North American rail industry news
Latest railroad industry news from the USA, Canada and Mexico, including passenger and freight operations, infrastructure, rolling stock and policy.
Toronto streetcar funding confirmed
CANADA: The government of Ontario has agreed to provide C$180m to support the purchase of 60 additional streetcars for Toronto Transit Commission. The funding will be matched by the federal government, with the City of Toronto providing an additional C$208m.
Toronto subway expansion funding announced
CANADA: Federal funding to cover 40% of the C$26·8bn cost of four ‘shovel-ready’ public transport projects in the Greater Toronto Area was announced on May 12.
DOT backs return of Gulf Coast passenger trains
USA: The Department of Transportation has endorsed efforts to revive inter-city passenger train services on the Gulf Coast route east of New Orleans, which were suspended following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Texas backs Capital Metro tunnels
USA: The Texas House of Representatives has approved the construction of metro tunnels under Republic Square Park and Brush Square in Austin as part of Capital Metro’s light rail expansion programme.
Texas high speed rail developer signs $1·6bn electrical systems contract
USA: Dallas – Houston high speed rail project promoter Texas Central Railroad has signed a $1·6bn contract for Kiewit and its Mass Electric Construction subsidiary to install the core electrical systems for the proposed line.
Chicago commuter operator seeks battery locomotive proposals
USA: Chicago commuter operator Metra is to issue a request for proposals for the conversion of three EMD F40PH-3 diesel locomotives to zero-emission battery power. It hopes to award a contract this autumn, with the first loco to be delivered around 30 months later.
Atlanta metro car braking systems ordered
Long Island Rail Road to test battery train
KCS agrees to evaluate CN’s unsolicited offer
Road-vehicle collision avoidance technology
MTA and partners unveil vision for next stages in renewal of New York Penn Station
Chicago’s first Series 7000 metro cars enter passenger service
Siemens preferred bidder to supply Amtrak with bi-mode trainsets
Canadian National launches US$34bn rival bid for KCS
Silver Line access to Dallas/Fort Worth airport agreed
Montréal REM airport station financing package confirmed
US supports Brazilian urban networks
Rail-specific staff scheduling software developed
Dallas City Council backs DART D2 Subway plan
Loram Technologies to build rail R&D centre in Georgetown
Virginia finalises 10-year passenger rail investment programme
Watco to acquire Algoma Central and upper Midwest lines from CN
Transport security changes after social justice concerns
Metro and monorail proposed to serve western Los Angeles