Rail supplier news from Bombardier, Thales, Focused Technology, Appalachian Railcar, Ondas Networks and HNTB (June 28)

Bombardier Transportation won a new contract from the city and county of San Francisco to provide operations and maintenance services for the Bombardier Innovia APM 100 automated people mover (APM) system at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Valued at $220 million, the contract covers 10 years and includes an option for an additional five years. Bombardier has provided operations and maintenance services for the APM since it opened in 2003. The AirTrain fleet of 38 Innovia APM 100 vehicles serve nine stations along 6 miles of elevated guideway, and connects SFO’s terminals, parking garages, rental car center and a Bay Area Rapid Transit station. Under a contract awarded in 2016, Bombardier is providing three additional Innovia vehicles, building a 2,000-foot guideway extension and a new station, and upgrading signals for the APM.

Mosaic Transit Group has contracted Thales to provide the signaling system for the Finch West light-rail project in Toronto. Thales will provide its SelTrac™ communications-based train control system. Mosaic Transit Group was the consortium selected by Metrolinx to design, build, finance and maintain the new 7-mile, 18-stop line, which will be operated by the Toronto Transit Commission. The project is slated for completion in 2023.

Focused Technology Solutions Inc. has appointed Kirk Kreisher vice president of sales. During his 30-year career, he has held leadership positions in the athletics, telecommunications, biotech and rail industries. Kreisher most recently was an industrial sales manager at voestalpine Nortrak, where he was responsible for the growth in the U.S. special trackwork market. He previously served R. J. Corman Railroad Group for six years in such roles as corporate account manager, business development manager and director of sales.

Appalachian Railcar Services recently completed a major expansion at its Elk Mills, Maryland, facility to create a full-service tank-car shop with new interior and exterior blast and paint capabilities.The project included a 13,000-square-foot addition to the facility, which is located on a CSX line. The shop also provides various services, including tank-car qualifications, wreck repairs, pressure car flaring, cleaning and lining, and 24/7 mobile repairs. "We are now positioned to provide full-service tank-car repair and maintenance services to serve the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic markets," said Appalachian Railcar Services Chief Executive Officer Scott Driggers in a press release. The company operates more than 40 facilities in 18 states.

[Editor's note: This news item was updated at 3:30 EDT today.] Through its subsidiary Ondas Networks Inc., Ondas Holdings Inc. has closed on the acquisition of licensed spectrum in the 700 MHz band for the state of Alaska, Gulf of Mexico and multiple counties bordering the Gulf. The company now is offering wireless connectivity in the regions covering 900,000 square miles. Ondas Networks has deployed system trials with a Class II railroad in Alaska’s Wasilla/Cottonwood region for wayside connectivity. In Jefferson County, Texas, Ondas is planning trials with a rail transportation company to support their applications.

HNTB Corp. has named Greg May Pennsylvania office leader. A vice president at the engineering firm, May has more than 20 years’ experience in the planning, design and construction of transportation infrastructure projects. He now will lead more than 160 multidisciplinary transportation professionals stationed at HNTB offices in Philadelphia, King of Prussia, Allentown, Harrisburg and Pittsburgh. The offices work on rail, transit and other projects for such clients as the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority and Delaware River Port Authority. HNTB also named Chris Gale president of its Great Lakes Division, which handles bridge, transit, rail and other projects in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. He has served the firm for nearly 23 years, most recently as senior vice president and division sales officer.