A new tool allows Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) customers to get a personalized ridership report. Also, Metra adopts a Passenger Code of Conduct, NC By Train achieves record breaking ridership in 2023; and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) receives $200.8 million from the Millionaire’s Tax to address infrastructure, safety and hiring.
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.
Carol Rose is taking on a Vice President role at STV, a professional services firm that plans, designs and manages infrastructure projects across North America. Her promotion follows nearly 30 years of firm service in rail vehicle procurement and engineering programs.
Will the city Palmer be included in the Massachusetts’ East-West Rail project? Also, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) completes an expedited track work project on the Red Line and removes nine speed restrictions; New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) upgrades cellular connectivity for MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) riders and wraps up an subway station accessibility project in Brooklyn; Santa Clara Valley (Calif.) Transportation Authority (SCVTA) improves wayfinding for light rail riders; and metro Vancouver’s TransLink certifies 28 “transit-friendly” employers.
AmeriStarRail proposes a battery electric streetcar system for Wilmington, Del. Also, CTA President Dorval R. Carter is named Equity in Infrastructure Project (EIP) Co-Chair; the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) aims to boost officer retention with a new Police Association contract and announces that Commuter Rail ridership has reached a new post-pandemic peak; the Gateway Development Commission can now officially receive checks from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA); the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) awards two contracts to study potential transit-oriented development (TOD) at light rail and subway stations; the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Board approves a new contract agreement with TWU Local 234; and the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) enters into an agreement with 13 rail labor unions.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) on Nov. 15 released its Capital Needs Assessment and Inventory (CNAI), which estimated that approximately $24.5 billion is needed to support the existing network’s state of good repair (SGR). Conducted every three-to-four years, the CNAI is an MBTA-led analysis to outline assets and overall system condition.
Monica G. Tibbits-Nutt has been appointed Secretary of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). She had been leading the department in an acting capacity since Sept. 11.
NJ Transit unveils its latest heritage locomotive. Also, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) launches an improved web interface; the second Twin Cities-Milwaukee-Chicago (TCMC) passenger train is on hold until 2024; Mobile forwards a lease agreement to Amtrak for a stop in Alabama; and Omaha reveals the first phase of its streetcar design.
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.”
Brightline launches a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a new intercity passenger rail station in Florida’s Treasure Coast region. Also, the long-awaited Valley Line Southeast LRT will open next month in Edmonton, Alberta; Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Houston Metro) selects Jacobs as a transit-oriented development advisor; Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) applies for U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) SMART grants for rail safety projects; and Fitch upgrades New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) credit rating and rating outlook.
