“It will debunk some of the myths relating to Commuter Rail liability,” U.S. Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., said.

Proponents of commuter rail have cited liability provisions contained in the agreement between the State of Florida and CSX as the major impediment to moving forward with the project. The State legislature failed to address the liability terms provided for an agreement and recessed in May.

The Central Florida Partnership, which is composed of various Chamber and business and community leaders are hosting the event.

“As gasoline reaches $4 per gallon, this couldn’t be a more appropriate time to rally in support for the project,” noted Jacob Stuart, who organized the rally.

Mica, the Republican Leader of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee said “the findings in the Congressional report on Commuter Rail will be a major boost in securing additional votes in the State legislature to complete the terms of the agreement which must be resolved by June 30, 2009.”

“Despite the efforts of state and local authorities to address the safety concerns at this large and complicated grade crossing with a variety of signage and technology improvements, this accident occurred because these changes still failed to prevent vehicles from being trapped inside the crossing gates,” said NTSB Chairman Mark V. Rosenker. “What is needed is a permanent solution to prevent future accidents between trains and automobiles at this highly congested intersection.”

At 4:41 p.m. on Nov. 23, 2005, the day before Thanksgiving, a traffic queue formed within the 366-foot-wide signaled Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad (METRA) highway-railroad grade crossing on eastbound West Grand Avenue. At the same time, METRA train 107 was approaching the crossing on the westbound tracks at a speed of 70 mph, as indicated by event data recorder information.

The crossing lights were activated and the crossing gates lowered 54 seconds before the train arrived. The traffic queue trapped some stopped vehicles within the grade crossing.

As METRA train 107 approached the crossing, the engineer recognized the hazard and put the train into emergency braking. The train was unable to stop before colliding with approximately 6 of the stopped vehicles, pushing them into secondary impacts with 12 other vehicles.

Seven automobile occupants received minor-to-serious injuries, and 3 of the approximately 400 train passengers reported minor injuries. The impact destroyed 6 vehicles, and 12 vehicles had minor-to-extensive damage. The locomotive incurred minor damage and did not derail.

The report adopted by the Board today states that this grade crossing is the widest in the State of Illinois and has been the location of 45 accidents between 1956 and November 2005, resulting in a total of 7 fatalities and 27 injuries.

The Board report also notes that the Village of Elmwood Park, in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), had undertaken several initiatives to improve the safety of the grade crossing in recent years, but that congested traffic conditions continue to cause safety problems in this location.

As a result of its investigation, the NTSB made a recommendation to the Governor of Illinois to require the ICC and IDOT to construct a grade separation in place of the West Grand Avenue grade crossing, and provide the necessary resources to effect this change.

The derailment on the CTA’s red line comes a week after a green line train derailed. Fourteen people were injured in the Green Line derailment.

None of the four cars in today’s derailment overturned, and all of the train passengers walked to a nearby station.

– Railfanning.org News Wire

Juan Manuel Alvarez is on trial for first-degree murder and other charges. His trial could continue until July.

Police initially said Alvarez parked his SUV on the Metrolink tracks with the intent of killing himself, but changed his mind, left his SUV on the tracks and watched the wreck unfold. However, prosecutors are challenging whether Alvarez was trying to commit suicide when he parked his SUV on the tracks and now say he may “have even been carrying out a ritual of Aztec human sacrifice,” The Los Angeles Daily News reported.

“I feel terrible and I ask for forgiveness,” Alvarez said, according to The Los Angeles Times. “I believe some of the family members are here today. I am sorry for what happened; I never meaned to hurt any of your loved ones. That could have been my mom or my dad.”

At about 6:05 a.m., Jan. 26, 2005, the two Metrolink trains — Nos. 901 and 100 –sideswiped each other; both trains derailed near Glendale. One of the trains also struck a Union Pacific freight train.

– Railfanning.org News Wire

A plan from U.S. Rep. John L. Mica, R-Fla., “demonstrates the kind of ambitious, pragmatic thinking about our future,” Bloomberg said. “Investing in modern mass transportation is critical to New York’s future, and all options should be on the table. No idea should be ignored or dismissed simply because it is ambitious. That is not how America’s greatest infrastructure marvels — from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Grand Coulee Dam — got built.

“Congressman Mica’s plan, which is included in the House Amtrak reauthorization bill, would solicit proposals — including proposals from the private sector — to build the high speed rail service,” Bloomberg added. “Those proposals would be evaluated and presented to Congress for further action. Soliciting and considering proposals is an important and necessary first step toward determining the feasibility of this initiative.”

– Railfanning.org News Wire

HR 6052, known as the “Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act of 2008”, addresses the nation’s energy crisis by encouraging the growth of public transit, proponents say.

“As the price of gas approaches $4 a gallon, more and more commuters are choosing to ride the train or the bus to work rather than drive alone in their cars,” said Rep. James L. Oberstar, D-Minn., chairman of the Committee. “It is a priority of this Committee to increase the use of public transportation by providing incentives for commuters to choose transit options.

“If more people utilize the various public transportation options that are available to them, we can reduce energy consumption and reliance on foreign oil, as well as decrease greenhouse gas emissions,” Oberstar said. “This legislation authorizes $1.7 billion over two years for transit agencies nationwide to reduce fares and expand transit services to meet the needs of the growing number of transit commuters.”

In addition, HR6052 increases the federal share for clean fuel and alternative fuel transit bus, ferry or locomotive-related equipment or facilities, which will reduce transportation-related emissions. The bill also extends the federal transit pass benefits program to all federal employees.

Currently, federal agencies are only required to offer the program in the capital region.

The transit’s board last month awarded a $58.4 million contract to George Harms Construction Inc. of Howell, N.J., for work to extend the light rail line to at 8th Street from its current southern terminus at 22nd Street. The extension includes the design and construction of foundations, viaduct structure, track work, intersection improvements, a new station, landscaping, lighting and customer amenities.

“The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail line has been serving Waterfront communities since opening eight years ago,” said Transportation Commissioner and N.J. Transit Board Chairman Kris Kolluri. “The one-mile extension south in Bayonne will provide new neighborhoods with connections to N.J. Transit rail services, trans-Hudson ferries, PATH trains and park-and-ride facilities.”

The transit board in September 2006 authorized the work needed to advertise a design/build contract, including completion of preliminary design work on the track alignment and the new station, as well as environmental work and other tasks associated with preparation of the design/build package.

“This project will provide ready access to employment, education and recreational opportunities for thousands of new customers,” said N.J. Transit Executive Director Richard Sarles. “By extending the light rail one mile south, we will connect more Bayonne neighborhoods with other communities, as well as to trans-Hudson trains and ferries.”

From the elevated 22nd Street Station, the light rail tracks will be extended south, hugging the existing Conrail right-of-way along Avenue E. A viaduct will carry light rail vehicles over local streets to an elevated platform at the new 8th Street Station, which will feature an elevator and stairs between street and platform levels.

As a result of community meetings, the station will be located at Avenue C and 8th Street, with architecture reminiscent of the old Central Railroad of New Jersey station that once stood near the site.

Construction is expected to start later this year with completion in 2010.

– Railfanning.org News Wire based on a press release

The $277 million contract surpasses the order volume from Siemens’ most recent win in Denver for 55 light rail vehicles and is UTA’s fourth order with Siemens. That brings the total number of Siemens vehicles for Salt Lake City to 117.

“Utah is the fifth fastest growing state in the U.S. and the expansion of our rail system brings us closer to creating a more sustainable and less congested metro area for us and the next generation,” said John Inglish, UTA’s general manager.

The UTA chose the S70 model similar to those operating in San Diego, Calif., and Charlotte, N.C., but at 81.37 feet long, it is slightly shorter. The modification will enable UTA to maximize the use of their passenger platforms and operate 4-car train consists, officials said.

UTA’s FrontLines rail expansion to build 70 miles of rail in seven years includes four new light rail lines, and vehicles will be delivered in time for the start of revenue service on each line. All vehicles are scheduled to be ready for service by 2012 and the new contract includes an option for up to an additional 180 cars.

“Winning the Salt Lake City UTA contract demonstrates the confidence our customers have in Siemens and our products well into the future and further enables us to reinforce our long-term commitment to the riding public,” said Oliver Hauck, president and CEO of Siemens Transportation Systems Inc.

Siemens light rail manufacturing facility in Sacramento, Calif., will build the S70 low floor vehicles from start to finish. The Sacramento STS facility workforce has steadily grown by 30 percent since completing its car shell manufacturing expansion two years ago, officials said.

– Railfanning.org News Wire based on PRNewswire

The grants will be used to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies.

“With this year’s funding, the department will have provided roughly $3 billion in grants for securing the nation’s critical infrastructure and transportation systems,” Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said. “As capabilities mature, we’re encouraging state and local governments and the private sector to prioritize IED prevention and protection, communications capabilities, information sharing, and regionally based security cooperation.”

According to DHS, the Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) supports sustainable, risk-based efforts to protect critical transit infrastructure, particularly against explosives and non-conventional threats that could cause major disruption to commerce and significant loss of life.

Freight Rail Security Grant Program: $4.9 million

The Freight Rail Security Grant Program (FRSGP) provides awards to railroad operators that transport security-sensitive materials through high-density population areas. This is the first year of funding for the FRSGP, which will prioritize the development of vulnerability assessments and security plans, as well as security training of railroad front-line employees.

Intercity Passenger Rail Program: $25 million

The Intercity Passenger Rail Program (IPRP) will fund the National Passenger Railroad Corporation (Amtrak) to harden underground and underwater track and tunnels against IEDs, train key employees in counter-terrorism, and expand visible deterrence activities. DHS has provided more than $50 million in IPRP grants since 2005.

“Our inner city passenger rail Amtrak grant program has nearly doubled this year as compared to last year from $13.5 million to about $25 million,” Chertoff said.

The legislation was approved by a 60-3 margin.

The technical amendments in the bill clarify construction and financing requirements for the $9.95 billion dollar bond measure, which will be on the November 2008 statewide ballot. The bill also prioritizes construction segments based on financial readiness and ability to leverage local, federal, and private funds.

Prior to passage on the Assembly floor, two Assembly committees, Assembly Transportation and Assembly Appropriations approved the measure without any negative votes.

“The strong vote on the Assembly floor reflects increasing vitality and enthusiasm for high-speed rail in California,” said Quentin Kopp, chairman of the California High-Speed Authority. “Despite past vicissitudes, the Assembly’s overwhelming vote demonstrates California’s purposeful progress in providing 200 mile per hour train service from southern California through the Central Valley to the Bay Area and Sacramento.”

– Business Wire