Transit Briefs: Station Yards, NYMTA, NJ Transit, KC Streetcar

The next phase of Station Yards, a transit-oriented development spanning 53 acres around the Ronkonkoma Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station, is unveiled. Also, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) launches a new campaign showcasing workers behind public transit; NJ Transit hosts its second large-scale public transportation event workshop in advance of FIFA World Cup 2026; and the KC Streetcar resumes service.

Work has officially begun along all parts of the 9.7-mile (15.6-kilometer), 15-station Ontario Line subway, which will run from Exhibition Place through the downtown core and connect to the Eglinton Crosstown LRT at Don Mills Road. (Map Courtesy of Metrolinx)

Transit Briefs: Metrolinx, City of Edmonton, Amtrak, MBTA, NYMTA, Sound Transit

Work is now under way across all contracts that make up Metrolinx’s Ontario Line project. Also, AECOM has been selected as design partner for the Capital Line South Light Rail Transit Extension project in Alberta; Amtrak and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) launch separate rail marketing campaigns; New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) breaks ground on Grand Central Madison’s 45th Street entrance; and Seattle’s Sound Transit advances the Kent Station Parking and Access Improvements project on the Sounder S Line.

Amtrak, NYMTA, NJ Transit Release NYP Feasibility Study

Amtrak, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and NJ Transit (the Railroad Partners) on Oct. 2 released a feasibility study that analyzes the potential of four concepts to double train capacity

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Sixteenth of a Series: Different ‘Fiscal Cliff’ for New York?

This past summer, we reported in depth about the “fiscal cliff” that now confronts essentially the entire transit industry in the United States, due to the one-shot nature of COVID-19 relief funds

Under the proposed MTA 2025-2029 Capital Plan, New York City Transit will add 1,500 new subway cars to its fleet. (MTA Photograph)

NY MTA Eyes $68.4B Capital Plan for 2025-29 (UPDATED 9/26)

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) on Sept. 18 released its proposed 2025-2029 Capital Plan that would invest $68.4 billion in rebuilding, improving, and expanding its system of subways, buses, commuter railroads, bridges, and tunnels. It would put the agency “on a path to state of good repair,” with investments in railcars, power, and signals; improve the customer experience, with investments in accessibility, stations, and modern fare gates; and take action on climate change, including resilience and sustainability initiatives, MTA said. While covering the cost of the plan is still in question, the MTA Board approved it on Sept. 25.

Following the one-year anniversary of its expansion to Orlando, Brightline is now looking to Tampa. (David C. Lester Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Brightline, CapMetro, NYMTA

Brightline, Florida’s private-sector passenger railroad, eyes an extension to Tampa. Also, the Board of Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro) in Austin, Tex., approves next year’s budget; and New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) launches a data challenge.

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.

The USDOT selected 45 projects in 25 states (see map above) for Innovative Finance and Asset Concession Grant Program awards. (USDOT Map)

USDOT Awards $49MM in Innovative Finance and Asset Concession Grants

The U.S. Department of Transportation on Sept. 17 reported awarding $49.46 million in grants to 45 projects in 25 states under the Innovative Finance and Asset Concession Grant Program (IFACGP). Among the award

Breanne Oliver, CN (left) and Mark Bienstock, STV. (Photographs courtesy of the respective companies.)

People News: CN, TTC, STV

CN names Breanne Oliver AVP, Communications and Public Affairs. Also, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) appoints Gregory W. Percy as interim CEO; and New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) veteran Mark Bienstock joins STV’s Transportation Northeast Operating Group.

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

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