Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

DRPT photo

Virginia DRPT Releases Draft Six-Year Improvement Program

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) has released its draft Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2030 Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP), which allocates nearly $6.2 billion for public transportation and freight and passenger rail over the next six fiscal years.

RA Young Professionals: Fast Tracking Your Career
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‘Young Professionals’ Virtual Conference Set for May 9

Railway Age’s second-annual Young Professionals conference—the rail industry’s only free event tailored to helping “fast trackers” in the freight, passenger and supply sectors advance their careers—will be held virtually on May 9

The 8.5-mile Link 1 Line light rail extension from Northgate into Lynnwood will open Aug. 30, 2024, adding four new stations. (Sound Transit Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Denver RTD, Sound Transit, WMATA

Denver (Colo.) Regional Transportation District (RTD) spearheads a pilot project that integrates trip planning and fare payment in the Transit app. Also, Washington’s Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority (Sound Transit) announces the launch date for Link 1 Line service to Lynnwood, Wash.; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) reports that efforts to reduce fare evasion and increase safety are working.

New York MTA officials were joined by “Equity in Infrastructure Project” (EIP) founders Phillip A. Washington and John D. Porcari, and Chicago Transit Authority President Dorval R. Carter, Jr., who also serves as EIP Chair, to sign the EIP pledge on March 7. (New York MTA Photograph).

Transit Briefs: NYMTA, SacRT, Metrolink, WMATA, NJT, Houston Metro

New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) signs the “Equity in Infrastructure Project” Pledge. Also, Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) is developing mobility hubs at three light rail stations; Southern California’s Metrolink extends its fare-free pilot program for students; Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) marks improvements in ridership, customer satisfaction, public safety and fare collection while reducing expenses; New Jersey Transit (NJT) expands its partnership with Comcast Business; and Houston Metro (Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Tex.) selects Copperleaf to help improve asset management.

CTA has launched its latest Innovation Studio program seeking proposals from the private sector to address business challenges through new technology. (CTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: CTA, NYMTA, TTC, WMATA

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) seeks innovators to test new technologies that improve rail safety, asset management and real-time information. Also, New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) boosts subway security; Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) releases a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Bloor-Yonge Capacity Improvements project; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and Hitachi Rail are offering a “sneak peek” of the new 8000 series rapid transit cars.

BART’s overall customer satisfaction rating in the most recent Passenger Experience Survey (PES) reached 81%, which is 7% higher than the previous quarter, according to the transit agency. (BART Photograph)

Transit Briefs: BART, Metro-North, VIA Rail, WMATA

San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) reports rider satisfaction gains. Also, MTA Metro-North Railroad completes its third station-accessibility project in 2024; VIA Rail Canada calls on Ottawa to replace its long-distance fleet; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) increases police patrols on trains and buses.

San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission has closed escrow on land for a new ACE station in Elk Grove, Calif., as part of its Valley Rail program to expand regional/commuter service to Sacramento. (ACE Photograph)

Transit Briefs: ACE, MBTA, Metro Transit, MARTA, Amtrak/NJT/WMATA

Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) regional/commuter rail service advances extension project to Elk Grove, Calif. Also, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey discusses Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) investments in her budget proposal; Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont’s proposed budget includes full funding for the MTA Metro-North Railroad’s New Haven Line; ridership climbs at Metro Transit in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn.; Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) earns a 2024 AdWheel award from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA); and Amtrak, New Jersey Transit (NJT), and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) are awarded Forbes Best Large Employer status.

Shutterstock/ Kikujiarm
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25 Under 40: Part 2 of 4

RAILWAY AGE, FEBRUARY 2024 ISSUE: Railway Age is proud to recognize 25 ‘Fast Trackers’ Under 40 in 2024.

WMATA Proposes ‘Severe Cuts’ in FY2025 Budget (UPDATED, 2/2)

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has released its proposed operating and capital budget for fiscal year 2025 (FY2025), which calls for “severe cuts” to address the agency’s $750 structural funding shortfall—a deficit equal to more than 25% of the operating budget—despite “proactive management actions” taken by WMATA to control expenses.