Author: Marybeth Luczak

Pictured, Left to Right: David Malinas, OPW; Binu Panicker, RPM; and Matt Tucker, HDR. (Photographs courtesy of the respective organizations)
  • News

People News: MTA, OPW, RPM, HDR

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) appoints Tina Vaz as Director of MTA Arts & Design. Also, OPW, a Dover Company, names David Malinas as President; RPM hires Binu Panicker as Chief Technology Officer; and HDR Global Transit Director Matt Tucker joins the Board of Trustees at the Mineta Transportation Institute.

(Courtesy of CHSRA)

CHSRA: ‘Right-Sizing the Program’

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) on Aug. 22 issued a supplemental project update report, outlining what it called “a clear path forward to connect the high-speed rail system to Northern and Southern California via the Central Valley by 2039.”

“On behalf of our Amtrak guests who count on daily Heartland Flyer trains, we thank the Texas Transportation Commission for approving the state’s share of funding of the service from the NCTCOG and its RTC,” said Jennifer Mitchell, Amtrak Executive Vice Presiden, on Aug. 21. (Heartland Flyer Photograph, Courtesy of Amtrak)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, KC Streetcar, SEPTA, BART, Brightline

The Texas Transportation Commission approves the state’s share of funding to keep Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer running. Also, Kansas City (KC) Streetcar begins full-service simulated testing ahead of the Main Street Extension’s fall launch; Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s (SEPTA) system-wide ridership in July was up 4% from the same month last year; San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) celebrates the installation of Next Generation Fare Gates at all San Mateo County, Calif., stations; and Brightline, Florida’s private-sector passenger railroad, partners with Capital One.

(California High-Speed Rail Authority Image)

FRA Revokes California High-Speed Rail Funding, CHSRA Fires Back (UPDATED 8/21)

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will pull back approximately $4 billion in funding for the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) high-speed rail project, the U.S. Department of Transportation reported July 16. CHSRA is suing the POTUS 47 Administration, according to California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Office, and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is now investigating the project.

(Port NOLA Photograph)

Intermodal Briefs: Port NOLA, GPA

Cargo volumes at the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) rose in first-half 2025, “driven by Latin American trade growth and improved reliability.” Also, Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) earns a high ranking from S&P Global.