First Look: MBTA Marks Start of GLX Service (UPDATED)
The first phase of Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) long-awaited $2.3 billion Green Line Extension (GLX) debuted on March 21.
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
MBTA, Keolis Boost Safety at Wilmington Crossing
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and its Commuter Rail operator Keolis have taken additional steps to improve safety at a Wilmington, Mass., highway/rail grade crossing, following a Jan. 21 accident.
Massachusetts Governor Outlines BIL Funding Plans
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker on Feb. 3 reported initial plans for using the $9.5 billion in federal funding the commonwealth is expected receive over the next five years through the recently passed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
MBTA to Transfer $500MM From Operating to Capital Budget
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) will reallocate up to $500 million in operating funds to support capital investments, following Board approval on Jan. 27.
MARTA GM/CEO Jeffrey Parker Dies at 55
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) General Manager and CEO Jeffrey A. Parker died on Jan. 14.
MBTA Launches Vehicle Test Track, Facility
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has opened a $22 million test track and vehicle commissioning facility for its new Red Line fleet, due to begin service in 2024.
Transit Briefs: DART, MARTA, MBTA, Metrolink, San Diego MTS
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and a developer partnered to add a one-acre park near Victory Station. In addition, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) awarded a 10-year transit and digital advertising contract; Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) celebrated the completion of the Chelsea commuter rail station; the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) Board approved final environmental studies for Metrolink’s Antelope Valley Line Capacity and Service Improvements Program; and San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) determined that a Trolley extension to the airport is feasible and can be built within 10 years.
Abdellah Chajai to Lead Keolis Commuter Services
Keolis has named Abdellah Chajai CEO of Keolis Commuter Services, which has operated Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s commuter rail system since July 1, 2014.
Transit Briefs: Brightline, MBTA, OC Transpo, TransLink, WMATA
Brightline is bringing BrightBikes to West Palm Beach, Fla. In addition, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is providing commuter railcar-seat availability data online; OC Transpo in Ottawa, Ontario, is offering “unlimited no-charge transit” in December; riders of metro Vancouver’s TransLink will be able to pay with Interac Debit by year-end 2022; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) will maintain reduced rail service levels through the end of 2021.
Transit Briefs: MARTA, MBTA, Metra
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) will kick off its system-wide Rail Station Rehabilitation Program on Nov. 22. In addition, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) on Nov. 16 marked the completion of the B Branch Station Consolidation project, and the Board of Directors for Chicago’s Metra has approved renovations to an Electric Line station and the purchase of 650 new ticket vending machines.