Pictured: Richard Sherman, ASLRRA; and Lauren Skiver, Transdev U.S.

People News: ASLRRA, MDOT MTA, OCTA, Transdev U.S.

The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) hires a new Assistant Vice President of Policy and Industry Affairs. Also, the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) appoints its first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Director; Transdev U.S. signs on a new Chief Operating Officer; and Orange Country (Calif.) Transportation Authority (OCTA) recognizes the OC Streetcar project lead as an Employee of the Year for 2022.

SMART lounge inside the new Aventura Station . Courtesy of Brightline, via Twitter.

Transit Briefs: Brightline, MDOT MTA, Houston Metro

Brightline opens two new stations in South Florida. Also, the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) celebrates completion of new MARC Riverside Heavy Maintenance Facility; and the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Metro) in Houston debuts new generation of more accessible railcars.

TransLink’s mural installation on a section of the Canada Line Bridge showcases designs from three xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band) artists. (Photograph Courtesy of TransLink)

Transit Briefs: TransLink, CTA, LYNX, MDOT MTA, Metrolink, Metrolinx, NYMTA

Metro Vancouver’s TransLink installs three digital murals “reflecting the past, present and future of the region, through the lens of colonialism and reconciliation.” Also, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) celebrates 75 years of service; Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC) of Charlotte, N.C., advances the LYNX Red Line project; Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) launches a campaign to address sexual harassment on transit; Southern California’s Metrolink and local law enforcement promote highway/rail grade crossing safety; Metrolinx awards a contract for work to connect the Yonge North Subway Extension to existing TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) Line 1 service; and a limited-edition “1904 Sandwich” has been created in recognition of the New York City subway’s 118th anniversary.

MBTA on Sept. 9 reported that 69% of work on the 30-day m/w blitz along the Orange Line is complete and approximately 60 new railcars (10 six-car trainsets) are slated to be available when service resumes Sept. 19. (Photograph Courtesy of MBTA)

Transit Briefs: MDOT MTA, MBTA, NYMTA

The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) is seeking public comment on preliminary transit alternatives for the North-South Corridor between Towson and downtown Baltimore. Also, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) Orange Line maintenance-of-way blitz is 69% complete; and the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has launched a newsletter to inform riders of major rail service changes planned for weekends.

Metrolink's discount program will be available for one year or until the grant funds are depleted.

Transit Briefs: Metrolink, WMATA, Valley Metro, MDOT, Metrolinx, LA Metro

Metrolink launches discount program for low-income train riders. Also, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)’s newly improved Orange Line stations will reopen on schedule featuring platform and customer upgrades; Valley Metro’s South Central Extension/Downtown Hub is halfway to the goal line; the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) releases $19.9 billion draft six-year capital budget plan; new reserved bike rooms are opening at five of Metrolinx’s GO stations; and LA Metro releases final limited edition TAP cards featuring rider portraits.

Metrolinx will boost platform safety for the Elglinton Crosstown LRT project with Guideway Intrusion Detection Systems (GIDS) and warning scanners. (Photo Courtesy of Metrolinx.)

Transit Briefs: Caltrain, MDOT MTA, Metrolinx, Valley Link

Caltrain’s Board of Directors has approved its operating and capital budgets for FY 2023. Also, the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) is seeking feedback on seven East-West Transit Corridor study alternatives; Toronto-area regional transit agency Metrolinx is equipping the Elglinton Crosstown LRT with platform safety systems; and California’s Valley Link rail project has entered the Project Development phase of the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Program.

People News: Balfour Beatty; MDOT MTA

Balfour Beatty and Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) have announced leadership appointments.

Arnold Elevated to MDOT MTA Administrator

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has elevated Holly Arnold to Administrator of the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA), following five months of service as acting agency leader.

Transit Briefs: SCVTA, MDOT MTA

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.

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.