The first light rail train is pulled along the Green Line Extension near the Southwest Station in Eden Prairie, Minn., to test the tracks the entire length of the line. (Caption and Photograph Courtesy of Metro Transit)

Transit Briefs: Metro Transit, Sound Transit, Metrolinx, Metrolink, SEPTA, STM

The METRO Green Line Extension in Minneapolis marks a milestone. Also, final testing is under way for Sound Transit’s Federal Way Link Extension in Seattle and is complete for Metrolinx’s Finch West LRT project in Ontario, Canada; Southern California’s Metrolink expands its “smart” crossing technology; Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) postpones bus purchases, a station accessibility project, and the Frazer Railroad Facility expansion; and STM (Société de transport de Montréal) pursues mediation to avoid metro and bus driver strikes.

The U.S. Department of Transportation on Sept. 18 reported that Amtrak and the USRC Boards of Directors unanimously agreed to approve the terms of a renegotiated cooperative agreement restoring federal control of Washington Union Station. (Image Courtesy of the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak/USRC, Transit Tech Lab, CTA, NJT, Sound Transit, NCTD

Amtrak and Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC) agree to restore federal management of Washington Union Station. Also, Transit Tech Lab releases proof-of-concept results that address ridership improvement, plus inspection and maintenance challenges; Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) officially launches Naloxone Vending Machines pilot; New Jersey Transit (NJT) expands FARE-PAY cards to all three light rail systems and all buses; Seattle’s Sound Transit celebrates 25 years of Sounder commuter rail service; and Southern California’s North County Transit District (NCTD) is marking 50 years of service.

Sound Transit staff on Aug. 28 “reported a need for an additional $14 to $20 billion in today’s dollars to cover capital program costs to complete” the ST3 light rail projects that voters approved in 2016—“unless cost-saving measures are applied,” according to KIRO 7 in Seattle. (Sound Transit Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Sound Transit, NJT, Amtrak, Metrolinx

Seattle’s Sound Transit faces a multibillion-dollar budget shortfall and readies for the mid-life overhaul of its commuter rail fleet. Also, New Jersey Transit (NJT) brings the River LINE light rail operation and maintenance in-house; Atlanta Regional Commission and the City of Atlanta, Ga., consider relocating the Amtrak station; and “Libby” and “Corkie” will carve out Metrolinx’s first two Ontario Line subway tunnels in Toronto.

Transit Briefs: Sound Transit, Infrastructure Ontario/Metrolinx

Sound Transit’s Link 1 Line to Federal Way will begin on Dec. 6. Also, Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx select Trillium Rail Partners (TRP) to deliver the Stations, Rail and Systems (SRS) package for the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension.

Zephyr Rail on Aug. 14 reported being selected by the LACMTA Board for a $50 million Construction Management Support Services contract, the largest single contract in the company’s history. (LACMTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: LACMTA, Metrolinx, Metra, Sound Transit, CTDOT

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) Board approves a $50 million Construction Management Support Services contract. Also, Canada’s Metrolinx breaks ground on the second Ontario Line subway tunnel in Toronto; Chicago’s Metra commuter railroad opens a new Grayland Station and dedicates a new bridge over Milwaukee Ave.; Seattle’s Sound Transit beta tests a trip planning tool; and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) issues a Request for Proposals for redevelopment of the Stamford Transportation Center.

Transit Briefs: TriMet, LA Metro, LIRR, Sound Transit

TriMet announces service cuts and other reductions to address budget shortfall. Also, LA Metro’s A Line Extension from Glendora to Pomona will open on Friday, Sept. 19; the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) shatters its post-pandemic daily ridership record; and the Sound Transit Board advances the opening of the Federal Way Link Extension.

West Seattle Link Extension project map. (Courtesy of Sound Transit)

Jacobs to Design Light Rail Extension in West Seattle

Jacobs on July 17 reported being selected to provide design services for Sound Transit’s West Seattle Link Extension project in Washington State, which will add 4.1 miles of light rail from Seattle’s

The Sound Transit Board on June 26 identified its preferred light rail route and station locations for the Tacoma Dome Link Extension, which will expand service nearly 10 miles on mostly elevated light rail tracks between Federal Way and Tacoma, Wash., and include four new stations in the South Federal Way, Fife, East Tacoma/Portland Avenue and Tacoma Dome areas. (Courtesy of Sound Transit)

Transit Briefs: Sound Transit, CHSRA, Amtrak, BART

Seattle’s Sound Transit Board identifies the preferred alternative for the Tacoma Dome Link Extension. Also, the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) issues a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) for operating segment delivery; Amtrak Pacific Surfliner celebrates the 70th anniversary of Disneyland Resort with a special train wrap; and new San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) data shows ridership growth and improvements to safety, cleanliness, and rider satisfaction, plus a reduction in fare evasion.

APTA Announces 2025 Public Transportation Award, Hall of Fame Honorees

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) on June 24 reported the 13 North American organizations and leaders earning its annual awards for “vision, leadership and commitment to public transportation,” plus the induction of six new members into the APTA Hall of Fame.

Folu Adepitan of AITX (left) and Paula Dowell of HNTB Corporation. (Photographs courtesy of the respective organizations)

People News: AITX, Sound Transit, HNTB

Railcar lessor American Industrial Transport, Inc. (AITX) appoints Folu Adepitan as Vice President of Leasing, South. Also, Daphne Cross assumes the role of Chief Economic Development and Civil Rights Officer at Seattle’s Sound Transit; and Paula Dowell of HNTB Corporation transitions to National Integrated Planning Services Practice Leader.

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