The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced March 18 that it has partnered with the requisite 30 states to strengthen and certify 31 State Safety Oversight (SSO) Programs prior to the April 15 safety deadline, and is transferring WMATA safety oversight to the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC).
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) and a private-sector partner have launched a yearlong pilot project to offer shared, on-demand rides serving three Metro rail stations. The ride-hailing service “has been designed for those who have been excluded from using existing services,” Metro said. “A goal of the partnership is to extend the benefits of on-demand services to a wider audience and to make it easier for riders to connect with a growing Metro system.”
The North American light rail transit (LRT) renaissance began in the late 1970s and early 1980s, starting with Edmonton in 1978 and followed by Calgary and San Diego. More than 40 years later, LRT remains the most appealing mode of new public transportation for many North American cities.
Five nominations for rail transportation federal leadership posts were announced Jan. 16 by President Trump. All are nominees from the previous session of Congress, and were cleared by respective Senate oversight committees for confirmation on the Senate floor—but none advanced for a floor vote prior to the Senate adjourning.
A Federal Transit Administration grant will help a Pacific Northwest city study expansion of its streetcar network.
The effects of the partial shutdown of the federal government on the rail community appear not to be significant, at least for now.
The Federal Transit Administration has awarded $16.6 million to 20 agencies nationwide to support planning projects that aim to enhance access to public transportation.
In the people’s company town of Washington, D.C., the most popular refrain during lame duck sessions of Congress—the fewer than 60 days between congressional elections and adjournment—is the catchphrase from Mariah Carey’s iconic tune, “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”
Construction began Nov. 30 on the Orange County Transportation Authority’s 4.1-mile streetcar project in Santa Ana, the same day the project was fully funded.
The Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced that it has allocated $281 million in Capital Investment Grants to five rail projects in Arizona, California, and Texas.
