Chicago Transit Authority

Réseau express métropolitain (REM) has revised its network commissioning schedule due to continued challenges with work on the century-old Mount Royal Tunnel in Montreal. (Photograph Courtesy of REM)

Transit Briefs: GCRTA, Metra/CTA/Pace, REM, STM

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) has joined the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Racial Equity Commitment Pilot Program. Also, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace Suburban Bus have approved a new Regional Connect Pass for area riders; Réseau express métropolitain (REM) has revised its network commissioning schedule due to continued challenges with work on the century-old Mount Royal Tunnel in Montreal; and STM’s (Société de transport de Montréal) C$492.3 million Côte-Vertu underground train storage facility has officially opened.

As transgender issues and rights have moved to the forefront over the last few years, CTA has added the Transgender Flag—featuring blue, pink and white—to its train wrap celebrating “Pride Month” (June). (Photograph Courtesy of CTA)

Transit Briefs: CTA, LACMTA, MARTA, NYMTA

Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Pride Train returned to service this month. Also, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) has earned a Transportation Security Administration award; Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is establishing a farm in DeKalb County, Ga.; and a new group of subway train operators completed training at New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

On May 23, Bernard Jackson will become COO of Dallas Area Rapid Transit.

DART Names Jackson COO

Bernard Jackson is leaving Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) to join Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) as Chief Operations Officer, effective May 23.

Metrolinx has awarded a Railway Track, Signal and Station Works contract to Dagmar Construction for the Kitchener GO Corridor Expansion project.

Transit Briefs: CTA, Metra, Metrolinx

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) will repair 28 stations this year as part of its “Refresh & Renew” program. Also, Chicago’s Metra has broken ground on an Electric Line commuter rail station rehab project; and Metrolinx, the Toronto-area regional transit agency, has awarded an approximately C$62 million Railway Track, Signal and Station Works contract for the Kitchener GO Corridor Expansion project.

A westbound OC Transpo train approaches Bayview Station on Line 1 in Ottawa, Canada. (Photo: Courtesy, City of Ottawa)

Ottawa LRT Projects Advancing

Work is progressing on the two extensions to Ottawa, Ontario’s crosstown Confederation LRT Line, opened in 2019. A third major rail transit project currently under way in the Ottawa area is extending and upgrading the DMU Trillium Line. Scheduled for completion in 2023, this improvement should significantly boost ridership.

On Feb. 16, a Metrolink train traveled along the new nine-mile, five-station Arrow corridor from San Bernardino to Redlands, Calif. (pictured). It allowed crews to take clearance measurements in preparation for train testing, which kicked off Feb. 22. Revenue service is slated to begin this summer.

Transit Briefs: CTA, LOSSAN, SBCTA

The Chicago Transit Board has approved a new agreement with Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) largest union. Also, Icomera U.S. is improving Wi-Fi service for Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner riders; and San Bernardino County (Calif.) Transportation Authority (SBCTA) is starting train testing this month along the nine-mile Arrow passenger rail corridor.

CTA employs some 10,600 workers, who provided nearly 200 million trips in 2020.

For CTA, $912.1MM ARP Grant

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has been awarded a $912.1 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for COVID-19 response under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021.

On Nov. 1 Chicago Transit Authority debuted a special train wrap to honor the Chicago Sky, its hometown 2021 WNBA Champions.

Transit Briefs: Brightline; CTA; Metrolink; NJ Transit

Brightline has partnered with TransitScreen to provide real-time multi-modal transportation information in stations. In addition, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is honoring the Chicago Sky, its hometown 2021 WNBA Champions; Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink) is working with Moovit to help riders calculate the best routes for their trips; and New Jersey Transit is adding 22 weekday trains to align with rider demand and 14 weekend trains to improve service frequency.

L.B. Foster has launched digital passenger information display units that improve accessibility for deaf, hard-of-hearing or visually impaired users at railroad stations and airports.
  • News

Supply Side: Auxo/Genesis Rail Services; Industrial Networks; L.B. Foster; Liebherr

Auxo Investment Partners has acquired Genesis Rail Services, a railroad maintenance company. In addition, Industrial Networks LLC is expanding its rail yard automation system; L.B. Foster’s digital passenger information display units are now accessible for deaf, hard-of-hearing, or visually impaired rail passengers; and Liebherr-Transportation Systems will provide spare parts for Chicago Transit Authority’s 5000-series cars’ electro-hydraulic level control systems.

LOAD MORE