NJ Transit

The MBTA has launched a Speed Restrictions Dashboard that will provide riders with up-to-date information on speed restrictions across the agency's system. (Image Courtesy of MBTA)

Transit Briefs: MBTA, SEPTA, TTC, VIA Rail, NJ Transit, BART, PANYNJ

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) launches online Speed Restrictions Dashboard; awards contract for major track and signal upgrades at South Station; and invites public comment on the proposed Capital Investment Plan (CIP) for Fiscal Years 2024-2028. Also, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) awards design contract for Broad Street Line ADA Improvement project and approves proposal to install new fare gates; the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) formerly ends token sales; VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) improves diversity and inclusion policies; NJ Transit advances improvements at Mahwah Station; Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) moves forward with purchase of fare gates to be installed systemwide; and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) advances plan to replace AirTrain Newark with selection of three firms as part of multi-phase procurement process.

Brightline has expanded its first and last mile service, offering riders new bi-directional fixed-route shuttles between its passenger rail stations and Miami International Airport (MIA), Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Miami Beach. (Brightline Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Brightline, PANY/NJ

Brightline is now offering shuttle service to South Florida airports and Miami Beach. Also, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANY/NJ) will go forward with bus service, not rail, to link LaGuardia Airport with New York City subways and commuter railroads; has approved an AirTrain Newark (N.J.) access improvement project; and selects Alstom for an AirTrain Newark operations and maintenance services contract.

“We need to make sure our first responders are ready to respond to emergencies involving pipelines and hazardous materials,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

FTA: $4.45B for Major Transit Projects

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on March 9 announced that 18 large transit projects in 11 states across the U.S. were recommended to receive $4.45 billion for construction by U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Beginning March 20, Amtrak Downeaster passengers will no longer be able to purchase alcoholic beverages from the train's cafe car while the train passes through New Hampshire.

Transit Briefs: WMATA, GVT, NJ Transit, Amtrak (UPDATED)

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is making plans to bring back automatic train operation in 2023. Also, Genesee Valley Transportation Co. (GVT) purchases 74-year-old locomotive in hopes of restoring it and returning it to the rails in Scranton for potential passenger excursions; NJ Transit introduces new cash payment option within its mobile app; and Amtrak Downeaster passengers can continue to purchase alcohol as the train passes through New Hampshire on an interim basis.

"Transportation gives us the freedom our nation was founded upon," said FTA Administrator Nunia Fernandez.

Transit Briefs: FTA, WMATA, NJ Transit, CTA, San Diego County, ORDC, TTC

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces $6 million in funding to explore transportation insecurity that leads to poverty. Also, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) announces new partnership between the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) and the DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to enhance public safety; NJ Transit engineers say they could strike over pay disparity; the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) latest interactive scorecard reveals more reliable service in January; San Diego County supervisors approve resolution to expand free youth public transit ridership program; ORDC will apply for the first phase of funding to study expanding passenger rail service in Ohio; and tunneling on the Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) Bloor-Danforth Subway Line began in January.