NYMTA Transit Tech Lab Releases Results of Operational Efficiency, Human Capital Utilization Challenges

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority/Partnership for NYC Transit Tech Lab on May 9 reported the results of its Operational Efficiency and Human Capital Utilization challenges, in which 15 companies have been selected to collaborate with regional transit agencies and test technologies, such as AI (artificial intelligence), LiDAR and edge computing, to “mitigate service disruptions, automate operations and combat workforce shortages.”

View of the station entrance off Royal York Road from street level. Artist’s rendering, subject to change. (Vandyk Properties image)

Transit Briefs: Metrolinx, PANYNJ, St. Louis MetroLink, Calgary Green Line LRT, SEPTA, BCT

Metrolinx moves forward on transit-oriented community at Mimico GO Station. Also, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) reports that quarterly PATH ridership climbed to 59% of pre-pandemic first-quarter 2019; MetroLink’s Secure Platform Plan progresses; Calgary’s Green Line names Bow Transit Connectors as Development Partner; the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) shares progress on strategic plan; and Broward County Transit (BCT) launches multi-billion-dollar Premium Mobility Plan (PREMO).

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Chairman Kevin O’Toole (left), Executive Director Rick Cotton (center) and PATH Director Clarelle DeGraffe (right) unveiled a trainset with some of the new Kawasaki railcars at the PATH Hoboken (N.J.) station on April 13. (Credit: PANYNJ)

PATH Rolling Out New Kawasaki Cars

The first of 72 new Kawaski-built PATH rapid transit cars will enter service in New York and New Jersey starting April 17. The aim: to boost capacity.

Intermodal Briefs: Ports of Indiana, PANYNJ

Ports of Indiana issues Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for new operator of International Ag Shipping Terminal on Lake Michigan. Also, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) regains top spot as busiest port in nation.

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.

Cordel Group PLC and D/Gauge Ltd. (part of the TÜV Rheinland Group) have landed a multi-year contract to provide Amtrak with a Rail Clearance Management system.

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, BART, CapMetro, CTDOT, PATH, TTC, WMATA

Amtrak awards Rail Clearance Management system contract. Also, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) lowers its ridership estimate for San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District’s (BART) extension through San José; CapMetro’s Project Connect in Austin, Tex., has five new light rail options; Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is developing a unified, statewide public transit information system for mobile devices; PATH introduces nine-car train service on the Newark (N.J.)-World Trade Center (N.Y.) line; the city of Toronto, Ontario, and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) bolster transit system outreach efforts; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) tests new fare gates.

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.

(Shutterstock/ Monton Tiemrak)

25 UNDER 40

RAILWAY AGE, FEBRUARY 2023 ISSUE: Railway Age is proud to recognize 25 ‘Fast Trackers’ Under 40 in 2023.

“With proven fluidity, the Port of Mobile continues to attract new routes, creating more direct services from the Far East to Mobile and enhancing our gateway’s connection to growing global markets,” said Alabama Port Authority Chief Commercial Officer Beth Branch. (Photograph Courtesy of Alabama Port Authority, via LinkedIn)

Intermodal Briefs: Alabama Port Authority, PA/NYNJ, Port of Virginia

Alabama Port Authority’s Port of Mobile breaks the 560,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) annual throughput threshold for the first time. Also, Port of New York and New Jersey (PA/NYNJ) moves more than 9 million TEUs in 2022, up 27% from pre-pandemic 2019; and construction of five new STS (ship-to-shore) cranes for the Port of Virginia is under way with delivery set for December 2024.

Railway Age’s 2023 ‘Fast Trackers’ 25 Under 40 Honorees

Railway Age is pleased to announce the 25 “Fast Trackers” selected for this year’s 25 Under 40 awards program.

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