CTA has released a Request for Proposals to the three pre-selected contracting teams that demonstrated the ability to design and build the $3.6 billion Red Line Extension in a Request for Qualifications process that began last year. (CTA Rendering)

Transit Briefs: CTA, Minn. Met Council, San Diego MTS, SBCTA, WMATA

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) issues a Request for Proposals (RFP) to build Red Line Extension track structure and stations, and hits the ridership “million mark” on multiple days, a post-pandemic first. Also, Minnesota’s Metropolitan Council announces a grant agreement that will fund work on the Metro Transit Blue Line extension project through 2024; San Diego Metropolitan Transit System’s (MTS) Board signs off on measures to improve operations, accessibility and security; San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) takes delivery of the ZEMU (Zero-Emissions Multiple Unit) from Stadler; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) delays until next year the full switch to automatic train operations (ATO).

Commentary

NJTRO Honors ‘Forty Year Club’

At the New Jersey Transit (NJT) Sept. 14 Board of Directors meeting, the agency paid tribute to current or recently retired employees who have been with NJT Rail Operations (NJTRO) since its

Crews replace windows broken by vandals on Sept. 12. (Marc Hermann / MTA)

Transit Briefs: NYMTA, GO Transit, MBTA

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) addresses extensive vandalism on subways. Also, Ontario upgrades two GO stations along Stouffville Line; and residents say the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is “unsafe and service isn’t great either,” according to a recent poll.

Commentary

Canadian Railway Adventure (Updated)

At this writing, I have completed two trips to Canada. They mark my first journeys to that country since shortly before the COVID-19 virus struck in 2020. The primary purpose of the

OLI ‘Choose Safety First’ PSA Targets Non-Railroad Trackside Workers

Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) has released Choose Safety First, a new public service announcement (PSA) aimed at municipal workers, utility workers and others whose jobs bring them near railroad tracks and crossings.

GDC Awards Two Major HTP Contracts

The Gateway Development Commission (GDC) has awarded two contracts for construction and construction management services on the Tonnelle Avenue Bridge and Utility Relocation Project. Described as “a critical early work package of

Transit Briefs: BART, TTC, VTA, Georgia BeltLine Corridor, CLEARSY/HART

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) announces the end of paper ticket sales, beginning Sept. 30. Also, wireless service will soon be available for all Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) riders; Valley Transportation Authority’s (VTA) Mobility Assistance Program (MAP) has successfully been implemented; Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. starts planning study for balance of transit on the BeltLine Corridor; and CLEARSY supplies the platform screen gate monitoring system for Honolulu Area Rapid Transit (HART).

NJT ALP45-DP Honors 9/11 First Responders

New Jersey Transit is saluting first responders on the 22nd anniversary of of Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C. The agency has outfitted ALP45-DP 4533 with a

More than 300 people rode Amtrak’s Gulf Coast Inspection Train (pictured) from New Orleans to Jacksonville, Fla., in February 2016, as part of an ongoing effort to restore passenger rail service along the Gulf Coast, which was disrupted by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and never resumed. (Marc Glucksman, Amtrak)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, NJ Transit, OC Transpo, TransLink

Amtrak and Southern Rail Commission (SRC) officials share updates on three passenger rail projects spanning Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. Also, New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) continues its school safety education programs; Ottawa’s OC Transpo launches a credit card fare payment system for all buses and O-Train Line 1 stations; and metro Vancouver’s TransLink is conducting a survey to measure regional travel patterns.

Commentary

‘Something Has Gone Horribly Wrong’

Following the catastrophic derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg addressed a more or less open letter to each of the Class I railroads, “urging” them to voluntarily enlist

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