New FTA Report Shows U.S. Ridership ‘Continues to Increase’

According to a recent Federal Transit Administration (FTA) report on transit trends, ridership in the U.S. continues to increase, growing by more than 17% nationwide from 2022 to 2023.

(William Beecher Photograph)

2025 Passenger Rail Outlook: ‘Murphy Was an Optimist!’

RAILWAY AGE JANUARY 2025 ISSUE: Should we welcome—or dread—2025?

Transit Briefs: LA Metro, Amtrak, BART, CTA, SEPTA

LA Metro marks two consecutive years of ridership growth. Also, Amtrak Downeaster celebrates 10 million riders; Bay Area Rapid Transit’s (BART) Holiday Toy Drive collects more than 1,100 toys and $3,600 for Mission Food Hub families; the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) meets a record-breaking workforce milestone; and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) awards a contract for the lease of five vacant regional rail stations.

Sound Transit photo

Transit Briefs: Sound Transit, AECOM/ATP, DPU/MBTA

Sound Transit adds GoodMaps wayfinding tool for riders to five more Link stations. Also, Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) selects AECOM for the Phase 1 delivery of Austin’s first light rail system; and the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) receives a favorable report from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on its safety oversight of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).

“The NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors today advanced the construction of the new Raritan River Bridge on the North Jersey Coast Line (NJCL) by awarding the second construction contract, which encompasses the lift portion of the bridge,” NJT reported via social media on Dec. 11. (NJT Photograph)

NJT Awards Second Raritan River Bridge Construction Contract

Skanska Koch Inc. has landed a construction contract for the new Raritan River Bridge on the North Jersey Coast Line, New Jersey Transit (NJT) reported Dec. 11.

(Image Courtesy of FTA)

FTA: $5MM Available to Launch T2 Program

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on Dec. 3 released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to establish a Technology Transfer (T2) Program. Proposals are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on Feb. 11, 2025.

(Image Courtesy of FTA)

FTA Issues Advisory on Street-Running Rail Collisions

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on Nov. 25 issued Safety Advisory 24-2 in an aim to reduce fatalities and injuries caused by street-running rail vehicle collisions.

The University of Virginia on Nov. 20 published a 105-page study evaluating the economic and social impact of Virginia Passenger Rail Authority’s Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative. (VPRA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: VPRA, Santa Clara VTA

A new study finds that the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority’s (VPRA) Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative could provide the commonwealth with a nearly $7 billion economic boost. Also, California’s Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) lands federal funding for a transit-oriented development project in Gilroy.

(Image Courtesy of OLI)

HRT Lands Transit Safety Pledge Grant

Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) has received a $10,000 Transit Safety Pledge Grant from Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) to develop a safety campaign for The Tide, its light rail service in Norfolk, Va.

(Courtesy of GCRTA)

Transit Briefs: GCRTA, CTA, MBTA, NJT, SFMTA

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) celebrates 50 years of service. Also, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) signs a new two-year agreement for expanded social service outreach; Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) releases its Strategic Plan Update detailing progress on fiscal and infrastructure improvements; New Jersey Transit (NJT) lands federal grant to study transit-oriented development in Paterson; and San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) launches an official Muni merchandise store.

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