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.

Commentary

Final in a Series: From “Commuter Railroads” to “Regional Railroads”

The COVID-19 virus did not kill all of its victims. Most people who were infected with it recovered. Still, the virus not only wreaked havoc on individuals, but also on communities and the economies of those communities. Transit is no exception. It is recovering slowly, but its long-term future is uncertain.

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.).

2021 Railway Age Readers’ Influential Leaders

RAILWAY AGE MAY 2021 ISSUE: The mantra of these railroaders: Making a difference. They’re not only helping to shape the industry, but also tomorrow’s leaders.

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.

Railway Age 2021 Readers’ Influential Leaders

Railway Age is pleased to present the results of its second annual Readers’ Influential Leaders program.

Illinois Report: One Year into Pandemic, Fuel Consumption, Transit Ridership Continue to Lag

Illinois’ major transportation revenue streams—motor fuel taxes and transit system fees—saw steep declines during the pandemic, according to an Illinois Economic Policy Institute (ILEPI) report released March 25.

Sustainability Roundup: Chicago, Denver, Vancouver

High-tech air purification, “Green Bonds” and locomotive overhauls figure into sustainability efforts at three North American transit agencies.

High Profile: New COO for Metra, Board Member for STV

Metra has promoted Kevin McCann to Chief Operating Officer; STV, Inc., has appointed John D. Porcari, President of Axilion Smart Mobility USA, to the Board of Directors.

LOAD MORE