Transit Briefs: NYMTA, MARTA, Calgary Green Line LRT, Metrolinx, Amtrak

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Grand Central Times Square 42nd Street Shuttle is now equipped with 5G wireless connectivity. Also, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) earns an AA+ credit rating from Fitch Ratings; the Alberta government pulls funding from the Calgary Green Line light rail transit project; construction is now under way on three Metrolinx Ontario Line stations; and Amtrak service between Albany and Montreal resumes.

Reports: Audit Finds MARTA Owes Expansion Program $70MM; MARTA Disputes Findings

The findings of a new audit conducted by Mauldin & Jenkins have revealed that the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) owes Atlanta, Ga., taxpayers as much as $70 million after overcharging the city’s expansion program, which was approved by voters in 2016 to fund projects such as new rail stations, according to multiple news reports.

Transit Briefs: CTA, SFMTA, MARTA

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) reopens the new Damen Green Line station at Lake Street and Damen Avenue. Also, results of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s (SFMTA) 2024 Muni Rider Survey show big improvements; and two Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) railcars are being developed into Atlantic Ocean reed habitats.

Anil Bhatt of NS (far left), Steven Parker of MARTA (center) and David Leard of HNTB Corporation. (Photographs courtesy of the respective companies)

People News: NS, MARTA, HNTB

Norfolk Southern (NS) appoints Anil Bhatt as Executive Vice President and Chief Information and Digital Officer. Also, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) in Georgia names attorney Steven Parker as its new Assistant General Manager of External Affairs; and HNTB Corporation elevates David Leard to Program Management/Construction Management Group Director for its Capital Region.

Transit Briefs: MARTA, Metro Transit, MBTA/Keolis, Caltrain

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is honored with the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Outstanding Public Transportation System Award. Also, Metro Transit’s Mall of America transit station gets a $25 million facelift; dispatching responsibilities for Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) South Coast Rail territory will now be performed by Keolis Commuter Services; and Caltrain lowers fares for youth riders.

Amtrak has released its 10th Sustainability Report, disclosing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) activities during FY 2023, from Oct. 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2023 (Photograph by Mike Armstrong for Amtrak)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, MARTA, MBTA

Amtrak issues a Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Sustainability Report, detailing its progress to Net-Zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2045. Also, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) adopts FY 2025 operating and capital budgets; and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) delays the launch of South Coast Rail.

Pictured, Left to Right: WSP’s Jerry Jannetti, Sofia Berger and Jannet Walker-Ford. (WSP Image)

People News: RMG, WSP

Todd Whitmore and Zach Christinson join the executive team at Rail Modal Group (RMG), an Albany, N.Y.-based integrated intermodal transportation services provider. Also, engineering, environment and professional services firm WSP realigns its U.S. business.

APTA Announces 2024 Rail Safety, Security and Emergency Management Winners (UPDATED 6/7)

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) on June 4 honored six public transportation providers from California, Georgia, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., with the 2024 Rail Safety, Security and Emergency Management Awards.

Transit Briefs: SacRT, APTA, BART, MARTA

The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) achieves a major milestone with two new low-floor trains completing 1,000 miles of testing. Also, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) announces a call for nominations for its 2024 awards program; Bay Area Rapid Transit’s (BART) Link21 Program holds an informational roadshow to share its train technology analysis for the project’s second train crossing; construction begins on BART’s Lake Merritt Transit Oriented Development (TOD) project; and the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) advances its Indian Creek TOD project following rezoning approval.

“Receiving the EMAP accreditation for the second time reaffirms our dedication to maintaining the highest emergency preparedness and response standards,” said Mary Carlson Bis, Amtrak AVP of Response and Resilience and one of Railway Age’s 2022 Women in Rail honorees. (Amtrak Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, MARTA, City of Peoria, Ill.

Amtrak achieves emergency management accreditation. Also, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) this summer is beginning a $230 million renovation of Five Points Station; and the City of Peoria, Ill., advances the Peoria-Chicago passenger rail corridor project.

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