Category: Transportation
Amtrak activates PTC, SEPTA not far behind
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Amtrak activated its Positive Train Control system (PTC) this past weekend from Philadelphia to Washington. SEPTA has reported they are not far behind and will have PTC online sometime in the new year. Since the Federal Railroad Administ [...]SMART leads protest, sparks investigation in L.A.
On Tuesday, December 1, SMART members from sheet metal and transportation locals in Los Angeles joined their brothers and sisters in the Jobs to Move America coalition to lead the protest outside the headquarters of BYD Motors, Inc. – a Chinese-owned electric bus company that [...]
Minn. Board to hold meeting Monday for furloughed members
The Minnesota State Legislative Board is hosting a meeting Monday, December 21, 2015, in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Education and Economic Development (MN DEED). The meeting will be held at the South St. Paul VFW 295, 111 Exchange St., St. Paul, from 5:00 pm [...]Former Wash. State Director Thomas Retterath dies
Former SMART TD (UTU Local 1348) Washington State Legislative Director Thomas R. Retterath died Monday, November 2, 2015 at the Hospice Care Center following a battle with cancer. Retterath was drafted and served in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1966. In 1971 he began his railr [...]NLX may restore passenger train service to Twin Cities
The Duluth News Tribune reported that within four years, the Northern Lights Express could be providing passenger rail service between the TwinPorts and the TwinCities (Minn.) four times per day. Read the complete article here.Cuomo orders heightened security for transit
Progressive Railroading reported that New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed an executive order granting New Jersey and Connecticut law enforcement jurisdiction on New York’s public transportation services and facilities. These enhancements will allow regional government [...]
Safety Alert: shotgun shell found in locking pin
Canadian Pacific Railway recently reported that a shotgun shell was found in the locking pin of the coupler on the Quebec Gatineau Railway (QGRY) in Quebec. “This type of mischief has potentially fatal consequences and serves as a reminder that employees must always be [...]
Rail HAZMAT Training announced for 2016
RW Chemical Emergence Response Training The Rail Workers Hazardous Materials Training Program has scheduled new training programs for HAZMAT/Chemical Emergency Response for 2016. Three classes for RW Chemical Emergence Response are being offered in early 2016 in Houston. The [...]