NYC Transit Tech Lab Announces 2025 Project Partners

The New York City Transit Tech Lab, a joint initiative of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the Partnership Fund for New York City, has selected 12 companies to collaborate with regional transit agencies for eight-week proof-of-concept tests of technologies designed to “optimize transit schedules, communications, inspections, and maintenance.” In addition to the MTA, the agencies include the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ), NJ Transit and the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT).

Left to Right: Rich Schaefer of HNTB Corporation (HNTB Photograph), and Thomas J. Taffe of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department (Marc A. Hermann / MTA Photograph).

People News: Rail Vision, HNTB, NYMTA

Israel-based technology company Rail Vision Ltd. appoints David BenDavid as CEO. Also, New Jersey Transit (NJT) veteran Rich Schaefer is rejoining infrastructure firm HNTB Corporation as Program Manager; and Thomas J. Taffe is tabbed for Chief of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department (MTAPD).

Transit Briefs: SEPTA, Tri-Rail, NYMTA/Metro-North, WMSC/WMATA, LA Metro

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) launches contactless payment on Regional Rail. Also, Tri-Rail ridership continues to show signs of growth in 2025; the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) launches an initiative to protect the Metro-North Hudson Line against effects of climate change; the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) threatens not to approve the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) plan to expand automation; and new faregates are off to a strong start at LA Metro’s Lake and Firestone stations.

NJT rolled out specially wrapped vehicles, including a locomotive (pictured), for Autism Acceptance Month. (NJT Photograph)

Transit Briefs: NJT, NYMTA, San Diego MTS

New Jersey Transit (NJT) unveils a specially wrapped locomotive in recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, and will install new faregates at Secaucus Junction and Newark Liberty International Airport stations. Also, the New York MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) issues a “reimagined” subway map; and San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is installing new digital signs at the Trolley’s Orange Line stations.

NYMTA: February CRZ Tolling ‘In Line With Projections’; C&D Department Reports $3B Saved in First Five Years

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) on March 24 announced that from Feb. 1 through Feb. 28, tolls from the Congestion Relief Zone (CRZ) generated $51.9 million in revenue with a net after expenses of $40.4 million. This, the agency says, “keeps the program on track to provide the $500 million that was initially projected.” The MTA will continue to report revenues from this program monthly.

Pictured, left to right: NYCT’s Bernard Jackson, William “Bill” Amarosa Jr., and Rachel Cohen; NCTD’s Lori A. Winfree; and HNTB’s Sandra M. Bucklew. (Photographs courtesy of the respective organizations, except for the photograph of Bernard Jackson, which is courtesy of DART.)

People News: NYCT, NCTD, HNTB, Michael Baker International

MTA New York City Transit (NYCT) appoints three senior operational leaders. Also, North County Transit District (NCTD) names a Deputy CEO; HNTB, a Southeast Division Construction Services Leader; and Michael Baker International, a Vice President, Health and Safety.

“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.

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