized its 2017 Employees of the Year at an awards ceremony in Fort Worth, Texas.

This year, the Class I recognized 73 of its 41,000 workers for individual and team achievements, BNSF officials said in a press release.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has proposed a $1.45 billion operating budget for fiscal-year 2019.

The proposal would maintain current service levels with no fare increases, SEPTA officials said in a press release.

The South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) yesterday officially opened the new Inland Port Dillon, the authority's second inland facility to handle intermodal rail cargo.

Inland Port Dillon uses an existing CSX intermodal train service to handle container movements to and from the Port of Charleston's seaport facilities, authority officials said in a press release.

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

Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams yesterday called on states to get their transit-rail safety oversight programs by Sept. 30 or sooner.

Metro Transit-St. Louis last week unveiled a personal safety app that enables train and bus riders to discreetly contact law enforcement in emergencies.

Passengers who believe they are in an unsafe situation can open the "SafeTrek" app and hold their thumb on a "safe" button. Once safe, the rider releases the button and enters a customized four-digit number.