The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has released its proposed 2023 budget and four-year financial plan. Also, live-wire testing continues for Sound Transit’s East Link light rail line, which will extend 14 miles from downtown Seattle to Redmond, Wash.; and VIA Rail Canada has released a third-quarter 2022 report and entered into a long-term agreement with CGI for work on its new online reservation system.
MTA New York City Transit (NYCT) announces launch of “Station ReNEWvation Program.” Also, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) South Coast Rail is on track for late 2023 start; and Amtrak releases Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) summary.
San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission has made the switch to 100% renewable diesel for locomotives operating in ACE (Altamont Corridor Express) commuter rail service in California. Also, New Jersey Transit (NJT) and Berkeley College have signed a three-year marketing agreement; and Société de transport de Montréal (STM) has released its 2023 budget and 2023-32 Capital Expenditures Program.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) New York City Transit (NYCT) announces graduation of 84 new train operators and 10 new conductors and continues its annual tradition of Holiday Nostalgia Rides. Also, new illuminated artwork brings the sky to Bay Area Rapid Transit’s (BART) Powell St. Station; the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) launches new gate prototype to prevent fare evasion; and VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) extends pilot project to reduce fuel consumption.
Slightly more than one week before the final hearing scheduled before the Surface Transportation Board (STB) concerning proposed Amtrak service between New Orleans and Mobile, the parties apparently have settled their differences.
Amtrak is moving forward on the $1.5 billion replacement of the 116-year-old Susquehanna River Rail Bridge to “improve railroad efficiency on the Northeast Corridor (NEC).”
The City of Madison will hold a kick-off meeting for its Passenger Rail Station Study to identify a recommended location for a potential future Amtrak Station. Also, the City of Vicksburg backs Louisiana rail plan that could potentially bring Amtrak passenger rail service to the city; and MetroLink Blue Line service will return to normal beginning Monday, Nov. 28.
Amtrak is resuming Adirondack service in 2023 and temporarily suspending Carl Sandburg and Illinois Zephyr trains 380 and 381. Also, the North County (Calif.) Transit District (NCTD) will sell naming rights for stations, regional/commuter rail trains, and buses; and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANY/NJ), which includes PATH (Port Authority Trans-Hudson) rapid transit, has released an $8.3 billion capital and operating budget proposal for 2023.
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) approves ZeroEyes artificial intelligence (A.I.) gun detection pilot program. Also, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) updates the high-capacity transit alternative for Clayton County from commuter rail to bus rapid transit (BRT); and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) lifts COVID-19 vaccination policy.
Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency appoints Jason Jewell as Managing Director. Also, San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) promotes Brian Riley to Chief Operating Officer of Rail; and engineering firm STV names Jacqueline Peduzzi Vice President and Business Unit Leader. Paul Howard “Howard” Croft Jr., former President of the American Short Line Railroad Association (now ASLRRA), has died. James “Jim” L. Lammie, former President, CEO and Non-Executive Chairman of Parsons Brinckerhoff (now WSP), died Nov. 9.
