South Florida Regional Transportation Authority

Transit Briefs: Tri-Rail/SFRTA, Caltrain, Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act

The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) celebrates the groundbreaking of its first-ever transit-oriented development (TOD) adjacent to Tri-Rail’s Boca Raton Station. Also, Caltrain’s Electrification Project is awarded by the Associated General Contractors of California (AGC of California); and Maryland Governor Wes Moore testifies before the Senate Finance Committee in support of the Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act.

Transit Briefs: SFRTA/Tri-Rail, Santa Clara VTA

The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) receives its second Gold Standard Award for Transit Security Excellence. Also, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) celebrates the opening of the first transit-oriented development (TOD) housing to open in more than 20 years.

SFRTA Charges Ahead with Siemens Motive Power

Tri-Rail regional/commuter rail service operator South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) has ordered seven Charger diesel-electric locomotives from Siemens Mobility as additions to its fleet. Expected to enter service in 2029, these

Transit Briefs: Bay Area Transit Agencies, MDOT, Tri-Rail/SFRTA, HART

Bay Area transit agencies improve transfers with latest “Big Sync” schedule update. Also, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) advances transit-oriented development (TOD) at the Bowie State MARC station; the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) launches a unified mobile app for regional transit; and the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) breaks ground on the $1.66 billion downtown phase of its Skyline Rail project.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber announced that the Interborough Express (IBX) project is moving from the planning to active phase during a press conference at 61st St. & 14th Av. on Aug 1. (Marc A. Hermann / MTA)

Transit Briefs: NYMTA, Tri-Rail, FTA

New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) begins the engineering and design phase for Interborough Express (IBX) and awards an Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) Implementation System contract for Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). Also, South Florida’s Tri-Rail achieves a new all-time fiscal year ridership record; and the Federal Transit Administration rolls out guidance for host cities of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Games and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Transit Briefs: SEPTA, Tri-Rail, NYMTA/Metro-North, WMSC/WMATA, LA Metro

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) launches contactless payment on Regional Rail. Also, Tri-Rail ridership continues to show signs of growth in 2025; the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) launches an initiative to protect the Metro-North Hudson Line against effects of climate change; the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) threatens not to approve the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) plan to expand automation; and new faregates are off to a strong start at LA Metro’s Lake and Firestone stations.

“Between improved reliability, safety enhancements, and amenities, R211 cars will make a world of difference for G train riders,” MTA NYCT President Demetrius Crichlow said March 4. “The R211 [rapid transit] cars are state of the art and less prone to breakdowns, which means smoother trips and more reliable service for decades to come.” The cars operate with an open gangway; NYCT debuted them on the C line in 2024. (Marc A. Hermann / MTA)

Transit Briefs: NYCT, NJT, LACMTA, Tri-Rail, Fort Worth

The first set of Kawasaki-built open-gangway rapid transit cars is now running on MTA New York City Transit’s (NYCT) crosstown G line. Also, New Jersey Transit (NJT) is speeding up efforts to replace windows on all Multilevel commuter railcars in revenue service; Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) is expanding a pilot program that screens riders for weapons; South Florida’s Tri-Rail commuter rail system may face a $90 million annual deficit; and Fort Worth, Tex., eyes a downtown rail system.

ATP has released a request for information for industry feedback on the draft solicitation and contract seeking final design and construction services related to the Austin Light Rail project’s transitway, tracks, systems, stations, bridges, traffic signals, utilities, drainage structures and streetscape. (ATP Rendering)

Transit Briefs: ATP, MDOT, TTC, Tri-Rail

Austin (Tex.) Transit Partnership (ATP) initiates procurement of the final design and construction contract for Austin’s first light rail system. Also, Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) launches a grant program to support transit-oriented development (TOD) projects; Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) pilots automatic camera enforcement technology to boost streetcar rider safety; and South Florida’s Tri-Rail surpasses 4 million rides in 2024.

Transit Briefs: Tri-Rail, CTA, Amtrak Virginia

Tri-Rail introduces new express train service. Also, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announces “Refresh & Renew” work across the system and celebrates diversity and inclusiveness with the return of its Pride Train; and Amtrak Virginia rolls into summer with record ridership.

Brightline train in Orlando. (Photo by David C. Lester)

Transit Briefs: Metra, CTA, Brightline

Metra increases its UP North Line weekday service. Also, crime on the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) continues a downward trend in April; and Brightline ends its monthly passes.

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