Moody’s Investors’ Service ups the credit rating outlook for New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). Also, the state of California has awarded Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) $4.4 million for three transportation infrastructure projects.
Amtrak makes progress in bringing stations into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Also, Honolulu’s Skyline sees an increase in ridership; Caltrain completes three major milestones toward Electrification Program; and NJ Transit’s Walter Rand Transportation Center (WRTC) Improvement Project continues to advance.
Brightline partners with Orlando Health ahead of its Sept. 22 Miami-to-Orlando service launch. Also, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Board approves a new contract for General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood; the Transportation Division (TD) of SMART, the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, forms a new committee to address assaults on bus and transit operators; and the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) hosts the 2023 Congressional Fly-In.
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).
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.
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
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).
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.
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) on Sept. 8 reported that its project to extend the Red Line 5.6 miles to Chicago’s Far South Side is entering the next phase of the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA)
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) announces new Safe & Clean plan. Also, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority’s (MARTA) railcars head for Atlantic Ocean as part of Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Reef Project; Amtrak eyes restoring 63 more cars to active fleet; VIA Rail Canada Inc. (VIA Rail) increases service between Ottawa and London this fall; the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) adds more rail service; and OC Transpo faces a multimillion-dollar budget deficit.