Metrolinx

Brightline on Nov. 1 provided a first look at a four-coach Orlando Health-branded train. (Screen Grab from Brightline Video)

Transit Briefs: Brightline, LACMTA, Metrolinx, SEPTA, Sound Transit

Brightline, Florida’s private-sector passenger railroad, unveils an Orlando Health-branded train. Also, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) releases the Measure M five-year comprehensive assessment and equity report; ST Engineering wins platform screen door contract for Metrolinx’s Ontario Line; Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will stop accepting fare tokens next year; and Sound Transit’s new fare compliance policy takes effect later this month.

CTA has released a $1.99 billion operating budget proposal for 2024 that reflects a 9.2% (or $168.2 million) increase over the previous year.

Transit Briefs: CTA, LIRR, Metrolink, Metrolinx, WMATA

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) proposes a $1.99 billion operating budget for 2024. Also, Rob Free takes over as acting President of MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR); Southern California’s Metrolink conducts an on-board drill using earthquake safety technology; WSP in Canada wins a contract for Metrolinx’s Hamilton Light Rail Transit project in Ontario; the Ontario government plans transit-oriented development near six future stations of Metrolinx’s Ontario Line subway and Scarborough Subway extension projects in Toronto; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) extends Parsons’ task-order contract.

WMATA photo

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, AECOM, WMATA

Amtrak introduces a simplified fare structure. Also, AECOM is appointed by Metrolinx to serve as technical advisor for the Hamilton Light Rail Transit (LRT) project; and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) prepares for its Auto Doors function.

Caltrain expects to roll out electrified commuter rail service, including faster trains, less wait time at stations and a simplified schedule, starting September 2024. (Caltrain Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Caltrain, Metrolink, Metrolinx, SCVTA

Caltrain releases a proposed service plan for its September 2024 Electrification Project rollout. Also, southern California’s Metrolink commuter rail service is launching a fare-free pilot program for students; Metrolinx provides a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most unique stations along Toronto’s Eglinton Crosstown LRT; and inflation and other factors boost the price tag of Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority’s (SCVTA) BART Silicon Valley Phase II Extension Project.

The new opening date for Eglinton Crosstown LRT—the Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) future Line 5—won’t be announced until the “high-risk testing phase” is completed.

Transit Briefs: Metrolinx, Miami-Dade County, St. Louis Metro Transit, STM

When will Metrolinx announce the opening date for Eglinton Crosstown LRT? Also, the price tag is going up for the planned commuter rail line between Miami and Aventura, Fla.; St. Louis, Mo., Metro Transit will test single-car light rail train service next month and has awarded the first construction contract for its Secure Platform Plan; and Société de transport de Montréal (STM) delays the Blue Line métro extension launch.

Rendering of new access from GO tunnel level to new stairs and elevator down to new concourse level. (Metrolinx image)

Transit Briefs: BART, VIA Rail, Metrolinx, Front Range Passenger Rail, LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency

Transit oriented development (TOD) plans at Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) stations get state boost. Also, VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) continues to see sustained growth in travel demand in Q2 2023; Metrolinx awards a contract for the construction of the Bloor-TTC connection; Gov. Jared Polis pushes for Front Range Passenger Rail vote in 2024; and the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency unveils a new rail safety initiative.

VIA Rail has announced an investment of more than $80 million in the renovation of four of its 36 “heritage” stations: Winnipeg Union Station (pictured), Vancouver Pacific Station, Halifax Station and Gare du Palais in Québec City. (Photograph Courtesy of VIA Rail, via X, formerly known as Twitter)

Transit Briefs: Caltrain, MBTA, Metro-North, Sound Transit, TTC, VIA Rail

California’s Caltrain debuts new fare product promotions. Also, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Agency (MBTA) announces its vision to improve safety, service, equity, sustainability and culture; commuter rail service on MTA Metro-North’s New Canaan, Conn., Branch will resume after three months of trackwork; Sound Transit announces the launch date for the Bellevue-to-Redmond, Wash., portion of the East Link light rail extension; Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) confirms that service on Line 3 Scarborough RT (rapid transit) will not restart following a July 24 derailment; and VIA Rail Canada is investing more than C$80 million in four “heritage” stations.

TriMet’s “A Better Red” project to completely replace the Portland International Airport MAX station and install a second track along the alignment, between the new station and Air Cargo Road, has hit its halfway mark. (TriMet Photograph)

Transit Briefs: LACMTA, MDOT, Metrolinx, SEPTA, Trillium Line, TriMet

A recent poll finds community support for Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (LACMTA) C Line (Green) extension to Torrance, Calif. Also, Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) team on a new approach to transit-oriented development; the Ontario, Canada, government is investing in infrastructure upgrades at Metrolinx’s Aurora GO Station; six of Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s (SEPTA) 1940s-era PCC cars will return to service next month; the DMU Trillium Line’s hand-over to the city of Ottawa, Ontario, has been delayed again; and Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) is on schedule to reopen the MAX Red Line on Oct. 22.

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