GoTriangle has released the results of the Greater Triangle Commuter Rail Feasibility study and seeks public feedback on proposed regional passenger rail service through Durham, Cary, Raleigh and Clayton, N.C.

Transit Briefs: DART, GoTriangle, MARTA, MBTA, Metra, SunRail, Transit Tech Lab

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) launches a redesigned website. Also, Durham, N.C.-based GoTriangle releases a regional passenger rail feasibility report; Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Deputy General Manager Josh Rowan steps down; Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) calls out CCRC for railcar manufacturing quality issues; Chicago’s Metra commuter railroad and Pace Suburban Bus seek design feedback on their joint Harvey Transportation Center project; SunRail commuter rail could serve Central Florida’s Orange County Convention Center as early as 2030; and applications are open for the New York region’s Transit Tech Lab competition.

"Americans deserve to have the best rail system in the world, and the investments we are announcing today will serve to modernize the NEC for generations of passengers," U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said on Dec. 22.

USDOT Appoints Members to FTA’s TRACS

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) on Dec. 15 announced the appointment of 24 members to the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Transit Advisory Committee for Safety (TRACS), which provides information, advice and recommendations on transit safety and other issues as determined by the Secretary of Transportation and the FTA Administrator.

MassDOT has submitted an application for more than $108 million in federal funding for rail corridor improvements between Springfield and Worcester to restore Inland Route intercity passenger rail service. (Amtrak Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak/CSX/MassDOT, DART, NJT

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), in partnership with Amtrak and with support from CSX, is seeking federal funding for corridor improvements to restore Inland Route intercity passenger rail service. Also, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is extending the Discount GoPass Tap Card pilot program; and New Jersey Transit (NJT) is re-launching its Adopt-A-Station program.

Through the new Clean Team Initiative pilot program, 24 additional contract cleaners will board light rail vehicles across the DART network on all four light rail lines throughout the day. (Photograph Courtesy of DART)

Transit Briefs: DART, Metrolinx, VIA Rail Canada

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) in Texas launches a Clean Team Initiative pilot program. Also, VIA Rail Canada awards contracts to upgrade its Toronto and Montréal maintenance centers; and the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage has closed for the second Advance Tunnel Contract on the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension in Toronto.

A portion of the preferred station stop map and numbering approach for the Link system. (Credit: Sound Transit)

Transit Briefs: Sound Transit, CATS, RTD, DART

Sound Transit will replace pictograms with a new station code system across its Link network. Also, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) moves into the next phase of building its new transportation system; the Regional Transportation District (RTD) seeks a corporate partner for A Line naming rights; and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) offers free cell service and phone to eligible riders.

MTA Photo

Transit Briefs: NYMTA, DART, MBTA, CATS

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) transition to “tap and go” payment system, One Metro New York (OMNY), may take until June 2025. Also, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will provide free transportation to polling locations on Nov. 8; the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) expands Pay-Per-Use limited fare program to local employers; and the City of Charlotte approves $14.8 million to expand Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) rail yard.

The BARTmobile was a "boon for photos" at BART's 50th anniversary celebration.

Transit Briefs: BART, DART, SacRT, WMATA

Thousands attend Bay Area Rapid Transit’s (BART) 50th anniversary celebration. Also, BART’s schedule changes go into effect with several improvements; Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and Assurance Wireless partner to offer free cell phone service to eligible riders; the Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) seeks input on new brand identity and logo; and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) celebrates the reigning National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) champion Washington Spirit with new commemorative Metro SmarTrip card.

The DART Police Department has been reaccredited by the Texas Police Chiefs Association Foundation (TPCAF).

Transit Briefs: DART, GoTriangle, NYMTA, Metrolinx, Caltrain, VIA Rail, MBTA

The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Police Department has been reaccredited by the Texas Police Chiefs Association Foundation (TPCAF). Also, a new study gives a clearer picture of commuter rail project in Research Triangle, N.C.; Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) commuter railroads set ridership records, Metrolinx selects development partner to transform Spadina-Front GO Station; Caltrain improves Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) connections and increases San Francisco and South San Francisco service with new weekday schedule; new report details “critical need” for the return of VIA Rail Canada’s commuter train service along the Kingston to Toronto corridor; and the City of Boston, along with Boston Public Schools (BPS) make Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) M7 student passes available year-round.

WMATA can safely operate up to 20 of its 7000-series cars per day, up from the current limit of eight trains, under an updated return-to-service plan approved by the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission. (WMATA 7000-Series Cars: Courtesy Wikipedia )

Transit Briefs: CTA; DART; MBTA; Minn. Met Council; WMATA

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is deploying K-9 teams across its rail system. Also, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is hosting the Latinos in Transit 2022 Leadership Summit; Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) maintenance-of-way blitz on the Orange Line is 50% complete; Minnesota’s Southwest Light Rail project has a $534 million funding shortfall, according to a state audit report; and more 7000-series rapid transit cars will return to service starting Sept. 12 at Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).

SacRT has teamed with the Sacramento Public Library to launch the area’s first library train. (Photograph Courtesy of SacRT)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak/VPRA, DART/DCTA, Metrolinx, SacRT, Sound Transit

Amtrak’s Virginia route ridership hit record highs last month. Also, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) in Texas are launching a joint rail operations facility; Metrolinx is employing Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design on its Finch West light rail transit (LRT) project in northwest Toronto; Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) riders can sit back and read on the new Library Train in California; and the Fare Ambassador program at Sound Transit in Seattle, Wash., is now permanent.

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