WMATA

Transit Briefs: KC Streetcar, MTC, WMATA, Amtrak

KC Streetcar #814 arrives in Kansas City. Also, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and Bay Area transit agencies debut new transit maps and signs; the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) budget proposal includes targeted rail service increases; and Amtrak releases its Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Year-End Summary video.

IAM’s Organizing Department adds 135-plus rail workers at Alstom’s Plattsburgh, N.Y., facility to its roster. (IAM Photograph)

Transit Briefs: IAM, Caltrain, WMATA

Alstom workers in Plattsburgh, N.Y., voted to join International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). Also, California’s Caltrain will move its headquarters to Millbrae; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) unveils the newest design for its holiday wrapped train and buses.

GAO’s Recommendations to WMATA Aim to Safeguard IG Independence

Following an assessment of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) pilot program, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), in a report to congressional committees, recommended three actions that the transit agency should take to “safeguard Inspector General (IG) independence and evaluate capital investment outcomes.”

LACMTA has selected AtkinsRéalis to provide program management support services for the transit agency’s acquisition of 182 new HR5000 cars from Hyundai Rotem. (Hyundai Rotem Photograph)

Transit Briefs: LACMTA, PATH, WMATA, HDR

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) advances the Southeast Gateway Line project and selects AtkinsRéalis to provide program management support services for its acquisition of 182 new rapid transit cars. Also, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will close the PATH Hoboken station for nearly a month next year to complete track and station work; Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) launches an in-house training academy; and HDR Engineering, Inc., will lead scoping work for the Eau Claire to Twin Cities passenger rail project.

The SEPTA Board has approved the purchase of 100 full-length fare gates from Conduent Transport Solutions, Inc. (SEPTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: SEPTA, MBTA, WMATA, BART

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) expands its pilot program on combating fare evasion with the purchase of 100 full-length fare gates. Also, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) releases a climate assessment; Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA) will soon transition to operator-attended ATO (Automatic Train Operation); and San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) breaks its post-pandemic ridership record.

More than 4,100 University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) students have signed up to receive the new U-Pass + Metra, a pass that provides them unlimited rides on Metra and CTA for a reduced fare price under a one-year pilot program. (Metra Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Metra, Metrolink, QLine, WMATA

Metra commuter railroad joins Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) to pilot a new fare product. Also, Caltrain dedicates one of its new electric trains to U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.); Metrolink boosts service, with more midday options, to meet Southern California’s evolving transportation needs; Detroit’s QLine streetcar system will soon be under new management; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) wraps up a systemwide fare gate retrofit project and seeks developers for a new transit-oriented development at Capitol Heights Metro Station in Prince George’s County, Md.

MDOT Releases $18.9B Draft Six-Year Capital Budget

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) on Sept. 3 released its Draft Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) for Fiscal Years 2025 to 2030, outlining an $18.9 billion balanced plan that “makes strategic investments to further the safety of the state’s transportation system and maintain operations.”

When all 23 new Stadler Rail-built KISS bilevel EMUs (electric multiple-units) enter service Sept. 21, Caltrain will be able to run faster and more frequent regional/commuter rail service. (Stadler Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Caltrain, SEPTA, WMATA, NJT, LACMTA

Caltrain releases its new schedule for electrified service. Also, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) boosts Regional Rail service; Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) reopens four Red Line stations; New Jersey Transit (NJT) launches the “Chance For Change” program; and Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) expands a fare compliance pilot program and partners with a nationwide retailer on the free-fare student GoPass program.