MTA Metro-North Railroad

Vonashek Succeeding Rinaldi at Metro-North

MTA Metro-North Railroad Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Justin Vonashek will succeed Catherine Rinaldi as President of the second largest (by ridership) regional/commuter railroad in the U.S. Rinaldi, the first

Transit Briefs: TransLink, Metrolinx, Caltrain, NYMTA, Sound Transit

TransLink receives more than C$663 million in transit funding through the Canada Public Transit Fund to improve Metro Vancouver’s public transit infrastructure. Also, Metrolinx’s Hazel McCallion Line extension will bring underground rapid transit to Brampton’s downtown core; the end of 2024 shows growing Caltrain ridership; the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) releases the results of its Fall 2024 Customers Count Survey; and Sound Transit adopts the name Pinehurst Station for the NE 130th Infill Station Project.

“Caltrain is running its service on 100% renewable energy and is returning nearly a quarter of that energy to the grid,” said Michelle Bouchard, Caltrain Executive Director, on Jan. 23. “The new electric fleet is delivering on its promise of state-of-the-art service, living up to our mission of providing sustainable transportation that enhances quality of life for everyone.” (Caltrain Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Caltrain, MTA Metro-North, Denver RTD, Sound Transit, SEPTA

Caltrain announces that its electric fleet “is more efficient than expected.” Also, Metro-North Railroad’s on-time performance hits an all-time high; Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) and BNSF Railway police departments formalize a partnership; Seattle’s Sound Transit works to solve light rail “network reliability issues”; and Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) awards a $211 million contract for the design, installation and operation of its new fare payment system.

Commentary

More Fun Times and Unintended Consequences Ahead?

FINANCIAL EDGE, RAILWAY AGE JANUARY 2025 ISSUE: Politicians and political writers have it easy. Suffering from a post-election malaise? Have no fear! Matt Gaetz to the rescue! Thousands of hours of news coverage, hundreds of thousands of words, tons of printer and pen ink spilled over one sycophant’s selfish, immature, illegal and disrespectful behavior.

(New York MTA Photograph)

Hochul Hawks Hudson Valley Rail Improvements

“Major investment” in Hudson Valley, N.Y., to increase capacity, reduce delays, improve safety, and cut travel times for MTA Metro-North Railroad and Amtrak–NYSDOT (New York State Department of Transportation) Empire Service will

Two DART holiday trains will travel throughout the light rail system’s 700-mile service area this month. (DART Photograph)

Transit Briefs: KDOT, Metro-North, CTA, DART

Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) provides an update on proposed intercity passenger rail service from Oklahoma City, Okla., to Newton, Kans. Also, MTA Metro-North Railroad highlights its 2024 accomplishments; Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) teams with DePaul University to support small businesses; and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) unveils holiday-themed light rail vehicles.

IAM’s Organizing Department adds 135-plus rail workers at Alstom’s Plattsburgh, N.Y., facility to its roster. (IAM Photograph)

Transit Briefs: IAM, Caltrain, WMATA

Alstom workers in Plattsburgh, N.Y., voted to join International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). Also, California’s Caltrain will move its headquarters to Millbrae; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) unveils the newest design for its holiday wrapped train and buses.

Grand Central Madison (pictured) was selected for the World’s Most Beautiful Passenger Stations 2024 List, along with Schafbergbahn Station in St. Wolfgang, Austria; Bell Station in Melbourne, Australia; Beijing Station in Beijing, China Toulouse; Matabiau Station in Toulouse, France; and Chiaia Metro Station in Naples, Italy. (Marc A. Hermann / MTA)

Transit Briefs: UNESCO Award; Canadian Transit Hub, TOD Projects

UNESCO recognizes New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Grand Central Madison with a “World’s Most Beautiful Passenger Station” interior award. Also, the Kitchener Central Transit Hub and Toronto’s 50 Wilson Heights TOD (transit-oriented development) advance in Ontario, Canada.

MTA Metro-North Railroad will run its first-ever Holiday Lights Train on all three commuter rail lines from Nov. 29 through New Year’s. (Photo: MTA / Emily Moser)

Transit Briefs: Caltrans, NJ Transit, Metro-North, UTA, MDOT MTA

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) receives a federal grant to improve passenger rail service and freight movement in the San Joaquin Valley. Also, New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) earns a spot on the Forbes 2025 America’s Dream Employers list; MTA Metro-North Railroad debuts its Holiday Lights Train; Utah Transit Authority (UTA) celebrates 25 years of TRAX light rail service; and Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) launches an online merchandise store.