Author: Carolina Worrell

Chicago Transit Board Approves 2026 CTA Budget

The Chicago Transit Board on Nov. 12 unanimously approved a balanced $2.23 billion operating budget for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), which, the agency says, “holds the line on fares, avoids layoffs, enhances existing services, expands vehicle cleaning measures, and more.” The operating budget is $75 million—or 3.2 percent—more than the 2025 budget.

Transit Briefs: LA Metro, MTA, STM

LA Metro’s TAP-to-Exit program returns to North Hollywood and Union Station. Also, Jacobs and Kittelson secure a new planning contract with the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA); and the Montreal transit strike comes to an end as the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) maintenance workers’ union suspends work stoppage.

AAR: North American Rail Volume Up Through Week 45

North American carload and intermodal traffic for the first 45 weeks of 2025 (ending Nov. 8) was up 1.9% from the prior-year period, according to the Association of American Railroads’ (AAR) latest rail traffic report. While the United States and Canada both saw gains, Mexico experienced a loss.

Transit Briefs: Valley Metro, MDOT, LA Metro

Valley Metro invites the community to provide input on west Phoenix transit options. Also, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) announces the selection of a joint development partner to advance a major transit-oriented development (TOD) at the Odenton MARC Station; and LA Metro’s 2025 Short Range Transportation Plan (SRTP) details $220 billion in mobility improvements over the next 15 years.

  • News

People News: OmniTRAX, HNTB, RPM

OmniTRAX names Nathan Brown as Chief Strategy Officer. Also, Diane Guiterrez-Scaccetti joins HNTB as National Practice Consultant and Senior Vice President; and RPM appoints Mario Paluzzi as Chief Product & Strategy Officer (CPSO).

  • M/W

On the Rocks

RAILWAY AGE, NOVEMBER 2025 ISSUE: Suppliers provide best practices for optimizing ballast life and performance.