Under a “new deal” reached Nov. 27, the government of Ontario will provide the city of Toronto with up to C$1.2 billion in provincial operating support over three years and capital relief, which includes funding for the Eglinton Crosstown and the Finch West Light Rail Transit (LRT) projects; 70 new Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway trains; and subway and transit safety, recovery and sustainability.
Metrolinx makes its PRESTO card available in Google Wallet. Also, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (NYMTA) announces that the New York City subway has hit one billion rides this year; and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will introduce a new name and look to its rail system in 2024.
The number of police incidents impacting San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) service is declining. Also, rail planning and operations software has been selected for Metrolinx’s GO Rail Expansion–On-Corridor Works program; and Southern California’s Metrolink schedules a temporary service outage to complete a three-year modernization project.
The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) releases its “Zoning for Accessibility: 2022-2023 Annual Report”; Metrolink, LOSSAN and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner partner to provide expanded customer options; and the operation of Metrolinx’s Eglinton Crosstown LRT (ECLRT) may soon be in the hands of Ontario.
Brightline, Florida’s private-sector passenger railroad, unveils an Orlando Health-branded train. Also, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) releases the Measure M five-year comprehensive assessment and equity report; ST Engineering wins platform screen door contract for Metrolinx’s Ontario Line; Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will stop accepting fare tokens next year; and Sound Transit’s new fare compliance policy takes effect later this month.
VIA Rail Canada Inc. (VIA Rail) President and CEO Mario Péloquin says the federal government “should move toward giving VIA Rail trains formal right of way on the tracks over freight trains,”
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) proposes a $1.99 billion operating budget for 2024. Also, Rob Free takes over as acting President of MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR); Southern California’s Metrolink conducts an on-board drill using earthquake safety technology; WSP in Canada wins a contract for Metrolinx’s Hamilton Light Rail Transit project in Ontario; the Ontario government plans transit-oriented development near six future stations of Metrolinx’s Ontario Line subway and Scarborough Subway extension projects in Toronto; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) extends Parsons’ task-order contract.
Amtrak introduces a simplified fare structure. Also, AECOM is appointed by Metrolinx to serve as technical advisor for the Hamilton Light Rail Transit (LRT) project; and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) prepares for its Auto Doors function.
Caltrain releases a proposed service plan for its September 2024 Electrification Project rollout. Also, southern California’s Metrolink commuter rail service is launching a fare-free pilot program for students; Metrolinx provides a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most unique stations along Toronto’s Eglinton Crosstown LRT; and inflation and other factors boost the price tag of Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority’s (SCVTA) BART Silicon Valley Phase II Extension Project.
When will Metrolinx announce the opening date for Eglinton Crosstown LRT? Also, the price tag is going up for the planned commuter rail line between Miami and Aventura, Fla.; St. Louis, Mo., Metro Transit will test single-car light rail train service next month and has awarded the first construction contract for its Secure Platform Plan; and Société de transport de Montréal (STM) delays the Blue Line métro extension launch.