More than 4,100 University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) students have signed up to receive the new U-Pass + Metra, a pass that provides them unlimited rides on Metra and CTA for a reduced fare price under a one-year pilot program. (Metra Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Metra, Metrolink, QLine, WMATA

Metra commuter railroad joins Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) to pilot a new fare product. Also, Caltrain dedicates one of its new electric trains to U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.); Metrolink boosts service, with more midday options, to meet Southern California’s evolving transportation needs; Detroit’s QLine streetcar system will soon be under new management; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) wraps up a systemwide fare gate retrofit project and seeks developers for a new transit-oriented development at Capitol Heights Metro Station in Prince George’s County, Md.

Transit Briefs: APTA, Alstom, Amtrak, Argonne, St. Louis Metro Transit

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) hosts its 2024 Legislative Advocacy Fly-In. Also, Alstom is selected to upgrade the automated people mover (APM) system at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas; Baltimore residents oppose Amtrak’s plan to purchase land for the Frederick Douglas Tunnel; new Argonne-led research reveals the significant benefits that public transit brings to the Chicago region; and St. Louis Metro Transit customers begin using newly installed MetroLink security gates.

CTA Celebrates 40 Years of Rail Service to O’Hare

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is marking 40 years of rail service to O’Hare International Airport.

CTA Implements ZeroEyes AI-Based Technology for Gun Detection

As part of its efforts to “enhance the security of riders and its employees,” the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) on Aug. 29 announced the pilot implementation of ZeroEyes’ proactive Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based technology that “leverages existing security cameras to specifically monitor for and alert security officials to only brandished firearms.”

Transit Briefs: BART, MBTA, Hill International/SCVTA, CTA, ACE

The first of three legacy Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) cars are delivered to the Western Railway Museum (WRM). Also, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) expands access to reduced fares for income-eligible riders; the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA) selects Hill International to continue Project Management & Staff Support (PMSS) services for its ongoing capital program; the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Red Line Extension (RLE) Project moves closer to groundbreaking; and Levi’s® Stadium renews its partnership with the Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) regional/commuter rail service.

Transit Briefs: CTA, SFMTA, MARTA

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) reopens the new Damen Green Line station at Lake Street and Damen Avenue. Also, results of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s (SFMTA) 2024 Muni Rider Survey show big improvements; and two Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) railcars are being developed into Atlantic Ocean reed habitats.

Washington Metropolitan Safety Commission has issued an audit of WMATA’s Metrorail Roadway Worker Protection Program that includes 13 finding the transit agency must address. (WMSC Photograph).

Transit Briefs: WMATA, RTA of Middle Tennessee, CTA, Denver RTD, NCTD, OC Transpo

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) will respond to 13 findings following a safety audit of its Metrorail Roadway Worker Protection Program. Also, improvements are proposed for Regional Transportation Authority of Middle Tennessee’s (RTA) WeGo Star commuter rail service; Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) updates its All Stations Accessibility Program, which has doubled in cost; Denver, Colo., Regional Transit District (RTD) makes permanent its Zero Fare for Youth program; Train and Engine Service employees for North County Transit District’s (NCTD) COASTER commuter rail in California will unionize; and Michael Morgan is stepping down from his top rail construction post at OC Transpo, Ottawa, Ontario’s public transportation agency.

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, Chicago RTA, TTC

Amtrak celebrates the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Also, Chicago’s Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) reports that systemwide ridership through May is up 14% year-over-year; and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) introduces 305 Dundas all-night streetcar service.

Transit Briefs: MBTA, CTA, San Diego MTS

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) accelerates major Track Improvement Program work on the Red Line Braintree branch. Also, Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) new chatbot sees success since recent launch; and the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Board of Directors gives green light to new Copper Line Trolley.

“This Measure RR Annual Report highlights how the rebuilding program is boosting safety, making our core infrastructure more resilient, and improving our on-time performance for our riders,” BART General Manager Bob Powers said during the report’s July 11 release. (BART Photograph)

Transit Briefs: BART, CTA, Denver RTD, MBTA

San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) releases its latest Measure RR rebuilding program report. Also, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) marks a milestone in its commitment to delivering pre-pandemic levels of rapid transit service by year-end 2024; Denver (Colo.) Regional Transportation District (RTD) is set to serve its 50 millionth A Line commuter rail rider; and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is launching a public access Naloxone (Narcan) pilot program.

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