The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Board of Directors on July 25 approved a $54 million plan to bring BEMU (battery-electric multiple-unit) train service to the Fairmount Commuter Rail Line, which, the agency says, “will ultimately result on more frequent service and lower emissions in surrounding communities.”
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announces MTA New York City subway safety initiatives. Also, MTA releases preliminary traffic and transit data from the congestion relief program’s first work week; Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey plans an $8 billion investment to improve regional transit, roads, and bridges and to stabilize MBTA finances; New Mexico’s Rio Metro Regional Transit District (Rio Metro) lands a federal grant for a new commuter rail Operations and Maintenance Facility; progress on Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s (DART) Silver Line continues with passenger service targeted for late 2025 or early 2026; Utah Transit Authority’s (UTA) ridership recovery reaches near pre-pandemic levels; and Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) and 17 other transit agencies sign the Equity In Infrastructure Project Pledge.
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) recently announced that it has reached a tentative contract with Keolis Commuter Services for locomotive engineers working at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) in Boston.
RAILWAY AGE JANUARY 2025 ISSUE: Should we welcome—or dread—2025?
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) wraps up its track improvement program. Also, the new Capstan SkyTrain Station on the Canada Line in Richmond, British Columbia, is open.
Sound Transit adds GoodMaps wayfinding tool for riders to five more Link stations. Also, Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) selects AECOM for the Phase 1 delivery of Austin’s first light rail system; and the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) receives a favorable report from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on its safety oversight of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).
The first phase of the Foothill Gold Line Extension light rail line from Glendora to Pomona, Calif., will be transferred to LA Metro next month. Also, Amtrak and STARR Restaurant Group introduce a new seasonal menu on Acela First Class for customers traveling between Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., on the Northeast Corridor (NEC); and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) releases its Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the North Station Draw One Bridge Replacement Project.
Amtrak restores Empire Service. Also, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is acquiring more Hyundai Rotem bilevels and taking delivery, on schedule, of new Orange and Red line railcars from CRRC; and Metrolinx advances the Ontario Line project in Toronto.
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) celebrates 50 years of service. Also, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) signs a new two-year agreement for expanded social service outreach; Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) releases its Strategic Plan Update detailing progress on fiscal and infrastructure improvements; New Jersey Transit (NJT) lands federal grant to study transit-oriented development in Paterson; and San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) launches an official Muni merchandise store.
The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) appoints Ban Tien as the new Police Chief. Also, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) announces the return of Subway Line Managers.