New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority

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.

Phoenix Valley Metro will receive $16 million for the Rio East-Dobson Streetcar Study, which eyes a 4.35-mile extension from Tempe into Mesa, Ariz. (Valley Metro Photograph)

First Look: Rail-Related RAISE Grantees for FY24

More than $310 million in FY 2024 RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) program grants will be distributed to 23 freight and passenger rail-related projects in 19 states, according to a U.S. Department

Transit Briefs: NYMTA, TriMet, Valley Metro

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) launches subway station manager office hours. Also, TriMet will begin testing its newest trains on the MAX Red Line this month; and Valley Metro’s new fare system launches this summer.

(FTA Image)

FTA Awards $343MM for Station Accessibility Projects

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on May 28 reported that eight transit systems in eight states will share $343 million to make their rail stations “more accessible and in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards” by installing elevators, renovating platforms for level boarding, improving signage, and improving visual and audio systems.

Amtrak recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of accessibility upgrades worth $3.5 million at the Newbern-Dyersburg Station in west Tennessee. (Amtrak Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, NYMTA, PANY/NJ, TriMet

Amtrak debuts station accessibility upgrades in west Tennessee and an updated Cafe Acela menu. Also, New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) marks progress on the reduction of subway fare evasion; Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s (PANY/NJ) PATH tap-and-go fare payment system is now available systemwide; and Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) adopts a $1.84 billion budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025.

The six-week closure of MARTA’s Airport Station for concourse and platform renovations reduced overall construction time by 17 months. (MARTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: MARTA, NYMTA, Amtrak

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) reopens its Airport Station following a six-week renovation project. Also, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) highlights upcoming milestones in its transition from MetroCard to OMNY, the contactless fare payment system; and Amtrak seasonal service to Old Orchard Beach, Maine, resumes.

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, LIRR/Metro-North, LA Metro, TTC

Amtrak’s public art program unveils a new digital video installation at Moynihan Train Hall. Also, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announces record ridership on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North; an LA Metro committee approves a nearly $9 billion budget for the coming year; and the union representing Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) workers takes a “final step” towards possible job action.

New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials on May 10 celebrated the completion of the Harmon Yard “mega-project.” (Photo Credit: Emily Moser / Metro-North Railroad)

Watch: MNR Completes Harmon Shop Upgrades

MTA Metro-North Railroad (MNR) on May 10 reported completing a 23-year, five-phase upgrade project at its Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y.-based maintenance and operations hub, which employs 1,200 people. With the opening of the 400,000

NYS Comptroller: MTA Capex ‘Faces Growing Risks’

A New York State Comptroller Report, Annual Update: Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Debt Profile (download below), says that the nation’s largest public transportation agency’s capital program for maintaining and upgrading the regional transit