California’s Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) on Aug. 29 resumed partial light rail service. In addition, the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) on Aug. 30 launched CharmFlex, a discounted three- and 10-day pass for flexible commuter travel.
Angela Schwarz has joined WSP USA as Vice President for National Rail Systems.
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.
Vancouver’s TransLink has appointed Kevin Quinn CEO, effective July 19.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A sweeping reorganization has been implemented at Baltimore’s Metro subway and light rail ahead of nearly $1 billion in system improvements.
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.