Ronald Forrest is joining St. Louis Metro Transit, succeeding Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Charles Stewart, who will retire at the end of June. Also, Kathy Keeney is celebrating 10 years at the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA).
The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Board on May 15 signed off on a $473.1 million operating budget for Fiscal Year 2026, which fully funds current service levels on all four Trolley lines and 92 bus routes operating in 10 cities and unincorporated areas of San Diego, Calif.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) on May 15 announced a “first-of-its kind programmatic agreement” establishing a unified federal review process and delegating authority to the State of Connecticut to accelerate the review of individual transportation projects that may affect historic properties under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) is preparing to release a Request for Expression of Interest (RFEI) in the coming weeks to begin the process of formal industry consultation for potential public private partnerships to “drive creative solutions that deliver project segments faster and more efficiently while commercializing assets—such as trainsets, station facilities, track access, fiber, and real estate—at the earliest viable opportunity.” Additional opportunities include transit-oriented development, express cargo and parcels movement, and the leasing assets to the private sector.
Norfolk Southern (NS) presented the first Alan Lambert Short Line of the Year Award at its May conference for small-road partners. Also, the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad Museum hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for restoration work ahead of the 200th anniversary celebration of American railroading in 2027; capital campaign co-chair Joe Hinrichs, CSX President and CEO, served as keynote speaker.
Bechtel on May 13 released a peer-reviewed white paper, presenting “a bold yet practical break through longstanding barriers and advance high-speed rail (HSR) development in the U.S.”
Anacostia Rail Holdings subsidiary Pacific Harbor Line (PHL) has earned an award for “exceptional leadership in the development and promotion of global trade in Southern California” from the Los Angeles Area Chamber
Alstom on May 15 announced that it has signed a five-year philanthropic agreement with the Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS) in Quebec, Canada, to “support knowledge dissemination, training, experiential learning, student involvement, and teaching and development activities in line with Alstom business objectives and corporate social responsibility.”
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.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) on May 15 reported approving another 76 infrastructure grants totaling more than $607 million. CRISI (Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements) and RCE (Railroad Crossing Elimination) grants to be administered by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will support 13 projects totaling nearly $95 million.