POTUS 47 appoints a second Presidential Advisory Board (PEB) to help settle an ongoing contract dispute at MTA Long Island Rail Road in New York. Also, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) advances an Innovation Studio pilot project; and Trinity Metro’s TEXRail breaks a ridership record in December.
Amtrak Virginia closes the state’s fiscal year with record ridership. Also, New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) releases rider survey results, showing improvements in overall satisfaction across subway, commuter rail and bus service, and is adding customer service centers to 15 subway locations; Trinity Metro in Texas is offering one week of free rides on all local services; and Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (LACMTA) “care-based outreach model” is paying off.
On a recent visit to the Texas Capitol in my role as the CEO of Fort Worth’s Trinity Metro, I was stopped by a state senator before I could begin my pitch for commuter rail. “I’m never using
Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) leads commuter rail ridership recovery nationally from pre-pandemic levels. Also, TransLink launches a transit-themed beer; and Trinity Metro approves a 10-year $324 million contract extension for TEXRail and Trinity Railway Express (TRE).
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) average daily ridership in February 2025 increases from last year. Also, North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) considers a temporary station at Charlotte Gateway Station; three North Texas agencies could combine commuter rail operations; and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is denied a bid for a temporary restraining order to stop an ongoing strike.
Trinity Metro TEXRail surpasses record ridership in December 2024. Also, TriMet and law enforcement partners welcome changes to make transit a drug-free zone; NJ Transit launches an anti-human-trafficking awareness campaign; the Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) releases a study that identifies the indirect benefits of a transit apprenticeship; and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awards a $21 million Restoration and Enhancement (R&E) grant to Amtrak for Gulf Coast passenger rail.
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
Trinity Metro Board approves a $163.7 million operating budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. Also, the Transit Workforce Center (TWC) launches an interactive apprenticeship map; New Jersey Transit (NJT) and the U.S. Army Reserve join forces to create employment opportunities for soldiers and their family members; and Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) teams with the Atlanta United professional soccer club on a custom retail collection.
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is prepping for Silver Line commuter rail service with test runs of its eight Stadler-built DMUs (diesel multiple units). DART on May 6 reported that the Silver
Service satisfaction for Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) customers was up in 2023. Also, TEXRail has celebrated five years of commuter service between Fort Worth and DFW Airport in Texas.
