Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx have issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the Scarborough Subway Extension’s Stations, Rail and Systems (SRS) package, advancing the $4.5 billion (C$5.5 billion), three-stop project in the Greater Toronto Area.
GO Transit commuter rail service is coming to London, Ontario. In addition, the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) has released an audit of Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) railcar maintenance and overhaul practices; and Caltrain has launched a Go Pass donation pilot program.
Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) in North Carolina is adding a new LYNX Blue Line station. In addition, Denver (Colo.) Regional Transportation District (RTD) is seeking consultant support for a system-wide fare study and equity analysis; Toronto-area regional transit agency Metrolinx has reported that its pedestrian bridge set a world record, and released a “first look” at construction of Eglinton Crosstown stations; and MTA New York City Transit (NYCT) has completed a security camera installation project.
GO Transit passengers from Ontario’s Durham Region will soon be able to take an autonomous, zero-emission electric shuttle vehicle to the GO Whitby Station.
The province of Ontario and the city of Toronto have signed a revised agreement in principle (AIP) for the SmartTrack Stations program, finalizing its scope and allowing Metrolinx to move forward with five new GO Transit stations.
Metrolinx has taken delivery of the last of 36 GO Transit bilevel commuter cars, which were ordered in September 2019. In addition, Caltrain service will surpass pre-pandemic levels starting Aug. 30, and Washington Area Metropolitan Transit Authority (WMATA) is adding more trains and buses and extending operating hours beginning Sept. 5.
Canadian Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra on Aug. 10 confirmed that the government of Canada is committed to improving the Milton Corridor by reducing passenger and freight rail bottlenecks through Mississauga and Milton in Ontario.
Toronto-area regional transit agency Metrolinx has opened the Bloomington GO Station, part of the Richmond Hill Line; the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) has launched a real-time digital signage pilot program; the Utah Transit Authority Board of Trustees has approved a new contract with the Utah Division of Air Quality for “free fare days,” according to the Daily Herald; and VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) will increase service on the Québec City-Windsor corridor starting July 12.
The province of Ontario, Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (Ontario Northland) and Metrolinx are advancing plans to reinstate Northlander passenger rail service, with the release of an Initial Business Case.
Now that Bombardier Transportation’s North American assets and operations are fully integrated into Alstom, major customers, particularly those in Canada, apparently are feeling more confident in continuing investments in rail transit rolling stock, as evidenced by an order for 60 Flexity streetcars for the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and refurbishments of GO Transit bi-level commuter railcars.