The OCTA Board on June 9 approved a balanced budget of $1.74 billion for the upcoming fiscal year. Last month, it unveiled the first Siemens Mobility S700 (pictured) for the 4.15-mile OC Streetcar system, which is slated to launch next spring. (OCTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Caltrain, OCTA, State of California, DART, MDOT

Caltrain Board signs off on Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 operating and capital budgets. Also, Orange County (Calif.) Transportation Authority (OCTA) outlines budget for upcoming fiscal year; California Senate and Assembly reach agreement to fund public transit, averting “mass service cuts”; Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) in Texas pioneers transportation-agency participation in tax increment reinvestment zones across service-area cities; and Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) awards $1.25 million in transit-oriented development (TOD) grants.

Transit Briefs: San Diego MTS, DCTA, Keolis

New San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) survey results show strong customer satisfaction. Also, the Denton County Transit Authority (DCTA) will extend the A-train to the Downtown Carrollton Station; and the International Association of Sheet, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers – Transportation Division (SMART-TD) ratifies a tentative agreement with Keolis Commuter Services.

Eight new Stadler-built DMUs (diesel multiple units) are expected to run along the 26-mile, 10-station DART Silver Line before year’s end. (DART Photograph)

Transit Briefs: DART, Denver RTD, Santa Clara VTA, SEPTA

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is kicking off Silver Line train testing in Addison, Dallas, and Downtown Carrollton, Tex. Also, Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) is improving safety and security at Union Station; Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) provides an update on Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) negotiations; and Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) celebrates 40 years of Airport Line service.

Transit Briefs: SEPTA, NCDOT, North Texas Commuter Rail, Santa Clara VTA

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) average daily ridership in February 2025 increases from last year. Also, North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) considers a temporary station at Charlotte Gateway Station; three North Texas agencies could combine commuter rail operations; and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is denied a bid for a temporary restraining order to stop an ongoing strike.

CATS expects to complete by this summer an implementation schedule and financial plan for its Red Line commuter rail project. (Rendering Courtesy of CATS)

Transit Briefs: CATS, CTA, DART

Charlotte Area Transit System’s (CATS) Red Line commuter rail project advances with financing approved for right-of-way acquisition. Also, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) completes final plans for a new community space, as part of its Red and Purple Modernization Phase One Project; and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) unveils a modernization program focused on vehicles, stations and passenger facilities, resiliency, a unified signaling system, and operating facilities.

Transit Briefs: Brightline West, DART, Amtrak/MDOT, MDOT

Construction on Brightline West could get under way this year. Also, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) announces a streamlined fare structure; Amtrak and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) eye Michigan Central for a new train station; and the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) launches a grant program for small businesses along the Purple Line.

NYMTA photo

Transit Briefs: NYMTA, DART, Transdev Canada, Valley Metro, Calgary Green Line LRT

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) releases data on traffic volumes, travel times, and transit ridership from the first three weeks of the Congestion Relief Program. Also, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) introduces “Mobility in Motion” podcast; Transdev Canada receives “Great Place to Work®” certification; a new Valley Metro expansion is nearly complete; and Premier of Alberta Danielle Smith backs the Calgary Green Line LRT project.

MTA on Jan. 14 released data on traffic volumes, travel times, and transit ridership from the congestion relief program’s first week. The program took effect Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (MTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: New York/MTA, Massachusetts/MBTA, Rio Metro, DART, UTA, VTA

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announces MTA New York City subway safety initiatives. Also, MTA releases preliminary traffic and transit data from the congestion relief program’s first work week; Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey plans an $8 billion investment to improve regional transit, roads, and bridges and to stabilize MBTA finances; New Mexico’s Rio Metro Regional Transit District (Rio Metro) lands a federal grant for a new commuter rail Operations and Maintenance Facility; progress on Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s (DART) Silver Line continues with passenger service targeted for late 2025 or early 2026; Utah Transit Authority’s (UTA) ridership recovery reaches near pre-pandemic levels; and Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) and 17 other transit agencies sign the Equity In Infrastructure Project Pledge.

Two DART holiday trains will travel throughout the light rail system’s 700-mile service area this month. (DART Photograph)

Transit Briefs: KDOT, Metro-North, CTA, DART

Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) provides an update on proposed intercity passenger rail service from Oklahoma City, Okla., to Newton, Kans. Also, MTA Metro-North Railroad highlights its 2024 accomplishments; Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) teams with DePaul University to support small businesses; and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) unveils holiday-themed light rail vehicles.

(Photograph Courtesy of Stadler)

Stadler US to Operate as Independent Division

Bussnang, Switzerland-based Stadler on Dec. 3 reported that its passenger railcar manufacturing location in Salt Lake City, Utah, will separate from the Swiss division as of Jan. 1, 2025. To “further strengthen

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