Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

Jeff Morales, who served as an executive with the $69 billion mega project's lead consultant Parsons Brinckerhoff, was in charge of developing cost estimates, funding sources and rider projections.

Can now begin spending a $16 million grant that will support scheduling and safety improvements, including the design of a positive train control technology system, on the San Francisco to San Jose corridor.

Using the funds to acquire the site creates independent benefit for existing transportation entities in the region. An L.A. Union Station revamp would improve operations and service for Metro light rail, Amtrak, Metrolink and the Metro bus system.

The Institute's report said that patronage models for the $42-billion first phase were too flawed to accurately predict whether the trains would run severe deficits or generate large operating surpluses, as planners predict.

Roelof van Ark, who currently serves as president of Alstom Transportation, will make $375,000, making him one of state government's highest paid non-university workers.

In other action, the CHSRA board set a January 15, 2010 deadline for "requests for expressions of interest" from local governments, public transportation agencies, private companies and others who want to participate in the planning, development and operation of maintenance facilities on the 800-mile network linking the state's major cities.

Will partner to establish high-speed train service in the Los Angeles Corridor, utilizing Metro-owned facilities and rights-of-way.

In April, President Obama, Vice President Biden and Secretary LaHood announced the effort to transform the nation's transportation system by developing rail infrastructure and launching high-speed passenger rail services in 100 mile to 600 mile corridors that connect U.S. communities.

Gave go-ahead for list of shovel-ready construction projects likely to qualify for $8 billion in federal stimulus funding.

Group responsible for building high-speed train service covering 800 miles at speeds up to 220 MPH. Building the high-speed train system will cost less than half the cost of freeway and aviation alternatives. Operating the system will create an annual surplus of more than $1 billion.