FLX Solutions worked with 28 MTA and NJT employees to determine the best maintenance tasks for its FLX BOT, which is described as a “handheld robot that enables maintenance and inspection in hard-to-reach locations.” (Photograph Courtesy of Transit Tech Lab)

Transit Tech Lab Releases Latest Challenge Results

The Transit Tech Lab, a joint initiative of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the Partnership Fund for New York City, has released the proof-of-concept results for its three latest challenges.

Incoming MTA Chief Security Officer Michael Kemper (MTA Photograph)

NYPD’s Kemper Moving to MTA

Days after local media reported his retirement from the New York City Police Department, Micheal M. Kemper has been tapped as Chief Security Officer at New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). With

Transit Briefs: NYMTA, SCVTA, VRE/MDOT MTA, Amtrak, LIRR

The New York Metropolitan Authority’s (MTA) G Line Signal Modernization Project enters the third phase. Also, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA) unifies schedule changes and contracts Econolite Systems for the installation of equipment to detect transit signal priority (TSP) calls at at-grade light rail intersections; Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) celebrate a new collaborative agreement to advance regional connectivity; Amtrak restores full service on the Quincy-Chicago Corridor; and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) highlights the 45-year anniversary of the first-ever, women-only operated train.

Amtrak Awards Construction Contract for East River Tunnel Rehabilitation

Amtrak will begin major rehabilitation of the East River Tunnel—a critical link on the Northeast Corridor (NEC)—in New York City later this year following the award of a construction contract to a Skanska E-J ERT Joint Venture (JV).

The LACMTA Board of Directors on June 28 unanimously approved the establishment of the Transit Community Public Safety Department (TCPSD), whose objectives will be “increased visibility, accountability and consistent service delivery,” which LACMTA said will result in a safer transit system for employees and riders. (LACMTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: LACMTA, LIRR, PATH, SEPTA, Sound Transit

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) is establishing an in-house transit police department. Also, MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) completes two station accessibility projects; Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s (PANY/NJ) PATH surpasses 5 million riders in May, the first time since the pandemic’s onset; Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s (SEPTA) Board approves a wayfinding signage contract; and Seattle’s Sound Transit advances the Link Operations and Maintenance Facility South project.

Townline is seeking authorization to construct and operate approximately 5,000 feet of new, common carrier rail line and associated switching and sidetrack in the hamlet of Kings Park, town of Smithtown, N.Y. The proposed line would connect and run parallel to the existing MTA Long Island Railroad main line, and add two daily New York & Atlantic Railway (NYA) trains (one roundtrip) to the LIRR system five days per week. (Map Courtesy of STB)

STB Releases Final EA for Proposed Suffolk County, N.Y. Rail Line

The Final Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed construction and operation of Townline Rail Terminal’s new rail line in Suffolk County, N.Y., was issued June 7 by the Surface Transportation Board’s (STB) Office of Environmental Analysis. The Board will now consider the transportation merits of the proposal and the entire environmental record as part of its final decision.

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.

Crichlow Appointed NYCT Interim President

New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chair and CEO Janno Lieber on May 29 appointed Demetrius Crichlow as Interim President of MTA New York City Transit (NYCT), effective June 14.

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, LIRR/Metro-North, LA Metro, TTC

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.

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber and MTA Construction and Development President Jamie Torres-Springer (pictured, left) on April 25 announced the agency’s Climate Resilience Roadmap at the Metro-North Railroad Mott Haven Yard. (Marc A. Hermann / MTA)

Transit Briefs: NYMTA, Sound Transit, TransLink, Tren Maya

New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (NYMTA) unveils its Climate Resiliency Roadmap. Also, Washington’s Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority (Sound Transit) earns a sustainability award for its Federal Way Link light rail extension; metro-Vancouver’s TransLink approves a 2024 investment plan to address overcrowding; and the final sections of Mexico’s Tren Maya project are expected to be completed in August.

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