In March, Metro will recommend to the Board the award of separate Pre-Development Agreements (PDA) to LA SkyRail Express for its monorail proposal ($63.6 million) and Sepulveda Transit Corridor Partners—Bechtel for its heavy rail proposal ($69.8 million).

LA Metro Moves on Sepulveda Transit Corridor

The Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) will seek Board approval on pre-development work for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project.

Phillip A. Washington, CEO, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) (left); Robert Primus, Vice Chairman, Surface Transportation Board (center); Henry (Hank) Gutman, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation.

High Profile: LA Metro Chief to Step Down; STB Names Vice Chair; NYC Picks Transportation Commissioner

Phillip A. Washington, CEO of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), has informed the Board of Directors that he will step down when his contract expires in May. In addition, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) has designated Robert Primus as Vice Chairman. Henry (Hank) Gutman has been appointed Commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation.

The challenges of constructing the proposed corridor protection wall in the BNSF-Wayzata subdivision (pictured above) are among those setting back the Southwest LRT (Metro Green Line extension) project in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Minneapolis-St. Paul Southwest LRT Project Faces Delays

Minnesota’s Metropolitan Council (Met Council) and Hennepin County report that the Southwest LRT project in Minneapolis-St. Paul will not open on schedule in 2023.

Due to pandemic-induced low ridership and fare revenue, Metro faces a $494.5 million deficit and has proposed service cuts. For Metrorail, that means weekend service would stop and weekday service would end two hours earlier. (Photo by William C. Vantuono)

Report: WMATA Readies for Public Comment on Grim Budget Proposal

The Washington Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board is sending its proposed budget to the public for review.

An investigation is under way at WMATA after a train-separation incident occurred earlier today on an eight-car train, comprised of all 6000-series cars. (Wikipedia)

WMATA Sidelining 6000-Series Cars

Washington Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is temporarily sidelining its fleet of 6000-series rapid transit cars after an early Nov. 24 train-separation incident on the Red Line. An investigation is under way; there were no reported injuries.

As Metro takes delivery of the next 15 overhauled LRVs—at one per month—they will reenter service along the A (Blue), E (Expo) and C (Green) lines. The contract, awarded in 2017, calls for 52 cars to undergo midlife service.

LA Metro: First Overhauled P2000 Delivered

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has taken delivery of the first of 16 P2000 light rail vehicles that have been undergoing a midlife overhaul.

WMATA Selects Hitachi Rail for 8000-Series Cars

The Washington Post is reporting that the Washington Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is in negotiations with Hitachi Rail to build 256 8000-Series rapid transit cars, with an option to purchase up to 800.

LA Metro’s $400B, 30-Year Transportation Blueprint Approved

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Board of Directors has approved an updated 2020 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP).

Metro, Intersection plan to technologize Blue Line

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) recently announced that it has partnered with technology company Intersection to install a new digital communications and advertising network on the southern portion of the Metro Blue Line.

LA Blue Line modernization under way

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Blue Line will undergo a comprehensive $350 million modernization beginning Jan. 26, 2019. The line, which opened in 1990 and is Metro’s oldest rail transit line, has been undergoing safety and operational improvements since 2014.