Following a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), Canada’s High Frequency Rail (HFR) project in Ontario and Quebec has advanced three consortiums to the Request for Proposals (RFP) stage: The RFQ “was a crucial
evo-rail teams with Alstom and Nomad Digital to bring rail-5G mmWave radio technology to Caltrain. Also, MTA Metro-North Railroad train inspectors could strike this fall; San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) will receive $40 million from the California Transportation Commission (CTC) for a double-tracking project that has both freight and passenger rail benefits; and VIA Rail Canada is investing more than C$25 million on London, Ontario, station upgrades.
The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announces 14 additional subway stations to be refurbished as part of New York City Transit’s (NYCT) Re-NEW-Vation Program and adds a second R211 train to the A Line. Also, VIA Rail Canada’s (VIA Rail) new President and CEO Mario Peloquin announces plans to renew trains 82 and 83; the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District (SMART) secures critical funding for construction of extensions to Windsor and Healdsburg; and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) introduces new GoPass Tap Card retail network.
VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) provides yearly progress update on sustainability plan. Also, the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District (SMART) offers free public transit for K-12 youth; Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) recommends two Austin Light Rail options to transit leaders; and the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Blue-Ribbon Panel unveils multi-layered plan with cutting-edge technology to reduce fare and toll evasion.
Mario Péloquin on June 12 will take over as President and CEO of VIA Rail Canada Inc., succeeding Cynthia Garneau, who in May 2022 gave up leadership after three years. Martin R.
Brightline, Florida’s private-sector passenger railroad, offers riders high-speed, low-latency broadband service from Starlink. Also, Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) provides real-time train/bus arrival information through a new Interactive Voice Response (IVR) customer service system; New York’s MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and MTA Metro-North Railroad reach record average weekday ridership; and VIA Rail Canada releases 2022 annual report.
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) releases its proposed 2023-24 $9 billion budget. Also, Leger Study names VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) “the most reputable company” in the transportation sector; and the Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) begins testing new low-floor light rail trains on the tracks.
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) seeks feedback about proposed revisions to its customer Code of Conduct. Also, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) kicks off national “Second Chance” month with recruitment effort; the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) continues aggressive hiring campaign; and VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) implements key changes towards its objective to offer a zero-waste experience on its new Corridor fleet by 2025.
Among the proposals included in the Canadian government’s 2023 budget, tabled March 28 by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland, are those slated to “strengthen Canada’s transportation systems and supply chain infrastructure,” such as the establishment of a Transportation Supply Chain Office and a temporary extension, on a pilot basis, of the interswitching limit in the prairie provinces “to strengthen rail competition.” Also proposed: investing C$210.0 million over five years in VIA Rail Canada.
While VIA Rail Canada, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority and the Canadian Transportation Agency have “taken steps to identify and remove some of the barriers faced by travelers with disabilities, many remain,” concludes a report released March 27 by Canada’s Office of the Auditor General. Transport Canada responds.