Metra

Transit Briefs: Metra, Metrolink, Valley Metro, Sound Transit, TTC

Chicago’s Metra is offering an onboard rider satisfaction survey; Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink) has launched a Small Business Partnership Program (SBPP); Phoenix’s Valley Metro has introduced a real-time light rail and bus tracking and trip planning app; Sound Transit has debuted a Northgate Link website ahead of the 4.3-mile light rail extension’s Oct. 2 opening; and Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has opened a new Fare Inspector and Special Constable Complaints (FISCC) Office.

CRC Elects Board Members, Marks Second Anniversary

The Commuter Rail Coalition (CRC) has elected Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority General Manager Leslie Richards as Secretary of the Board of Directors’ Executive Committee, and Caltrain Acting Executive Director Michelle Bouchard, Virginia Railway Express CEO Rich Dalton and T.Y. Lin International Senior Vice President Joe Yesbeck as Board Members At-Large for 2021-23.

Senators Propose Transit Accessibility Grant Program

The All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) Act of 2021 has been introduced to establish grants that help transit authorities and commuter railroads upgrade existing stations to “meet or exceed accessibility standards” under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reported bill authors and U.S. Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.).

Metra Eyes ‘Green’ Power

The move to zero-emission locomotives is picking up electrons—not steam—with Metra’s announcement that it will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) challenging manufacturers to convert three of its older F40PH-3 diesels to battery power.

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