Toronto Transit Commission

Pictured: TTC’s Harvey Shop Building, part of the Hillcrest Complex in Toronto. The complex will be expanded to house about 25 more Alstom LRVs, part of a new 60-car order. (TTC Photograph)

Transit Briefs: TTC, Metra, Amtrak

Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) begins expanding its Hillcrest Complex to house new Alstom-built streetcars. Also, Chicago’s Metra considers renaming its regional/commuter rail lines; and Amtrak updates its mobile app for riders.

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.

TTC Sets 2025 Ops, Capex Budgets

The Toronto Transit Commission has set a 2025 operating budget of C$2.8 billion and a capital program of C$16.4 billion. TTC touted the program as freezing fares for the second straight year,

TTC Issues Trainset and CBTC RFPs

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for 70 new rapid transit trainsets and a CBTC (Communications-Based Train Control) system. The trainset procurement consists of 55 to

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, TTC, TriMet

Amtrak completes upgrades at the G.K. Butterfield Station in Wilson, N.C. Also, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) deploys Fare Inspectors in plain clothes as part of evasion crackdown; and TriMet introduces a new way for riders to connect with customer service staff.

Grand Central Madison (pictured) was selected for the World’s Most Beautiful Passenger Stations 2024 List, along with Schafbergbahn Station in St. Wolfgang, Austria; Bell Station in Melbourne, Australia; Beijing Station in Beijing, China Toulouse; Matabiau Station in Toulouse, France; and Chiaia Metro Station in Naples, Italy. (Marc A. Hermann / MTA)

Transit Briefs: UNESCO Award; Canadian Transit Hub, TOD Projects

UNESCO recognizes New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Grand Central Madison with a “World’s Most Beautiful Passenger Station” interior award. Also, the Kitchener Central Transit Hub and Toronto’s 50 Wilson Heights TOD (transit-oriented development) advance in Ontario, Canada.

“Better public transit means Torontonians can spend less time commuting and more time with family, staying connected to work, school, and traveling safely,” reported Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland, via X on Nov. 29. “That’s why we’re investing in new subway cars for the TTC—to make life in Toronto easier, faster, and more affordable.” (Photograph Courtesy of Chrystia Freeland)

Ontario-Toronto ‘Deal’ to Support Rail Transit

The government of Ontario, Canada, on Nov. 27 reported that it will provide the city of Toronto up to C$1.2 billion in provincial operating support over three years (2024-26) and up to C$7.6 billion in “significant capital relief” over ten years (2024-35) as part of a proposed “new deal.” Among the beneficiaries are Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, Finch West LRT, Scarborough Subway Extension, and Yonge North Subway Extension projects.

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, TriMet, DART, TTC, SFMTA, 30 Cleary Avenue

Amtrak’s Borealis ridership reaches 100,000 passengers in 22 weeks. Also, TriMet expands language options on its website; Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) celebrates the groundbreaking of the new Silver Line Equipment Maintenance Facility in Plano; the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) announces final day to use old tickets, tokens and day passes; the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) crosses a major ridership milestone; and a new model for sustainable and affordable housing at 30 Cleary Avenue in Ottawa gets the green light.

Transit Briefs: SEPTA, NYMTA, TTC

Crime is down 34.1% on the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s (SEPTA) system. Also, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) completes its 100th Re-NEW-vation project; and Donlands Station becomes the Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) 55th accessible subway station.

Starting Sept. 28, DART light rail riders will see increased service frequency on weekends. (DART Photograph)

Transit Briefs: DART, SFMTA, TransLink, TTC

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is boosting weekend service and ordering new ticket vending machines. Also, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) is restoring Muni service to the L Taraval line after a five-year improvement project; TransLink is upgrading SkyTrain’s Oakridge–41st Avenue Station in Vancouver; and free public Wi-Fi is ending at Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway stations.