Chicago Transit Authority

Transit Briefs: MBTA, MDOT, Metrolinx, CTA, AtkinsRéalis/NYMTA

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) releases a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) site in Attleboro. Also, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) announces a TOD vision for Baltimore’s Reisterstown Plaza Metro Station; the original price of the Ontario Line didn’t include all costs, according to Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster; the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announces the name of the new Green Line Station, which is currently under construction; and AtkinsRéalis Group Inc. (AtkinsRéalis) will work with ECCO III Enterprises Inc. to design and build upgrades to the New York Metropolitan Authority’s (MTA) Broadway Junction Complex.

High school students this summer will shadow CTA’s construction management team and document the 5.6-mile Red Line Extension project. (Project Rendering Courtesy of CTA)

Transit Briefs: CTA, Minn. Met Council, NJT, SEPTA, Metrolinx

This summer, Chicago will see CTA’s Red Line Extension project through the eyes of three high school students. Also, Minnesota’s Metropolitan (Met) Council and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) prepare an environmental report for the Metro Blue Line extension project; New Jersey Transit (NJT) hosts a workshop on transportation and security planning ahead of large-scale events like the FIFA World Cup 2026; Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) in May exceeds 70% of pre-COVID ridership for the first time; and Ontario’s Metrolinx awards a rail program advisory contract to Jacobs.

Transit Briefs: NYMTA, DART, CTA, SEPTA, Metra

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) replaces the first segment of Metro-North Railroad’s Park Avenue Viaduct. Also, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) approves a new strategic plan; the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) hits an average weekday ridership of one million in May; the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) announces the return of the historic Presidents’ Conference Committee (PCC) Trolleys to Route 15; and Metra awards contracts to rebuild 95th St./Chicago State University Station.

Transit Briefs: Tri-Rail, CTA, Amtrak Virginia

Tri-Rail introduces new express train service. Also, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announces “Refresh & Renew” work across the system and celebrates diversity and inclusiveness with the return of its Pride Train; and Amtrak Virginia rolls into summer with record ridership.

CTA is expected to install up to 971 Video Recording Systems from Railhead Corp. on its 5000 Series and 3200 Series rapid transit cars, with initial installations beginning this year. (CTA Photograph)

Railhead Lands CTA Video Contract

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has awarded Railhead Corp. a contract to design and install a complete Video Recording System for the agency’s Bombardier Transportation-built 5000 Series and Morrison–Knudsen-built 3200 Series rapid transit cars.

Contactless fare payment is slated for rollout at MBTA this summer on subways, buses and any above-ground Green Line trains, according to Boston’s WBZ-TV, a CBS affiliate. (MBTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: CTA, LACMTA, MBTA

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) unveils under-the-track development plans as part of the Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One project. Also, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) logs its 17th consecutive month of year-over-year ridership growth in April; and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority anticipates rolling out its contactless fare payment system this summer.

Transit Briefs: Metrolinx, LA Metro, Sound Transit, Jacobs, CTA

Metrolinx reaches a major vehicle testing milestone on the Finch West Light Rail Transit (LRT) project. Also, LA Metro’s Board votes to approve certification of the final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Eastside Transit Corridor Phase 2 project; Sound Transit introduces a new fare inspection process; Jacobs is selected to provide program management services for Broward County Transportation’s first public transit expansion; and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) unveils renderings for the rehabilitation of the Western Brown Line Station.

Transit Briefs: WMATA, MBTA, NCTD, RTA

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) applauds state funding to redevelop the Capitol Heights Metro Station. Also, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) advances nearly 1,000 units of housing; the North County Transit District (NCTD) authorizes negotiations with developers for two oceanside transit-oriented development (TOD) projects; and Chicago’s Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) selects eight station activation projects for a pilot program to improve public safety near transit and develops the Chicago region’s first Mobility Hub Network Framework.

Caltrain on May 11 held the third public tour of its new EMUs, which are scheduled to begin revenue service this September. (Caltrain Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Caltrain, CTA, Colorado

California’s Caltrain welcomes thousands to the third public tour of its new Stadler-built KISS bilevel EMUs (electric multiple-units). Also, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) marks the highest ridership week of 2024; and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signs multiple transit-related bills into law, including one to advance Front Range Passenger Rail.

Brightline train in Orlando. (Photo by David C. Lester)

Transit Briefs: Metra, CTA, Brightline

Metra increases its UP North Line weekday service. Also, crime on the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) continues a downward trend in April; and Brightline ends its monthly passes.