Transit Briefs: Metra, CTA, Brightline
Metra increases its UP North Line weekday service. Also, crime on the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) continues a downward trend in April; and Brightline ends its monthly passes.
Brightline
Central Florida’s Sunshine Corridor Moves Forward (UPDATED, 4/29)
There is plenty of action on the passenger rail scene in Florida these days. Brightline started service on its northward and westward expansion to Orlando Airport on Sept. 22, 2023, and more
Transit Briefs: Brightline, Capital Line South LRT, GCRTA
Brightline, Florida’s private-sector passenger railroad, receives “investment-grade” ratings. Also, the city of Edmonton, Alberta, has selected its preferred bidder to design and build Phase 1 of the Capital Line South LRT Extension; and Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) launches a new webpage for its Railcar Replacement Program.
Transit Briefs: MBTA, Brightline, NC By Train
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) issues a request for information (RFI) to gather views on plans to replace its existing Operations and Maintenance (O&M) contract and considers increasing service on the Fairmount Line with a new fleet of electric battery-powered trains. Also, Brightline cuts its 2024 ridership forecast; and NC By Train ridership continues to grow.
And the Winner is…Stuart! (Updated)
Brightline made the official announcement on Monday. The site for the railroad’s new “Treasure Coast station” will be Stuart, a town located about 40 miles north of West Palm Beach.
Transit Briefs: Amtrak, NJ Transit, SEPTA, Brightline
Amtrak Northeast Corridor (NEC) trains transition to fixed forward and backward seating. Also, Gov. Phil Murphy’s $55.9 billion budget includes a plan for NJ Transit by taxing businesses; the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Transit Police Department upgrades to CODY Systems’ cloud-based Public Safety Suite; and Brightline ranks No. 59 on Inc. Magazine’s list of the Southeast region’s fastest-growing private companies.
Transit Briefs: MARTA, Minn. Met Council, Brightline/FEC, HRT, SEPTA, Sound Transit, TRE
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) contracts INIT to implement a new fare collection system in time for the FIFA World Cup. Also, Minnesota’s Metropolitan Council transit ridership grows 16%; Brightline and Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) horns will continue in Indian River as County Commission nixes quiet zones; Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) receives Direct Technical Assistance (DTA) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) receives $317 million for new Market-Frankford Line cars; Sound Transit’s new app is now available for download; and Trinity Rail Express (TRE) is now making stops at a new station in Fort Worth, Texas.
USDOT Awards $4.9B for Mega, INFRA Projects
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is distributing $4.9 billion to 37 nationwide projects through the FY 2023-24 Mega (National Infrastructure Project Assistance) and INFRA (Infrastructure for Rebuilding America) grant programs. Twelve rail-related projects will receive a total of $1.6 billion; the Pier B project at the Port of Long Beach and the Louisiana International Terminal project at the Port of New Orleans are among the winners.
A New Orlando-Tampa Extension for Brightline?
According to a Fox 35 Orlando news report, a bill filed Jan. 3 by State Senate Transportation Chair Nick DiCeglie (R-Indian Rocks Beach) would require the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to
Transit Briefs: Brightline, PATH, Rail Runner Express, SMART
Florida cities submit Treasure Coast passenger rail station proposals to Brightline. Also, Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) rapid transit in New York and New Jersey achieves record ridership in November; New Mexico’s Rail Runner Express makes permanent its monthly commuter rail fare discount; and Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) will allow young people and seniors to ride free.