Metrolinx’s now-open Bloomington GO Station in York Region at Highway 404 and Bloomington Road extends the Richmond Hill line approximately 3 miles north.

Transit Briefs: Metrolinx, MDOT MTA, UTA, VIA Rail

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.

Kevin Quinn, incoming CEO, TransLink

Kevin Quinn to Head Up TransLink

Vancouver’s TransLink has appointed Kevin Quinn CEO, effective July 19.

A design-build contractor team will be selected in June for the litigation-plagued Purple Line light rail project in Maryland. A financial agreement is expected to wrap up in September. (Pictured: Purple Line construction work in Bethesda.)

Who Will Finish Maryland’s Purple Line?

Three design-build contractor teams have been short-listed to complete Maryland’s Purple Line, a 16.2-mile, 21-station light rail project that has been plagued with litigation.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit, along with agencies in Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Utah, will deploy technologies that “assess, detect, monitor and track deficiencies related to infrastructure” and evaluate the technologies’ “cost-effectiveness and practicality,” according to FTA.

FTA Awards $1.37MM for Asset Management Projects

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is distributing $1.37 million in grants among six transit agencies for projects that demonstrate and evaluate innovative technologies to maintain a state of good repair.

A tentative agreement has been reached with the firms behind the Purple Line project. (Purple Line)

Agreement Reached for Maryland’s Purple Line Project

Operations for the Purple Line project in Maryland will soon be back to normal. The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) reached a $250 million settlement with three companies connected to the public-private partnership.

WMATA CEO proposes expanded service, no fare hikes for FY2020

Washington’s Metro system wants to hold the line on fare hikes while proposing expanded rail service as part of a fiscal 2020 budget proposal.

MDOT Metro reorg ahead of $900M upgrades

A sweeping reorganization has been implemented at Baltimore’s Metro subway and light rail ahead of nearly $1 billion in system improvements.

Rob Troup MARTA
Commentary

Rob Troup at LRT 2018: “Create an environment of innovation”

Editor’s Note: The following is MARTA Deputy General Manager A.R. “Rob” Troup’s April 26, 2018 complete luncheon address at the annual Railway Age/Railway Track & Structures Light Rail Conference in Baltimore. The text is interspersed with photos from the Transit Tour provided by Maryland MTA of its LRT system and shops.

MARC extends Bombardier O&M contract

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has awarded Bombardier Transportation a five-year, $288 million extension of its current contract to provide operations and maintenance (O&M) services for the Brunswick and Camden Lines of the Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) Train Service rail system.

MARC commuter locomotive

Maryland commuter contract to Amtrak

Amtrak has been awarded a five-year contract by Maryland Department of Transportation-Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) to continue operating commuter rail services.

LOAD MORE