Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority

More than 100,000 people have tapped their credit card to pay for GO, Brampton, MiWay and Oakville Transit since Metrolinx's new fare payment launched on Aug. 11.

Transit Briefs: Metrolinx, Amtrak, SEPTA, MBTA, WMATA

Metrolinx’s contactless payment hits milestone after recent launch. Also, Idaho leaders want Amtrak rail service to return to the Mountain West; the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) offers new way for customers to report cleanliness issues on system; the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) launches online applications for TAP and blind access customers; and a D.C. Council committee advances bill that would give D.C. residents $100 a month to ride the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) Metrorail and Metrobus.

Amtrak says it aims to achieve zero GHG emissions by 2045.

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, SEPTA, TransLink, MDOT

Amtrak aims to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2045. Also, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) advances two major initiatives; TransLink opens Customer Service Center at Waterfront Station; and the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) recruits colleges, trade schools to help Marylanders seize career opportunities.

Receiving grants are: Metrolink operator Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA; $12.5 million); Tri-Rail operator Southern Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA; $12.9 million); New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Metro-North Railroad ($4.4 million); NYSDOT and MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) ($14.9 million); and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA; $15 million).

USDOT Awards $59MM for Commuter Rail Grade Crossing Improvements

Five commuter rail agencies will receive a total of $59 million in grants for highway-rail grade crossing improvements in California, Florida, New York and Pennsylvania from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), in coordination with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The awards are part of round two of the Commuter Authority Rail Safety Improvement (CARSI) Grants Program.

“The record rainfall in the St. Louis region is causing major service disruptions for MetroLink, and we are doing our best to keep to keep passengers moving,” Bi-State Agency’s Metro Transit is reporting on its website. (Photograph Courtesy of Metro Transit)

Transit Briefs: St. Louis Metro Transit, SEPTA

At Metro Transit in St. Louis, Mo., major light-rail service disruptions may last for weeks due to damage caused by flash flooding on July 26. Also, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and Wawa have signed a naming-rights agreement for a new Regional Rail station that will open Aug. 21 as part of a multi-year project to restore rail service 3.5 miles west of Elwyn.

SEPTA Key Advantage allows institutions to acquire SEPTA Key cards directly from the Authority and distribute them to employees.

Passenger Rail Briefs: SEPTA, Brightline, BART

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) expands its institutional pass program. Also, Brightline’s Bright Pink 2 and Bright Green 2 are en route to Florida and a mural at Bay Area of

The TriMet Board has approved a $1.93 billion FY 2023 budget.

Transit Briefs: Metrolinx, SEPTA, Shore Line East, TriMet, Valley Metro

Metrolinx selected Ricardo Certification to perform safety assessments for the GO Expansion project in Toronto; SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) released three options for its Reimagining Regional Rail project; Connecticut’s Shore Line East commuter rail is now operating M8 Electric Multiple Units (EMU); the Board of Directors for Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) approved the FY 2023 budget; and Valley Metro launched its Tempe (Ariz.) Streetcar system.

“SEPTA is committed to ensuring our trolleys meet the needs of riders today and tomorrow,” SEPTA General Manager and CEO Leslie S. Richards said. “We are thrilled to start acquiring vehicles that open our trolley service to everyone.” (Rendering Courtesy of SEPTA)

SEPTA Issues Trolley RFP

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) on May 12 released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the purchase of 130 trolley vehicles, with an option for up to 30 more.