Société de transport de Montréal (STM) in Canada seeks an end to the Metro and bus strikes. Also, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) will offer 24-hour rapid transit service to Midway Airport; Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) in North Carolina is providing mobile transit passes to community members with SNAP and WIC benefits; and the government of Canada’s Budget 2025 proposes a renewal of the Canada Strong Pass for the holiday season.
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.
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.
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has opened its new Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr Red Line stations. The station replacements are part of the $2.1 billion Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase