RAILWAY AGE, NOVEMBER 2025 ISSUE: Railway Age is celebrating nine years of recognizing women in the freight, passenger, government, and supply sectors. These trail blazers are not only excelling at leadership and community service but also driving the industry forward. This year, 25 railroaders earned the publication’s Women in Rail award.
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
Metra earlier this month unveiled a $1.1 billion budget for 2026 that it said includes “an RTA-mandated fare increase and other measures to cover a projected $68 million shortfall, but no service cuts will be needed” for its 11-line commuter rail system in the Chicagoland area. Also proposed: a $575.3 million capital plan that invests in bridges, stations, and new and rehabilitated rolling stock.
Railway Age is celebrating nine years of recognizing women in the freight, passenger, government, and supply sectors. These trail blazers are not only excelling at leadership and community service but also driving the industry forward. This year, 25 railroaders earned the publication’s Women in Rail award.
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) marks its anniversary with rides on 1920s-era vintage rapid transit cars. Also, Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) launches a mobile safety app for riders; and the Transit-Friendly Employer program at Metro Vancouver’s TransLink reaches a milestone.
Amtrak and Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC) agree to restore federal management of Washington Union Station. Also, Transit Tech Lab releases proof-of-concept results that address ridership improvement, plus inspection and maintenance challenges; Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) officially launches Naloxone Vending Machines pilot; New Jersey Transit (NJT) expands FARE-PAY cards to all three light rail systems and all buses; Seattle’s Sound Transit celebrates 25 years of Sounder commuter rail service; and Southern California’s North County Transit District (NCTD) is marking 50 years of service.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) refurbishes some Commuter Rail trains to honor the Boston and Maine Railroad. Also, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announces two new challenge statements to improve the customer experience and support rail operations; and the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announces that New York City’s congestion relief program continues to “successfully reduce traffic and improve travel times throughout the region.”
Leaders from Illinois’ Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) on Aug. 21 shifted millions of dollars from Metra and Pace “to help forestall 40% Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) service reductions” as the agency faces
Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) releases a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the final design and construction of the Austin Light Rail project. Also, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is on track to complete improvements at 44 rail stations and bus turnarounds by the end of the year.
