CTA

The Chicago City Council has approved a transit-oriented development measure that will make more South and West side neighborhoods “places where people are more likely to hop a train to get to work or meet up with friends than jump in a car,” according to WTTW/Chicago PBS.

Transit Briefs: CTA/Metra, Metrolink, OCTA

The Chicago City Council has passed a measure allowing transit-oriented development within one-half mile of any Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) or Metra rail station. Also, Metra is seeking rider input to guide future commuter rail schedule changes; Southern California’s Metrolink has rolled out the first of 50 rehabbed railcars on its 538-route-mile commuter network; and Orange County (Calif.) Transportation Authority (OCTA) has awarded a ticket vending machine contract for its streetcar system.

As transgender issues and rights have moved to the forefront over the last few years, CTA has added the Transgender Flag—featuring blue, pink and white—to its train wrap celebrating “Pride Month” (June). (Photograph Courtesy of CTA)

Transit Briefs: CTA, LACMTA, MARTA, NYMTA

Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Pride Train returned to service this month. Also, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) has earned a Transportation Security Administration award; Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is establishing a farm in DeKalb County, Ga.; and a new group of subway train operators completed training at New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

Metrolinx has awarded a Railway Track, Signal and Station Works contract to Dagmar Construction for the Kitchener GO Corridor Expansion project.

Transit Briefs: CTA, Metra, Metrolinx

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) will repair 28 stations this year as part of its “Refresh & Renew” program. Also, Chicago’s Metra has broken ground on an Electric Line commuter rail station rehab project; and Metrolinx, the Toronto-area regional transit agency, has awarded an approximately C$62 million Railway Track, Signal and Station Works contract for the Kitchener GO Corridor Expansion project.

On Feb. 16, a Metrolink train traveled along the new nine-mile, five-station Arrow corridor from San Bernardino to Redlands, Calif. (pictured). It allowed crews to take clearance measurements in preparation for train testing, which kicked off Feb. 22. Revenue service is slated to begin this summer.

Transit Briefs: CTA, LOSSAN, SBCTA

The Chicago Transit Board has approved a new agreement with Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) largest union. Also, Icomera U.S. is improving Wi-Fi service for Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner riders; and San Bernardino County (Calif.) Transportation Authority (SBCTA) is starting train testing this month along the nine-mile Arrow passenger rail corridor.

CTA employs some 10,600 workers, who provided nearly 200 million trips in 2020.

For CTA, $912.1MM ARP Grant

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has been awarded a $912.1 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for COVID-19 response under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021.

CN Milton Logistics Hub OK’d by CTA

The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) last month released its decision to approve CN’s proposed C$250 million logistics hub/intermodal facility, to be built in Milton, Ontario.

Transit Briefs: Brightline; CTA; Metrolink; NJ Transit

Brightline has partnered with TransitScreen to provide real-time multi-modal transportation information in stations. In addition, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is honoring the Chicago Sky, its hometown 2021 WNBA Champions; Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink) is working with Moovit to help riders calculate the best routes for their trips; and New Jersey Transit is adding 22 weekday trains to align with rider demand and 14 weekend trains to improve service frequency.

Transit Briefs: CTA; DART; Valley Metro

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has received an architectural award for its Garfield Green Line station renovation project. In addition, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) now accepts contactless payment on all light rail, bus and Dallas Streetcar vehicles; and Phoenix Valley Metro’s Small Business Financial Assistance Program pilot has distributed more than $250,000 since its spring launch.

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Transit Briefs: Chicago DOT, FTA

The Chicago (Ill.) Department of Transportation (CDOT) has released a strategic transportation plan that it’s calling “the nation’s first” urban plan developed in the wake of the pandemic, economic and racial justice crises of 2020. Also, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is now accepting applications for its Outstanding Achievement Award for Excellence in Environmental Document Preparation.