Patrick J. Lavin has been named Chief Safety Officer for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). H. Dale Hemmerdinger, Chairman of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) from 2007-09, died April
Brightline and the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) apply to acquire $3.75 billion in Federal-State Partnership Program grant money to go toward construction of the $12 billion Brightline West high-speed rail system. Also, Regional Transportation District (RTD) announces that a Spanish version of its Transit Watch app is now available; Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) announce fare-free transit legislation, Freedom to Move Act; and Minnesota’s Metropolitan (Met) Council announces the creation of its new Transit Infrastructure Division.
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and Commuter Rail operating partner Keolis launch the “Why Go Green with Purple Sweepstakes?” Also, North Carolina’s intercity passenger rail service breaks 2019 ridership record; and New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) temporarily loses the ability to post real-time subway, commuter rail and bus service alerts via Twitter, and may soon have to pay for that feature.
Common themes emerge from the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) stakeholder meetings studying the restoration and expansion of Amtrak long-distance passenger rail services. Also, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) purchases Widett Circle for a new commuter rail layover yard; Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) issues a proposed FY 2024 capital budget and 12-year program; and Rogers Communications plans to bring full 5G connectivity services to the Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) subway system.
Federal prosecutors have charged the former Assistant Chief Engineer of Facilities for Keolis Commuter Services in Boston and the former general manager of a Massachusetts-based electrical company in a scheme to defraud
Charlotte Area (N.C.) Transit System (CATS) addresses its lack of required Operations Control Center staff. Also, Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority, Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority, and an Atlanta, Nashville, Memphis and Chattanooga partnership submit proposals for intercity passenger rail service through the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Corridor Identification and Development (ID) Program; Greater Cleveland (Ohio) Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) selects Siemens Mobility as the likely supplier of its new light rail vehicle fleet; Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) publishes a three-year safety improvement plan; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) readies for the spring reopening of its Yellow Line.
Former MTA Long Island Rail Road President Phillip Eng is heading to Boston. On April 10, he will become the next General Manager of Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), Massachusetts Gov. Maura T. Healey, Lt. Gov. Kimberley Driscoll and Transportation Secretary Gina Fiandaca reported March 27.
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) seeks feedback about proposed revisions to its customer Code of Conduct. Also, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) kicks off national “Second Chance” month with recruitment effort; the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) continues aggressive hiring campaign; and VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) implements key changes towards its objective to offer a zero-waste experience on its new Corridor fleet by 2025.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) announces Safety First program for South Coast Rail (SCR). Also, LA Metro approves hiring of Transit Security Officers, law enforcement contract negotiations and policies to improve safety for rail and bus riders; and the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will receive $2 million in federal funds to expand a program that helps visually impaired riders, as well as commuters with limited English proficiency, navigate public transit.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) launches online Speed Restrictions Dashboard; awards contract for major track and signal upgrades at South Station; and invites public comment on the proposed Capital Investment Plan (CIP) for Fiscal Years 2024-2028. Also, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) awards design contract for Broad Street Line ADA Improvement project and approves proposal to install new fare gates; the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) formerly ends token sales; VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) improves diversity and inclusion policies; NJ Transit advances improvements at Mahwah Station; Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) moves forward with purchase of fare gates to be installed systemwide; and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) advances plan to replace AirTrain Newark with selection of three firms as part of multi-phase procurement process.