Passenger

Brightline, Wi-Tronix: $1.65MM CRISI Grant for AI

Brightline and Wi-Tronix have been awarded $1.65 million from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) competitive grant program for development of an AI (artificial intelligence)-backed monitoring

A $12.4 million grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation will go toward GCRTA’s Rail Car Replacement Program. In July, Siemens Mobility was contracted to replace the agency’s Red Line fleet with 24 S200s. (Rendering Courtesy of Siemens Mobility)

Transit Briefs: GCRTA, NCTD, SEPTA, VRE

Ohio’s Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) receives a $12.4 million state grant for railcar replacement. Also, California’s North County Transit District (NCTD) is awarded state funding for a climate vulnerability and needs assessment; Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) rolls out contactless payment technology; and Virginia Railway Express (VRE) seeks public comment on fare changes proposed in its preliminary fiscal year 2025 budget.

Buzz Berger (pictured) will lead HDR’s railway design technical services.
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People News: HDR, HNTB, NS

HDR selects Buzz Berger as Railway Design Leader. Also, HNTB welcomes Steven Mudge as Fleet and Facilities Technical Director; and Norfolk Southern (NS) selects Will Miller as the newly appointed Director Public Engagement.

“As the rising cost of living continues to impact U.S. households, public transportation offers an economical and climate-friendly alternative to reduce daily expenses,” APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas said. (MARTA Photograph Courtesy of APTA, via X)

APTA: Public Transit Saves Users $13K Annually

Individuals who use public transportation instead of driving can save more than $13,000 per year, or $1,100 per month, due to auto cost and gasoline price increases, according to the latest Transit Savings report from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).

The new opening date for Eglinton Crosstown LRT—the Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) future Line 5—won’t be announced until the “high-risk testing phase” is completed.

Transit Briefs: Metrolinx, Miami-Dade County, St. Louis Metro Transit, STM

When will Metrolink announce the opening date for Eglinton Crosstown LRT? Also, the price tag is going up for the planned commuter rail line between Miami and Aventura, Fla.; St. Louis, Mo., Metro Transit will test single-car light rail train service next month and has awarded the first construction contract for its Secure Platform Plan; and Société de transport de Montréal (STM) delays the Blue Line métro extension launch.

FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez has been named as the recipient of LIT's 2023 Founders Award.
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People News: LIT, Trinity Metro

Latinos In Transit (LIT) names Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Administrator Nuria Fernandez as the recipient of this year’s Founders Award. Also, Trinity Rail names Reed Lanham as Vice President of Rail.

CTA photo

Transit Briefs: CTA, HART, Valley Metro

The final major stage of the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) North Belmont Red-Purple Reconstruction project is scheduled to begin this fall. Also, the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority’s (HART) TECO Line Streetcar will remain free for another year; and Valley Metro’s Small Business Financial Assistance Program (SBFAP) reaches $1 million milestone.