Valley Metro

The proposed CV Rail intercity passenger service would span approximately 144 miles, linking the City of Coachella, Calif., with Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles. (Courtesy of RCTC)

Transit Briefs: LACMTA, BART, UTA, Phoenix Valley Metro, SEPTA, CV Rail

Parsons Transportation Group (Parsons) lands a contract for Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (LACMTA) Metro A line extension project. Also, crime on the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) drops 41% in 2025; Utah Transit Authority (UTA) shares 2025 achievements and 2026 service plans; Phoenix Valley Metro in Arizona is identified as a top transit agency in the nation for ridership growth; leased railcars will soon enter Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) commuter rail service; and Southern California’s Riverside County Transportation Commission advances the proposed Coachella Valley Rail (CV Rail) project.

Transit Briefs: Valley Metro, Santa Clara VTA, NYMTA

The Phoenix City Council approves a new expansion of Valley Metro’s light rail system to west Phoenix. Also, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) readies to move record crowds to Super Bowl LX; and the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announces that subway customer satisfaction is at an all-time high and sets a record with $15.8 billion in capital investments in 2025.

Brightline and Sotereon.AI are partnering to create “a real-time digital replica of the Brightline corridor, one that is continuously updated throughout the operational day” to enhance the inspection and maintenance process. (Courtesy of Brightline and Sotereon.AI)

Transit Briefs: Brightline, Valley Metro, Caltrain

Brightline, Florida’s private-sector passenger railroad, teams with Sotereon.AI on a corridor monitoring project. Also, Valley Metro in Arizona sees a $20 billion return on its light rail investment; and Caltrain receives funding to expand its GoPass fare program.

Transit Briefs: Valley Metro, MDOT, LA Metro

Valley Metro invites the community to provide input on west Phoenix transit options. Also, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) announces the selection of a joint development partner to advance a major transit-oriented development (TOD) at the Odenton MARC Station; and LA Metro’s 2025 Short Range Transportation Plan (SRTP) details $220 billion in mobility improvements over the next 15 years.

“Our Holiday Trains have become an annual tradition for our riders and their families, and we are happy to be operating them again,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski (pictured right during the 2024 event). “It’s our way to spread a little holiday joy and thank our riders for making Metra part of their lives all year.” (Metra Photograph Via Instagram)

Transit Briefs: MDOT MTA, Phoenix Valley Metro, Metrolink, Metra

The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) releases an updated regional transit plan. Also, a recent customer service survey highlights security progress across Valley Metro’s Phoenix, Ariz.-based system; and Southern California’s Metrolink and Chicagoland’s Metra commuter railroads are rolling out holiday trains.

Transit Briefs: DART, Valley Metro, PANYNJ/PATH

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) partners with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to establish quiet zones along the Silver Line. Also, Valley Metro unveils an enhanced commuter ride matching tool; and the Port of Authority of New York and New Jersey’s (PANYNJ) PATH commuter rail system sees its busiest first half since the pandemic.

The California Transportation Commission (CTC) on June 27 approved a $100 million award to Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority for BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) Silicon Valley Phase II. (VTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: VTA, APTA, Valley Metro, VPRA

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) lands $100 million in California state funding for the BART Silicon Valley Phase II project. Also, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) presents its 2025 Rail Safety, Security and Emergency Management Awards; Arizona’s Valley Metro is introducing streetcar fares; and the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) marks its fifth anniversary.

Michael O’Keefe of HART (left) and Michael Eshleman of Valley Metro. (Photographs courtesy of the respective organizations)

People News: HART, Valley Metro

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) appoints Michael O’Keefe as Deputy Executive Director. Also, Valley Metro in Phoenix, Ariz., welcomes Michael Eshleman as Deputy Chief of Service Planning.