Frecciaross 1000 Unveiled
The Italian rail operator Trenitalia unveiled a full-scale mock-up of the Frecciarossa 1000 high-speed train being built by Bombardier Transportation and its consortium partner AnsaldoBreda. The new train offers high acceleration that ensures excellent travelling times even on winding routes.
In September 2010 Bombardier and AnsaldoBreda won an order to deliver 50 trains. The first units are already in production and track tests will take place at the end of 2012.
New Commuter Coaches for Go Transit
Motor Coach Industries (MCI) delivered 18 Commuter Coach models to GO Transit. The delivery completes a 36-coach order for 2012. Standard features include the latest-generation ACTIA multiplex system with an ergonomic driver dash, as well as electronic stability control, a tire pressure monitoring system and the Amerex fire suppression system. Go Transit added an optional Axion destination sign and an Alpha-Tron Altra capacitor that aids in cold-weather starts.
New Service for Antelope Valley
The North County TRANSporter is a new mid-day bus service that connects Metrolink trains ending in the Santa Clarita Valley with direct service to Palmdale. The new service provides eight trips each weekday: four trips each direction. Antelope Valley Transit Authority provides two commuter buses for the TRANSporter service.
Funding for the North County TRANSporter has been made available by Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich. The funding will remain in place for two years to give the service time to establish ridership.
Transit Center Groundbreaking
Salem-Keizer Transit held a groundbreaking for a new Keizer Transit Center, which will include bus bays, passenger waiting areas, transit information, operator break facilities, park-and-ride spaces and bicycle storage.
Sustainable elements will include a green roof, solar panels, ground source heat pump, electric vehicle charging stations and a water garden to manage storm water runoff.
The center is expected to be completed early next year and it is estimated that 100 or more skilled construction workers will be employed during the various phases of the project.
HRT Way-Finding
CHK America has begun the next stage of the Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) customer information project, including the design, fabrication and installation of more than 2,300 way-finding panels. Prior to this, CHK America designed and fabricated customer information panels and purpose-built hardware for The Tide, HRT's rail line.
Jim West Regional Transit Center Dedicated
The North Central Regional Transit District (NCRTD) dedicated the Jim West Regional Transit Center, its new headquarters. NCRTD Chairman and Taos County Commissioner Daniel Barrone stated the transit center serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication of those who believed that one day a transit system could connect a 10,000-square-mile area of north central New Mexico and create mobility options for people.
More Hybrids for Intercity Transit
The addition of seven new hybrid biodiesel electric buses brings the bus fleet to about 20 percent hybrid. The total cost of the seven 40-foot coaches is $4.6 million. The local capital match amount of $873,000 was paid by Intercity Transit. Hybrid vehicles and many other green initiatives earned Intercity Transit the nation's first Gold sustainability ranking by the American Public Transportation Association.
