(Photograph Courtesy of MDOT)

MDOT: Freight Rail Grant Applications Welcome

Applications are now being accepted for Maryland’s Freight Rail Grant Program (FRGP), which will invest a total of $1 million in projects that help “preserve rail corridors, support economic development, and foster

Transit Briefs: Brightline West, DART, Amtrak/MDOT, MDOT

Construction on Brightline West could get under way this year. Also, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) announces a streamlined fare structure; Amtrak and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) eye Michigan Central for a new train station; and the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) launches a grant program for small businesses along the Purple Line.

ATP has released a request for information for industry feedback on the draft solicitation and contract seeking final design and construction services related to the Austin Light Rail project’s transitway, tracks, systems, stations, bridges, traffic signals, utilities, drainage structures and streetscape. (ATP Rendering)

Transit Briefs: ATP, MDOT, TTC, Tri-Rail

Austin (Tex.) Transit Partnership (ATP) initiates procurement of the final design and construction contract for Austin’s first light rail system. Also, Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) launches a grant program to support transit-oriented development (TOD) projects; Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) pilots automatic camera enforcement technology to boost streetcar rider safety; and South Florida’s Tri-Rail surpasses 4 million rides in 2024.

Transit Briefs: WMATA, BART, MDOT, RTA

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) releases its second annual personalized ridership report for 2024. Also, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) train screens now show major transit connections; the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) releases its $21.2 billion Final Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) for Fiscal Years 2025-2030; and the Regional Transportation Authority of Northeastern Illinois (RTA) releases a $1.5 billion vision aimed at “shaping the future of transit funding and governance ahead of the 2025 legislative session.”

SFMTA’s 2024 annual report, Next Stop: A Thriving San Francisco, covers its accomplishments from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024—from how people are getting around in new ways to how the transit agency is working to meet the city’s transportation needs now and in the future. (SFMTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: SFMTA, MDOT, Metrolinx, TriMet, Phoenix Valley Metro

San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) releases its 2024 annual report. Also, a new agreement between Maryland’s Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Department of Housing and Community Development accelerates transit-oriented development opportunities; Metrolinx adds trips to the GO rail network’s Milton Line; Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) earns top credit ratings; and Phoenix (Ariz.) Valley Metro’s new fare system offers cash payment options.

“The drop in criminal activity on BART is happening as we have been going all out to implement our Safe and Clean Plan,” BART General Manager Bob Powers said in reference to the agency’s commitment to boost rider safety and provide clean service. “Our riders have been loud and clear that they want us to step our game up when it comes to their safety and the cleanliness of our system.” (BART Photograph)

Transit Briefs: BART, LACMTA, MDOT

San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) experiences a double-digit drop in crime. Also, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) logs its 22nd consecutive month of year-over-year ridership growth; and Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) launches a strategic plan for development around MARC commuter rail stations.

The USDOT selected 45 projects in 25 states (see map above) for Innovative Finance and Asset Concession Grant Program awards. (USDOT Map)

USDOT Awards $49MM in Innovative Finance and Asset Concession Grants

The U.S. Department of Transportation on Sept. 17 reported awarding $49.46 million in grants to 45 projects in 25 states under the Innovative Finance and Asset Concession Grant Program (IFACGP). Among the award

MDOT Releases $18.9B Draft Six-Year Capital Budget

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) on Sept. 3 released its Draft Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) for Fiscal Years 2025 to 2030, outlining an $18.9 billion balanced plan that “makes strategic investments to further the safety of the state’s transportation system and maintain operations.”

Transit Briefs: MBTA, MDOT, Metrolinx, CTA, AtkinsRéalis/NYMTA

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) releases a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) site in Attleboro. Also, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) announces a TOD vision for Baltimore’s Reisterstown Plaza Metro Station; the original price of the Ontario Line didn’t include all costs, according to Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster; the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announces the name of the new Green Line Station, which is currently under construction; and AtkinsRéalis Group Inc. (AtkinsRéalis) will work with ECCO III Enterprises Inc. to design and build upgrades to the New York Metropolitan Authority’s (MTA) Broadway Junction Complex.

The Federal Railroad Administration has cleared Amtrak’s new Avelia Liberty trainsets to begin testing on the Northeast Corridor, according to The New York Times. (Amtrak Image)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, Caltrain, Maryland DOT, Metra, Montreal ARTM, New York State

Amtrak’s “Avelia Liberty” trainsets are cleared for testing on the Northeast Corridor. Also, Caltrain celebrates 160 years of rail service from San Francisco to San Jose, Calif.; Maryland Gov. Wes Moore restores $150 million in transportation funding; Chicago’s Metra is launching a pilot program for reduced fares systemwide; the Montreal region’s transit authority (ARTM) is considering new transit options that would link downtown Montreal with the city’s western boroughs; and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul provides highlights of the proposed FY2025 budget, which includes funding for the planned Interborough Express and the Second Avenue Subway’s westward expansion.

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