TransLink enhances transit alerts for customers. Also, the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) awards a contract to Hill International to support state of good repair (SOGR) across Metrolink system; Metra seeks public comment on new strategic plan; and the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) awards developer joint venture for mixed-income housing transit-oriented development at Bankhead Station.
The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) approves sale of Cucamonga Station property to Brightline West. Also, SBCTA and Metrolink announce ribbon cutting ceremony of Redlands Passenger Rail Project; Metrolink receives first American Public Transportation Association (APTA) certification for sustainability program; the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) expands institutional pass program; NJ Transit wins International Data Corporation (IDC) Best in Future of Digital Innovation Award; and NJ Transit breaks ground on Hoboken Connect project.
Amtrak and Metrolink suspend operations following an issue at San Clemente, Calif.
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.
As Rail Safety Week (RSW) (Sept. 19-25), a collaborative effort among Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), state OLI programs and rail safety partners across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, continues to be observed, North American carriers and organizations are mobilizing to raise awareness about rail safety and to help stop track tragedies during this annual week-long event. Here is a roundup of the week’s initiatives.
Five commuter rail agencies will receive a total of $59 million in grants for highway-rail grade crossing improvements in California, Florida, New York and Pennsylvania from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), in coordination with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The awards are part of round two of the Commuter Authority Rail Safety Improvement (CARSI) Grants Program.
LA Metro announced that it is celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins on Sept. 15 and runs through Oct. 15, with commemorative TAP cards as part of a series it has been releasing throughout the past year to “celebrate the region’s incredible diversity.”
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.
TransLink completes installation of new digital touchscreen transit kiosks. Also, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) receives federal grant for Five Points Station transformation; Metrolinx offers new fare options for GO,
San Bernardino County (Calif.) Transportation Authority (SBCTA) reports that train testing continues along the nine-mile Arrow passenger rail corridor, which is slated for launch this fall. Also, Amtrak late last month celebrated the completion of ADA-related improvement projects at two Kansas stations; the Federal Transit Administration ordered Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to conduct “an immediate safety standdown,” starting July 30; and North County (Calif.) Transit District has earned a financial reporting award.