Rapid Transit

Transit Briefs: MBTA, OCTA

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) completes critical track work on the Orange Line. Also, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) seeks public input on its 2024 OC Transit Vision Master Plan.

(Hitachi Rail Photograph)

Watch: Happy Birthday, Skyline!

The initial operating segment of Honolulu’s 20-mile, 21-station autonomous (driverless) Skyline, the first urban rail transit GoA4 (Grade of Automation) system in operation in the United States, marked one year of revenue service on June 30.

The LACMTA Board of Directors on June 28 unanimously approved the establishment of the Transit Community Public Safety Department (TCPSD), whose objectives will be “increased visibility, accountability and consistent service delivery,” which LACMTA said will result in a safer transit system for employees and riders. (LACMTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: LACMTA, LIRR, PATH, SEPTA, Sound Transit

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) is establishing an in-house transit police department. Also, MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) completes two station accessibility projects; Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s (PANY/NJ) PATH surpasses 5 million riders in May, the first time since the pandemic’s onset; Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s (SEPTA) Board approves a wayfinding signage contract; and Seattle’s Sound Transit advances the Link Operations and Maintenance Facility South project.

Transit Briefs: Govt. of Canada/Govt. of Quebec, Amtrak/NJ Transit, TransLink, MTA (Maryland)

The governments of Canada and Quebec invest C$163.5 million to plan a structuring public transit project in Gatineau. Also, Amtrak and NJ Transit execute a joint plan to “accelerate investigations of disruptions and improve reliability” between New York and New Jersey; TransLink releases a corporate cost-cutting plan to address its funding gap; and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s administration moves forward with plans for a new light rail project in Baltimore.

(SEPTA Photograph)

SEPTA Board OKs $2.6B Budget for FY2025

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Board has signed off on a $2.6 billion Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget proposal comprising a $1.74 billion Operating Budget and a $924 million Capital Budget,

ASLRRA SVP, Law and General Counsel Sarah Yurasko (pictured far left) has been sworn in as a member of the U.S. Supreme Court Bar; she is shown here at the Supreme Court with her sponsoring attorney Susan Warshaw Ebner of ASLRRA member Stinson (ASLRRA Photograph). MBTA Deputy Director of Administration Katie Kalugin (pictured far right) has earned the WTS 2024 Claire Barrett Member of the Year Award. (MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department Photograph).
  • News

People News: ASLRRA, MBTA

Sarah Yurasko, Senior Vice President, Law and General Counsel for the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA), has been admitted to the Bar of the U.S. Supreme Court. Also, WTS International and its Boston Chapter have selected as member of the year Katie Kalugin, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Deputy Director of Administration.

By spring 2026, Amtrak and CSX, in partnership with the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, will install a PTC system on more than 100 miles of track to support Downeaster service. (Amtrak Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, TTC, WMATA

Amtrak and CSX team on a Positive Train Control (PTC) installation between Haverhill, Mass., and Brunswick, Maine. Also, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) addresses “systemic racism within the transit system”; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) Takoma Station is reopening early with new amenities and a rebuilt interlocking.