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First of a Series: A New Congestion Remedy, with Help for Transit

A new border dispute is erupting in the United States, and it’s nowhere near the Southern Border with Mexico. The combatants are New York and New Jersey, and the dispute has reached

Commentary

CILTNA 2024 New York Rail Summit Report

Rail professionals were recently treated to the inner workings of railroads in the New York City area. The half-day session, courtesy of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in North America

“As we continue to prioritize the enhancement of our transit system, I am thrilled to announce the purchase of nine additional new low floor light rail vehicles,” SacRT General Manager/CEO Henry Li said March 19. “By investing in these state-of-the-art trains, we are not only elevating the transit experience for our riders but also reinforcing our dedication to a sustainable future for the Sacramento region.” (Screen Grab from SacRT social media video post, courtesy of SacRT)

Transit Briefs: SacRT, TTC, Phoenix Valley Metro, Colorado General Assembly

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.

STV Tapped to Lead Procurement for New SEPTA Railcars

STV announced March 19 that it has been selected by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) to lead the procurement for up to 200 new, state-of-the-art M5 metro railcars for the agency’s Market-Frankford Line (MFL).

​Passengers wait to board a Piedmont train at the station in Greensboro N.C. (NC By Train)

Transit Briefs: MBTA, Brightline, NC By Train

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) issues a request for information (RFI) to gather views on plans to replace its existing Operations and Maintenance (O&M) contract and considers increasing service on the Fairmount Line with a new fleet of electric battery-powered trains. Also, Brightline cuts its 2024 ridership forecast; and NC By Train ridership continues to grow.

BART on April 20 will hold a retirement ceremony and final dispatch of its legacy trains that have been in service for more than half a century. The event, “Riding into History: Final Run of the First Fleet,” will take place at Oakland’s MacArthur Station.

Transit Briefs: BART, Denver RTD, Metra, Sound Transit

San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) will fully retire its legacy trains next month and is advancing a systemwide fare gates project. Also, Denver (Colo.) Regional Transportation District (RTD) launches an elevator pilot program and joins the White House’s “Challenge to Save Lives from Overdose” initiative; Chicago’s Metra plans a new layover yard near the McHenry County community; and Seattle’s Sound Transit will test new Link LRV (light rail vehicle) seat material.

(San Diego MTS)

Transit Briefs: San Diego MTS, CTA, Tri-Rail, MDOT MTA, AECOM

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Board approves a $243 million capital budget for transit improvements. Also, the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) new video series addresses rider questions; Tri-Rail’s ridership recovers; the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) invites applicants for Red Line Community Advisory Team (CAT); and AECOM publishes a new high-speed rail report.

People News: SEPTA, Wabtec

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) appoints Elisa Cunningham as Chief Technology Officer. Also, Wabtec Corporation elevates Kyra Yates to Vice President of Investor Relations.

Wabtec photo

Supply Side: Wabtec, Cummins, VLI/Progress Rail, Parsons, Alstom

Wabtec signs its first locomotive deal with Grupo RAS in Uruguay and offers a behind-the-scenes look at its brake pad manufacturing plant in Germany. Also, Accelera™ by Cummins commissions its first fuel-cell powered locomotive for Austria’s HY2RAIL project; VLI signs a contract to acquire eight EMD® locomotives from Progress Rail; Parsons wins position on a $1 billion contract to support Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) projects; and a new report highlights the influence of Alstom’s more than 170 years of work across the nation.

Biden’s FY25 Budget Request: Increased Funding for Public Transit, Passenger Rail

President Joe Biden on March 11 released his Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Budget request, outlining his Administration’s priorities for the next year. It proposes increased funding for public transit and passenger rail,

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