A new study finds that the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority’s (VPRA) Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative could provide the commonwealth with a nearly $7 billion economic boost. Also, California’s Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) lands federal funding for a transit-oriented development project in Gilroy.
California’s Caltrain sends its retired trains to the municipality of Lima in Peru. Also, Amtrak welcomes back Keystone Service riders after restoring weekday trains between Lancaster and Harrisburg, Pa.; and Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) celebrates the completion of a mixed-use housing development adjacent to the E Line’s Soto Station in Boyle Heights.
Caltrain’s first month of electrified service sees 750,000 riders. Also, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) releases its 2025 budget; the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) proposes a reduced fare program for passengers with disabilities using the PATH system; CDPQ Infra targets fall 2025 for the next commissioning on the Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM) project in Montreal; Minnesota’s Metropolitan Council will simplify and lower transit fares in 2025; and Honolulu receives a $2 million grant as part of a 2024 Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning.
Transportation logistics company TNW Corporation elevates Ayanna Smith to Director of Finance. Also, Balfour Beatty hires Annette Ebright as Vice President of Compliance; and STV promotes Brady Babbitt to Vice President.
Caltrain on Sept. 21 launched its new electrified schedule, bringing the 160-year-old San Francisco-San Jose rail line corridor from diesel power to electric.
Metra commuter railroad joins Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) to pilot a new fare product. Also, Caltrain dedicates one of its new electric trains to U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.); Metrolink boosts service, with more midday options, to meet Southern California’s evolving transportation needs; Detroit’s QLine streetcar system will soon be under new management; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) wraps up a systemwide fare gate retrofit project and seeks developers for a new transit-oriented development at Capitol Heights Metro Station in Prince George’s County, Md.
The City of Stuart backs out of a station deal with Brightline, Florida’s private-sector passenger railroad. Also, Caltrain plans a launch party for electric service between San Francisco and San Jose, Calif.; weekend-pass sales were up 40% this summer for Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Commuter Rail; and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) rolls out a “Connects Communities” campaign.
Caltrain releases its new schedule for electrified service. Also, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) boosts Regional Rail service; Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) reopens four Red Line stations; New Jersey Transit (NJT) launches the “Chance For Change” program; and Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) expands a fare compliance pilot program and partners with a nationwide retailer on the free-fare student GoPass program.
The AECOM-led Portal Connectors team will provide program management and construction management service for The Portal Project, which will extend Caltrain’s commuter rail system 1.3 miles from its current terminal at Fourth and King
North Texas officials increase a proposed high-speed rail study budget by $1.6 million. Also, NJ Transit agrees to become the “Agency of Record” for the two-decade old effort to build a light rail line from Glassboro to Camden; Caltrain launches a new online store; TriMet’s recruitment efforts drive a record-setting flood of MAX operator applicants; and Metra becomes the Chicago Sky’s “Official Transit Provider.”