A new Amtrak OIG report finds that Amtrak “faces challenges with the systems and processes it uses to track and manage costs for capital projects, which hinder project teams from identifying emerging cost overruns.” (Photograph Courtesy of Amtrak OIG, via Twitter)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak OIG, FTA, NYMTA

“Amtrak is strengthening its project cost management, but can better organize costs and improve guidance,” according to the latest Amtrak Office of Inspector General (OIG) report. Also, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Cincinnati Connector Streetcar will receive funding through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Areas of Persistent Poverty Program; and New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will increase subway fares and implement recommendations of the Blue-Ribbon Panel Report on Fare and Toll Evasion.

The environmental review and permitting process for the planned Victor Valley-to-Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. segment of Brightline West’s Las Vegas-to-Southern California high-speed rail project is complete, the Las Vegas Review Journal reported July 14.

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, Brightline West, Metrolinx, NYMTA

Idaho and Utah are seeking to revive Amtrak service between Salt Lake City and Boise. Also, Brightline West’s planned Las Vegas-to Southern California high-speed rail project advances; Metrolinx teams with Turo car-sharing in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area; and subway and bus workers in TWU Local 100 ratify their contract with the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), and an MTA survey shows increased satisfaction for subway, bus and paratransit riders.

NYMTA Projects Balanced Budget Through 2027

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) on July 17 released its five-year financial plan showing a balanced budget through 2027, the first time in more than 20 years the Authority has projected a balanced budget for five consecutive years.

New York MTA and union officials are testing “no standing” zones at Harlem’s 125th Street and Lexington Avenue subway station to help prevent rider assaults on conductors. (Screen Grab From Spectrum News NY1 Video)

Transit Briefs: NYMTA, Sound Transit, VPRA, WMATA

New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is testing “no standing” zones on New York City Transit (NYCT) subway platforms to help eliminate rider assaults on conductors. Also, Seattle’s Sound Transit is beginning simulated service on the Hilltop Tacoma Link Extension; Jacobs will deliver general engineering consulting services for passenger rail under the Transforming Rail in Virginia infrastructure program; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) mulls expansion options.

NC By Train photo

Transit Briefs: Amtrak/NC By Train, NYMTA, VIA Rail, The City of Calgary, SBCTA/LA Metro

Amtrak and NC By Train announce that the Piedmont and Carolinian will now offer five daily roundtrips between Raleigh, Charlotte, and points in between. Also, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announces a new customer real-time email and text alert system; VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) breaks ground on construction of Toronto Maintenance Center; The City of Calgary announces that it will undertake a new Calgary Airport Connection Study; and the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) and LA Metro will study expanding rail frequency from Redlands to LA Union Station.

A new station at 106th Street (rendering above, courtesy of NYMTA) is part of the Phase 2 extension of the Second Avenue Subway in New York.

NYMTA Kicks Off Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 Project

New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) on July 5 reported soliciting the first contract to construct Phase 2 of the Second Avenue Subway, and unveiled draft station renderings for the long-awaited 1.5-mile

MTA photo

Transit Briefs: NYMTA, VIA Rail, SMART, DART

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announces 14 additional subway stations to be refurbished as part of New York City Transit’s (NYCT) Re-NEW-Vation Program and adds a second R211 train to the A Line. Also, VIA Rail Canada’s (VIA Rail) new President and CEO Mario Peloquin announces plans to renew trains 82 and 83; the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District (SMART) secures critical funding for construction of extensions to Windsor and Healdsburg; and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) introduces new GoPass Tap Card retail network.

Aerial photo of a portion of West Broadway Avenue in north Minneapolis, the proposed route of the Blue Line light rail extension. (Met Council)

Transit Briefs: Minn. Met Council, NJ Transit, SEPTA, NTMTA, Calif. State Budget

The Minnesota Metropolitan (Met) Council’s Anti-Displacement Working Group makes recommendations on Blue Line Extension. Also, NJ Transit launches customer awareness campaign to promote kindness; the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) launches its Open Data Portal; the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)’s congestion pricing plan wins federal approval after comprehensive environmental review; and California Gov. Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers reach a deal on the 2023-2024 budget that includes $5.1 billion for transit capital funding.

Aerial view of mid-block train hall from 33rd St facing south. (Rendering Courtesy of MTA)

NY Penn Station Reconstruction Design Kicks Off With Notice to Proceed

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and its railroad partners have issued a Notice to Proceed to kick off preliminary design on a plan to transform the existing Penn Station into a “world-class commuter and intercity transit hub,” the agency recently announced.

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, NYMTA, Metra, SEPTA, LA Metro, Caltrain

Amtrak leadership signs Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) Safety Pledge. Also, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad set post-pandemic ridership records; Metra seeks public feedback on proposed simplified fare structure; the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) receives two sustainability awards for environmental excellence; LA Metro implements fare capping; and Caltrain delays fare increases.

LOAD MORE