Kansas City Streetcar

“On behalf of our Amtrak guests who count on daily Heartland Flyer trains, we thank the Texas Transportation Commission for approving the state’s share of funding of the service from the NCTCOG and its RTC,” said Jennifer Mitchell, Amtrak Executive Vice Presiden, on Aug. 21. (Heartland Flyer Photograph, Courtesy of Amtrak)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, KC Streetcar, SEPTA, BART, Brightline

The Texas Transportation Commission approves the state’s share of funding to keep Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer running. Also, Kansas City (KC) Streetcar begins full-service simulated testing ahead of the Main Street Extension’s fall launch; Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s (SEPTA) system-wide ridership in July was up 4% from the same month last year; San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) celebrates the installation of Next Generation Fare Gates at all San Mateo County, Calif., stations; and Brightline, Florida’s private-sector passenger railroad, partners with Capital One.

The KC Streetcar Main Street Southern Extension to the University of Missouri – Kansas City project is adding 3.5 miles and 15 new stops to the existing downtown streetcar route. (KC Streetcar Photograph)

Transit Briefs: KC Streetcar, LACMTA, MBTA

The Kansas City (KC) Streetcar’s 3.5-mile Main Street Southern Extension will launch this fall. Also, Section 1 of Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (LACMTA) D Line Subway Extension Project is 98% complete; and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) honors 35 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Kansas City Streetcar on Oct. 17 welcomed the fifth of eight new CAF USA-built streetcars to Missouri. (Kansas City Streetcar Photograph)

Transit Briefs: KC Streetcar, San Diego MTS, Alstom

Kansas City (Mo.) Streetcar takes delivery of the fifth new CAF USA-built vehicle that will support two extension projects. Also, San Diego (Calif.) Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) modifies its Fare Enforcement Diversion Program; and the Alstom Foundation funds youth programming at the New York Transit Museum.

A preliminary design and environmental study will be completed this year on bringing Amtrak service to the Warwick/T.F. Green Airport Station (pictured) in Rhode Island, which is currently served by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. (City of Warwick Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, HART, Kansas City Streetcar, MARTA

Will Amtrak stop at Warwick, R.I.? Also, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) Board approves a new financing agreement for Skyline; the price tag for Kansas City Streetcar’s riverfront extension has gone up 75%; and Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) breaks ground on a new transit-oriented development project in DeKalb County, Ga.

The proposed three-mile Omaha line would run on an east-west alignment along adjacent Farnam and Harney streets, from 10th to 31st streets. Officials hope it can be up and running by 2026.

A Streetcar for Omaha?

Omaha might get a new streetcar line in a few years, at least if Mayor Jean Stothert has her way, but a local senator objects to the plan because he does not like the way downtown Omaha would be described.

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Supply Side: HDR, L.B. Foster

HDR advisors have helped three transit agencies secure a total of $1.23 billion for four projects under the Federal Transit Administration’s Capital Investment Grant program; L.B. Foster Co. has hired a new Senior Vice President and CFO.

FTA Allocates $544.3MM to Seven Transit Projects

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will allocate $544.3 million to seven transit infrastructure projects—five rail-specific— through the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Program. This discretionary grant program funds capital investments in rapid transit, commuter rail, light rail, streetcars and bus rapid transit (BRT).