Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

The Sound Transit Board earlier this month gathered in Tacoma, Wash., to discuss the Enterprise Initiative: “a comprehensive agencywide effort to ensure that project delivery and operations are affordable going forward while delivering on the objectives of the ST3 plan.” (Courtesy of Sound Transit)

Transit Briefs: Sound Transit, PATH, Denver RTD

Seattle’s Sound Transit works to close a $34.5 billion gap to deliver on its ST3 plan. Also, PATH (Port Authority Trans-Hudson) in New York and New Jersey is developing plans to replace fare gates at all 13 stations; and Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) launches a Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA).

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People News: INRD, PANYNJ, HNTB, STV

The Indiana Rail Road Company (INRD) promotes Dereck McClure to Director, Service Operations. Also, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) Board of Commissioners approves the nomination of Kathryn Garcia as Executive Director; HNTB’s Bryan Jones is appointed to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Beautifying Transportation Infrastructure Council (BTIC); and Jerry Jannetti joins STV as President of Transportation South.

The MBTA recently returned to service a fully overhauled F40 locomotive, featuring the orange, white, and black paint scheme of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad. (Courtesy of MBTA)

Transit Briefs: MBTA, PATH, Amtrak

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) adds another heritage locomotive to its fleet, paying tribute to the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad. Also, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s PATH rapid transit system in 2025 surpassed 60 million riders for the first time since 2019; and Amtrak highlights “strong performance” and 2026 priorities at its recent public Board meeting.

Rendering of next-generation S200s for Metro Transit’s MetroLink service in St. Louis. (Courtesy of Siemens Mobility)

Transit Briefs: Metro Transit, PATH, MBTA

Metro Transit, St. Louis, will begin taking delivery of new high-floor LRVs (light rail vehicles) in 2027. Also, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s (PANY/NJ) PATH regains ridership in November, reaching 76% of the pre-pandemic level; and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) closes out 2025 with service delivery, accessibility and infrastructure progress.

Kathryn Garcia. (Courtesy of Columbia University)

Garcia Tapped to Lead PANY/NJ

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Dec. 9 nominated Kathryn Garcia as Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANY/NJ), succeeding Rick Cotton, whose retirement was announced

Transit Briefs: NYMTA, PANYNJ, LA Metro, Ontario Government, SJJPA, Austin Light Rail

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) launches a new Capital Program Dashboard. Also, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s (PANYNJ) PATH commuter rail records its second-busiest month since the pandemic; all five of LA Metro’s rail lines post gains in weekend ridership; the Ontario government extends the OneFare program to keep transit costs down for riders; the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) restores the seventh Gold Runner round trip; and Austin Light Rail receives a “medium-high” rating from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

PANY/NJ’s Rick Cotton (far left) and AASHTO’s Russell McMurry (far right) and Marc Williams. (Photographs courtesy of the respective organizations)
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People News: RRB, PANY/NJ, AASHTO

The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) appoints Jebby Rasputnis as Director of Programs. Also, Rick Cotton is stepping down as Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANY/NJ); and a new President and Vice President are taking the helm at the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

(Courtesy of PANY/NJ)

PATH: $2.6B Capital Plan for 2026-2035

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANY/NJ) on Nov. 13 proposed a $45 billion 2026–2035 Capital Plan, which would provide $2.6 billion to PATH for service increases, including the

Transit Briefs: MARTA, Tri-Rail, DC Streetcar, Denver RTD, MDOT, SacRT, PANYNJ, TransLink

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) will modernize its entire fare collection system. Also, Tri-Rail will end $5 rideshare voucher program; DC Streetcar service will end on March 31, 2026; the Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) restricts advertisements on train windows; the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) launches a new transit incentive to encourage Baltimore-area commuters to try transit; the Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) invests $1 million in its safety and security program; the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s (PANYNJ) PATH commuter rail achieves its second-busiest month since the pandemic; and TransLink celebrates 30 years of the West Coast Express.