Rail infrastructure upgrades are nearing completion for the revival of Northlander service in Ontario, Canada. Also, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Metra post ridership gains in 2025; San Francisco Bay Area Transportation District (BART) launches free Wi-Fi at five stations in time for the Super Bowl; and Alstom completes base-order delivery of automated people-mover vehicles to Denver International Airport (DEN).
The Metra Board of Directors on Nov. 13 approved a $1.2 billion operating budget for 2026 that relies on new state funding and requires no fare increases or service cuts. The Board also approved a $515.3 million capital plan that, the agency says, “continues major investments in bridges, stations, and new and rehabilitated rolling stock.”
LA Metro’s ridership holds strong amid regional challenges. Also, Société de transport de Montréal’s (STM) strike could be the first test of a new Quebec labor law; and the Regional Transportation Authority (Chicago, Ill.) walks back 2026 fare increases for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Metra.
Illinois lawmakers recently approved $1.5 billion in new funding for public transportation agencies “without large statewide tax increases previously proposed,” according to a Capitol News Illinois report. According to the report, the
Illinois lawmakers on May 28 unveiled a bill that proposes to replace the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), which oversees the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra commuter rail, and Pace suburban buses, with a new organization called the Northern Illinois Transit Authority, according to multiple news reports.
Amtrak celebrates the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Also, Chicago’s Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) reports that systemwide ridership through May is up 14% year-over-year; and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) introduces 305 Dundas all-night streetcar service.
