Rail Transit and COVID-19, One Year Later

Friday the Thirteenth of March 2020 left its mark on millions of Americans as the last “normal” day that they might ever have. On that day and over the following weekend, states and localities ordered shut-downs of “non-essential” businesses and jobs. Many of the workers who still had a job started to work remotely from home, and a lot of them continue doing that. Transit ridership and revenue plummeted, as managers scrambled to save money by cutting service. It has begun to recover in some places, but will some of the changes become permanent?

MBTA: Local Transit Recovering. Will Commuter Rail Follow?

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is restoring some service in and around Boston in the wake of strong criticism by members of Congress and rider advocates. There are improvements planned for local rail transit and some bus lines. Starting in April, some commuter rail riders will benefit from improved mid-day service, while others will have to keep waiting before they have weekend service.

Commentary

COVID-19 Rescue Package Signed: What’s in Store for Transit and Amtrak

Let’s take a closer look at the increases in relief for transit and Amtrak; consider how they will affect service; and examine what transit, Amtrak and their riders can expect in the near future.

Florida Transportation Officials Place Brightline Under the Gun

Brightline is under renewed pressure to complete negotiations with several Florida entities by July 31 before it can secure approval for a proposed expansion to Tampa.

Rail Runner Returning to Service

New Mexico’s Rail Runner Express regional/commuter rail service will resume operations, starting March 8.

Texas Transit: Once Frozen, Starts to Thaw (UPDATE)

Most of the rail transit in Texas fell under Old Man Winter’s one-two punch of snow and bitter cold over most of the state, as it was gripped by historically low temperatures. As temperatures warmed up (into the 60s during the week of Feb. 21) and the snow melted, rail transit has returned to full service in Texas and as far north as St. Louis.

COVID Relief Bill: What’s in it for Passenger Rail?

Here’s a closer look at the provisions and what they could mean for agencies, advocates and riders alike.

NYCT Restoring Overnight Subway Service?

While MTA New York City Transit’s (NYCT) overnight shutdown has not been canceled, it will be cut in half.

Commentary

A Shot in the Arm for Transit

How can we improve public health, a transit provider’s reputation, and the prospect that riders will remain loyal and return when the pandemic is over?

Commentary

Third in a Series: Advocates Uncertain as Politics Comes Into Focus

My two previous reports in this series showed that companies and a union who could benefit directly from various DOT grants made highly favorable statements about Pete Buttigieg. That means little on its face, because the statements came from entities who could say little else. Advocates for the riders on Amtrak and transit are not bound by that constraint, and they have endured other DOT heads who have not been particularly favorable to the riders who are their constituents. I will conclude this series by reporting some comments from those advocates, examining Buttigieg’s political future, and proffering some suggestions about how he can help the riders (assuming that the Senate confirms his nomination).

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