Chicago Transit Authority

CATS expects to complete by this summer an implementation schedule and financial plan for its Red Line commuter rail project. (Rendering Courtesy of CATS)

Transit Briefs: CATS, CTA, DART

Charlotte Area Transit System’s (CATS) Red Line commuter rail project advances with financing approved for right-of-way acquisition. Also, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) completes final plans for a new community space, as part of its Red and Purple Modernization Phase One Project; and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) unveils a modernization program focused on vehicles, stations and passenger facilities, resiliency, a unified signaling system, and operating facilities.

PTC/ATC is now successfully active across the nearly 400 miles of all 12 Commuter Rail lines at MBTA. (MBTA Map)

Transit Briefs: MBTA, RTA Chicago, NYMTA

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) completes Automatic Train Control (ATC) implementation on all north side Commuter Rail lines. Also, ridership across the Chicago region’s fixed-route transit system hits post-pandemic high in 2024; and New York MTA’s Grand Central Madison wins an ASCE engineering achievement award.

Amtrak EVP Laura Mason (center) has been named WTS-DC Woman of the Year. (Photograph Courtesy of Amtrak)
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People News: Amtrak, CTA, RAC

Amtrak Executive Vice President of Capital Delivery Laura Mason earns Woman of the Year title from the Washington, D.C. chapter of WTS (WTS-DC). Also, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) appoints an interim President; and Railway Association of Canada (RAC) taps a new leader.

Transit Briefs: WMATA, BART, MDOT, RTA

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) releases its second annual personalized ridership report for 2024. Also, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) train screens now show major transit connections; the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) releases its $21.2 billion Final Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) for Fiscal Years 2025-2030; and the Regional Transportation Authority of Northeastern Illinois (RTA) releases a $1.5 billion vision aimed at “shaping the future of transit funding and governance ahead of the 2025 legislative session.”

Dorval R. Carter Jr., outgoing President of Chicago Transit Authority (left); Mike Smith, HNTB Corporation; and Marc Brazeau, outgoing President and CEO of Railway Association of Canada (right). (Photographs Courtesy of the Respective Organizations)
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People News: CTA, Sound Transit, Port of LA, HNTB, APTA, RAC

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) President announces his retirement from the agency. Also, Sound Transit (Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority) names first Chief Strategy Officer; Port of Los Angeles appoints new Chief Financial Officer; infrastructure firm HNTB Corporation hires National Practice Consultant to support its transportation practice; American Public Transportation Association (APTA) names General Counsel; and Railway Association of Canada (RAC) President and CEO is stepping down.

Transit Briefs: LA Metro, Amtrak, BART, CTA, SEPTA

LA Metro marks two consecutive years of ridership growth. Also, Amtrak Downeaster celebrates 10 million riders; Bay Area Rapid Transit’s (BART) Holiday Toy Drive collects more than 1,100 toys and $3,600 for Mission Food Hub families; the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) meets a record-breaking workforce milestone; and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) awards a contract for the lease of five vacant regional rail stations.

Two DART holiday trains will travel throughout the light rail system’s 700-mile service area this month. (DART Photograph)

Transit Briefs: KDOT, Metro-North, CTA, DART

Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) provides an update on proposed intercity passenger rail service from Oklahoma City, Okla., to Newton, Kans. Also, MTA Metro-North Railroad highlights its 2024 accomplishments; Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) teams with DePaul University to support small businesses; and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) unveils holiday-themed light rail vehicles.

“G&W is pleased to be at this year's Railway Age [and RT&S] Women in Rail Conference!” the company reported via social media during the event. “Our CEO, Michael Miller, was a featured speaker today on a panel for passenger and freight rail technology and innovation. #womeninrail #railinnovation #railtechnology” (Photograph Courtesy of G&W)
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Railway Age/RT&S Women in Rail 2024 Conference Roundup

Railway Age and Railway Track & Structures on Nov. 5-6 returned to Chicago for our second-annual in-person Women in Rail Conference featuring trailblazing women and their allies, who are influencing today’s freight, passenger and transit rail industry.

(Courtesy of GCRTA)
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Transit Briefs: GCRTA, CTA, MBTA, NJT, SFMTA

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) celebrates 50 years of service. Also, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) signs a new two-year agreement for expanded social service outreach; Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) releases its Strategic Plan Update detailing progress on fiscal and infrastructure improvements; New Jersey Transit (NJT) lands federal grant to study transit-oriented development in Paterson; and San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) launches an official Muni merchandise store.