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.
Four witnesses on Jan. 18 discussed improving safety at highway-rail grade crossings at a hearing of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
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.
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.
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.
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on Nov. 15 reported that it is proposing new rules to “strengthen” U.S. rail transit oversight by giving State Safety Oversight Agencies (SSOAs) the right to inspect transit facilities without warning, and requiring SSOAs to collect metrics and data from the rail transit systems they oversee and to create inspection programs to decrease risk. Comments are due Jan. 16, 2024.
Broward County Transit (BCT) on Nov. 5 announced an upcoming procurement for Project Development and Environmental (PD&E) study and preliminary engineering for a Light Rail Transit (LRT) fixed guideway system.
Mortimer L. Downey III, a nationally recognized leader in urban mass transit died on Nov. 2 at the age of 87, according to a report by The Washington Post. Downey spent six
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is considering minimum safety standards to provide protections for transit workers to obtain rest “thereby reducing the risk of fatigue-related safety injuries.”
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on Oct.26 announced a proposed update to the Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program regulation that would “build upon existing training requirements for safety professionals in rail transit agencies and ensure that the training curriculum is more responsive to evolving industry needs.”