Transit Briefs: NYMTA, MARTA, Calgary Green Line LRT, Metrolinx, Amtrak

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Grand Central Times Square 42nd Street Shuttle is now equipped with 5G wireless connectivity. Also, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) earns an AA+ credit rating from Fitch Ratings; the Alberta government pulls funding from the Calgary Green Line light rail transit project; construction is now under way on three Metrolinx Ontario Line stations; and Amtrak service between Albany and Montreal resumes.

NYMTA photo

Report: FTA Says NYMTA ‘Must Improve Worker Safety’

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) says New York City’s transit system “must improve its safety procedures and increase state oversight needs to avoid subway trains striking workers,” according to a Bloomberg report.

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 is seeking four CRISI grants: $13.4 million to replace catenary between North Brunswick and Newark; $18.6 million to upgrade signal systems between New Brunswick and Elizabeth; $80.277 million to replace electrical substation 41 in Kearny; and $187.5 million to replace the Sawtooth Bridges in Kearny (pictured), according to NJ.com. (Amtrak Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, CATS, Denver RTD, NYMTA

Amtrak applies for federal state-of-good-repair grants to improve service on the Northeast Corridor. Also, Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) in North Carolina launches a Rail Vehicle Maintenance Apprenticeship program; Denver, Colo., Regional Transportation District (RTD) meets all the state of Colorado’s financial health ratios; and New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) holds a groundbreaking in Brooklyn for a subway station accessibility project.

Transit Briefs: Denver RTD, SCVTA, NYMTA, Minn. Met Council, UTA, Stantec/PANYNJ

Multiple recent cases of stolen copper wire impact the Denver Regional Transportation District’s (RTD) rail services. Also, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA) is named the Outstanding Public Transportation System by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA); the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) receives $54 million in state funding to support the Second Avenue Subway expansion project; Minnesota’s Metropolitan Council asks cities to sign off on preliminary design plans for the Blue Line Extension; the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) plans to complete multiple projects ahead of the 2034 Winter Olympics to expand connections throughout northern Utah; and Stantec is selected by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) to lead preliminary and final design for key elements of the $2 billion Newark AirTrain Replacement Program.

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.

Phoenix Valley Metro will receive $16 million for the Rio East-Dobson Streetcar Study, which eyes a 4.35-mile extension from Tempe into Mesa, Ariz. (Valley Metro Photograph)

First Look: Rail-Related RAISE Grantees for FY24

More than $310 million in FY 2024 RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) program grants will be distributed to 23 freight and passenger rail-related projects in 19 states, according to a U.S. Department

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Third of A Series: New York MTA OK—For Now

Times look bleak for many transit providers at this writing. Reports both for the trade and in popular media have spread the word that transit is in trouble. The federal operating support

Transit Briefs: NYMTA, TriMet, Valley Metro

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) launches subway station manager office hours. Also, TriMet will begin testing its newest trains on the MAX Red Line this month; and Valley Metro’s new fare system launches this summer.

(FTA Image)

FTA Awards $343MM for Station Accessibility Projects

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on May 28 reported that eight transit systems in eight states will share $343 million to make their rail stations “more accessible and in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards” by installing elevators, renovating platforms for level boarding, improving signage, and improving visual and audio systems.

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