NJT $250MM Bridge Contract in “Harms Way”

New Jersey Transit has awarded a contract worth $247.95 million to George Harms Construction Co. of Farmingdale, N.J. for the first of three construction phases of the Raritan River Bridge Replacement project on the electrified North Jersey Coast Line. The existing moveable bridge, a swing span built in 1908 and known as River Draw, sustained significant damage during Superstorm Sandy in 2012 when it was struck by a runaway tugboat, shifting it on its pilings and requiring emergency repair before being placed back in service.

FTA Extends PTASP Regulations

In response to COVID-19, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced that it will give transit agencies more time to meet the requirements of the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) regulation.

FTA Offering CARES Act Webinars

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will host three webinars to provide information about FTA’s implementation of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020. FTA leadership and program staff will discuss funding amounts, eligible expenses and other funding features.

FTA Allocates $25B for Public Transportation

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA), via the CARES Act, recently allocated a total of $25 billion in Federal funding to help the Nation’s public transportation systems respond to COVID-19.

FTA Seeks Public Comment on PMO Rule

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced that it is seeking public comment on revisions to its Project Management Oversight (PMO) rule, which guides federal oversight of large transit capital investments.

Crunican to FTA: Stop stalling

As she nears retirement, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) General Manager Grace Crunican is renewing a call for action to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to fund its share of the agency’s $3.5 billion Transbay Corridor Core Capacity Program, described as “a package of strategic investments that would boost train frequency between San Francisco and Oakland by more than 30% and overall capacity by 45%.”

FTA, states strengthen SSO Programs; WMATA oversight transferred

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced March 18 that it has partnered with the requisite 30 states to strengthen and certify 31 State Safety Oversight (SSO) Programs prior to the April 15 safety deadline, and is transferring WMATA safety oversight to the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC).

LA Metro launches low-cost ride-share pilot

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) and a private-sector partner have launched a yearlong pilot project to offer shared, on-demand rides serving three Metro rail stations. The ride-hailing service “has been designed for those who have been excluded from using existing services,” Metro said. “A goal of the partnership is to extend the benefits of on-demand services to a wider audience and to make it easier for riders to connect with a growing Metro system.”

Big year ahead for North American LRT

The North American light rail transit (LRT) renaissance began in the late 1970s and early 1980s, starting with Edmonton in 1978 and followed by Calgary and San Diego. More than 40 years later, LRT remains the most appealing mode of new public transportation for many North American cities.

White House renames rail nominees

Five nominations for rail transportation federal leadership posts were announced Jan. 16 by President Trump. All are nominees from the previous session of Congress, and were cleared by respective Senate oversight committees for confirmation on the Senate floor—but none advanced for a floor vote prior to the Senate adjourning.

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