FTA

New White Paper Explores Partnership to Complete Northwest Rail

The Polis Administration, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and the Front Range Passenger Rail District (FRPRD) recently released a white paper that explores the possibility of a new partnership that would enable Colorado to complete the voter-approved Northwest Rail line between Denver, Boulder and Longmont, and to build the first phase of Front Rage Passenger Rail (FRPR) by extending service to Fort Collins. This rail service would use the existing BNSF Front Range Subdivision through Boulder, Longmont, Loveland and Fort Collins (FRPR Northwest Phase 1).

“This federal funding is vital to enhancing safety, accessibility and performance on MTA’s light rail,” Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld said. “By having a more reliable light rail fleet with low-floor cars, MTA will deliver premiere customer service to the greater Baltimore region.” (MDOT MTA Photograph)

FTA Awards $631MM for Rail Vehicle Replacement

Three transit agencies in three states have been selected to share nearly $631 million in grants to replace a total of 300 aging passenger railcars and support American manufacturing, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) reported Feb. 21.

“Americans cannot stop their lives because a disaster damages their transit systems,” FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez said Feb. 5. “We know it is critical to fund recovery efforts for these systems, so they can keep taking Americans to work, school, doctors’ appointments, and other important destinations.”

FTA Awards $110MM in Emergency Relief (UPDATED 2/7)

New Jersey Transit (NJT), Tren Urbano, Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA), and Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) are among the eight public transportation providers and state Departments for Transportation (DOT) that will

STM photo

Transit Briefs: STM, MBTA, HART, NJ Transit

The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) deploys safety ambassadors on the métro network. Also, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) proposes low-income fare program; federal funding is approved for the ongoing construction of Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s (HART) Skyline rail system; and NJ Transit reallocates federal funding to support critical resiliency projects.

FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez will retire, effective Feb. 24.

FTA Releases Video Message Condemning Assaults on Transit Workers

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on Jan. 12 released a video message from FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez regarding the impact of assaults on transit workers and the importance of the FTA’s proposed general directive requiring larger transit agencies to assess and address risks to transit workers.

Forty Creek® Canadian Whisky and Metrolinx will provide free rides on GO Transit and UP Express on New Year's Eve. (CNW Group/Campari Group Canada)

Transit Briefs: Metrolinx, NJ Transit, FTA, CTA, SFMTA, TTC

Metrolinx teams up with Canadian whisky brand Forty Creek to provide free rides on GO Transit and UP Express on New Year’s Eve. Meanwhile, NJ Transit’s systemwide beverage ban remains in effect, and the Federal Transit Authority (FTA) takes nationwide steps to address assaults on transit workers. Also, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) kicks off a community engagement process to activate new spaces under new Red Line Tracks; the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) introduces the first LRV4s with a new seating arrangement; Scarborough’s Rapid Transit (RT) trains could have a new home in Detroit; and NJ Transit sells a stuffed animal to support Ricardo the Bull.

(Photographs Courtesy of FTA, via social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter)

FTA: $343MM Available for Rail Transit Accessibility Projects

Transit agencies may now apply for Fiscal Year 2024 grants to improve subway, commuter rail and light rail system access for people with disabilities and mobility needs. The Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) is making available $343 million; applications are due by Jan. 30, 2024.