Contactless fare payment is slated for rollout at MBTA this summer on subways, buses and any above-ground Green Line trains, according to Boston’s WBZ-TV, a CBS affiliate. (MBTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: CTA, LACMTA, MBTA

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) unveils under-the-track development plans as part of the Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One project. Also, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) logs its 17th consecutive month of year-over-year ridership growth in April; and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority anticipates rolling out its contactless fare payment system this summer.

Transit Briefs: Metrolinx, LA Metro, Sound Transit, Jacobs, CTA

Metrolinx reaches a major vehicle testing milestone on the Finch West Light Rail Transit (LRT) project. Also, LA Metro’s Board votes to approve certification of the final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Eastside Transit Corridor Phase 2 project; Sound Transit introduces a new fare inspection process; Jacobs is selected to provide program management services for Broward County Transportation’s first public transit expansion; and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) unveils renderings for the rehabilitation of the Western Brown Line Station.

Transit Briefs: WMATA, MBTA, NCTD, RTA

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) applauds state funding to redevelop the Capitol Heights Metro Station. Also, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) advances nearly 1,000 units of housing; the North County Transit District (NCTD) authorizes negotiations with developers for two oceanside transit-oriented development (TOD) projects; and Chicago’s Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) selects eight station activation projects for a pilot program to improve public safety near transit and develops the Chicago region’s first Mobility Hub Network Framework.

Caltrain on May 11 held the third public tour of its new EMUs, which are scheduled to begin revenue service this September. (Caltrain Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Caltrain, CTA, Colorado

California’s Caltrain welcomes thousands to the third public tour of its new Stadler-built KISS bilevel EMUs (electric multiple-units). Also, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) marks the highest ridership week of 2024; and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signs multiple transit-related bills into law, including one to advance Front Range Passenger Rail.

Brightline train in Orlando. (Photo by David C. Lester)

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.

Illinois State Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) and Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado (D-Chicago) have introduced the Metropolitan Mobility Authority Act that proposes combining RTA, CTA, Metra and Pace into a new Chicagoland entity and providing it with an annual boost of $1.5 billion, according to a WGN9 report on April 29. (CTA Photograph Courtesy of FTA)

Transit Briefs: CTA/Metra/Pace/RTA, VIA Rail, WMATA

Two Illinois state legislators propose merging the Regional Transit Authority (RTA), Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra commuter rail and Pace suburban bus in Chicago. Also, VIA Rail Canada Inc. (VIA Rail) adds service between Ottawa and Toronto; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) improves faregate display-screen messaging.

(San Diego MTS)

Transit Briefs: San Diego MTS, CTA, Tri-Rail, MDOT MTA, AECOM

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Board approves a $243 million capital budget for transit improvements. Also, the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) new video series addresses rider questions; Tri-Rail’s ridership recovers; the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) invites applicants for Red Line Community Advisory Team (CAT); and AECOM publishes a new high-speed rail report.

“FTA looks forward to working with these communities to advance transit projects that will provide new transit options,” FTA Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool said March 11.

USDOT: $3B to Support 9 Rail Transit Construction Projects

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) on March 11 recommended that nine large rail transit-related projects in five states receive approximately $3 billion in federal support for construction as part of President Biden’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Budget Request to Congress.

CTA has launched its latest Innovation Studio program seeking proposals from the private sector to address business challenges through new technology. (CTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: CTA, NYMTA, TTC, WMATA

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) seeks innovators to test new technologies that improve rail safety, asset management and real-time information. Also, New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) boosts subway security; Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) releases a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Bloor-Yonge Capacity Improvements project; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and Hitachi Rail are offering a “sneak peek” of the new 8000 series rapid transit cars.

San Francisco Bay Area transit in California will take on a whole new look later this year. Transit agency and Metropolitan Transportation Commission officials unveiled design prototypes for a common set of signs to be used by all agencies at all locations. (Image Courtesy of BART)

Transit Briefs: Bay Area Transit, LACMTA, CTA, Amtrak Virginia

A project is under way to unify San Francisco Bay Area transit maps and signs. Also, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) renames the West Santa Ana Branch Corridor Project to avoid rider confusion; and Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Amtrak Virginia set ridership records in 2023.

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