Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

“We're grateful for @MassGovernor's continued investment in public transit with this supplemental budget. With $548 million, we’ll reinforce operating reserves, expand reduced fares, & upgrade infrastructure to help build a more reliable, equitable system,” MBTA reported via X (formerly known as Twitter) on June 24. (MBTA Photograph)

Massachusetts Sets FY26 Budget

Gov. Maura Healey has signed the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget and supplemental budget for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, both of which provide funds to help stabilize Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) operations.

Wikipedia/Trevor Logan photo

Transit Briefs: MBTA, PANYNJ/PATH, Denver RTD

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) opens a new North Wilmington Station. Also, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s (PANYNJ) PATH commuter rail system records its second-busiest month since the pandemic; and the Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) Board votes to join other transit officials in exploring the feasibility of Front Range Passenger Rail.

From Left to Right: Michael Lindsay of Metrolinx, Andrew Royston of Urban Engineers, and Abdellah Chajai of Keolis Group. (Photographs courtesy of the respective organizations)

People News: Metrolinx, Urban Engineers, Keolis Group

Michael Lindsay on July 1 will become permanent President and CEO of Metrolinx, the Ontario, Canada government agency that manages and integrates road and public transportation in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. Also, Philadelphia, Pa.-based Urban Engineers names Andrew Royston as Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Program Manager; and transit services firm Keolis Group elevates Abdellah Chajai to Executive Director of Marketing, Innovation, Sustainable Development and Engagement.

MBTA plans to bring BEMU (battery-electric multiple-unit) train service to the Fairmount Commuter Rail Line starting in 2028. Proposals to finance the trainsets are due in August. (MBTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: MBTA, CTA, Amtrak

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) seeks proposals to finance new BEMU (battery-electric multiple-unit) trainsets for its Commuter Rail system. Also, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) invests in workforce development through a “land-for-learning” agreement with City Colleges of Chicago; and another San Diego-Los Angeles roundtrip will be added to Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, restoring more pre-pandemic service.

MBTA Board Approves $9.8B FY26-30 Capital Investment Plan

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Board of Directors on May 20 unanimously approved the agency’s Fiscal Years 2026-2030 MBTA Capital Investment Plan (FY26-30 MBTA CIP), which includes more than 660 unique projects to “modernize, expand, and increase the safety and reliability of the MBTA transit network” with a programmed spend of $9.8 billion over the next five fiscal years.

Transit Briefs: San Diego MTS, DCTA, Keolis

New San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) survey results show strong customer satisfaction. Also, the Denton County Transit Authority (DCTA) will extend the A-train to the Downtown Carrollton Station; and the International Association of Sheet, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers – Transportation Division (SMART-TD) ratifies a tentative agreement with Keolis Commuter Services.

(Logos courtesy of the respective transit agencies.)

Transit Briefs: MBTA, SEPTA

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) upgrades its fourth Commuter Rail station this year for accessibility. Also, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Board approves a transit-oriented development project in Conshohocken, Pa.