Industry Outlook Kawasaki marks Yonkers anniversary
Kawasaki Rail Car, Inc. joined with New York State officials, elected representatives, and transportation professionals May 9 to celebrate 25
years of manufacturing railcars at its Yonkers, N.Y., plant. During the past quarter-century, Kawasaki has produced more than 2,500 railcars at the facility. Kawasaki has made railcars and component parts for a variety of transit systems, including MTA New York City Transit, MTA Long Island Rail Road, MTA Metro-North Railroad, Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corporation (PATH), Connecticut DOT, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), and the Maryland Transit Administration.
Metrolink project hits legal obstacle
A judge has rejected the environmental impact report (EIR) for a proposed Metrolink line from Riverside to Perris, ruling that the Riverside County (Calif.) Transportation Commission failed to address such issues as train wheel noise and pedestrian safety. The judicial ruling stalls the 24-mile, $232.7 million project that would extend Metrolink regional passenger rail service from Riverside to Perris. Superior Court Judge Sharon J. Waters ruled the commission can proceed with design and planning activities for the project, but cannot proceed with any construction. The commission said the decision “indefinitely delays” the project. Judge Waters said complaints by Friends of Riverside’s Hills, including the EIR’s failure to adequately address the effect of rail lubricant on the soil, pedestrian safety, train wheel squeal, and construction noise, were of valid concern. The group’s lawsuit said the transportation commission did not follow the guidelines of the California Environmental Quality Act, which requires governmental agencies to disclose a project’s impact and work to reduce them. A spokesman for Friends of Riverside’s Hills said the group is willing to help the commission address the concerns raised in the suit. 6
Railway Age
June 2013
CP increases 2013 capex spending Canadian Pacific last month said it would add up to C$100 million to its original 2013 capital spending plan of C$1.1 billion, funded by a higher than anticipated 2013 cash flow projections. “As our railway continues to transform, we see opportunities to accelerate enhancements to key sections of our North American system,” said Chief Executive Officer E. Hunter Harrison. “By taking these opportunities now to further improve our operations, we will be better positioned to respond to our customers’ shipping needs.” The projects, moved forward from scheduled 2014 work, are primarily focused on productivity, safety, and efficiency, CP said.
REMSA, RSI to co-host Brazilian trade pavilion The Railway Supply Institute (RSI) and Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA) will be co-hosting the USA Pavilion at the Business on Rails trade show, Nov. 5-7, 2013, in São Paulo, Brazil. “The exclusive USA Pavilion represents the first U.S.-based railway supply association-sponsored exhibition opportunity at Business on Rails, which attracts more than 7,000 railroad and railway supply industry attendees with exhibitors from more than 14 countries,” said REMSA Executive Director David Soule. “The South American market holds promise for North American railroad suppliers, and the USA Pavilion will showcase companies that are interested in exhibiting internationally without having to spend resources on making all of the arrangements themselves,” said RSI President Tom Simpson. The cost to exhibit in the USA Pavilion is $15,000 for RSI/REMSA members; $25,000 for nonmembers. The pavilion layout will include a common exhibit area with refreshments, seating, and meeting space, with booth space for each exhibiting company. Translators will also be present. The USA Pavilion provides additional benefits to exhibitors, including support and guidance from the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the opportunity for personalized introductions to potential business partners and customers; briefing papers on South American railroad investment and advice on translation and materials shipping; transportation advice including visa and customs, as well as airport, hotel, and convention center transfers; and access to the USA Pavilion room block at the Renaissance São Paulo Hotel. Nearly half of the available exhibit booths have been reserved at the REMSA/RSI-sponsored pavilion.