Minnesota’s Metropolitan Council approves a labor agreement that boosts wages for Metro Transit workers. Also, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) advances the Silver Line Regional Rail project, allowing the return of freight rail service to Plano and Richardson, Tex.
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) contracts INIT to implement a new fare collection system in time for the FIFA World Cup. Also, Minnesota’s Metropolitan Council transit ridership grows 16%; Brightline and Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) horns will continue in Indian River as County Commission nixes quiet zones; Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) receives Direct Technical Assistance (DTA) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) receives $317 million for new Market-Frankford Line cars; Sound Transit’s new app is now available for download; and Trinity Rail Express (TRE) is now making stops at a new station in Fort Worth, Texas.
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) issues a Request for Proposals (RFP) to build Red Line Extension track structure and stations, and hits the ridership “million mark” on multiple days, a post-pandemic first. Also, Minnesota’s Metropolitan Council announces a grant agreement that will fund work on the Metro Transit Blue Line extension project through 2024; San Diego Metropolitan Transit System’s (MTS) Board signs off on measures to improve operations, accessibility and security; San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) takes delivery of the ZEMU (Zero-Emissions Multiple Unit) from Stadler; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) delays until next year the full switch to automatic train operations (ATO).
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) earns a strategic plan award for its $3.6 billion Red Line Extension Project and reports downward trends in crime. Also, more than 250,000 people are now enrolled in Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (LACMTA) low-income fare program; and Metro Transit workers in Minneapolis, Minn., vote to authorize a strike.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) teams up with Virginia Tech on U-Pass program at campuses in National Capital Region. Also, NJ Transit Rail Operations celebrates 40 years of service with historic excursion and display; Minnesota’s Metropolitan Council resolves current funding deficit for Green Line Extension; the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) pilots contactless payments; Maryland Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) formal Federal grant application to address mobility and access challenges along the I-495 and I-270 corridors includes enhancement to the MARC Brunswick Line and Transit Oriented Development (TOD) opportunities; and service on Sound Transit’s Hilltop Tacoma Link Extension will open to passengers on Sept. 16.
The Minnesota Metropolitan (Met) Council’s Anti-Displacement Working Group makes recommendations on Blue Line Extension. Also, NJ Transit launches customer awareness campaign to promote kindness; the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) launches its Open Data Portal; the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)’s congestion pricing plan wins federal approval after comprehensive environmental review; and California Gov. Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers reach a deal on the 2023-2024 budget that includes $5.1 billion for transit capital funding.
Brightline and the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) apply to acquire $3.75 billion in Federal-State Partnership Program grant money to go toward construction of the $12 billion Brightline West high-speed rail system. Also, Regional Transportation District (RTD) announces that a Spanish version of its Transit Watch app is now available; Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) announce fare-free transit legislation, Freedom to Move Act; and Minnesota’s Metropolitan (Met) Council announces the creation of its new Transit Infrastructure Division.
Minnesota’s Metropolitan Council (Met Council) approves $350 million in federal transportation investments. Also, Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Bryn Mawr Red Line Station wins Architecture “MasterPrize” Award and Garfield Green Line Station wins BLT Built Design Award; LA Metro’s Foothill Gold Line Light Rail Project is nearly two-thirds complete as 2022 ends; and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) Pawtucket, R.I., commuter rail station is set to open Jan. 23.
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is deploying K-9 teams across its rail system. Also, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is hosting the Latinos in Transit 2022 Leadership Summit; Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) maintenance-of-way blitz on the Orange Line is 50% complete; Minnesota’s Southwest Light Rail project has a $534 million funding shortfall, according to a state audit report; and more 7000-series rapid transit cars will return to service starting Sept. 12 at Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).
Minnesota’s Hennepin County Board of Commissioners has approved a contract with the Center of Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA) to establish an Anti-Displacement Workgroup that will help advance the Metro Blue Line Extension LRT project in Minneapolis; construction, however, is still many years away.
