December 10, 200816 yr seems like more of a first step to get everybody agreeing and on the same page. i dont think they have the money lined up. from the previous article it looks like they are planning on (& hoping for) a combo of state & federal new starts money. so that may well be a tough road, but then again they want to build one step at a time so we'll see what happens next. probably choosing a starting point & then an environmental impact study. that may not be easy breezy either.
December 10, 200816 yr It's called building the political will to get something done. That will drive the $$$ that are sought.
December 10, 200816 yr Connecticut interests seek more Hartford rail service Connecticut state political and transportation officials, joined by environmental and business groups, are urging the Nutmeg State to recommit to improved rail service between New Haven, Conn., and Springfield, Mass. More at: http://www.railwayage.com/breaking_news.shtml
December 14, 200816 yr Author http://www.nationalcorridors.org/df2/df12082008.shtml#Cutbacks Cutbacks Of Vermont Amtrak Service Considered DF Staff From Burlingtonfreepress.Com And Other Internet Sources MONTPELIER, VT, DECEMBER 4 -- Despite increasing ridership, the economic crisis is forcing the state of Vermont to consider cutting back or eliminating the state's two Amtrak passenger train routes, Agency of Transportation spokesman John Zicconi said last week, “[The situation] causes us to take a look at what our priorities are and how we spend our money, and Amtrak service is certainly part of the discussion.” More at link above: "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
December 15, 200816 yr Should Lexington bring back streetcars? By Tom Eblen, Herald Leader Columnist, December 14, 2008 What goes around sometimes comes around — like a streetcar. A century ago, if you wanted to get somewhere in Lexington, you probably took a streetcar. And if you wanted to travel from Lexington to Paris, Georgetown, Nicholasville or Versailles, you took an express streetcar called an Interurban. Click headline for more:
December 15, 200816 yr ^See above for Lexington's streetcar proposal! A century ago, streetcars ruled Lexington Herald-Leader, December 14, 2008 If you've followed the ups and downs of LexTran since its creation in 1972, you might be surprised to know that Lexington has a rich history of public transportation. That history is chronicled in the book Traction in the Blue Grass, by local historian William M. Ambrose. Omnibuses, which resembled oversized stagecoaches, first appeared on Lexington streets in 1874, offering rides for a nickel. They were succeeded by horse-drawn streetcars in 1882 and electric streetcars in 1890. The first Interurban streetcars began operating between Lexington and Georgetown in 1902. By 1910, lines had been added to Paris, Versailles and Nicholasville. Lexington's privately owed streetcar and Interurban systems were always dicey financial propositions, with companies coming and going amid economic recessions and labor strikes that sometimes turned violent. At the height of ridership in 1926, Lexington streetcars carried 7 million passengers. But as more people bought cars, ridership fell. Motorized buses began appearing on Lexington streets in 1925. General Motors promoted Lexington as an example to other cities of how its buses could be more economical than capital-intensive streetcar systems. By 1932, Lexington streetcar ridership was off 40 percent from the 1926 peak. Interurbans stopped running in 1934, and the last Lexington streetcar clanged to a halt on April 21, 1938. "The problem with the trolleys was they came along about the same time as the motor car," Ambrose said in an interview. "That really did them in." One legacy of Lexington's streetcar system is the electric power plant built to run it. That operation grew by also selling power to businesses and homes. Eventually, it became known as Kentucky Utilities. Ambrose's book is available at the Lexington History Museum, which has an exhibit on Lexington's public transportation history.
December 16, 200816 yr City's red streetcars return to service for first time since Hurricane Katrina by The Times-Picayune Friday December 12, 2008, 7:25 AM The candy-apple red streetcar is the latest New Orleans icon to make a post-Katrina comeback. http://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2008/12/canal_streets_red_streetcars_m.html
December 17, 200816 yr www.progressiverailroading.com Texas commission: DOT needs a rail division Yesterday, the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission — which is charged by the state to review government policies and programs — recommended that the Texas Department of Transportation establish a new division to oversee rail funding and projects. http://www.progressiverailroading.com/news/article.asp?id=19092
December 17, 200816 yr This is going to get really bad! MTA Board Set To Approve "Doomsday Budget" Following Public Input By: NY1 News The 17-member Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board is expected to approve its so-called "doomsday budget" this morning. More at: http://www.ny1.com/content/news_beats/transit/Default.aspx
December 17, 200816 yr ^ Awesome.. can't wait for my subway pass to go up $20. metrocards could be $104 or $107 a month if the state doesnt bail out the MTA. When I moved to Brooklyn the fare was $63 for a Metrocard Gold. The MTA has too many levels of beuraracy. It needs to be reorganized!
December 18, 200816 yr Author This sounds VERY interesting...... http://www.railwayage.com/breaking_news.shtml#Feature5-12-18 December 16, 2008 Atlantic City Express Service to debut Feb. 6 NJ Transit's new Atlantic City express train will begin weekend rail service between New York City and Atlantic City, N.J., on Feb. 6. Sporting the appropriate acronym of ACES (Atlantic City Express Service), the new train is a joint venture of Caesars Atlantic City, Harrah's Resort Atlantic City, and Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa. They have committed $19.5 million toward outfitting two trains with four railcars each. Travel time is scheduled to be 2 hours, 30 minutes, and include one stop in Newark, N.J. Introductory fares of $50 (one way coach) and $75 (first class) will be offered. Amtrak will provide reservations and ticketing. State gambling laws prohibit betting opportunities on board, but NJ Transit says other amenities will be offered, including waiters in the first-class section on the top level of the Bombardier MultiLevel cars specifically appointed for the service. Industrial Designer Cesar Vergara of Jacobs designed the interiors and external livery. STV Inc. was overall project manager. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
December 18, 200816 yr Author December 17, 2008 Fort Worth unveils plan for limited streetcar system For the first time, Fort Worth, Texas, officials unveiled a plan showing how a limited streetcar system could be built, including preliminary routes and a way to pay for it, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. It would still take about five years and $250 million to build the 12-mile system, and there’s a significant funding gap, according to Andy Taft, chairman of an 18-member task force that studied the idea. More at: http://www.rtands.com/breaking_news.shtml#Feature3-12-18 "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
December 18, 200816 yr ^ Awesome.. can't wait for my subway pass to go up $20. metrocards could be $104 or $107 a month if the state doesnt bail out the MTA. When I moved to Brooklyn the fare was $63 for a Metrocard Gold. The MTA has too many levels of beuraracy. It needs to be reorganized! MTA can go to hell.. these corrupt a-holes in Albany better do something..
December 18, 200816 yr ^ Awesome.. can't wait for my subway pass to go up $20. metrocards could be $104 or $107 a month if the state doesnt bail out the MTA. When I moved to Brooklyn the fare was $63 for a Metrocard Gold. The MTA has too many levels of beuraracy. It needs to be reorganized! MTA can go to hell.. these corrupt a-holes in Albany better do something.. Makes me really appreciate RTA!
December 18, 200816 yr ^ Awesome.. can't wait for my subway pass to go up $20. metrocards could be $104 or $107 a month if the state doesnt bail out the MTA. When I moved to Brooklyn the fare was $63 for a Metrocard Gold. The MTA has too many levels of beuraracy. It needs to be reorganized! MTA can go to hell.. these corrupt a-holes in Albany better do something.. Makes me really appreciate RTA! Agreed. I also love the random "after 42nd street - Grand Central, this #6 train will be running express" announcements..
December 18, 200816 yr ^ Awesome.. can't wait for my subway pass to go up $20. metrocards could be $104 or $107 a month if the state doesn't bail out the MTA. When I moved to Brooklyn the fare was $63 for a Metrocard Gold. The MTA has too many levels of bureaucracy. It needs to be reorganized! MTA can go to hell.. these corrupt awhiles in Albany better do something.. Makes me really appreciate RTA! Agreed. I also love the random "after 42nd street - Grand Central, this #6 train will be running express" announcements.. the stopping in between stations for long periods of time (5 min or more) and starting. That drives me nutz. Especially when were sitting under central park or under a river.
December 19, 200816 yr Streetcar could expand to Ballard, eventually By Michael Harthorne Tuesday, December 16, 2008 The South Lake Union streetcar line could have company in the future after the Seattle City Council voted Dec. 8 to support developing a four-line streetcar network, including service to Ballard, although development of that line could be years away. Full story at: http://www.ballardnewstribune.com/articles/2008/12/16/news/local_news/news01.txt
December 19, 200816 yr Author http://www.railwayage.com/breaking_news.shtml#Feature5-12-19 December 18, 2008 Toronto Transit Commission leans toward light rail Officials representing the Toronto Transit Commission are calling for a commitment to expanded light rail transit, and are urging that LRT not be sacrificed or postponed because of plans for a C$2.4 billion, 4.2-mile extension of the Yonge subway line into York Region. More at link above: "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
December 20, 200816 yr Transit group has hand out for $50 billion plan Saturday, December 20, 2008 http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/stories/2008/12/20/transit_plan.html In 2009 a new metro Atlanta group will try to get the money for a $50 billion mass transit plan, according to the Transit Planning Board. Whether that’s an urban fantasy or the seeds of Atlanta’s next great rebirth, only time will tell. More at link above:
December 23, 200816 yr Rediscovering rail Double-digit gains in statewide passengers intensify space crunch at Raleigh station Bruce Siceloff, Staff Writer Business is getting better for Amtrak in North Carolina, and that's getting to be a problem for downtown Raleigh. The capital is blessed with one of the railroad's busiest stops in the Southeast and hobbled with one of its littlest stations. More at: http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/1341695.html
December 23, 200816 yr Note that the transit official interviewed in this article is the former CEO of the Central Ohio Transit Authority who tried to get light rail rolling in Columbus back in the 90's. Would that the community would have listened to him back then... CEO prepares to launch light rail system Public-transit trains to debut amid high hopes for success 11 commentsby Casey Newton - Dec. 22, 2008 12:00 AM The Arizona Republic After more than 35 years in public transit, Rick Simonetta is preparing to tackle a job he has never done before: Manage the launch of a transit system he built from scratch. As CEO of Metro light rail, Simonetta has overseen every aspect of the system's construction. On the eve of the light-rail opening, we asked him about the system. javascript: azcServiceObjCreate('liveitaz')
December 24, 200816 yr well this is timely & firing me up to get on a plane tonight! winners in the london new bus design competition. which one do you like? Car manufacturers Aston Martin and architects Foster + Partners are among the winners of a competition to design a new Routemaster bus for London. The £25,000 first prize was jointly awarded to Aston Martin and Foster + Partners (top image), and bus, coach and truck design company Capoco Design (above). Runners up included Héctor Serrano, Miñarro García and Javier Esteban with their design ‘Welcome Back’ (above), and Jamie Martin from the UK with a design called ‘The London Navigator’ (below). The winning designs and ideas will be developed into final designs by bus manufacturers. The first prototype of the new bus will be produced by 2011. The competition, run by Transport for London, received around 700 entries. Winners are divided into two categories - ‘design’ and ‘imagine’, which included entries from children. Above: merit award - proposal by LA:UK Design Ltd, Andrew Plumb, Cheshire, UK. more info here: http://www.dezeen.com/2008/12/19/a-new-bus-for-london-by-aston-martin-and-foster-partners/#more-22564
December 24, 200816 yr i like the last one because it has that full-on throwback jump on/jump off platform & yellow pole on the back. very 60's swingin london era!
December 25, 200816 yr MARC Train service preserved Transit authority had been thinking of cutting out late train to Martinsburg By Jenni Vincent, Journal, December 18, 2008 MARTINSBURG - A planned reduction in MARC Train service to the Eastern Panhandle has been averted, thanks to a meeting Wednesday afternoon between West Virginia and Maryland officials. Click headline above for full story:
December 29, 200816 yr Peduto Wants To Bring Rail Service To Oakland Reporting Jon Delano PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ― The existing rail line cuts across the city, running from Hazelwood, across Oakland, near the new Children's Hospital, to the Robotics Engineering Center in Lawrenceville. more at: http://kdka.com/video/[email protected]
December 30, 200816 yr Commuter rail line study stays on track By Rich Cholodofsky TRIBUNE-REVIEW Thursday, December 25, 2008 It may still be several months before the Westmoreland County Transit Authority learns if its proposed commuter train into Pittsburgh is full speed ahead, but agency officials want to line up financing for the next phase of the project. Transit authority board members announced last week that they will formally ask the federal government to help pay for an environmental study, a necessary step toward completion of the rail line. A $500,000 feasibility study for the proposed commuter rail line, which would link Greensburg and Arnold to Pittsburgh, is in its final stages and officials anticipate it will be completed early next year. "We want to ask the federal government for help. If the feasibility study justified a next phase, it's something we could do right away," said authority Executive Director Larry Morris. The proposed commuter train system would have two rail corridors, one that would originate in either Latrobe or Greensburg and run through Jeannette, Irwin and Trafford, and eventually into downtown Pittsburgh. Initial cost estimates ranged from $190 million for a limited-service system to a more ambitious $300 million line that would operate every 30 minutes during peak commuting times. The second corridor could cost about $140 million to build and would start in Arnold and travel through the Allegheny River Valley and into Pittsburgh's Strip District. HDR Engineer Inc. in Pittsburgh, the consultant hired last year to conduct the feasibility study, has compiled statistics about whether the proposed train line would have enough riders. It also is examining potential station locations and possible funding options. Funding remains a great unknown. Local officials want to tap into state and federal money to pay for the system. Authority board member Tom Tangretti said now is the best time to ask for federal money. "With the huge (federal) stimulus package coming, it's conceivable that part of that money will be applicable for our project," Tangretti said. Tangretti, a former state representative from Greensburg, was one of the major advocates in Harrisburg for the commuter rail project. He retired from the Legislature last month and his replacement in Harrisburg said Monday that he supports the train proposal. But incoming state Rep. Tim Kreiger, R-Greensburg, said finding state money for the project could be problematic. "It's a great idea, but it's going to be tough. I hope we can make it work financially, but that will be the difficult part," Kreiger said.
December 30, 200816 yr California High-speed rail optimistic about more funding Michael Cabanatuan, Chronicle Staff Writer Friday, December 26, 2008 (12-25) 18:01 PST -- With the economy in recession, California's plan to ask the federal government for billions of dollars to help build the nation's first high-speed rail system might seem like wishful thinking rather than a feasible financial strategy. more at: http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/12/26/MNP914KAQU.DTL
December 30, 200816 yr I'm not buying any optimism out of California. The state will likely go bankrupt long before any rail gets laid.
January 4, 200916 yr detroit lining up new rail transit :clap: Detroit light rail link may be only the beginning for mass transit BY CECIL ANGEL • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER • January 4, 2009 Despite the state's economic woes, mass transit advocates saw significant progress in late 2008 toward proposed light rail and mass transit projects in southeast Michigan. In early December, in a rare show of unity, government leaders in Detroit, Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties agreed on a resolution for a mass transit plan for the tri-county area. More at: http://www.freep.com/article/20090104/NEWS02/901040435/1001/rss01
January 7, 200916 yr Bus service to Charleston begins By Christian Alexandersen, Herald-Dispatch, January 05, 2009 HUNTINGTON -- Commuters using the new bus service connecting Huntington and Charleston that debuted on Monday said they enjoyed the ride, despite some first-day kinks. Click headline above for link to story:
January 7, 200916 yr At least TARC is allowed to resume service. Ever notice that whenever something great, in terms of bus service, happens in Louisville, Miller Transportation steps up to the plate, threatens a lawsuit or goes crying to the Feds? Transit agency: TARC can keep U of L shuttle service By Sheldon S. Shafer, Courier-journal, January 7, 2009 Federal transit officials have reversed a ruling made in late October and now say that TARC can continue its circulator service in and around the University of Louisville's Belknap Campus. The bus agency also can continue a deal with U of L in which all university faculty, staff and students can show a university ID card and ride any TARC bus free at any time.
January 7, 200916 yr The Ski Train: Colorado's quiet treasure By Steve Almasy CNN (CNN) -- Many skiers who visit Colorado prefer the slopes of Aspen, Vail or Breckenridge. But there's a cool little day trip from Denver that often gets overlooked by out-of-towners. Find this article at: http://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/getaways/01/07/ski.train/index.html
January 8, 200916 yr take an early look at Pittsburgh's new North Shore subway station http://kdka.com/video/[email protected]
January 8, 200916 yr EVENING SERVICE 5:15 p.m.: Depart State Capitol Building No. 5. 5:30 p.m.: Stop at Charleston Transit Mall. 5:55 p.m.: Stop at Crooked Creek Park-and-Ride. 6:20 p.m.: Stop at Merritts Creek Park-and-Ride. 6:42 p.m.: Stop at Pullman Square. 6:45 p.m.: End at TTA Center I didn't know Charleston has a transit mall. Is it cool?
January 9, 200916 yr MARC fares will increase Md. officials’ decision will affect W.Va. rail commuters By Jenni Vincent, Journal, December 30, 2008 MARTINSBURG - West Virginia MARC train riders will still be able to utilize late train service in the Eastern Panhandle, but the rates will be increasing. Click headline for full story:
January 12, 200916 yr Phoenix light rail ridership on target Phoenix Metro officials say the new 20-mile light rail system, which debuted late last month, appears to be on target to meeting its first-year ridership projections. full story at: http://www.railwayage.com/breaking_news.shtml
January 12, 200916 yr http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09012/941226-147.stm Can transit grow neighborhoods? Monday, January 12, 2009 By Jon Schmitz, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Empty store fronts are all too common around the Hampshire trolley stop on Broadway in Pittsburgh's Beechview neighborhood.Each weekday, light-rail cars packed with a total of 13,000 commuters rumble through the Beechview business district, which is dotted with vacant storefronts.[/i] Buses haul another 30,000 riders on the Martin Luther King Jr. East Busway, passing the Homewood station, surrounded by long-standing blight and decay. Full story at link above:
January 13, 200916 yr a heartening good news award: New York City Wins the 2009 Sustainable Transport Award by Aaron Naparstek on January 13, 2009 Take a moment to appreciate how far we've come in the last few years. New York City is being honored tonight in Washington D.C. as the first U.S. city to win the ITDP Sustainable Transport Award. Here is an excerpt from the press release: http://www.streetsblog.org/2009/01/13/new-york-city-wins-the-sustainable-transport-award/
January 15, 200916 yr seattle is expanding rail transit before it's even up & running! Sound Transit To Open Seattle To Tukwila Light Rail Line In 2009 Associated Press January 5, 2009 Sound Transit plans to open its light rail line between Seattle and Tukwila in July with an extension to Sea-Tac Airport by the end of the year. The agency also plans to break ground this month on a three-mile link from downtown Seattle to the University of Washington. And thanks to voter approval in November, the light rail line next will be expanded east to Redmond, north to Lynnwood and south to Federal Way. Now transit authorities are deciding fares. They have proposed a system based on distance. The maximum cost of a ticket from downtown to the airport would be $2.75. The agency plans four hearings in the next month to take public comment on the fares, including whether to charge for rides in the downtown Seattle transit tunnel. http://www.q13fox.com/pages/landing/?blockID=176780&feedID=144
January 15, 200916 yr Michigan governor approves legislation to advance Detroit light-rail line http://www.progressiverailroading.com/news/article.asp?id=19366 Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm recently signed legislation that aims to create non-profit entities to build and operate rail lines in the state, and provide financing mechanisms to operate the lines. Full story at the llink above
January 22, 200916 yr Author http://www.railwayage.com/breaking_news.shtml#Feature6-1-22 January 21, 2009 Metrolinx proposal says GO to Pearson Airport Ontario's Metrolinx Wednesday announced a revised proposal for rail improvements to GO Transit's Georgetown Line, including an extension of roughly two miles to link Toronto's Union Station Lester Pearson International Airport. Additional improvements on the line would allow midday and two-way rail service along the line, with roughly 15 miles of track added between Union Station and Malton. Metrolinx says it will seek input before formally starting the Transit Environmental Assessment Process. "We want to hear from communities along the corridor. Listening to the public will be fundamental to the success of this very important transportation project," said Metrolinx Chair Rob MacIsaac in a statement. The agency envisions a three-to-four month window for public comment. "Addressing the limited rail capacity in the Georgetown South corridor permits expansion of GO services," said GO Transit Board Chairman Peter Smith. "This proposed project will lay the foundation for future further enhancements." "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
January 22, 200916 yr Bombardier Presents First Catenary-Free and Contactless Operating Tram BERLIN, GERMANY--(Marketwire - Jan. 22, 2009) - Bombardier Transportation today introduced the first completely contactless and catenary-free operating tram. The BOMBARDIER PRIMOVE catenary-free operation was presented to journalists on the test track at Bombardier's Bautzen site in Germany. "The PRIMOVE technology is a unique system that provides complete catenary-free operation of trams over distances of varying lengths and in all surroundings," said Dr Carsten Struve, Director Advanced Technology Development Bombardier Transportation at the system's presentation. "The catenary-free operation offers an entirely new prospect, particularly for trams operating in historic city centres where impressive cityscapes can now exist unencumbered by visual pollution from overhead lines. Combined with the new BOMBARDIER MITRAC Energy Saver technology, the PRIMOVE system can also save additional energy." Benefit to Rail Operators For rail operators, the PRIMOVE system offers significant advantages. Among these are the completely invisible power supply, the easy installation and the complete irrelevance of weather conditions. In addition, the contactless and very safe energy transfer system reduces wear on parts, limiting equipment lifecycle costs. Thanks to the PRIMOVE system, infrastructure costs related to tunnel sections can also be reduced significantly. The system does not need 'third rail' or high roof systems, resulting in smaller tunnel profiles. The system's electrical drive operates with lower noise levels and eliminates emissions. The integrated MITRAC Energy Saver results in significant operating cost reductions by recharging energy. PRIMOVE technology is one of the highlights of the innovative BOMBARDIER ECO4 portfolio of technologies launched by the global rail leader last year. The new portfolio offers energy and cost-efficient solutions for total train performance through ten ready-to-use ECO4 products that are based on the four principles of energy, efficiency, economy and ecology. The innovative principle of the PRIMOVE system is rooted in the principle of inductive power transfer, a technology used in cleanrooms in the computer chip and automotive industries. With Bombardier's introduction of PRIMOVE, inductive power transfer comes to rail vehicles for the first time. How the PRIMOVE technology works The electric power components of the PRIMOVE technology are hidden under the vehicle and beneath the tracks. The electrical primary and secondary circuits are separated from each other, a principle also used in transformers. Creating a magnet field, the primary circuit is built into the infrastructure. The secondary circuit in the vehicle transforms this energy field into electricity for the tram's operation. The cable of the primary circuit can be easily integrated in-between the tracks. The vehicle is equipped with pick-up coils underneath the vehicle, which are connected to the tram's traction system through a cable. In addition, connected segments in the ground ensure a safe operation as they are only fully energised when completely covered by the vehicle. Therefore, the system can also be integrated in pedestrian zones, for example. Efficiency with MITRAC Energy Saver An additional benefit of the system is the integration of the MITRAC Energy Saver, which is mounted on the roof of a light rail vehicle: The innovative capacitors of the system store the energy released each time a vehicle brakes and re-use it during acceleration or operation. Applied to light rail vehicles, the system has (during testing in Mannheim since 2003) been proven to save up to 30 per cent of energy, thus reducing emissions as well as costs. The technology can also be used as a performance booster by adding extra power to the vehicle during acceleration. Behind the system is a double layer capacitor technology (also known as "ultracapacitors"), a smartly designed storage device charged with the eletrical energy set free when the brakes are used. The capacitors' storage cells are charged with energy which is transformed during the breaking process. Note to Editors: For more information: http://www.bombardier.com/en/transportation/sustainability/technology/primove-catenary-free-operation About Bombardier Transportation Bombardier Transportation has its global headquarters in Berlin, Germany with a presence in over 60 countries. It has an installed base of over 100,000 vehicles worldwide. The Group offers the broadest product portfolio and is recognized as the leader in the global rail sector. About Bombardier A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2008, were $17.5 billion US, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). Bombardier is listed as an index component to the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. News and information are available at www.bombardier.com. BOMBARDIER, PRIMOVE, ECO4 and MITRAC are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
January 22, 200916 yr seattle hits the fed $$$ jackpot !!!! plus, they put in for the wish list below: Sound Transit gets $813 million federal grant for light-rail line Sound Transit was awarded an $813 million federal grant Thursday to reduce the local tax burden for a three-mile light-rail tunnel linking Westlake Center, Capitol Hill and Husky Stadium. By Mike Lindblom Seattle Times transportation reporter Related * Archive | Light rail rolls out proposal on fares * Archive | How transit supporters closed deal with voters Sound Transit was awarded an $813 million federal grant Thursday to reduce the local tax burden for a three-mile light-rail tunnel linking Westlake Center, Capitol Hill and Husky Stadium. The money, from the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) New Starts program, will be doled out in yearly installments until the project, scheduled to open in 2016, is completed. The $1.9 billion tunnel won the FTA's top rating because of high population and transit ridership in the area where the line will run. The New Starts money was approved by the Bush administration and comes mainly from federal gasoline taxes. As members of the Sound Transit staff celebrated the award, they already were asking for another source of federal money — President-elect Obama's federal stimulus plan. Last week, Sound Transit sent a wish list of eight other projects worth $384 million to its chief patron, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and others in Congress. Four are "shovel ready," meaning they can begin within 180 days. Sound Transit spokesman Bruce Gray said the agency isn't counting on stimulus money, but more cash would get some voter-approved projects completed earlier. The biggest stimulus request — $180 million — would pay for real estate and engineering for a line to continue past Husky Stadium to Northgate and would allow it to open by 2018 instead of 2020. The $813 million awarded Thursday had been expected for the past two years. Sherry Little, acting FTA administrator, signed the pact for the money Thursday at Union Station in Seattle, Sound Transit's headquarters. "The FTA is going to be with you, every step of the way," said Little, a native Mississippian whose job expires in four days. Addressing Sound Transit employees, she reminisced about a visit to Seattle in 2003, when she was a Senate staffer monitoring the first Sound Transit light-rail project from downtown to Tukwila. The agency was recovering from near-collapse, after its rail-cost estimates had doubled. Eating lunch in the Pike Place Market, she overheard four men, wearing political buttons, having a "fulsome debate" about rail. "I realized Seattle was different from any other place I've ever visited," she recounted. "This guy was so intent on making his point, that he pulled out his ukulele, and began singing his message," Little told a crowd of transit staff. "That made a powerful impression ... " demonstrating to her how interested Seattle people are in getting mass transit built. In an interview after the signing, Little said that while the economy could affect additional funding under Obama, his transition team is enthused about boosting transit, so odds are good the federal government will contribute more to Seattle in the long term. Last year, voters approved $18 billion in Sound Transit projects, mainly light rail to reach Lynnwood, Overlake and north Federal Way within 15 years. At the time, Sound Transit assumed the FTA would chip in $895 million through New Starts — separate from any stimulus money. That figure seems "conservative," based on recent history, said Rick Krochalis, FTA's Seattle regional administrator. Thursday's $813 million comes on top of $500 million awarded by the FTA in 2003 for light rail from downtown Seattle to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. That line is to open later this year. "The Bush administration has a record of spending more on public transit than any other administration in the past. I would be very surprised if the Obama administration didn't build on that success," Little said. The state also seeks stimulus money for highway projects. The largest being $277 million to add ramps around the junction of Highway 520 and Interstate 405 in Bellevue, to reduce traffic weaving. There's no guarantee all or even most of the state's projects will get stimulus money. National demands for road and transit money already are more than double what's being proposed in Congress so far. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008634660_soundtransit16m.html Transit wish list SOUND TRANSIT NAMED THESE PROJECTS in a wish list for federal stimulus money (dollar amounts here represent partial funding). Tacoma commuter rail: Sounder track construction, including elevated segment near South Tacoma Way, $44 million. Mountlake Terrace park-and-ride: Build pedestrian bridge and bus station above Interstate 5 for express buses, $10 million. Buses: Buy buses to meet fast-growing demand, $11 million. University Link light rail: A contribution to the tunnel would free up money for other projects around Seattle, $54 million. Tukwila rail station: Construction funds for Sounder stop and 400-space parking lot, $21 million. Interstate 90 HOV lanes: Finish new car-pool lanes across Mercer Island and Lake Washington, making room for future light rail in the I-90 express lanes, $34 million. Northgate light rail: Buy land and finish engineering in corridor between Husky Stadium and Northgate, $180 million. SeaTac light rail: To stretch the line from airport to South 200th Street in three years, $30 million. Source: Sound Transit letter to Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.
January 27, 200916 yr second avenue subway news & commentary: http://curbed.com/archives/2009/01/26/second_avenue_subway_update.php#reader_comments http://secondavenuesagas.com/2009/01/26/foreshadowing-a-second-ave-demise/ and a fantastic construction mess slideshow from crain's :-o http://www.crainsnewyork.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090123/FREE/901239957 lastly, future stations -- these renders are a couple years old so who knows if they will look like this:
January 27, 200916 yr trolleyville, usa! dallas & stamford have streetcar plans: Dallas Chugging Ahead with Streetcar Plans BJ Austin, KERA News DALLAS, TX (2009-01-27) Plans for a downtown Dallas Streetcar are rolling along in spite of ZERO funding, and an economic downturn. KERA's BJ Austin says one City Councilmember believes this is no time to be timid. more at: http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/kera/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1462265§ionID=1 Trolleys could hold promise for Stamford Stamford studies route from South End to Bulls Head By Martin B. Cassidy STAFF WRITER Posted: 01/24/2009 10:46:38 PM EST STAMFORD -- A future trolley line linking the South End to the Stamford train station and looping north through Bulls Head could remedy congestion and repay its construction costs by drawing new companies and stores to the city, a consultant told city legislators Thursday night. More at: http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/ci_11547657
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