WMATA photo

Transit Briefs: WMATA, Brightline, NYMTA, CTA, NCTD, NFTA, PANYNJ

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) “flips the switch” on Solar Carport Project at Anacostia, marking completion at the first two stations. Also, Brightline partners with Distribusion Technologies; the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announces that the first OMNY card vending machines are available for customers; Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) ridership breaks post-pandemic record; the North County Transit District (NCTD) is awarded a Clean California Local Grant to beautify the Oceanside Transit Center Pedestrian Tunnel; the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) announces the activation of Metro rail gates; and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) sets a new September passenger record.

FTA Seeks Input on Hours of Service, Fatigue Risk Management Programs

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is considering minimum safety standards to provide protections for transit workers to obtain rest “thereby reducing the risk of fatigue-related safety injuries.”

CTA has released a $1.99 billion operating budget proposal for 2024 that reflects a 9.2% (or $168.2 million) increase over the previous year.

Transit Briefs: CTA, LIRR, Metrolink, Metrolinx, WMATA

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) proposes a $1.99 billion operating budget for 2024. Also, Rob Free takes over as acting President of MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR); Southern California’s Metrolink conducts an on-board drill using earthquake safety technology; WSP in Canada wins a contract for Metrolinx’s Hamilton Light Rail Transit project in Ontario; the Ontario government plans transit-oriented development near six future stations of Metrolinx’s Ontario Line subway and Scarborough Subway extension projects in Toronto; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) extends Parsons’ task-order contract.

LA Metro's pilot program to test restrooms for riders and staff begins this month. (Image Courtesy of Throne)

Transit Briefs: MARTA, CTA, LA Metro, WMATA, MBTA

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) awards a contract for a new automated fare collection system. Also, Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Red Line Extension (RLE) project will receive a $100 million federal grant; LA Metro’s pilot program to test restrooms for riders and staff begins this month at four stations; the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) commits to regular checks of brake bolts after derailment; and $900,000 in local emergency response funding will be released for additional safety equipment associated with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) new South Coast Rail (SCR) service in 2024.

Accessibility upgrades were celebrated at Amtrak’s Del Rio station in Texas. (Amtrak Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, CTA, LACMTA, NJ Transit

Amtrak completes station accessibility upgrades in Texas and West Virginia. Also, ridership growth at Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) continues into September; Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) celebrates a $38.2 million grade separation project grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA); and New Jersey Transit debuts contactless fare payment for light rail and bus riders.

Applications are due Dec. 18 for the second round of FTA’s Rail Vehicle Replacement Program grant funding. Utah Transit Authority received $60 million through the program earlier this year to buy 20 LRVs to replace older railcars and improve service, reliability, safety and accessibility.

FTA: Rail Vehicle Replacement Program Applications Welcome

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on Oct. 10 reported that approximately $197 million in competitive grant funding is now available through its Rail Vehicle Replacement Program.

CTA photo

Transit Briefs: CTA, HART, Valley Metro

The final major stage of the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) North Belmont Red-Purple Reconstruction project is scheduled to begin this fall. Also, the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority’s (HART) TECO Line Streetcar will remain free for another year; and Valley Metro’s Small Business Financial Assistance Program (SBFAP) reaches $1 million milestone.

CTA has released a Request for Proposals to the three pre-selected contracting teams that demonstrated the ability to design and build the $3.6 billion Red Line Extension in a Request for Qualifications process that began last year. (CTA Rendering)

Transit Briefs: CTA, Minn. Met Council, San Diego MTS, SBCTA, WMATA

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) issues a Request for Proposals (RFP) to build Red Line Extension track structure and stations, and hits the ridership “million mark” on multiple days, a post-pandemic first. Also, Minnesota’s Metropolitan Council announces a grant agreement that will fund work on the Metro Transit Blue Line extension project through 2024; San Diego Metropolitan Transit System’s (MTS) Board signs off on measures to improve operations, accessibility and security; San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) takes delivery of the ZEMU (Zero-Emissions Multiple Unit) from Stadler; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) delays until next year the full switch to automatic train operations (ATO).

CTA’s “Transit-Supportive Development Plan” for its Red Line Extension Project has been recognized with a 2023 Strategic Plan Award from the American Planning Association-Illinois Chapter (APA-IL). (CTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: CTA, LACMTA, Metro Transit (Minn.)

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) earns a strategic plan award for its $3.6 billion Red Line Extension Project and reports downward trends in crime. Also, more than 250,000 people are now enrolled in Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (LACMTA) low-income fare program; and Metro Transit workers in Minneapolis, Minn., vote to authorize a strike.

(Rendering Courtesy of CTA)

CTA’s Red Line Project in Line for $1.9B FTA Grant

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) on Sept. 8 reported that its project to extend the Red Line 5.6 miles to Chicago’s Far South Side is entering the next phase of the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA)

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