“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.

VIA Rail Canada released this rendering of the locomotives and cars that will be acquired to replace the current “pan-Canadian” fleet that runs outside the Québec City–Windsor corridor. (Rendering Courtesy of VIA Rail)

Transit Briefs: VIA Rail Canada, ADOT, SEPTA, San Diego MTS

VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) launches Requests for Qualification (RFQ) for locomotives and cars to replace its Long-Distance, Regional and Remote fleet. Also, Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) advances its study on Phoenix-to-Tucson passenger rail service; Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) reports system-wide ridership for November; and San Diego (Calif.) Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) teams with a research firm to develop an equity statement and policy.

(OLI Image)

OLI Awards Seven Safety Education Grants

Seven transit agencies have been selected to receive Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI) grants that will help them promote public awareness and safety education.

Kansas City Streetcar on Oct. 17 welcomed the fifth of eight new CAF USA-built streetcars to Missouri. (Kansas City Streetcar Photograph)

Transit Briefs: KC Streetcar, San Diego MTS, Alstom

Kansas City (Mo.) Streetcar takes delivery of the fifth new CAF USA-built vehicle that will support two extension projects. Also, San Diego (Calif.) Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) modifies its Fare Enforcement Diversion Program; and the Alstom Foundation funds youth programming at the New York Transit Museum.

The SEPTA Board has approved the purchase of 100 full-length fare gates from Conduent Transport Solutions, Inc. (SEPTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: SEPTA, MBTA, WMATA, BART

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) expands its pilot program on combating fare evasion with the purchase of 100 full-length fare gates. Also, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) releases a climate assessment; Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA) will soon transition to operator-attended ATO (Automatic Train Operation); and San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) breaks its post-pandemic ridership record.

The final four of 44 INNOVIA 300 APM cars from Alstom have arrived at LAX, whose automated people mover system is slated to open in January 2026. (Photograph Courtesy of Los Angeles World Airports)

Transit Briefs: LAX, MTA Metro-North, San Diego MTS

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) receives the final four INNOVIA 300 APM cars from Alstom. Also, MTA Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi and Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Commissioner Garrett T. Eucalitto tour Waterbury Branch storm damage and restoration efforts; and San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) ridership jumps by 10% in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024.

(Image Courtesy of BLET)

Transit Briefs: SEPTA/BLET, SacRT, San Diego MTS/NCTD

Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) ratify a new three-year contract with Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). Also, Sacramento (Calif.) Regional Transit District (SacRT) marks the start of construction on the Watt/I-80 Transit Center Improvement Project; and California’s San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and North County Transit District (NCTD) introduce contactless fare payment.

Transit Briefs: MBTA, CTA, San Diego MTS

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) accelerates major Track Improvement Program work on the Red Line Braintree branch. Also, Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) new chatbot sees success since recent launch; and the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Board of Directors gives green light to new Copper Line Trolley.

MTS Taps CRA, STV for TPSS Replacements

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) has contracted with Chen Ryan Associates (CRA) to replace five traction power substations (TPSS) for the San Diego Trolley light rail system. CRA subcontractor STV Inc. is

Transit Briefs: LA Metro, San Diego MTS, FTA

Light rail testing is under way on LA Metro’s Foothill Gold Line extension from Azusa to Pomona. Also, San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) now offers a Youth Opportunity Pass for teens to explore their hometown; and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) celebrates 60 years of improving communities through its Federal Transit Program.

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