Report: Mass Transit Leader Downey Dies at 87
Mortimer L. Downey III, a nationally recognized leader in urban mass transit died on Nov. 2 at the age of 87, according to a report by The Washington Post. Downey spent six
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Transit Briefs: WMATA, Brightline, NYMTA, CTA, NCTD, NFTA, PANYNJ
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) “flips the switch” on Solar Carport Project at Anacostia, marking completion at the first two stations. Also, Brightline partners with Distribusion Technologies; the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announces that the first OMNY card vending machines are available for customers; Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) ridership breaks post-pandemic record; the North County Transit District (NCTD) is awarded a Clean California Local Grant to beautify the Oceanside Transit Center Pedestrian Tunnel; the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) announces the activation of Metro rail gates; and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) sets a new September passenger record.
Transit Briefs: MARTA, SunRail, TTC, WMATA
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) secures $1.75 million to form a regional transit and transit-oriented development (TOD) accelerator. Also, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) provides new details on SunRail’s proposed extension; Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) restores streetcar service to Humber Loop; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) opens a new Integrated Command and Communications Center.
FTA Seeks Input on Hours of Service, Fatigue Risk Management Programs
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is considering minimum safety standards to provide protections for transit workers to obtain rest “thereby reducing the risk of fatigue-related safety injuries.”
Transit Briefs: CTA, LIRR, Metrolink, Metrolinx, WMATA
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) proposes a $1.99 billion operating budget for 2024. Also, Rob Free takes over as acting President of MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR); Southern California’s Metrolink conducts an on-board drill using earthquake safety technology; WSP in Canada wins a contract for Metrolinx’s Hamilton Light Rail Transit project in Ontario; the Ontario government plans transit-oriented development near six future stations of Metrolinx’s Ontario Line subway and Scarborough Subway extension projects in Toronto; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) extends Parsons’ task-order contract.
Transit Briefs: Amtrak, AECOM, WMATA
Amtrak introduces a simplified fare structure. Also, AECOM is appointed by Metrolinx to serve as technical advisor for the Hamilton Light Rail Transit (LRT) project; and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) prepares for its Auto Doors function.
Transit Briefs: MARTA, CTA, LA Metro, WMATA, MBTA
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) awards a contract for a new automated fare collection system. Also, Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Red Line Extension (RLE) project will receive a $100 million federal grant; LA Metro’s pilot program to test restrooms for riders and staff begins this month at four stations; the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) commits to regular checks of brake bolts after derailment; and $900,000 in local emergency response funding will be released for additional safety equipment associated with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) new South Coast Rail (SCR) service in 2024.
Transit Briefs: Amtrak/LOSSAN, NYMTA/PANYNJ, WMATA, Brightline
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner service reduces fleet’s environmental impact with sustainable fuel alternative. Also, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announces that AirTrain JFK will accept payments via OMNY, beginning Oct. 11; the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) celebrates one million customers at the Washington Dulles International Airport Silver Line Metrorail Station and announces that normal rail service has returned as the agency continues to inspect the fleet’s oldest railcars; and Brightline will double its train service between Orlando and Miami.
Transit Briefs: TTC, NYMTA, VRE/WMATA, ATP, Brightline
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) proposes new investments in customer service, community safety and security initiatives. Also, New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Construction & Development (C&D) achieves insurance costs and risk assessment savings of nearly $400 million; Virginia’s Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) approves new Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) policies; Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) approves $190 million spending plan for fiscal year 2024; and Brightline announces Orlando transportation partners.
Transit Briefs: CTA, Minn. Met Council, San Diego MTS, SBCTA, WMATA
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) issues a Request for Proposals (RFP) to build Red Line Extension track structure and stations, and hits the ridership “million mark” on multiple days, a post-pandemic first. Also, Minnesota’s Metropolitan Council announces a grant agreement that will fund work on the Metro Transit Blue Line extension project through 2024; San Diego Metropolitan Transit System’s (MTS) Board signs off on measures to improve operations, accessibility and security; San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) takes delivery of the ZEMU (Zero-Emissions Multiple Unit) from Stadler; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) delays until next year the full switch to automatic train operations (ATO).