The 87th St./Woodruff Station on the Metra Electric commuter rail line in Chicago opens next month after a two-year rehab. Also, MTA Metro-North Railroad is launching “super-express” trains on Oct. 6; and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANY/NJ) marks the 10th anniversary of its climate resilience design guidelines.
Caltrain announces that its electric fleet “is more efficient than expected.” Also, Metro-North Railroad’s on-time performance hits an all-time high; Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) and BNSF Railway police departments formalize a partnership; Seattle’s Sound Transit works to solve light rail “network reliability issues”; and Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) awards a $211 million contract for the design, installation and operation of its new fare payment system.
Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) provides an update on proposed intercity passenger rail service from Oklahoma City, Okla., to Newton, Kans. Also, MTA Metro-North Railroad highlights its 2024 accomplishments; Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) teams with DePaul University to support small businesses; and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) unveils holiday-themed light rail vehicles.
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) receives a federal grant to improve passenger rail service and freight movement in the San Joaquin Valley. Also, New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) earns a spot on the Forbes 2025 America’s Dream Employers list; MTA Metro-North Railroad debuts its Holiday Lights Train; Utah Transit Authority (UTA) celebrates 25 years of TRAX light rail service; and Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) launches an online merchandise store.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) receives the final four INNOVIA 300 APM cars from Alstom. Also, MTA Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi and Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Commissioner Garrett T. Eucalitto tour Waterbury Branch storm damage and restoration efforts; and San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) ridership jumps by 10% in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024.
Times look bleak for many transit providers at this writing. Reports both for the trade and in popular media have spread the word that transit is in trouble. The federal operating support
Amtrak’s public art program unveils a new digital video installation at Moynihan Train Hall. Also, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announces record ridership on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North; an LA Metro committee approves a nearly $9 billion budget for the coming year; and the union representing Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) workers takes a “final step” towards possible job action.
The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will use a $2 million federal grant to test an automated railcar inspection system on its commuter railroad in New York and Connecticut, which it said will provide “early detections of existing and future defects, allowing conditions to be addressed immediately, reducing repair and replacement time.”
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) offers a sneak peek of its new LRV seats. Also, MTA Metro-North Railroad debuts its fourth heritage locomotive; New Jersey Transit (NJT) advances a mixed-use, multi-phase Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) project near Hoboken Terminal, where it is also working on resiliency upgrades; and Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) proposes a $1.75 billion budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025.
San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) reports rider satisfaction gains. Also, MTA Metro-North Railroad completes its third station-accessibility project in 2024; VIA Rail Canada calls on Ottawa to replace its long-distance fleet; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) increases police patrols on trains and buses.
