Metro Transit

The Metropolitan Council has approved a labor agreement with the ATU Local 1005, which represents more than 2,000 train and bus operators, technicians, public facility workers, cleaners, and transit information representatives, among other positions at Metro Transit.

Transit Briefs: Minn. Met Council, DART

Minnesota’s Metropolitan Council approves a labor agreement that boosts wages for Metro Transit workers. Also, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) advances the Silver Line Regional Rail project, allowing the return of freight rail service to Plano and Richardson, Tex.

San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission has closed escrow on land for a new ACE station in Elk Grove, Calif., as part of its Valley Rail program to expand regional/commuter service to Sacramento. (ACE Photograph)

Transit Briefs: ACE, MBTA, Metro Transit, MARTA, Amtrak/NJT/WMATA

Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) regional/commuter rail service advances extension project to Elk Grove, Calif. Also, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey discusses Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) investments in her budget proposal; Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont’s proposed budget includes full funding for the MTA Metro-North Railroad’s New Haven Line; ridership climbs at Metro Transit in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn.; Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) earns a 2024 AdWheel award from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA); and Amtrak, New Jersey Transit (NJT), and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) are awarded Forbes Best Large Employer status.

“Nonpolice community service officers” at Metro Transit in Minneapolis/St. Paul began checking fares Dec. 4 on the Blue and Green light rail lines. (Metro Transit Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Metro Transit, SCVTA

Metro Transit in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn., launches a fare enforcement program. Also, more affordable housing will be built on Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA)-owned property.

CTA’s “Transit-Supportive Development Plan” for its Red Line Extension Project has been recognized with a 2023 Strategic Plan Award from the American Planning Association-Illinois Chapter (APA-IL). (CTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: CTA, LACMTA, Metro Transit (Minn.)

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) earns a strategic plan award for its $3.6 billion Red Line Extension Project and reports downward trends in crime. Also, more than 250,000 people are now enrolled in Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (LACMTA) low-income fare program; and Metro Transit workers in Minneapolis, Minn., vote to authorize a strike.

CTA crime was down in July, according to Chicago Police Department (CPD) statistics. (CTA Photograph Courtesy of FTA)

Transit Briefs: CTA, MARTA, Metro Transit, Metrolinx, SEPTA, Sound Transit, TTC

Crime declines at Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). Also, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) and Metro Transit in St. Louis reach labor agreements; Metrolinx will announce the long-overdue opening of Toronto’s Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT) line; the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will review Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s (SEPTA) maintenance and safety protocols; Seattle’s Sound Transit allows riders to track service performance in their neighborhoods; and Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) riders will soon be able to pay fares using Interac® Debit.

Pictured (left to right): Bo Tao, Chief Technology Officer, FourKites; Manik Mair, Senior Vice President Corporate Growth, FourKites; and Lesley Kandaras, General Manager, Metro Transit.
  • News

People News: MBTA, Metro Transit, FourKites

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) appoints four transit veterans to oversee stations, infrastructure, engineering, capital program enhancement, operations, and safety. Also, Minnesota’s Metropolitan Council names Metro Transit’s new General Manager; and FourKites, a real-time supply chain visibility company, expands its executive leadership team.

From Left to Right: PST President and CEO Rushi Patel; MARS Past President Carrie Evans and new MARS President Kathy Bathurst; and Metro Transit Police Chief Ernest Morales III.
  • News

People News: PST, MARS, SEPTA, Met Council/Metro Transit

PS Technology (PST) appoints Rushi Patel President and CEO. Also, the Midwest Association of Rail Shippers (MARS) welcomes new officers and executive director; the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) appoints Ronald Keele new Chief Safety Officer; and Minnesota’s Metropolitan Council (Met Council) selects Ernest Morales III as Chief of the Metro Transit Police Department.

From left to right: Bi-State Development President & CEO Taulby Roach; Bi-State Development Board Chairman Herbert Simmons; IBEW Local 2 Business Manager Ken Pebbles; and IBEW Local 309 Asst. Business Manager Mark Link
  • News

Labor Briefs: IBEW, BLET

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) has secured a new labor contract with the Bi-State Development Board of Commissioners. Also, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) has reached tentative contract agreements with the South Buffalo Railway Company (SBRR) and the Illinois Railway (IR).

CTA's Garfield Green Line Station has received the international BLT Built Design Award in the "Bridges and Public Architecture" category.

Transit Briefs: Minn. Met Council, CTA, LA Metro, MBTA/RIDOT

Minnesota’s Metropolitan Council (Met Council) approves $350 million in federal transportation investments. Also, Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Bryn Mawr Red Line Station wins Architecture “MasterPrize” Award and Garfield Green Line Station wins BLT Built Design Award; LA Metro’s Foothill Gold Line Light Rail Project is nearly two-thirds complete as 2022 ends; and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) Pawtucket, R.I., commuter rail station is set to open Jan. 23.

Brightline on Sept. 17 posted on Twitter: “See you next year, Orlando. Construction is 83% complete & our Orlando Station is taking shape!” The station is located in Orlando International Airport’s new Terminal C, which opened to the public on Sept. 20. (Photograph Courtesy of Brightline, via Twitter)

Transit Briefs: Brightline, MBTA, WMATA, LACMTA, Metro Transit

Brightline’s 170-mile passenger rail extension to Orlando, Fla., is nearing completion. Also, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) are addressing budget shortfalls; Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (LACMTA) GoPass Program will be extended for all 21 community colleges in LA County; and Metro Transit in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn., has signed a new advertising contract.