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The first public demonstration of “the hyperloop,” a new propulsion system for high-speed transit, occurred on May 11 in the desert north of Las Vegas. Days later, a team of researchers unveiled a hyperloop test pod.

Officials Hope To Restart $2.3-Billion Boston Subway Extension

Justin Rice

May 18, 2016

Massachusetts transit officials this month took an embattled plan off life support to extend the most iconic line on the nation’s oldest subway system.

Transportation

NTSB: Engineer's Distraction Is Probable Cause of 2015 Amtrak Crash

Safety Board also points to lack of positive train control system as contributing factor.

May 17, 2016

One Comment

Board says distraction likely due to commuter train's radio messages after emergency stop nearby.

Public Transit

After New FTA Order and Foxx's Warning, D.C. Metro Takes Safety Actions

Metro removing porcelain insulators, slowing train speeds to cut electricity 'draw'

May 11, 2016

DOT Secretary warned on May 10 that he might shut down Metrorail if it failed to adhere to earlier FTA directives.

DC Metro Plans Major Rebuilding

After service disruptions, contractors are set to do some needed agency work to include track and electrical upgrades

May 11, 2016

In the wake of infrastructure-related service disruptions on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s Metrorail system—and a highly critical National Transportation Safety Board report on a fatal 2015 electrical-system incident—the agency plans to launch next month an intensive, system-wide rehabilitation program, aimed at restoring safety and reliability by mid 2017.

ASCE Report: Infrastructure Gap $1.4 Trillion Over 10 Years

Surface-transportation's shortfall accounts for $1.1 trillion of the total

May 10, 2016

Electricity-sector gap pegged at $212 billion over next decade; water-wastewater gap estimated at $113 billion.

Mass Transit

D.C.-Area Metrorail Chief Proposes 'Massive' System Upgrade

Year-Long Maintenance Speed-Up Would Use Contractors for Some Work

May 6, 2016

Plan includes improvements to track network, electrical system.

Railroad Accidents

NTSB Cites Short Circuit, History of Poor Railroad Safety

Criticisms are plentiful in report on 2015 railroad fire in Washington, D.C.

May 4, 2016

A prolonged short circuit in the third-rail power system of Washington, D.C.’s Metrorail system has been determined to be the probable cause for a January 2015 electrical arcing and smoke incident that killed one passenger and injured dozens more, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Airport Infrastructure Tour Takes Off

Janice L. Tuchman

May 4, 2016