NJT, SEPTA, Metro-North at 40

RAILWAY AGE, APRIL 2023 ISSUE: Imagine going back 40 years to early 1983. The only passenger trains running along much of Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor (NEC) were operated by Amtrak itself. Otherwise, what

Transit Briefs: NYMTA, SEPTA, NJ Transit

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announces record pandemic-era ridership on Metro-North Railroad and commits to slashing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 85% by 2040. Also, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) releases Request for Proposals (RFP) to develop next generation of SEPTA Key; and NJ Transit faces a nearly $1 billion deficit in 2026.

Andy Muller, CEO and Founder, Reading Blue Mountain & Northern

Railway Age 2023 Readers’ Influential Leaders

Railway Age is pleased to present the fourth-annual “Readers’ Influential Leaders” program honorees.

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.

Amtrak, PNRAA Examine Scranton-New York Corridor

Amtrak and the Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority (PNRAA) on March 22 released the findings of a two-year analysis examining the potential for rail services between Scranton, Pa., and New York.

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.

“UITP currently has Regional Training Centers in Europe, Asia-Pacific and Eurasia, South America and South Africa, and will look to make history with NJ TRANSIT and Rutgers CAIT by establishing the first center in North America,” New Jersey Transit reported via Twitter on March 16.

NJ Transit, Rutgers CAIT, UITP to Launch Regional Training Center

New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit), International Association of Public Transport (UITP), and the Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT) on March 16 signed an agreement to establish UITP’s first North

“We’re proud to support construction technology that helps communities build transit projects more quickly,” 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.

“Public transportation is the safest mode of surface transportation, but it can be even safer for both passengers and transit workers,” said FTA Administrator Nuria 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.

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