Transit Briefs: Minn. Met Council, DART
Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
The Metropolitan Council has approved a labor agreement with the ATU Local 1005, which represents more than 2,000 train and bus operators, technicians, public facility workers, cleaners, and transit information representatives, among other positions at Metro Transit.
Minnesota’s Metropolitan Council approves a labor agreement that boosts wages for Metro Transit workers. Also, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) advances the Silver Line Regional Rail project, allowing the return of freight rail service to Plano and Richardson, Tex.
Minn. Met Council
The Metropolitan Council has approved a labor agreement with the ATU Local 1005, which represents more than 2,000 train and bus operators, technicians, public facility workers, cleaners, and transit information representatives, among other positions at Metro Transit in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn. In early February, 82% of ATU members voted in favor of the proposed contract, according to the Council.
Under the new contract, wages for all ATU-represented workers will increase 13% from July 2023 through August 2025. Effective immediately, the new starting hourly wage for train and bus operators is $27.59, and the starting hourly wage for mechanic technicians is $37.80. The contract also includes higher wage rates for second- and third-shift workers and more flexibility in part-time operator schedules, according to the Metropolitan Council.
“Without transit workers there is no transit, so we welcome this new agreement and look forward to working in partnership with the ATU Local 1005 to recruit and retain the people we need to improve and expand transit service across our region,” said Lesley Kandara, who was elevated to Metro Transit General Manager in summer 2023.
“We’re delighted to have secured significant benefits for our members, aiming to enhance retention and attract new talent,” said David Stiggers, President of the ATU Local 1005. “Frontline transit workers, navigating a dynamic and at times hazardous working environment, are pivotal in shaping a better transit system. Moving forward, we’re hopeful that upcoming negotiations will prioritize the health, well-being, and quality of life of our members who move our region.”
DART
CPKC has resumed freight rail service in Plano and Richardson, Tex., according to DART, which has advanced its Silver Line project to make rerouting unnecessary.
In July 2022, DART and Kansas City Southern, which merged with Canadian Pacific to form CPKC in 2023, agreed to cease freight operations to allow for major construction work by DART’s design-build contractor, Archer Western Herzog.
The return of freight operations will affect 12 at-grade crossings in Plano and two in Richardson. New signage, warning systems, and existing crossing signals were tested and operational before freight trains returned March 3.
According to DART, the Silver Line will be a 26-mile commuter railroad that traverses seven North Texas cities (Grapevine, Coppell, Dallas, Carrollton, Addison, Richardson, Plano) between DFW Airport and Shiloh Road in Plano. It will link with DART’s Orange, Green and Red light rail lines; Trinity Metro’s TEXRail commuter rail service; and airlines at DFW Airport. The Silver Line will feature eight Stadler US-built FLIRT DMUs (diesel multiple units). DART recently reached an agreement with the city of Dallas to close Hillcrest Road for a 52-week period for further project construction. The closure will impact a small stretch (approximately one-fifth of a mile) of Hillcrest Road between McCallum Boulevard and Wester Way. The closure will be in effect through Jan. 24, 2025. Silver Line revenue service is scheduled to begin in late 2025 to early 2026.
“We are grateful to CPKC for working with us to make this section of the Silver Line corridor as safe as possible for our crews and commuters as we advanced the project,” said Trey Walker, DART Vice President of Capital Design and Construction. “Now that we are continuing that progress, we want to continue to stress safety, ensure the public is aware of these changes, and adhere to the crossing signals and warning signs.”
