Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) seeks the public’s input on proposed 2026 less-than-inflation fare increase. Also, Valley Metro begins two-line rail system testing in downtown Phoenix to prepare for the opening of the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub; the Honolulu City Auditor releases a new audit on Skyline; and VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) launches a locomotive engineer program in northern Manitoba.
The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) releases data on traffic volumes, travel times, and transit ridership from the first three weeks of the Congestion Relief Program. Also, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) introduces “Mobility in Motion” podcast; Transdev Canada receives “Great Place to Work®” certification; a new Valley Metro expansion is nearly complete; and Premier of Alberta Danielle Smith backs the Calgary Green Line LRT project.
STV on Jan. 6 announced that it has been selected by Valley Metro to enhance safety and security for the agency’s rail and streetcar network. As part of its work, STV is assessing Valley Metro’s stations and stops and integrating Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles to improve safety and the passenger experience.
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) releases its 2024 annual report. Also, a new agreement between Maryland’s Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Department of Housing and Community Development accelerates transit-oriented development opportunities; Metrolinx adds trips to the GO rail network’s Milton Line; Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) earns top credit ratings; and Phoenix (Ariz.) Valley Metro’s new fare system offers cash payment options.
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) begins installation of Next Generation Fare Gates and receives a $14.1 million grant to install more electric vehicle charging stations at the agency’s parking facilities. Also, Keolis Commuter Services and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) launch a NaviLens pilot to help blind and low vision riders navigate stations; Valley Metro selects a construction contractor and artists for its Capitol Light Rail Extension project; and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is awarded the 2024 America’s Transportation Award for its upgrades to the Chicago-St. Louis passenger rail line.
![“It’s remarkable how much the new [Fleet of the Future] cars have changed the look and feel of BART for the better,” BART President Bevan Dufty said July 23. “These cars are delivering on the promise of being more reliable, more modern and easier to enter and exit.” (BART Photograph)](https://www.old.railwayage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/bart-1-315x168.png)
San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) reaches a Fleet of the Future project milestone. Also, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) releases a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the K Line Northern Extension Project; Sacramento (Calif.) Regional Transit District (SacRT) receives nearly $1 million in Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Awards from the state; Seattle’s Sound Transit is simplifying its fare structure, renaming a station and debuting three-digit station codes on its Link light rail system; and U.S. Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff rides Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority’s (Valley Metro) streetcar system in Arizona.
Jackie Corletto, Norfolk Southern (NS) AVP Sourcing, is named as RailMarketplace (RMP) Board Chair. Also, Valley Metro CEO Jessica Mefford-Miller is selected as one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona Business for 2024; and Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) President and CEO Joni Casey announces her retirement after 27 years of leadership.
More than $310 million in FY 2024 RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) program grants will be distributed to 23 freight and passenger rail-related projects in 19 states, according to a U.S. Department
The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) launches subway station manager office hours. Also, TriMet will begin testing its newest trains on the MAX Red Line this month; and Valley Metro’s new fare system launches this summer.
Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) in California is exercising an option with Siemens Mobility for more LRVs (light rail vehicles). Also, Canada’s three biggest transit agencies, including the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), are urging the federal government to advance the next wave of transit funding; Valley Metro in Phoenix, Ariz., is installing new fare machines; and the Colorado General Assembly aims to leverage millions in federal infrastructure funding to bring passenger rail service to the state.
