Transit Briefs: DART, MARTA, MBTA, Metrolink, San Diego MTS

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and a developer partnered to add a one-acre park near Victory Station. In addition, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) awarded a 10-year transit and digital advertising contract; Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) celebrated the completion of the Chelsea commuter rail station; the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) Board approved final environmental studies for Metrolink’s Antelope Valley Line Capacity and Service Improvements Program; and San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) determined that a Trolley extension to the airport is feasible and can be built within 10 years.

For MARTA, $285.7MM ARP Payout

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has awarded the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) a $285.7 million grant for COVID-19 response under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021.

Commentary

Biden Administration Sides With Labor, Throwing California Transit Grants (and Riders) Under the Bus

In what has become a contest between two groups who strongly back Democrats, the Biden Administration has come out for labor by refusing to certify grants that would help California’s transit providers and, eventually, the state’s riders. The decision by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) could eventually affect transit projects in other transit-rich states that are facing financial woes due to the pandemic.

Transit Briefs: MARTA, MBTA, Metra

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) will kick off its system-wide Rail Station Rehabilitation Program on Nov. 22. In addition, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) on Nov. 16 marked the completion of the B Branch Station Consolidation project, and the Board of Directors for Chicago’s Metra has approved renovations to an Electric Line station and the purchase of 650 new ticket vending machines.

People News: MARTA, SEPTA, STV, TexAmericas Center, WSP USA

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), STV, TexAmericas Center, and WSP USA have announced executive appointments.

MARTA to Public: ‘Your Ride, You Decide’ on Railcar Exterior Design

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is asking the public to weigh in on the exterior graphic design for its 254 new Stadler railcars that will start arriving in 2023.

Transit Briefs: APTA, MARTA

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and a coalition of industry partners have called on Congress and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to support additional public transit and high speed rail investment in the reconciliation bill, the Build Back Better Act. In addition, a Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Board Committee has approved depositing a portion of pandemic relief act funds with small, disadvantaged and minority-owned financial institutions.

Schwarz Joins WSP USA

Angela Schwarz has joined WSP USA as Vice President for National Rail Systems.

MARTA, Goldman Sachs Launch $100MM TOD Partnership

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is teaming with the Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group on a $100 million affordable housing and transit-oriented development (TOD) initiative.

For MARTA, $1.3B FY22 Budget

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority’s (MARTA) Board of Directors has adopted a nearly $1.3 billion budget for FY 2022.

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