(FTA Image)

FTA Awards $343MM for Station Accessibility Projects

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on May 28 reported that eight transit systems in eight states will share $343 million to make their rail stations “more accessible and in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards” by installing elevators, renovating platforms for level boarding, improving signage, and improving visual and audio systems.

Brightline covers 235 miles between Miami and Orlando. It launched the first phase of its South Florida operations in 2018, connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Stations in Boca Raton and Aventura opened in 2022. Construction of its 170-mile, $6 billion phase two extension from West Palm Beach to Orlando began in 2019 and service launched in September 2023. (Brightline Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Brightline, Capital Line South LRT, GCRTA

Brightline, Florida’s private-sector passenger railroad, receives “investment-grade” ratings. Also, the city of Edmonton, Alberta, has selected its preferred bidder to design and build Phase 1 of the Capital Line South LRT Extension; and Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) launches a new webpage for its Railcar Replacement Program.

Utah Transit Authority will receive $360,000 from the FTA to conduct a planning and economic analysis to assess the viability of transit-supportive land use changes and improvements along the FrontRunner commuter rail corridor. (Photograph Courtesy of HDR)

TOD Planning Projects to Receive $17.6MM

Twenty projects—10 rail-related—will share $17.6 million in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grants through the Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning.

TriMet photo

Transit Briefs: TriMet, NCTCOG, PANYNJ, Oregon Senate, TransLink, GCRTA

TriMet expands Hop Fastpass® benefits to contactless bank cards and announces that construction of it’s A Better Red MAX Extension and Reliability and Improvements Project is nearing the end. Also, the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) hires McKinsey & Company and InfraStrategies LLC to lead the strategic assessment of transit in Dallas-Fort Worth; the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) opens a new $47.2 million accessible station house at the PATH Harrison Station; the Oregon Senate passes a bill criminalizing the use of illicit drugs on public transportation; TransLink tests a new multi-modal smartphone app; and the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) is awarded $9.5 million for transit projects.

Shutterstock/ Kikujiarm

25 Under 40: Part 4 of 4

RAILWAY AGE, FEBRUARY 2024 ISSUE: Railway Age is proud to recognize 25 ‘Fast Trackers’ Under 40 in 2024.

Railway Age’s 2024 ‘Fast Trackers’ 25 Under 40 Honorees

Railway Age is pleased to announce the 25 “Fast Trackers” selected for this year’s 25 Under 40 awards program.

Metra is changing its fare structure, prices, and purchase channels effective Feb. 1. (Metra Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Metra, Sound Transit, GCRTA

Chicago’s Metra is changing its commuter rail fare structure and closing remaining ticket windows. Also, Seattle’s Sound Transit will consider fare gates this year; and Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) wins a “Healthy Worksite” award.

(Shutterstock/ narai chal)

2023 Women in Rail: Innovating, Inspiring

RAILWAY AGE, NOVEMBER 2023 ISSUE: Since 2017, Railway Age has celebrated women leaders who break down barriers and create opportunities for the next generation. This year, 23 honorees and five honorable mentions were selected from more than 100 Women in Rail awards candidates by judges Barbara Wilson and KellyAnne Gallagher, with input from the Railway Age staff. These visionaries from all levels of North American railroading are not only excelling in their respective fields, but also making an impact in the historically male-dominated freight, transit and supply sectors; supporting and inspiring more women to join the industry; and serving their communities. Congratulations to these women whose accomplishments are presented here.

Shutterstock/Manop Boonpeng

Railway Age Announces 2023 Women in Rail Honorees

Railway Age’s 2023 Women in Rail awards program recognizes 23 women who not only excel at leadership but also serve the community and drive industry change, paving the way for the next generation of railroaders.

Applications are due Dec. 18 for the second round of FTA’s Rail Vehicle Replacement Program grant funding. Utah Transit Authority received $60 million through the program earlier this year to buy 20 LRVs to replace older railcars and improve service, reliability, safety and accessibility.

FTA: Rail Vehicle Replacement Program Applications Welcome

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on Oct. 10 reported that approximately $197 million in competitive grant funding is now available through its Rail Vehicle Replacement Program.

LOAD MORE