Muni: Ridership Up 25% in 2023
Municipal Railway (Muni) public transit registered 433,000 riders in 2023, a 25% increase over 2022, according to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA).
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency
Transit Briefs: SFMTA, VTA, NCDOT, VIA Rail
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) Board of Directors work to develop the agency’s two-year budget. Also, the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) announces its fourth transit-oriented affordable housing development; the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) seeks information from the public on new and advanced technologies to improve transportation; and VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) is recognized by Forbes as one of Canada’s Best Employers 2024.
Muni ATCS Replacement Under Way
In 1998, the SFMTA (San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency) Muni Metro was the first U.S. rail transit system to place CBTC (communications-based train control) in revenue service. Also known as TBTC (transmission-based
USDOT Launches ‘Transportation Innovation’ Advisory Committee
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has formed a committee to advise on “plans and approaches for transportation innovation,” which it said comprises 27 members who were selected across sectors, geographies and areas of expertise.
Transit Briefs: Metrolinx, NJ Transit, FTA, CTA, SFMTA, TTC
Metrolinx teams up with Canadian whisky brand Forty Creek to provide free rides on GO Transit and UP Express on New Year’s Eve. Meanwhile, NJ Transit’s systemwide beverage ban remains in effect, and the Federal Transit Authority (FTA) takes nationwide steps to address assaults on transit workers. Also, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) kicks off a community engagement process to activate new spaces under new Red Line Tracks; the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) introduces the first LRV4s with a new seating arrangement; Scarborough’s Rapid Transit (RT) trains could have a new home in Detroit; and NJ Transit sells a stuffed animal to support Ricardo the Bull.
![“This [emergency transit operations] funding [plan] from the MTC supports BART’s new Safe and Clean Plan to welcome riders back to our system and it buys us time to explore a sustainable funding model while avoiding devasting service cuts,” San Francisco Bay Area Transit District (BART) General Manager Bob Powers said Nov. 15.](https://www.railwayage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/giorgio-trovato-G_OrUEadUzo-unsplash-1-315x168.jpeg)
Transit Briefs: MTC, CTA, LIRR, PANY/NJ
California’s Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) approves an emergency transit operations funding plan. Also, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) extends its partnership with City of Chicago to provide outreach and assistance to unhoused riders; the village of Westbury, N.Y., completes a rezoning project to promote transit-oriented development near MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR); and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANY/NJ) releases proposed 2024 budget that advances a new PATH fare payment system and the development of a new AirTrain Newark system.
Commentary
150 Years Ago Today – The Cable Car is Born
August 2, 2023, marks the 150th anniversary of the world’s first successful cable railway, born right here in San Francisco. To celebrate the occasion, we bring you the story of Andrew Hallidie and the very first cable car company, the Clay Street Hill Railroad.
Transit Briefs: SEPTA, SFMTA, LA Metro, New Orleans RTA
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will tackle critical track and power maintenance as part of its 2023 Trolley Tunnel Blitz. Also, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) riders will soon receive improved wireless connectivity; copper theft causes delays on LA Metro’s rail lines; and the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority’s (RTA) Rampart streetcar line reopening is pushed back to 2024 amid infrastructure delays.
Commentary
Celebrating 150 Years of Cable Cars
San Francisco’s iconic cable cars are turning 150 this year, and we’re throwing a party to celebrate!
Transit Briefs: BART/SFMTA, WMATA, UTA, HART
California’s state budget will include a $1.1 billion bailout for Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), and Bay Area transit agencies. Also, service improvements on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) Red Line begins with more service and fare improvements coming this month; the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) announces Rider’s License for young passengers; and the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) delivers Segment 1 of the Honolulu Rail Project to the City and County of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services (DTS).