Metrolinx/GO Transit

Forty Creek® Canadian Whisky and Metrolinx will provide free rides on GO Transit and UP Express on New Year's Eve. (CNW Group/Campari Group Canada)

Transit Briefs: Metrolinx, NJ Transit, FTA, CTA, SFMTA, TTC

Metrolinx teams up with Canadian whisky brand Forty Creek to provide free rides on GO Transit and UP Express on New Year’s Eve. Meanwhile, NJ Transit’s systemwide beverage ban remains in effect, and the Federal Transit Authority (FTA) takes nationwide steps to address assaults on transit workers. Also, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) kicks off a community engagement process to activate new spaces under new Red Line Tracks; the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) introduces the first LRV4s with a new seating arrangement; Scarborough’s Rapid Transit (RT) trains could have a new home in Detroit; and NJ Transit sells a stuffed animal to support Ricardo the Bull.

Crews replace windows broken by vandals on Sept. 12. (Marc Hermann / MTA)

Transit Briefs: NYMTA, GO Transit, MBTA

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) addresses extensive vandalism on subways. Also, Ontario upgrades two GO stations along Stouffville Line; and residents say the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is “unsafe and service isn’t great either,” according to a recent poll.

Rendering of new access from GO tunnel level to new stairs and elevator down to new concourse level. (Metrolinx image)

Transit Briefs: BART, VIA Rail, Metrolinx, Front Range Passenger Rail, LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency

Transit oriented development (TOD) plans at Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) stations get state boost. Also, VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) continues to see sustained growth in travel demand in Q2 2023; Metrolinx awards a contract for the construction of the Bloor-TTC connection; Gov. Jared Polis pushes for Front Range Passenger Rail vote in 2024; and the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency unveils a new rail safety initiative.

The new Bramalea GO Station building opened in 2021. (Metrolinx photo)

Transit Briefs: APTA, Amtrak F+B Working Group, Arup, Metrolinx, NJ Transit/UITP/Rutgers CAIT

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) “strongly urges” public transit agencies to obligate remaining COVID-19 funds as soon as possible. Also, the Amtrak Food & Beverage Working Group sends recommendations to Congress after year-long analysis of Amtrak onboard service; Arup supports Metrolinx plans to electrify Canada’s largest commuter rail network; construction is now complete at Metrolinx’s Bramalea GO Station; and registration is now open for first courses at the International Association of Public Transport’s (UITP) North American Regional Training Center hosted by NJ Transit and Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT).

$5.15 billion in “bridge funding” has been proposed in the California Senate for public transit agencies over the next five years. (InvadingInvader Wikimedia Commons)

Transit Briefs: CA Public Transit, MARTA, MBTA, Metrolinx, Miami-Dade County, San Diego MTS

California transit officials and their state legislative supporters are seeking $5.15 billion to maintain services over the next five years. Also, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) celebrates College Park rail station improvements; a new study finds that flooding costs to Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) could more than double by 2030, to $58 million per year; Metrolinx unveils a new website for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area’s GO Transit; Florida’s Miami-Dade County revives commuter rail plan; and the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) approves a $174 million capital improvement program.

Transit Briefs: Metrolinx/GO Transit, DART, Valley Metro

Metrolinx identifies new location for GO Transit layover facility. Also, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) President Nadine Lee says the agency could keep more than $80 million due to delays and changes it believes Dallas has caused to its planned Silver Line rail project; and Valley Metro awards $75,000 for arts and culture projects.

Transit Briefs: Metrolinx, SEPTA, Northern Lights Express

Local transit systems join Metrolinx’s GO Transit in accepting credit card taps to pay transit fees. Also, countdown clocks are coming to Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) platforms this spring; and Minnesota legislators propose $99 million to kick-start the Northern Lights Express (NLX), which would connect downtown Minneapolis to the St. Louis County in Duluth.

ONxpress Transportation Partners has chosen ZEDAS GmbH’s software for the On-Corridor Works Project of the GO Expansion program. Starting in 2024, it will be used “to digitize and automate maintenance processes in the areas of rail vehicles and rail infrastructure.”

Supply Side: Actelis, ZEDAS GmbH

Northern Ireland Railways (NI Railways) has selected Fremont, Calif.-based Actelis to enable high-speed connectivity for a large-scale safety critical project. Also, the ONxpress Transportation Partners consortium has chosen ZEDAS GmbH’s asset management system for the On-Corridor Works Project of the GO Expansion program in Canada’s Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

More than 100,000 people have tapped their credit card to pay for GO, Brampton, MiWay and Oakville Transit since Metrolinx's new fare payment launched on Aug. 11.

Transit Briefs: Metrolinx, Amtrak, SEPTA, MBTA, WMATA

Metrolinx’s contactless payment hits milestone after recent launch. Also, Idaho leaders want Amtrak rail service to return to the Mountain West; the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) offers new way for customers to report cleanliness issues on system; the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) launches online applications for TAP and blind access customers; and a D.C. Council committee advances bill that would give D.C. residents $100 a month to ride the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) Metrorail and Metrobus.

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