Railroad News

Omaha Track, Inc., hosted U.S. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE-2) and local railroad officials on Aug. 2 for a facility tour and public policy discussion.

Michele Malski, 28

Job description: Malski’s role includes communications, strategic planning, new programs, project and grant management, and railroad outreach. She also develops training and education about components of safety culture.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in industrial labor relations with a minor in law and society, Cornell University

Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. has agreed to purchase CH2M Hill Cos. Ltd. for $2.85 billion. The transaction is aimed at providing Jacobs a "leading position" and new expertise in the high-growth infrastructure and government services sectors, Jacobs officials said in a press release. In addition, Jacobs will be able to deliver more solutions to more clients by applying CH2M's advanced design, technical and program management expertise, company officials said. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of Jacobs' 2018 fiscal year.

Vertex Railcar Corp. has obtained an order for its 2480 CF aggregate car from a rail industry lessor. The lessor chose Vertex after visiting its facility in Wilmington, North Carolina. The deal marks the second time a rail lessor has chosen the company's aggregate car in recent months, Vertex officials said in a press release. In addition, another lessor has recently chosen Vertex's 7500CF wood chip car. Although Vertex didn't disclose the quantity of cars or terms of either order, company officials described both deals as "significant." The cars will begin shipping in early fall.

Amtrak and Lyft yesterday announced a new partnership aimed at helping riders complete the first- and last-mile segments of their journeys.

Passengers now can use the Amtrak mobile app to request a ride with the ride-sharing service. First-time Lyft users can receive a $5 credit on each of their first four rides with the service.

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has begun evaluating ideas to modernize its business model and increase revenue.

The association's total number of members and yearly revenue have remained generally flat for more than 10 years, APTA Chair Doran Barnes wrote in his "Observations and Aspirations" newsletter.

The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority in Austin, Texas, yesterday announced that Linda Watson will retire as the agency's president and chief executive officer by year's end.

She's held the position for more than seven years. Watson came to Austin from Orlando, Florida, where she served as leader of LYNX, the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority.

Kevin O'Toole and Rick Cotton have joined leadership at the Port Authority of New York and Jersey (PANYNJ).

O'Toole will serve as chairman of the Board of Commissioners. O'Toole is the managing partner of O'Toole Scrivo Fernandez Weiner Van Lieu, LLC, and recently concluded a long career in the New Jersey Legislature. During his time in the legislature, Mr. O'Toole sponsored many pieces of legislation, including and the Transportation Trust Fund.

Kevin O'Toole and Rick Cotton have joined leadership at the Port Authority of New York and Jersey (PANYNJ).

O'Toole will serve as chairman of the Board of Commissioners. O'Toole is the managing partner of O'Toole Scrivo Fernandez Weiner Van Lieu, LLC, and recently concluded a long career in the New Jersey Legislature. During his time in the legislature, Mr. O'Toole sponsored many pieces of legislation, including and the Transportation Trust Fund.

Kevin O'Toole and Rick Cotton have joined leadership at the Port Authority of New York and Jersey (PANYNJ).

O'Toole will serve as chairman of the Board of Commissioners. O'Toole is the managing partner of O'Toole Scrivo Fernandez Weiner Van Lieu, LLC, and recently concluded a long career in the New Jersey Legislature. During his time in the legislature, Mr. O'Toole sponsored many pieces of legislation, including and the Transportation Trust Fund.

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The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending July 29, 2017, as well as volumes for July 2017.

Govs. Andrew Cuomo of New York and Chris Christie of New Jersey yesterday announced new leadership appointments at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ).

Kevin O'Toole has been named chairman of the board, while Rick Cotton has been appointed the authority's executive director, according to a press release jointly issued by the governors.

Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. will acquire CH2M HILL Companies Ltd.

The two companies have entered into a definitive agreement under which Jacobs will acquire all of the outstanding shares of CH2M in a cash and stock transaction with an enterprise value of approximately $3.27 billion, including approximately $416 million of CH2M net debt.

Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. will acquire CH2M HILL Companies Ltd.

Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. will acquire CH2M HILL Companies Ltd.

Michael Lefevre, 28

Job description: As director of the Operations Control Center (OCC) of the Brightline intercity passenger-rail service in southeastern Florida, Lefevre designed and implemented procedures for monitoring, reporting and streamlining daily operations. With the support of the five teammates who staff the OCC, Lefevre is responsible for delivering real-time updates on train performance, fielding all situational calls from Brightline trains and stations, and initiating schedule changes as necessary.

Education: Bachelor of Arts degree, Duke University

The number of riders who said they were satisfied with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) commuter-rail service has nearly doubled over the past two years, according to a recent survey.

Of the riders who participated in the survey, 32 percent said they're satisfied with the MBTA's commuter-rail service. That marks an increase from another survey conducted in spring 2015, when just 18 percent of passengers said they were satisfied with the agency's commuter rail.

Gulf & Ohio Railways Inc. (G&O) announced leadership appointments effective today at locomotive manufacturer Knoxville Locomotive Works Inc. (KLW).

Michael Wester has been named executive vice president; Tom German, general manager; and Scott Gatewood, chief design engineer, said KLW President Pete Claussen in a press release.