The Regional Transportation Authority (Chicago, Ill.) on Dec. 18 voted to adopt the 2025 Regional Transit Operating Budget and 2026-2030 Capital Program following the signing of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker on Dec. 16 signed the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act, SB2111, into law, “marking a landmark action in modernizing Illinois’ transit system.” The law creates a new regional authority to oversee the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace, “while delivering significant investments in public transit, capital projects, and tollways across the state—all without raising statewide taxes.”
The Chicago Transit Board on Nov. 12 unanimously approved a balanced $2.23 billion operating budget for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), which, the agency says, “holds the line on fares, avoids layoffs, enhances existing services, expands vehicle cleaning measures, and more.” The operating budget is $75 million—or 3.2 percent—more than the 2025 budget.
Société de transport de Montréal (STM) in Canada seeks an end to the Metro and bus strikes. Also, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) will offer 24-hour rapid transit service to Midway Airport; Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) in North Carolina is providing mobile transit passes to community members with SNAP and WIC benefits; and the government of Canada’s Budget 2025 proposes a renewal of the Canada Strong Pass for the holiday season.
Leaders from Illinois’ Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) on Aug. 21 shifted millions of dollars from Metra and Pace “to help forestall 40% Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) service reductions” as the agency faces
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) releases its second annual personalized ridership report for 2024. Also, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) train screens now show major transit connections; the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) releases its $21.2 billion Final Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) for Fiscal Years 2025-2030; and the Regional Transportation Authority of Northeastern Illinois (RTA) releases a $1.5 billion vision aimed at “shaping the future of transit funding and governance ahead of the 2025 legislative session.”
Caterpillar Inc., the parent company of Progress Rail, is expanding its large-engine facility in Lafayette, Ind. Also, WSP and 10 other public and private agencies sign the Equity in Infrastructure Project pledge as a commitment to improving diversity in public contracting; and Montreal, Quebec-based AtkinsRéalis Group Inc. lands a Network Rail contract to upgrade signaling and telecommunications infrastructure in the U.K.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) appoints a General Counsel and a Director for the Office of Research and Engineering. Also, there is a new Director, Government Affairs at the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) of Northeastern Illinois; leader for HDR’s Transportation Economics and Statistics Services practice; and Litigation Section Partner at global law firm Holland & Knight.
San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) is bringing wireless broadband to its Fleet of the Future cars. Also, the launch date has been announced for Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit’s (HART) long-awaited light metro service, as the 19th of 20 four-car trains arrive; and Chicago’s Metra breaks ground on its $14.5 million Homewood Station renovation project.
The Bright Orange 2 trainset from Siemens Mobility arrives at Brightline, Florida’s private-sector passenger railroad. Also, the Regional Transportation Authority of Northeastern Illinois (RTA) adopts a new strategic plan; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) selects Reflexions to update its website and fare-collection web applications.
