More than 100,000 people have tapped their credit card to pay for GO, Brampton, MiWay and Oakville Transit since Metrolinx's new fare payment launched on Aug. 11.

Transit Briefs: Metrolinx, Amtrak, SEPTA, MBTA, WMATA

Metrolinx’s contactless payment hits milestone after recent launch. Also, Idaho leaders want Amtrak rail service to return to the Mountain West; the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) offers new way for customers to report cleanliness issues on system; the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) launches online applications for TAP and blind access customers; and a D.C. Council committee advances bill that would give D.C. residents $100 a month to ride the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) Metrorail and Metrobus.

WMATA says nothing has been done to the track concerning wheel issues with new rail cars.

‘WMATA is Treading Carefully’

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Vice President and Assistant Chief Safety Officer Jayme Johnson wants everyone to know that the NTSB investigation involving the 7000-series railcar is still ongoing, and that no definitive conclusions have been made.

Brightline on Sept. 17 posted on Twitter: “See you next year, Orlando. Construction is 83% complete & our Orlando Station is taking shape!” The station is located in Orlando International Airport’s new Terminal C, which opened to the public on Sept. 20. (Photograph Courtesy of Brightline, via Twitter)

Transit Briefs: Brightline, MBTA, WMATA, LACMTA, Metro Transit

Brightline’s 170-mile passenger rail extension to Orlando, Fla., is nearing completion. Also, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) are addressing budget shortfalls; Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (LACMTA) GoPass Program will be extended for all 21 community colleges in LA County; and Metro Transit in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn., has signed a new advertising contract.

The BARTmobile was a "boon for photos" at BART's 50th anniversary celebration.

Transit Briefs: BART, DART, SacRT, WMATA

Thousands attend Bay Area Rapid Transit’s (BART) 50th anniversary celebration. Also, BART’s schedule changes go into effect with several improvements; Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and Assurance Wireless partner to offer free cell phone service to eligible riders; the Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) seeks input on new brand identity and logo; and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) celebrates the reigning National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) champion Washington Spirit with new commemorative Metro SmarTrip card.

WMATA can safely operate up to 20 of its 7000-series cars per day, up from the current limit of eight trains, under an updated return-to-service plan approved by the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission. (WMATA 7000-Series Cars: Courtesy Wikipedia )

Transit Briefs: CTA; DART; MBTA; Minn. Met Council; WMATA

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is deploying K-9 teams across its rail system. Also, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is hosting the Latinos in Transit 2022 Leadership Summit; Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) maintenance-of-way blitz on the Orange Line is 50% complete; Minnesota’s Southwest Light Rail project has a $534 million funding shortfall, according to a state audit report; and more 7000-series rapid transit cars will return to service starting Sept. 12 at Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).

Metrolink's discount program will be available for one year or until the grant funds are depleted.

Transit Briefs: Metrolink, WMATA, Valley Metro, MDOT, Metrolinx, LA Metro

Metrolink launches discount program for low-income train riders. Also, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)’s newly improved Orange Line stations will reopen on schedule featuring platform and customer upgrades; Valley Metro’s South Central Extension/Downtown Hub is halfway to the goal line; the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) releases $19.9 billion draft six-year capital budget plan; new reserved bike rooms are opening at five of Metrolinx’s GO stations; and LA Metro releases final limited edition TAP cards featuring rider portraits.

A second transit improvement bonus under ZFA will provide ADA access via a new elevator to the Queensboro Plaza subway station. (MTA)

Passenger Rail Briefs: NYMTA, Loop Trolley, SANDAG, WMATA

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announces approved upcoming Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access to the Queensboro Plaza subway station. Also, Loop Trolley service restarts in St. Louis; the San

Brian Dwyer, incoming COO for WMATA. (Photograph Courtesy of WSP USA)

WMATA Tabs Dwyer as COO

Brian Dwyer on Aug. 8 will join Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) as Chief Operating Officer. He succeeds Joe Leader, who resigned in May.

MARTA is advancing transit-oriented development projects at Indian Creek and H.E. Holmes Stations.

Passenger Rail Briefs: MARTA, VRE, WMATA

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) advances transit-oriented development projects at Indian Creek and H.E. Holmes Stations. Also, Virginia Railway Express (VRE) will eliminate fares systemwide in September and the Washington

RTD will offer zero fares on all services during the month of August.

Passenger Rail Briefs: RTD, WMATA

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) announced on June 28 that it will be launching its statewide initiative, Zero Fare for Better Air. Also, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has announced

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