National Steel Car extends closure to address COVID-19 outbreak
Hamilton, Ontario, railcar builder National Steel Car has extended its manufacturing shutdown for an additional week, and now plans to resume operations on Monday, May 17. The company halted manufacturing work because of a COVID-19 outbreak on April 23 [see “Digest: Canadian freight car company halts construction …,” Trains News Wire, April 24, 2021]. In a Tuesday announcement, National Steel Car said it was extending the suspension “out of an abudance of caution and in consultation with Public Health Hamilton.”
Quebec forms committee to address planning for REM de l’Est light rail
Quebec’s ministry of transport has announced the formation of a committee to oversee the planned eastern extension of the REM light rail system, a group which will, among other tasks, work to make the project fit into the surrounding community. CTV News reports the 15-member committee will be led by engineer Maud Cohen, president of a Montreal health charity, and will work with Montreal architectural firm Lemay to develop design guidelines. The initial plans for the 19.9-mile, 23-station came under fire earlier this year when two architectural firms were reported to have quit over concerns the project was ugly [see “Digest: New Jersey governor’s budget …,” Trains News Wire, Feb. 24, 2021]. Public consultation will also play a part in the planning. The “REM de l’Est,” announced in late 2020, will serve the city’s East End, which was not part of the original Reseau express metropolitain light rail project [see “Digest: Monteral REM light rail project unveils plans …,” Trains News Wire, Dec. 15, 2020].
Raffa joins Reading & Northern to oversee energy marketing
Reading & Northern has hired Jim Raffa oversee market development, focusing on Marcellus Shale-related business and the energy sector, as well as propane and the potential movement of liquefied natural gas. Raffa had been vice president sales and marketing at R.J. Corman’s Owego & Harford, Lehigh, and Luzerne & Susquehanna railways for 14 years. His hiring represents a return to the Reading & Northern, where he was previously coal traffic manager and real estate manager. “”We are delighted that Jim has chosen to return to Reading & Northern,” railroad president Wayne Michel said in a press release. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from his time serving at the Lehigh Railway and Luzerne & Susquehanna. His knowledge of the region and his experience handling frac sand opportunities will be critical to us as we continue to grow our business.”
They are outside.
Seeing masks below the nose or not worn at all I’m not surprised a COVID-19 outbreak would occur with those lax safety precautions.