JUNE 2010

COVER STORY
 
Integrated Control Centers Bolster Rail Service Efficiency
By Janna Starcic, Executive Editor

The technology is heading toward more automation and integration. The inclusion of security and information management systems in projects is growing substantially.



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Features

Top Rail Projects Exceed $80 Billion

With $14 billion in projects in the works, Toronto Transit Commission jumps from No. 15 last year to take 2010's No. 1 slot. ARRA funds are still having a big impact in the U.S.; however, ongoing budget issues and lack of federal transportation authorization still threaten many agencies and their ongoing projects.



Outsourcing Inventory Management Yields Savings

Transit agencies see several cost savings in outsourcing parts inventory management, including personnel, storage and procurement costs. Other advantages include dealing with just one parts vendor, reduced inventory, streamlined supply chain and improved availability.



Key to Managing Workplace Issues: Communication

Despite facing divergent issues, CEOs for both the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority and Southern California's Metrolink say they are maintaining morale and working on solving problems by employing this method.



Motorcoach Marketing efforts aim to simplify

Whether in print or online, motorcoach carriers are reaching out to customers with package deals and special offers on Facebook. Meanwhile, online tools make marketing easier.

Proposed New Jersey Light Rail Expansion Moves Forward

With STV Incorporated serving as the lead of a multi-firm team for the project, the Delaware River Port Authority and its PATCO subsidiary continue work to open a new light rail line that would not only tie together parts of South New Jersey, but provide access to Philadelphia.



Multipurpose, Efficient Track Maintenance Equipment in Demand

As rail budgets tighten and agencies are looking to get more for their limited funds, suppliers have seen more requests for specialized equipment such as vehicles that incorporate several functions into one machine.



Transit Agencies Build Innovative Revenue Streams

While budget pressures are forcing fare hikes and service cuts, some agencies are thinking outside the box to develop new sources of income, such as selling ads and naming rights and even functioning as a contract agent for the Department of Motor Vehicles.

DEPARTMENTS

Metro-St. Louis tax victory helps restore transit services

Passed in April, Proposition A will enable Metro-St. Louis to continue operations without further cuts, as well as begin restoring its workforce.



Public-private partnership to fund Denver rail expansion

The East Corridor rail line is part of the Denver Regional Transportation District's $2.3 billion Eagle P3 project to be funded by a public-private partnership. Electric multiple-unit commuter rail trains will carry passengers from downtown Denver to the Denver International Airport.



Calif. tribe awarded funds to study transit system concept

To receive the funding, the Yurok Tribe responded to a solicitation for proposals in 2008.

Stimulus working, now we need a new authorization bill

I have never understood why these same people say the New Deal didn't help get us out of the Depression and that it took World War II -- conveniently forgetting that war spending is more government spending!



'Summit' shows national interests

The Washington, D.C. "summit" organized by the Community Streetcar Coalition this past March reflected the interest of federal policy-makers as well as local officials and industry leaders in taking urban transportation in a new direction.



If you have to ask, 'What do we do now?' it's way too late

Joseph Osterman is former NTSB managing director and currently president of J S Eastman Enterprises LLC.

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