Metrolinx
The Sener engineering and technology group on June 13 reported that it will develop the detailed design for Metrolinx’s Scarborough Subway Extension project, which will bring the Toronto Transit Commission’s Line 2 subway service 4.8 miles (7.8 kilometers) farther into Scarborough (see map above). The design work will be done on behalf of the Scarborough Transit Connect construction consortium formed by Aecon and FCC Canada Limited, which was selected by Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario in 2022 to perform the stations, track and systems contract for the project.
The new extension runs entirely underground. It includes three new underground stations, each featuring surface-level bus terminals to facilitate modal interchange. Additionally, the project involves upgrading an existing station, eight new emergency exits, and four electrical substations.
As the lead engineering firm in the implementation phase of the stations, track and systems contract, Sener said it will develop the detailed design for the architecture, structures, and electromechanical installations, as well as for the geotechnics and station caverns, ventilation systems, electrification, signaling and train control, communications and track, landscaping, and utilities. Sener will also be responsible for the integration and safety certification.
According to Senar, the new section is expected to be used by 105,000 riders daily, of whom 52,000 will be new subway users, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 10,000 tons annually.
The project is being developed under a Progressive Design and Build model, a collaborative approach aimed at maximizing coordination between the owner, the contractor, the communities and other stakeholders, and at reducing risks during the execution phase. In this context, Sener said it has already collaborated with Aecon and FCC Canada Limited in the earlier stages of the process, initially contributing to the consortium’s selection by Metrolinx, and later, during the preliminary design phase, helping to secure the contract to carry out the work.
LACMTA
Parsons Corporation reported participating in two station dedications earlier this month (Glendora Station and San Dimas Station) on the new Foothill Gold Line light rail segment between Glendora and Pomona in Southern California’s San Gabriel Valley (watch above; see map below). The La Verne/Fairplex Station and Pomona North Station will be dedicated June 20.
The 9.1-mile, four-station segment achieved substantial completion in January, and the project has been turned over to LACMTA for final testing, training, and preparation for passenger service, which is anticipated to begin later this year. Once operational, the new extension will be renamed, as it will be part of the 48.5-mile Metro A Line system, which will carry riders between Long Beach and Pomona.
“This extension of the Metro A Line is vital to the region’s vision for a more connected and sustainable transportation network,” said Parsons, which not only led the design of the segment but also contributed to construction management. “Once operational, it will offer a fast, efficient, and eco-friendly alternative to driving, significantly improving mobility for commuters in the San Gabriel Valley.”
“We are proud of this transformative project and contributing to the region’s future,” said Mark Fialkowski, President of Infrastructure North America for Parsons. “This milestone reflects the dedication of our team, the trust of our partners at the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority and Metro [LACMTA], and our commitment to delivering solutions that benefit the community.”
According to Parsons, completing this segment helps expand transit access for communities across Los Angeles County. The light rail extension, it added, aligns with both local and regional goals for reducing traffic congestion and minimizing environmental impacts. Beyond the transportation benefits, this project will “provide a substantial economic boost to the region, improving access to jobs, education, and entertainment opportunities for thousands of residents,” Parsons said.
Caltrain
BLET members on June 12 ratified a new five-year contract with Transit America Services, Inc., (TASI), according to the union. The contract covers 68 locomotive engineers who operate commuter trains at Caltrain in Northern California. TASI is the contractor for the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (JPB), which owns and operates Caltrain (see map, right).
Eighty-four percent of members cast ballots, BLET said, with 50 voting in favor (89%) and six voting against (11%). According to the union, the contract provides numerous work rule improvements beneficial to the membership and a general wage package that “keeps them on the forefront of passenger engineers in the nation.”
BLET’s Caltrain members belong to Division 65 in San Jose and are represented by the Amtrak General Committee of Adjustment (GCA). The negotiating team comprised Division 65 Local Chairman Kevin Quest, prior Local Chairman Jordan Coleman, Vice General Chairman Gabriel Perez, Western Regional Chairman Chad Skinner, GCA S-T Bradley Cleary, Amtrak General Chairman Pat Darcy, and National Vice President Jim Louis.
“This agreement provides clear economic gains and improvements to existing work rules for our Caltrain members,” BLET National President Mark Wallace said. “I commend General Chairman Darcy and the entire negotiating team for their efforts in securing this ratified agreement.”
Separately, Caltrain’s Board of Directors recently approved its operating and capital budgets for FY 2026, which begins July 1, 2025, and ends June 30, 2026.
