The goal of removing from service WMATA’s aging 2000-series rapid transit cars is to leave “a more reliable fleet of newer vehicles” that will result in “fewer offloads and delays,” the agency reported May 9. (WMATA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: WMATA, SCVTA, Québec

Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA) is officially retiring its 1980s-era equipment from Italian firm Breda (now Hitachi Rail Italy). Also, the 2024 federal budget allocates $500 million to Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority’s (SCVTA) BART Silicon Valley Extension Project in California; a new public transit development agency is eyed for Québec; and more transit-oriented development (TOD) is planned for Montréal.

An ACS64-led Amtrak Northeast Regional train prepares to depart Penn Station New York, bound for Washington, D.C. William C. Vantuono photo

GDC Submits FTA Documentation for Hudson Tunnel Project Funding

The Gateway Development Commission (GDC) on April 16 announced that it has submitted all documents required by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to reach a Full-Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) for $6.88 billion in Capital Investment Grants (CIG) funding for the Hudson Tunnel Project (HTP).

(Image Courtesy of FTA)

FTA Finalizes Safety Reg, Revises Safety Plan for Transit

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on April 9 announced a final rule updating its Public Transportation Agency Safety Plans (PTASP) regulation, along with a newly revised National Public Transportation Safety Plan, which

FTA Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool

FTA: $20.5B in FY24 Funding for Transit Agencies

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on April 4 reported that $20.5 billion is available to support public transit for Fiscal Year 2024 and provided full-year tables that specify funding to states, urbanized areas, and tribal governments based on statutory formulas and funding levels set by Congress.

FTA Proposes Mandatory Minimum Standards to Protect Rail Transit Workers

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on March 22 announced that, for the first time, it is proposing mandatory minimum standards to protect those who perform track work for rail transit agencies nationwide.

STV Tapped to Lead Procurement for New SEPTA Railcars

STV announced March 19 that it has been selected by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) to lead the procurement for up to 200 new, state-of-the-art M5 metro railcars for the agency’s Market-Frankford Line (MFL).

FTA: $9.9B in Federal Formula Funding for Transit Agencies

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on Feb. 29 announced that $9.9 billion in federal formula funding, part of the largest investment in public transit U.S. history, is available to support public transportation in communities throughout the county.

New White Paper Explores Partnership to Complete Northwest Rail

The Polis Administration, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and the Front Range Passenger Rail District (FRPRD) recently released a white paper that explores the possibility of a new partnership that would enable Colorado to complete the voter-approved Northwest Rail line between Denver, Boulder and Longmont, and to build the first phase of Front Rage Passenger Rail (FRPR) by extending service to Fort Collins. This rail service would use the existing BNSF Front Range Subdivision through Boulder, Longmont, Loveland and Fort Collins (FRPR Northwest Phase 1).

“This federal funding is vital to enhancing safety, accessibility and performance on MTA’s light rail,” Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld said. “By having a more reliable light rail fleet with low-floor cars, MTA will deliver premiere customer service to the greater Baltimore region.” (MDOT MTA Photograph)

FTA Awards $631MM for Rail Vehicle Replacement

Three transit agencies in three states have been selected to share nearly $631 million in grants to replace a total of 300 aging passenger railcars and support American manufacturing, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) reported Feb. 21.

FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez will retire, effective Feb. 24.

Fernandez to Retire as FTA Administrator (UPDATED, 2/12)

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on Feb. 7 announced that Administrator Nuria Fernandez will retire, effective Feb. 24. FTA Deputy Administrator Veronica Vanterpool will serve as Acting Administrator.

LOAD MORE