Transit Briefs: Greater Cleveland RTA, Denton County TA, WMATA

Greater Cleveland (Ohio) Regional Transit Authority (RTA) canceled its railcar procurement Request for Proposal (RFP); Denton County (Texas) Transportation Authority (DCTA) received four first-place honors in the 2021 AdWheel Awards, presented by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA); and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and Amazon are partnering on a transit-oriented development (TOD) program to create 1,000 affordable housing units.

APTA, AASHTO Release High-Performance Rail ROI Report

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) have issued a new high-performance rail return on investment report, quantifying the economic and social benefits of passenger rail corridor investments.

Senate Commerce Committee Debuts $78B Bill for Surface Transportation

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation has released a bipartisan five-year surface transportation bill authorizing $78 billion for rail, freight, safety and research programs; it is a companion to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works’ (EPW) recently advanced, and also bipartisan, $303.5 billion Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021.

House Dems: $547B for Surface Transportation

Democrats on the U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee released a $547 billion, five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill on June 4.

Legislators Reintroduce Grade Crossing Safety Grant Bill

U.S. Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Rep. Richard E. Neal (D-Mass.) have reintroduced a bill authorizing $250 million annually for highway/rail grade crossing safety projects.

WSP, MARTA Take Top Honors in APTA Sustainability Program

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has awarded members WSP and Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) with Platinum and Gold recognition, respectively, in its Sustainability Commitment Program.

Fernandez Nominated for FTA Administrator (Updated)

President Joe Biden has officially sent to the U.S. Senate his nomination of Nuria I. Fernandez for Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA); the move would elevate her from Acting Administrator.

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.

Senate-Passed American Rescue Plan: $30.5B in Transit Relief

The U.S. Senate has passed an amended version of H.R. 1319, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, providing $30.5 billion in emergency funding for transit and $1.7 billion for Amtrak.

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.

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