Applications are due Dec. 18 for the second round of FTA’s Rail Vehicle Replacement Program grant funding. Utah Transit Authority received $60 million through the program earlier this year to buy 20 LRVs to replace older railcars and improve service, reliability, safety and accessibility.

FTA: Rail Vehicle Replacement Program Applications Welcome

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on Oct. 10 reported that approximately $197 million in competitive grant funding is now available through its Rail Vehicle Replacement Program.

CTA photo

Transit Briefs: CTA, HART, Valley Metro

The final major stage of the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) North Belmont Red-Purple Reconstruction project is scheduled to begin this fall. Also, the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority’s (HART) TECO Line Streetcar will remain free for another year; and Valley Metro’s Small Business Financial Assistance Program (SBFAP) reaches $1 million milestone.

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.

(Rendering Courtesy of CTA)

CTA’s Red Line Project in Line for $1.9B FTA Grant

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)

(CTA Photograph Courtesy of FTA)

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.

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