“After 32 years, it’s time to say goodbye to the MetroCard and go all in on the fare payment system of the future,” MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said March 19. (MTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: NYMTA, San Diego MTS/NCTD, Sound Transit, Coastal Link

New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is sunsetting MetroCard sales and distribution after 32 years. Also, California’s San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and North County Transit District (NCTD) introduce Express Mode tap-and-go fare payment; Seattle’s Sound Transit pilots “wig wag train” to boost light rail safety; planning advances for the Coastal Link commuter rail corridor’s first proposed segment connecting Miami-Dade with Broward and Palm Beach counties in Florida.

Rendering of the Siemens Mobility AP 220 high-speed trainset for Brightline West. (Courtesy of Siemens Mobility)

Transit Briefs: Brightline West, LACMTA, Calgary Transit, NYMTA

Brightline West’s private activity bond sale “exceeds expectations.” Also, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) readies for expanded Foothill Gold Line light rail service; Calgary Transit is launching a two-car train service pilot; and New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) completes more than 50% of a system-wide subway-lighting upgrade project and reports on Reduced-Fare rider use of its new contactless tap-and-go fare payment method.

NYMTA, Google Public Sector Announce Preventive Track Maintenance Pilot Program

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) on Feb. 27 announced a pilot program in partnership with Google Public Sector, “building on the success of its proven TrackInspect prototype, to proactively detect potential track defects before they escalate into operational issues that disrupt service to customers.”

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, MBTA, NYMTA

A new station in Hillsborough, N.C., is expected to expand Amtrak access. Also, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) releases an Android version of its Go Mobile app; and the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) completes a brand-new staircase and passageway to the Flushing Line platform and widened staircases at Grand Central Terminal.

NYMTA photo

NYMTA Releases Revenue From CRZ Tolling

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) on Feb. 24 announced that since the Congestion Relief Program began on Sunday, Jan. 5, through Friday, Jan. 31, tolls from the Congestion Relief Zone

Commentary

22nd of a Series: Duffy Dumps CBDTP. Empire State Strikes Back

On the 46th day since the congestion toll for vehicles entering the portion of Manhattan south of 60th Street went into effect, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy took the first step toward

TTL Selects 13 Companies to Continue Partnering With Transit Agencies

The Transit Tech Lab (TTL) on Feb. 10 announced that the 13 companies selected to participate in last year’s program will continue to work with regional transportation agency partners in larger-scale pilots to “demonstrate how their technology can improve transportation and deliver essential services more effectively.”

NYMTA Announces Pilot Program for Live ASL Interpretation

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) on Feb. 10 announced a pilot program to connect people who are deaf or hard of hearing with an instant and on-demand American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter while using the transit system.

“These new railcars are an inspiration to everyone at MARTA and to our customers who will get to experience a cleaner and safer ride—and hopefully one that shows them how transit can make their lives easier and their trip more enjoyable,” General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood said Jan. 30 at the State of MARTA event. “The future of transit begins now at MARTA, and the State of MARTA is strong.” (Photograph Courtesy of MARTA)

Transit Briefs: MARTA, Sound Transit, NYMTA

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) unveils its first CQ400 train from Stadler. Also, Seattle’s Sound Transit announces the launch date for its Downtown Redmond Link (light rail) Extension; and New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is driving down fare evasion.

NYMTA photo

Transit Briefs: NYMTA, DART, Transdev Canada, Valley Metro, Calgary Green Line LRT

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) releases data on traffic volumes, travel times, and transit ridership from the first three weeks of the Congestion Relief Program. Also, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) introduces “Mobility in Motion” podcast; Transdev Canada receives “Great Place to Work®” certification; a new Valley Metro expansion is nearly complete; and Premier of Alberta Danielle Smith backs the Calgary Green Line LRT project.

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