Is it the end of the line for the Heartland Flyer? Also, the Nevada Governor approves a regional rail transit study; and Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) reaches an agreement with its largest union, which represents some 1,500 frontline workers, including light rail and bus operators, mechanics, dispatchers, fare inspectors and customer service representatives.
Amtrak advances upgrades and repairs at Lancaster Station. Also, April 2025 Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) ridership increases 6% from last year; SEPTA’s Efficiency & Accountability (E&A) Program recognizes $91 million in revenue and savings; the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Front Range Passenger Rail (FRPR) District explore options to bring passenger rail service to the Front Range; and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) launches a veteran discount fare pilot program.
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is kicking off Silver Line train testing in Addison, Dallas, and Downtown Carrollton, Tex. Also, Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) is improving safety and security at Union Station; Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) provides an update on Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) negotiations; and Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) celebrates 40 years of Airport Line service.
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) ratifies agreements with three unions. Also, Amtrak advances upgrades at two western Pennsylvania stations; the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) selects a developer for the future mixed-use buildings at Deanwood Metro Station; and first-quarter 2025 brings big gains for Bay Area transit agencies.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) implements a policy to ban violent and sexual offenders beginning June 2. Also, a new Passenger Information Display System (PIDS) improves the customer experience at the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority’s (VPRA) Amtrak Main Street Station in Richmond; the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) opens a new station on the TRAX Red Line; Santa Clara Superior Court Judge Daniel Nishigaya orders striking Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) employees back to work; and Dow Constantine is hired as Sound Transit’s next CEO.
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) average daily ridership in February 2025 increases from last year. Also, North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) considers a temporary station at Charlotte Gateway Station; three North Texas agencies could combine commuter rail operations; and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is denied a bid for a temporary restraining order to stop an ongoing strike.
Train testing begins on Sound Transit’s Federal Way Link Extension. Also, the Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) and Fraternal Order of Police finalize a three-year agreement; lawmakers in Sacramento, Calif., request flexible funding for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA); and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) asks Governor Gavin Newsom to intervene in a transit worker strike.
The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) selects a construction partner for the Long Bridge Project-South Package. Also, Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) rolls out its first two Type 6 MAX system light rail vehicles; Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is scheduling light rail rehabilitation projects for 2025; and Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) reports the largest one-year drop in serious crimes in its history.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announces MTA New York City subway safety initiatives. Also, MTA releases preliminary traffic and transit data from the congestion relief program’s first work week; Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey plans an $8 billion investment to improve regional transit, roads, and bridges and to stabilize MBTA finances; New Mexico’s Rio Metro Regional Transit District (Rio Metro) lands a federal grant for a new commuter rail Operations and Maintenance Facility; progress on Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s (DART) Silver Line continues with passenger service targeted for late 2025 or early 2026; Utah Transit Authority’s (UTA) ridership recovery reaches near pre-pandemic levels; and Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) and 17 other transit agencies sign the Equity In Infrastructure Project Pledge.
KC Streetcar #814 arrives in Kansas City. Also, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and Bay Area transit agencies debut new transit maps and signs; the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) budget proposal includes targeted rail service increases; and Amtrak releases its Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Year-End Summary video.
