Light Rail

LACMTA’s Metro Micro, its on-demand rideshare service, has provided more than 1.7 million rides to date. (LACMTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: LACMTA, Metrolink, NORTA, TTC

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) is implementing a permanent fare structure for its first/last-mile service. Also, Southern California’s Metrolink resumes the Angels Express after a four-year hiatus; New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA) is working to restore the Rampart Streetcar Line; and Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) launches an enhanced fare compliance campaign.

Current Bentley Systems COO Nicholas Cumins will transition to the role of CEO, effective July 1, 2024.
  • News

People News: LA Metro, GXO, Bentley Systems, WAGO

LA Metro appoints three key executives to lead program management, human resources and planning. Also, GXO appoints Kristine Kubacki as Chief Strategy Officer; Bentley Systems announces a CEO transition plan; and WAGO hires Tom Land as Regional Sales Manager in the Los Angeles area.

  • News

Next-Gen Freight Rail 2024 Conference Roundup

Railway Age’s Next-Gen Freight Rail 2024 Conference took place on March 12, 2024, at the Union League Club of Chicago. The annual event, attended by close to 200, featured Tracy Robinson, President

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

(Keolis)

Transit Briefs: Keolis, PANYNJ, Project Connect

Keolis Commuter Services (Keolis) expands its partnership with Samaritans to provide lifesaving trainings to Commuter Rail personnel. Also, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s (PANYNJ) new PATH commuter rail tap-and-go payment system is now available at select turnstiles in all terminal stations; and a court challenge from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton could end Austin’s Project Connect plans.

“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.

​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.