Chicago Transit Authority

CTA has released a Request for Proposals to the three pre-selected contracting teams that demonstrated the ability to design and build the $3.6 billion Red Line Extension in a Request for Qualifications process that began last year. (CTA Rendering)

Transit Briefs: CTA, Minn. Met Council, San Diego MTS, SBCTA, WMATA

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).

CTA’s “Transit-Supportive Development Plan” for its Red Line Extension Project has been recognized with a 2023 Strategic Plan Award from the American Planning Association-Illinois Chapter (APA-IL). (CTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: CTA, LACMTA, Metro Transit (Minn.)

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) earns a strategic plan award for its $3.6 billion Red Line Extension Project and reports downward trends in crime. Also, more than 250,000 people are now enrolled in Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (LACMTA) low-income fare program; and Metro Transit workers in Minneapolis, Minn., vote to authorize a strike.

(CTA Photograph Courtesy of FTA)
  • News

People News: CTA, Illinois High-Speed Rail Commission, MassDOT, TieEnergy, AECOM

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) appoints its first Chief Equity and Engagement Officer. Also, a new Vice Chair has been elected for the Illinois High-Speed Rail Commission; the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Secretary is stepping down; railroad tie recycling and repurposing company TiEnergy elevates a five-year sales veteran; and Infrastructure consulting firm AECOM hires a new Senior Program Management Director.

Transit Briefs: GoTriangle, WMATA, CTA

GoTriangle’s proposed commuter rail line between Durham and Garner, N.C., has been shelved for now as the Authority focuses on a longer-term approach. Also, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) advances sustainability and climate change solution with new bonds to modernize the transit system; and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) highlights progress one year after launching “Meeting the Moment” plan.

Brightline now has schedule apps for the St. Lucie River Railroad Bridge and the New River Bridge in Fort Lauderdale to help mariners plan their trips.

Transit Briefs: Brightline, MBTA, St. Louis Metro Transit, NYMTA, CMAP

Brightline and Florida East Coast Railway launch St. Lucie River Railroad Bridge app. Also, municipalities face penalties for not following Massachusetts zoning laws intended to promote housing development near MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) stations; St. Louis, Mo., Metro Transit is seeking quotes for security gate and fence installation at light rail stations; New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) latest fare increases are now in effect; and Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is developing recommendations that could reshape transit in the region.

CTA crime was down in July, according to Chicago Police Department (CPD) statistics. (CTA Photograph Courtesy of FTA)

Transit Briefs: CTA, MARTA, Metro Transit, Metrolinx, SEPTA, Sound Transit, TTC

Crime declines at Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). Also, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) and Metro Transit in St. Louis reach labor agreements; Metrolinx will announce the long-overdue opening of Toronto’s Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT) line; the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will review Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s (SEPTA) maintenance and safety protocols; Seattle’s Sound Transit allows riders to track service performance in their neighborhoods; and Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) riders will soon be able to pay fares using Interac® Debit.

MTA photo

Transit Briefs: NYMTA, City of Honolulu, TTC, 2023 Transit Omnibus Bill

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announces next phase of service increases to begin on 1 and 6 subway lines. Also, Honolulu plans $257.1 million Capital Improvement Program (CIP); the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) pilots Contactless Access™ elevator app at select subway stations; and Gov. JB Pritzker signs State Rep. Kam Buckner’s 2023 Transit Omnibus Bill.

CTA photo

Transit Briefs: CTA, MBTA, LA Metro, TTC

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) celebrates its Heritage Fleet railcars’ centennial. Also, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) approves release of Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a $120 million renewable energy contract; LA Metro commits an additional $134 million for Purple Line Extension Project; and the Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) Line 3 Scarborough will remain closed for at least three weeks as derailment investigation continues.

A new Amtrak OIG report finds that Amtrak “faces challenges with the systems and processes it uses to track and manage costs for capital projects, which hinder project teams from identifying emerging cost overruns.” (Photograph Courtesy of Amtrak OIG, via Twitter)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak OIG, FTA, NYMTA

“Amtrak is strengthening its project cost management, but can better organize costs and improve guidance,” according to the latest Amtrak Office of Inspector General (OIG) report. Also, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Cincinnati Connector Streetcar will receive funding through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Areas of Persistent Poverty Program; and New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will increase subway fares and implement recommendations of the Blue-Ribbon Panel Report on Fare and Toll Evasion.