The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) reopens the new Damen Green Line station at Lake Street and Damen Avenue. Also, results of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s (SFMTA) 2024 Muni Rider Survey show big improvements; and two Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) railcars are being developed into Atlantic Ocean reed habitats.
Fare collection has long been one of the hottest topics in public transit. Opinions range about how much a ride costs or how much it should cost, who is paying and who is not paying. Often forgotten in all the talk about fares is the history behind Proof of Payment systems, or “POP.”
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) approves its Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 and FY 2026 operating and capital budgets. Also, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s (PANYNJ) new tap-to-pay fare payment system is now available at all PATH stations in New Jersey; the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) releases its 2023 Annual Report; and Amtrak issues two Requests for Information (RFIs) to support high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity along the Northeast Corridor (NEC).
Municipal Railway (Muni) public transit registered 433,000 riders in 2023, a 25% increase over 2022, according to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA).
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) Board of Directors work to develop the agency’s two-year budget. Also, the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) announces its fourth transit-oriented affordable housing development; the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) seeks information from the public on new and advanced technologies to improve transportation; and VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) is recognized by Forbes as one of Canada’s Best Employers 2024.
Metrolinx teams up with Canadian whisky brand Forty Creek to provide free rides on GO Transit and UP Express on New Year’s Eve. Meanwhile, NJ Transit’s systemwide beverage ban remains in effect, and the Federal Transit Authority (FTA) takes nationwide steps to address assaults on transit workers. Also, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) kicks off a community engagement process to activate new spaces under new Red Line Tracks; the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) introduces the first LRV4s with a new seating arrangement; Scarborough’s Rapid Transit (RT) trains could have a new home in Detroit; and NJ Transit sells a stuffed animal to support Ricardo the Bull.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs legislation incorporating climate resiliency into Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor planning. Also, California announces $114.5 million in Clean California grants; the Connecticut State Bond Commission announces $398.1 in state funding approved for the Northeast Corridor (NEC) Match Program and $15 million for New Haven Station improvements; and the Ottawa LRT north-south expansion line is delayed until spring 2024.
August 2, 2023, marks the 150th anniversary of the world’s first successful cable railway, born right here in San Francisco. To celebrate the occasion, we bring you the story of Andrew Hallidie and the very first cable car company, the Clay Street Hill Railroad.
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will tackle critical track and power maintenance as part of its 2023 Trolley Tunnel Blitz. Also, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) riders will soon receive improved wireless connectivity; copper theft causes delays on LA Metro’s rail lines; and the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority’s (RTA) Rampart streetcar line reopening is pushed back to 2024 amid infrastructure delays.
San Francisco’s iconic cable cars are turning 150 this year, and we’re throwing a party to celebrate!