Transit Briefs: Amtrak, SEPTA, CDOT/FRPR District, Santa Clara VTA

Amtrak advances upgrades and repairs at Lancaster Station. Also, April 2025 Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) ridership increases 6% from last year; SEPTA’s Efficiency & Accountability (E&A) Program recognizes $91 million in revenue and savings; the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Front Range Passenger Rail (FRPR) District explore options to bring passenger rail service to the Front Range; and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) launches a veteran discount fare pilot program.

IDOT: $400MM Available for Local Transportation Projects

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) on May 13 announced that $400 million is available for local transportation projects, with the goal of “enhancing mobility and quality of life in communities throughout the state.”

New APTA Reports Show ‘Strong Industry Growth’

New data from two reports released by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) on May 14 show that U.S. ridership has rebounded to 85% of pre-pandemic levels, “overwhelming office occupancy,” which remains at 52%. Together, the two reports reflect an industry in “strong recovery.”

Anacostia Taps Nuchurch as Manager of Safety and Compliance

Anacostia Rail Holdings (ARH) on May 8 announced that it has appointed Mark Nuchurch as Manager of Safety and Compliance—a new role and title at the short line railroad holding company.

BLET, WNYP Reach Tentative Agreement

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) on May 8 announced that it has reached a tentative five-year agreement with the Western New York & Pennsylvania (WNYP) Railroad, governing rates of

(Norfolk Southern photo)

Class I Briefs: NS, CSX

Norfolk Southern (NS) launches Trades on Track scholarship. Also, CSX is named the 2024 Carrier of the Year by Diversified CPC and Highroad Consulting and provides tablets for Train and Engine (T&E) employees.

Port of Montreal Releases 2024 Operating Results

The Port of Montreal Authority (MPA) on May 7 released the Port of Montreal’s 2024 operating results, showing “stable volumes” compared to 2023, $143 million in operating results, and $22.6 million in net earnings. The year was characterized by “several major port infrastructure projects, milestones in the energy transition, and many high points in community engagement.”

AAR to USDOT: ‘Modernize and Streamline Rail Regulations’

On May 6, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) filed comments in response to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Request for Information (RFI) (Docket No DOT-OST-2025-0026-0001), calling on the agency to

Transit Briefs: San Diego MTS, DCTA, Keolis

New San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) survey results show strong customer satisfaction. Also, the Denton County Transit Authority (DCTA) will extend the A-train to the Downtown Carrollton Station; and the International Association of Sheet, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers – Transportation Division (SMART-TD) ratifies a tentative agreement with Keolis Commuter Services.

New Legislation Introduced to Stop Calif. Locomotive Regulations

On May 5, Congressmen John Moolenaar (R-MI), Jay Obernolte (R-CA), and Craig Goldman (R-TX) introduced the Lifting Overburdensome Commerce Obstructions and Motives Act (the LOCOMOTIVES Act), which aims to “limit the State of California’s ability to place unsustainable regulations on trains crossing into the state.”

LOAD MORE