Brightline, Florida’s private-sector passenger railroad, eyes an extension to Tampa. Also, the Board of Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro) in Austin, Tex., approves next year’s budget; and New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) launches a data challenge.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is planning to include $282.8 million in new state funding for Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and other transit agencies. Also, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) advances Project Connect light rail in Austin, Tex.; Phoenix Valley Metro launches the Northwest Extension Phase II project; New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announces the first round of subway station renovations for 2024; and Amtrak kicks off Art at Amtrak’s third year with the latest installation at New York Penn Station.
Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) celebrates the groundbreaking of its Petaluma North Station. Also, Sound Transit expects to finish the planning phase for its West Seattle Light Rail Extension in 2024; Project Connect expects to wrap its initial light rail environmental review by next fall; Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Transit Police vote to strike after rejecting the latest contract from the agency; and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) introduces “Innovation Studio” to address public transit challenges.
The Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) on May 23 recommended a 9.8-mile, 15-station light rail alignment as the first phase of Project Connect, based on the expertise of partners ATP, the city of Austin, Tex., and CapMetro as well as community input. On June 6, Austin city leaders approved it.
