Metro-North

A new Amtrak OIG report finds that Amtrak “faces challenges with the systems and processes it uses to track and manage costs for capital projects, which hinder project teams from identifying emerging cost overruns.” (Photograph Courtesy of Amtrak OIG, via Twitter)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak OIG, FTA, NYMTA

“Amtrak is strengthening its project cost management, but can better organize costs and improve guidance,” according to the latest Amtrak Office of Inspector General (OIG) report. Also, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Cincinnati Connector Streetcar will receive funding through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Areas of Persistent Poverty Program; and New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will increase subway fares and implement recommendations of the Blue-Ribbon Panel Report on Fare and Toll Evasion.

Brightline has teamed with Starlink to provide internet connectivity onboard its five trainsets serving South Florida between Miami and West Palm Beach. It will be added to Brightline’s five newest Siemens Mobility trainsets this summer when service to Orlando is slated to begin. (Brightline Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Brightline, Denver RTD, NYMTA, VIA Rail

Brightline, Florida’s private-sector passenger railroad, offers riders high-speed, low-latency broadband service from Starlink. Also, Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) provides real-time train/bus arrival information through a new Interactive Voice Response (IVR) customer service system; New York’s MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and MTA Metro-North Railroad reach record average weekday ridership; and VIA Rail Canada releases 2022 annual report.

In Massachusetts, the Joint Committee on Transportation on Jan. 3 released a report recommending that MBTA be charged with subway and bus operations only, not Commuter Rail, ferry and construction services, according to the Boston Herald.

Transit Briefs: MBTA, Metro-North, BART

A new Massachusetts Legislature report recommends changing Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) structure, leaving it in charge of subway and bus operations only. Also, MTA Metro-North Railroad marks its 40th anniversary; and San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) teams with Rapido Trains, Inc., to produce 1:87 (HO) scale models of the BART legacy cars.

Transit Briefs: LIRR, Caltrain

Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) announces Grand Central Direct service to Grand Central Madison. Also, Caltrain awards contracts for on-board Wi-Fi.

Transit Briefs: NYMTA, TriMet, Metrolink

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announces initial actions of Bike, Pedestrian and Micromobility Action Plan. Also, newly proposed changes to TriMet Code would “strengthen the agency’s ability to help keep riders and employees safe”; and Metrolink celebrates its 30th anniversary.

MTA Photo

Transit Briefs: NYMTA, DART, MBTA, CATS

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) transition to “tap and go” payment system, One Metro New York (OMNY), may take until June 2025. Also, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will provide free transportation to polling locations on Nov. 8; the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) expands Pay-Per-Use limited fare program to local employers; and the City of Charlotte approves $14.8 million to expand Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) rail yard.

The DART Police Department has been reaccredited by the Texas Police Chiefs Association Foundation (TPCAF).

Transit Briefs: DART, GoTriangle, NYMTA, Metrolinx, Caltrain, VIA Rail, MBTA

The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Police Department has been reaccredited by the Texas Police Chiefs Association Foundation (TPCAF). Also, a new study gives a clearer picture of commuter rail project in Research Triangle, N.C.; Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) commuter railroads set ridership records, Metrolinx selects development partner to transform Spadina-Front GO Station; Caltrain improves Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) connections and increases San Francisco and South San Francisco service with new weekday schedule; new report details “critical need” for the return of VIA Rail Canada’s commuter train service along the Kingston to Toronto corridor; and the City of Boston, along with Boston Public Schools (BPS) make Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) M7 student passes available year-round.

Transit Briefs: Metro-North, Santa Clara VTA, APTA/WSP USA

MTA Metro-North Railroad has expanded its rider seat availability tracker to Google Maps. In addition, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority has scheduled pilot testing of autonomous vehicle (AV) shuttle routes in 2022 and 2023; and the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has selected WSP USA’s Jannet Walker-Ford to serve on its Executive Committee.

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