Federal Transit Administration Archives

April 10, 2025
Passenger

Transit Briefs: SEPTA, Tri-Rail, NYMTA/Metro-North, WMSC/WMATA, LA Metro

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) launches contactless payment on Regional Rail. Also, Tri-Rail ridership continues to show signs of growth in 2025; the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) launches an initiative to protect the Metro-North Hudson Line against effects of climate change; the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) threatens not to approve the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) plan to expand automation; and new faregates are off to a strong start at LA Metro’s Lake and Firestone stations.

Fourteen Siemens Mobility S700s will operate on the new extension. Train testing began March 8. (Valley Metro Photograph)

April 10, 2025
Light Rail

Phoenix’s South Central Extension/Downtown Hub Set for June Launch

The countdown is on: Valley Metro light rail will expand into south Phoenix with the June 7 opening of the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub project. “This fresh segment of our transit system will

Marcus Molinaro, former U.S. representative for New York's 19th congressional district (2023-25). (Photograph Courtesy of the U.S. Government)

April 04, 2025
Regulatory

FTA Administrator Nominee Backed By Senate Banking Committee

The U.S. Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee on April 3 advanced for full Senate consideration the nomination of Marcus Molinaro to be the next Federal Transit Administrator. The vote was 20-4.

March 21, 2025
Passenger

Transit Briefs: GDOT, CATS

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) looks to create a passenger rail service between Atlanta and Savannah. Also, Charlotte Area Transit System’s (CATS) issues are uncovered in a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) audit.

“After 32 years, it’s time to say goodbye to the MetroCard and go all in on the fare payment system of the future,” MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said March 19. (MTA Photograph)

March 20, 2025
Passenger

Transit Briefs: NYMTA, San Diego MTS/NCTD, Sound Transit, Coastal Link

New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is sunsetting MetroCard sales and distribution after 32 years. Also, California’s San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and North County Transit District (NCTD) introduce Express Mode tap-and-go fare payment; Seattle’s Sound Transit pilots “wig wag train” to boost light rail safety; planning advances for the Coastal Link commuter rail corridor’s first proposed segment connecting Miami-Dade with Broward and Palm Beach counties in Florida.

March 07, 2025
Regulatory

Duffy Urges D.C. Leaders to Improve Transportation Safety

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy on March 6 took action to urge Washington, D.C., leaders to improve the safety and security of the city’s transportation systems. In a series of letters,

RTA of Central Oklahoma landed a $400,000 to evaluate 52 at-grade crossings along a proposed commuter rail corridor from Edmund to Norman. (Map Courtesy of RTA of Central Oklahoma)

February 04, 2025
Passenger

Transit Briefs: RTA of Central Okla., UTA, Metro Transit, Metra, Amtrak Virginia

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) of Central Oklahoma wins a USDOT grant to evaluate at-grade crossings along a proposed commuter rail corridor. Also, Utah Transit Authority (UTA) finalizes plans for a new TRAX light rail line; the Minnesota governor’s budget proposal reduces support for rail operations at Metro Transit; Chicago’s Metra is reopening one commuter rail station and closing another temporarily for rehab on its Metra Electric Line; and Amtrak Virginia sets an all-time record with 2024 ridership.

January 30, 2025
Regulatory

SECDOT Day One Orders Rescind POTUS 46 Policies

Newly confirmed U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Jan. 29 (his first full day on the job) issued three Orders the agency said in a press release are in keeping with POTUS

K. Jane Williams. (HNTB Corporation Photograph)

January 22, 2025
News

Williams Joins Eno Board of Directors

The Eno Center for Transportation (Eno) has added to its Board K. Jane Williams, former acting Federal Transit Administrator (2017-2021) and current Senior Vice President and National Practice Consultant at HNTB Corporation.

January 17, 2025
Regulatory

FTA: Transit Industry ‘Still Has Work to Do’ to Improve Safety for Workers

A preliminary analysis of actions taken in response to a general directive by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) shows that hundreds of transit agencies are taking steps to address safety for their workforces, but the industry “still has work to do to reduce the known risks associated with the potential for assaults on transit workers.”