Stadler US will use ABB traction converters and batteries for the new trainsets it is building for Metra commuter rail in Chicago and for future Valley Rail passenger service between Merced and
California’s Caltrain has begun installing Herzog’s LiDAR and camera-based artificial intelligence (AI) system at its Churchill Avenue highway/rail grade crossing in Palo Alto to mitigate collisions between commuter rail trains and vehicles, people, or other objects, following an earlier installation at the Broadway Crossing in Burlingame.
Chicago’s Metra selects STV to support its procurement of new battery-electric, single-level trainsets. Also, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) expands its TAP-to-Exit program; and VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) boosts ticket sales with a new partnership program.
Caltrain teams with Camlin Rail on a new automated pantograph inspection system. Also, Denver (Colo.) Regional Transportation District (RTD) receives an updated credit rating from Fitch.
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) unveils its first CQ400 train from Stadler. Also, Seattle’s Sound Transit announces the launch date for its Downtown Redmond Link (light rail) Extension; and New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is driving down fare evasion.
Caltrain announces that its electric fleet “is more efficient than expected.” Also, Metro-North Railroad’s on-time performance hits an all-time high; Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) and BNSF Railway police departments formalize a partnership; Seattle’s Sound Transit works to solve light rail “network reliability issues”; and Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) awards a $211 million contract for the design, installation and operation of its new fare payment system.
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.
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has awarded Stadler Signaling North America a $500 million contract to equip its rapid transit network with Stadler’s NOVA Pro CBTC (communications-based train control) technology.
Alstom workers in Plattsburgh, N.Y., voted to join International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). Also, California’s Caltrain will move its headquarters to Millbrae; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) unveils the newest design for its holiday wrapped train and buses.
Bussnang, Switzerland-based Stadler on Dec. 3 reported that its passenger railcar manufacturing location in Salt Lake City, Utah, will separate from the Swiss division as of Jan. 1, 2025. To “further strengthen