ENSCO Rail, Inc. on Nov. 17 reported receiving a contract for its track geometry and rail wear measurement technology from private-sector railroad Brightline, which operates intercity passenger service between central and south
Brightline, Florida’s private-sector passenger railroad, unveils an Orlando Health-branded train. Also, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) releases the Measure M five-year comprehensive assessment and equity report; ST Engineering wins platform screen door contract for Metrolinx’s Ontario Line; Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will stop accepting fare tokens next year; and Sound Transit’s new fare compliance policy takes effect later this month.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) “flips the switch” on Solar Carport Project at Anacostia, marking completion at the first two stations. Also, Brightline partners with Distribusion Technologies; the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announces that the first OMNY card vending machines are available for customers; Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) ridership breaks post-pandemic record; the North County Transit District (NCTD) is awarded a Clean California Local Grant to beautify the Oceanside Transit Center Pedestrian Tunnel; the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) announces the activation of Metro rail gates; and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) sets a new September passenger record.
Brightline launches a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a new intercity passenger rail station in Florida’s Treasure Coast region. Also, the long-awaited Valley Line Southeast LRT will open next month in Edmonton, Alberta; Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Houston Metro) selects Jacobs as a transit-oriented development advisor; Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) applies for U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) SMART grants for rail safety projects; and Fitch upgrades New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) credit rating and rating outlook.
Amtrak completes Wilmington, Del., station renovations. Also, Brightline releases Miami-to-Orlando, Fla., ridership data; Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is exploring northwest passenger rail service; the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) targets late 2023 to sign a new Full Funding Grant Agreement with Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART); Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (LACMTA) Ambassador Program may become permanent; and Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority (SRPRA) in Pennsylvania renews its contract with consultancy Transportation for America.
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) unveils the exterior paint design for its new Green Line cars. Also, Brightline offers a new All-Station Shared Pass for travel between Miami and Orlando, Fla.; Denver (Colo.) Regional Transportation District reports that more than 75% of rail and bus riders are “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with service; and Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (NIRDA) advances three new transit development districts along South Shore commuter rail lines.
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner service reduces fleet’s environmental impact with sustainable fuel alternative. Also, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announces that AirTrain JFK will accept payments via OMNY, beginning Oct. 11; the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) celebrates one million customers at the Washington Dulles International Airport Silver Line Metrorail Station and announces that normal rail service has returned as the agency continues to inspect the fleet’s oldest railcars; and Brightline will double its train service between Orlando and Miami.
Brightline and Wi-Tronix have been awarded $1.65 million from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) competitive grant program for development of an AI (artificial intelligence)-backed monitoring
When will Metrolinx announce the opening date for Eglinton Crosstown LRT? Also, the price tag is going up for the planned commuter rail line between Miami and Aventura, Fla.; St. Louis, Mo., Metro Transit will test single-car light rail train service next month and has awarded the first construction contract for its Secure Platform Plan; and Société de transport de Montréal (STM) delays the Blue Line métro extension launch.
Brightline’s first train to Orlando, Fla., arrived at 11:05 a.m. on Sept. 22, marking the official start of Miami-to-Orlando passenger rail service, following four years of construction. Bright Pink, built by Siemens Mobility, was greeted by more than 500 elected officials, business leaders, community partners and company leaders, Florida’s private-sector railroad reported.