A new tool allows Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) customers to get a personalized ridership report. Also, Metra adopts a Passenger Code of Conduct, NC By Train achieves record breaking ridership in 2023; and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) receives $200.8 million from the Millionaire’s Tax to address infrastructure, safety and hiring.
Railway Age is pleased to announce the 25 “Fast Trackers” selected for this year’s 25 Under 40 awards program.
Amtrak’s “Avelia Liberty” trainsets are cleared for testing on the Northeast Corridor. Also, Caltrain celebrates 160 years of rail service from San Francisco to San Jose, Calif.; Maryland Gov. Wes Moore restores $150 million in transportation funding; Chicago’s Metra is launching a pilot program for reduced fares systemwide; the Montreal region’s transit authority (ARTM) is considering new transit options that would link downtown Montreal with the city’s western boroughs; and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul provides highlights of the proposed FY2025 budget, which includes funding for the planned Interborough Express and the Second Avenue Subway’s westward expansion.
Chicago’s Metra is changing its commuter rail fare structure and closing remaining ticket windows. Also, Seattle’s Sound Transit will consider fare gates this year; and Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) wins a “Healthy Worksite” award.
Amtrak seeks feedback on Chicago Union Station concourse improvements. Also, Houston (Tex.) METRORail marks 20 years of light rail service; Federal Transit Administration (FTA) completes its triennial review of Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA); and Maryland Transit Administration’s (MTA) Chief Administrative Officer earns the WTS Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award.
Sound Transit moves forward on the purchase of 10 more Link cars. Also, Amtrak service from St. Paul, Minn., to Chicago, Ill., reaches the final design phase; and Sant Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA) vehicles are taking the place of Reading, Pennsylvania, B&O and Short Line on the new Monopoly San Jose Edition.
Amtrak and Vornado Realty Trust transform the 7th Avenue and 32nd Street entrance of New York Penn Station. Also, Chicago’s Metra commuter railroad debuts its holiday trains; North Carolina’s Carolinian and Piedmont intercity passenger rail services experience record-breaking ridership; a new site designation will promote Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority’s (SCVTA) transit-oriented communities; and Seattle’s Sound Transit is testing an accessibility app to improve wayfinding for riders with vision disabilities.
The Metra Board on Nov. 10 approved a $1.1 billion operating budget for 2024 that includes a major revision to its fare structure and a new mix of fare products, as well as a $574.9 million capital budget that “continues significant investment in railcars, bridges and stations.” The proposals were unveiled last month.
RAILWAY AGE, NOVEMBER 2023 ISSUE: Since 2017, Railway Age has celebrated women leaders who break down barriers and create opportunities for the next generation. This year, 23 honorees and five honorable mentions were selected from more than 100 Women in Rail awards candidates by judges Barbara Wilson and KellyAnne Gallagher, with input from the Railway Age staff. These visionaries from all levels of North American railroading are not only excelling in their respective fields, but also making an impact in the historically male-dominated freight, transit and supply sectors; supporting and inspiring more women to join the industry; and serving their communities. Congratulations to these women whose accomplishments are presented here.
Metra announced Oct. 17 that it will receive a $169.3 million federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) grant to purchase BEMUs (battery-electric multiple-unit) zero-emission trainsets, making the agency one of the first in the nation to operate such equipment.
