New York MTA

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

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.

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.

(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.

Amtrak recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of accessibility upgrades worth $3.5 million at the Newbern-Dyersburg Station in west Tennessee. (Amtrak Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, NYMTA, PANY/NJ, TriMet

Amtrak debuts station accessibility upgrades in west Tennessee and an updated Cafe Acela menu. Also, New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) marks progress on the reduction of subway fare evasion; Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s (PANY/NJ) PATH tap-and-go fare payment system is now available systemwide; and Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) adopts a $1.84 billion budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025.

The six-week closure of MARTA’s Airport Station for concourse and platform renovations reduced overall construction time by 17 months. (MARTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: MARTA, NYMTA, Amtrak

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) reopens its Airport Station following a six-week renovation project. Also, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) highlights upcoming milestones in its transition from MetroCard to OMNY, the contactless fare payment system; and Amtrak seasonal service to Old Orchard Beach, Maine, resumes.

New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials on May 10 celebrated the completion of the Harmon Yard “mega-project.” (Photo Credit: Emily Moser / Metro-North Railroad)

Watch: MNR Completes Harmon Shop Upgrades

MTA Metro-North Railroad (MNR) on May 10 reported completing a 23-year, five-phase upgrade project at its Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y.-based maintenance and operations hub, which employs 1,200 people. With the opening of the 400,000

NYS Comptroller: MTA Capex ‘Faces Growing Risks’

A New York State Comptroller Report, Annual Update: Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Debt Profile (download below), says that the nation’s largest public transportation agency’s capital program for maintaining and upgrading the regional transit

Starting May 21, a second daily Amtrak train will be offered between St. Paul and Chicago, via Milwaukee, the state-sponsored Borealis, whose name “was determined in a collaborative process,” Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari told Railway Age. “It is a reference to the north direction, in Latin.” (Amtrak Map)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, NYMTA, SMART, WMATA

A second daily Amtrak train is launching between St. Paul, Minn., and Chicago, via Milwaukee, Wis., the state-supported Borealis. Also, New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) unveil the Fair Fares pilot program; Northern California’s Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) logs record commuter rail ridership; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) announce a transit planning initiative for the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.

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