Phoenix Valley Metro

The proposed CV Rail intercity passenger service would span approximately 144 miles, linking the City of Coachella, Calif., with Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles. (Courtesy of RCTC)

Transit Briefs: LACMTA, BART, UTA, Phoenix Valley Metro, SEPTA, CV Rail

Parsons Transportation Group (Parsons) lands a contract for Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (LACMTA) Metro A line extension project. Also, crime on the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) drops 41% in 2025; Utah Transit Authority (UTA) shares 2025 achievements and 2026 service plans; Phoenix Valley Metro in Arizona is identified as a top transit agency in the nation for ridership growth; leased railcars will soon enter Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) commuter rail service; and Southern California’s Riverside County Transportation Commission advances the proposed Coachella Valley Rail (CV Rail) project.

Brightline and Sotereon.AI are partnering to create “a real-time digital replica of the Brightline corridor, one that is continuously updated throughout the operational day” to enhance the inspection and maintenance process. (Courtesy of Brightline and Sotereon.AI)

Transit Briefs: Brightline, Valley Metro, Caltrain

Brightline, Florida’s private-sector passenger railroad, teams with Sotereon.AI on a corridor monitoring project. Also, Valley Metro in Arizona sees a $20 billion return on its light rail investment; and Caltrain receives funding to expand its GoPass fare program.

“Our Holiday Trains have become an annual tradition for our riders and their families, and we are happy to be operating them again,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski (pictured right during the 2024 event). “It’s our way to spread a little holiday joy and thank our riders for making Metra part of their lives all year.” (Metra Photograph Via Instagram)

Transit Briefs: MDOT MTA, Phoenix Valley Metro, Metrolink, Metra

The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) releases an updated regional transit plan. Also, a recent customer service survey highlights security progress across Valley Metro’s Phoenix, Ariz.-based system; and Southern California’s Metrolink and Chicagoland’s Metra commuter railroads are rolling out holiday trains.

Michael O’Keefe of HART (left) and Michael Eshleman of Valley Metro. (Photographs courtesy of the respective organizations)

People News: HART, Valley Metro

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) appoints Michael O’Keefe as Deputy Executive Director. Also, Valley Metro in Phoenix, Ariz., welcomes Michael Eshleman as Deputy Chief of Service Planning.

SFMTA’s 2024 annual report, Next Stop: A Thriving San Francisco, covers its accomplishments from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024—from how people are getting around in new ways to how the transit agency is working to meet the city’s transportation needs now and in the future. (SFMTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: SFMTA, MDOT, Metrolinx, TriMet, Phoenix Valley Metro

San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) releases its 2024 annual report. Also, a new agreement between Maryland’s Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Department of Housing and Community Development accelerates transit-oriented development opportunities; Metrolinx adds trips to the GO rail network’s Milton Line; Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) earns top credit ratings; and Phoenix (Ariz.) Valley Metro’s new fare system offers cash payment options.

“It’s remarkable how much the new [Fleet of the Future] cars have changed the look and feel of BART for the better,” BART President Bevan Dufty said July 23. “These cars are delivering on the promise of being more reliable, more modern and easier to enter and exit.” (BART Photograph)

Transit Briefs: BART, LACMTA, SacRT, Sound Transit, Valley Metro

San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) reaches a Fleet of the Future project milestone. Also, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) releases a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the K Line Northern Extension Project; Sacramento (Calif.) Regional Transit District (SacRT) receives nearly $1 million in Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Awards from the state; Seattle’s Sound Transit is simplifying its fare structure, renaming a station and debuting three-digit station codes on its Link light rail system; and U.S. Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff rides Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority’s (Valley Metro) streetcar system in Arizona.

“As we continue to prioritize the enhancement of our transit system, I am thrilled to announce the purchase of nine additional new low floor light rail vehicles,” SacRT General Manager/CEO Henry Li said March 19. “By investing in these state-of-the-art trains, we are not only elevating the transit experience for our riders but also reinforcing our dedication to a sustainable future for the Sacramento region.” (Screen Grab from SacRT social media video post, courtesy of SacRT)

Transit Briefs: SacRT, TTC, Phoenix Valley Metro, Colorado General Assembly

Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) in California is exercising an option with Siemens Mobility for more LRVs (light rail vehicles). Also, Canada’s three biggest transit agencies, including the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), are urging the federal government to advance the next wave of transit funding; Valley Metro in Phoenix, Ariz., is installing new fare machines; and the Colorado General Assembly aims to leverage millions in federal infrastructure funding to bring passenger rail service to the state.

With service expected to launch early next year, Phoenix Valley Metro’s 1.6-mile Northwest Extension Phase II project is now in the testing phase. (Phoenix Valley Metro Photograph)

Transit Briefs: CTA, MARTA, Phoenix Valley Metro, SacRT, Tri-Rail, TTC

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is developing a chatbot for customer assistance on its website. Also, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) advances its Five Points Station Transformation Project; Phoenix Valley Metro readies for the Northwest Extension Phase II project’s 2024 launch; the first of Sacramento (Calif.) Regional Transit District’s (SacRT) new Siemens Mobility SD700s enter the final testing phase; Tri-Rail’s commuter rail ridership recovery continues in Florida; and Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) awards a radio communications coverage contract for a subway system pilot project.

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