Transit Briefs: CTA, MTA, Metra, SacRT

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) partners with E-Squared to inspire future engineers in Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Also, the Maryland Transit Administration’s (MTA) multi-billion-dollar economic impact is unveiled in a Greater Washington Partnership report; Metra approves an $8.7 million contract for the rehabilitation of 115th Street/Morgan Park Station; and the Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) breaks ground on the future Dos Rios Station on the Blue Line.

Chicago’s Metra has selected STV to support its procurement of eight two-car, battery-electric trainsets from Stadler. (Stadler Rendering, Courtesy of STV)

Transit Briefs: Metra, LACMTA, VIA Rail

Chicago’s Metra selects STV to support its procurement of new battery-electric, single-level trainsets. Also, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) expands its TAP-to-Exit program; and VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) boosts ticket sales with a new partnership program.

(UP Photograph)

UP, Metra Move Closer to Service Transfer

Union Pacific (UP) on Feb. 10 provided an update on its work with Metra to “finalize the safe and seamless transfer of commuter rail services on three lines in the Chicago metropolitan area: the Union Pacific North, Northwest, and West Lines.”

RTA of Central Oklahoma landed a $400,000 to evaluate 52 at-grade crossings along a proposed commuter rail corridor from Edmund to Norman. (Map Courtesy of RTA of Central Oklahoma)

Transit Briefs: RTA of Central Okla., UTA, Metro Transit, Metra, Amtrak Virginia

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) of Central Oklahoma wins a USDOT grant to evaluate at-grade crossings along a proposed commuter rail corridor. Also, Utah Transit Authority (UTA) finalizes plans for a new TRAX light rail line; the Minnesota governor’s budget proposal reduces support for rail operations at Metro Transit; Chicago’s Metra is reopening one commuter rail station and closing another temporarily for rehab on its Metra Electric Line; and Amtrak Virginia sets an all-time record with 2024 ridership.

PTC/ATC is now successfully active across the nearly 400 miles of all 12 Commuter Rail lines at MBTA. (MBTA Map)

Transit Briefs: MBTA, RTA Chicago, NYMTA

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) completes Automatic Train Control (ATC) implementation on all north side Commuter Rail lines. Also, ridership across the Chicago region’s fixed-route transit system hits post-pandemic high in 2024; and New York MTA’s Grand Central Madison wins an ASCE engineering achievement award.

Transit Briefs: WMATA, BART, MDOT, RTA

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) releases its second annual personalized ridership report for 2024. Also, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) train screens now show major transit connections; the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) releases its $21.2 billion Final Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) for Fiscal Years 2025-2030; and the Regional Transportation Authority of Northeastern Illinois (RTA) releases a $1.5 billion vision aimed at “shaping the future of transit funding and governance ahead of the 2025 legislative session.”

(William Beecher Photograph)

2025 Passenger Rail Outlook: ‘Murphy Was an Optimist!’

RAILWAY AGE JANUARY 2025 ISSUE: Should we welcome—or dread—2025?

Siemens Mobility, Ondas Networks to Upgrade Metra’s Legacy Communications Network

Siemens Mobility announced Dec. 5 that it will continue its efforts to “future-proof legacy rail networks across the country” by partnering with mission-critical wireless data network developer Ondas Networks to upgrade Metra’s legacy 900 MHz communications network with Siemens Mobility’s Airlink wireless networking equipment.

(Photograph Courtesy of Stadler)

Stadler US to Operate as Independent Division

Bussnang, Switzerland-based Stadler on Dec. 3 reported that its passenger railcar manufacturing location in Salt Lake City, Utah, will separate from the Swiss division as of Jan. 1, 2025. To “further strengthen

(Metra Photograph, Via X)

Progress Rail Completes SD70-MACH Deliveries to Metra

Chicago’s Metra has taken delivery of all 15 SD70-MACH locomotives that it ordered from Progress Rail in 2019. The commuter railroad made the announcement in the fourth-quarter 2024 edition of its MyMetra

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