MTA Metro-North Railroad will run its first-ever Holiday Lights Train on all three commuter rail lines from Nov. 29 through New Year’s. (Photo: MTA / Emily Moser)

Transit Briefs: Caltrans, NJ Transit, Metro-North, UTA, MDOT MTA

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) receives a federal grant to improve passenger rail service and freight movement in the San Joaquin Valley. Also, New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) earns a spot on the Forbes 2025 America’s Dream Employers list; MTA Metro-North Railroad debuts its Holiday Lights Train; Utah Transit Authority (UTA) celebrates 25 years of TRAX light rail service; and Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) launches an online merchandise store.

“G&W is pleased to be at this year's Railway Age [and RT&S] Women in Rail Conference!” the company reported via social media during the event. “Our CEO, Michael Miller, was a featured speaker today on a panel for passenger and freight rail technology and innovation. #womeninrail #railinnovation #railtechnology” (Photograph Courtesy of G&W)

Railway Age/RT&S Women in Rail 2024 Conference Roundup

Railway Age and Railway Track & Structures on Nov. 5-6 returned to Chicago for our second-annual in-person Women in Rail Conference featuring trailblazing women and their allies, who are influencing today’s freight, passenger and transit rail industry.

Commentary

The Future of High-Speed Rail in America—and How Freight Can Benefit

As demand for high-speed rail (HSR) continues to grow, the U.S. rail industry stands at the precipice of a transformative era. While many are familiar with HSR’s potential to revolutionize travel, fewer

Transit Briefs: APTA, CTA, NYMTA, TransLink, SacRT, Metrolinx

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) releases ballot measures on its 2024 election scorecard; Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) returns to pre-pandemic rail service; the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) hits one billion trips on the subway in 2024; TransLink seeks proposals for future uses of retiring SkyTrain cars; the Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) launches a new fare payment system and discount fare program for military veterans; and Metrolinx releases a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the civil and utilities contract for the Hamilton LRT project.

APTA Seeks Information on Unmet Public Transit Emergency Relief Needs

This fall, Congress is expected to consider an Emergency Relief Appropriations package to address the widespread damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton and other natural disasters, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) said in an Oct. 17 release.

“The ingenuity and dedication shown by transit agencies nationwide are promising signs of what’s possible when we center our efforts on inclusivity and opportunity,” said Paul P. Skoutelas, APTA President and CEO, during the 2024 Transit Equity Report’s release on Oct. 1.

APTA Issues 2024 Transit Equity Report

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has published its 2024 Transit Equity Report, highlighting the work of transit agencies nationwide to ensure that their services benefit all community members, particularly those in historically

(Cover Image Courtesy of APTA)

APTA Issues 2024 Public Transportation Vehicle Database

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has released its annual Public Transportation Vehicle Database, providing fleet details of approximately 158 U.S. and six Canadian transit agencies and representing systems that carry 77% of

Transit Briefs: APTA, Alstom, Amtrak, Argonne, St. Louis Metro Transit

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) hosts its 2024 Legislative Advocacy Fly-In. Also, Alstom is selected to upgrade the automated people mover (APM) system at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas; Baltimore residents oppose Amtrak’s plan to purchase land for the Frederick Douglas Tunnel; new Argonne-led research reveals the significant benefits that public transit brings to the Chicago region; and St. Louis Metro Transit customers begin using newly installed MetroLink security gates.

The 2.4-mile DC Streetcar, which launched its first phase in 2015 and second phase in 2016, runs free, daily trips along the H Street NE Corridor and Benning Road from Union Station to Oklahoma Avenue. Daily ridership is said to reach upwards of 3,500 passengers. (District Department of Transportation Photograph)

Transit Briefs: DC Streetcar, NJT, MDOT MTA, TransLink, MATA

The District Department of Transportation (Washington, D.C.) extends Jacobs’ program management contract for the DC Streetcar. Also, Forbes ranks New Jersey Transit (NJT) as a “best employer”; Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) provides free Transit app upgrade to public transportation riders statewide; metro Vancouver’s TransLink launches a fare enforcement program; and Memphis (Tenn.) Area Transit Authority (MATA) suspends trolley service.

People News: NS, APTA

Norfolk Southern’s (NS) Assistant Vice President Workforce Experience Jason Pettway has been named to the Atlanta Business League’s 2024 Men of Influence list. Also, the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Nominating Committee selects its 2024-2025 Board Executives.

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