S.F. subway project receives final clearance
The $1.3 billion Central Subway project has been favorably evaluated by the FTA as a "New Starts" project and is receiving federal funding from Congress. Construction is expected to begin in 2010, with service to the public starting in 2016.
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) announced that the Central Subway project, which is Phase 2 of the Third Street Light Rail Project, has received a Record of Decision (ROD) from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
The ROD, which was issued on Nov. 26, 2008, is required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and represents the final environmental clearance for the project.
The SFMTA board of directors has also approved a $147 million contract for program and construction management of the Central Subway that moves San Francisco one step closer to extending the existing Third Street Light Rail line from 4th and King Streets to Chinatown.
The contract — set to last five years with an additional five-year option — was negotiated by SFMTA staff after a competitive process, with services to be performed by the Central Subway Partnership, a joint venture of AECOM USA Inc. and EPC Consultants, is set to go to the board of supervisors later this month.
The $1.3 billion Central Subway project has been favorably evaluated by the FTA as a "New Starts" project and is receiving federal funding from Congress.
Construction is expected to begin in 2010, with service to the public starting in 2016.
More Rail

OCTA Declares Emergency to Protect Rail Corridor From Coastal Erosion
The California agency is accelerating shoreline protection and plans to place approximately 690,000 cubic yards of sand along the San Clemente coast to protect a key passenger and freight rail link.
Read More →
More Than a Summer Job: Building the Next Generation of Transit Talent
The Delaware River Port Authority and PATCO have transformed their internship program into a hands-on professional development experience that introduces students to the breadth of transportation careers — and creates a pipeline for future employees.
Read More →
Airo Trains Make Their Amtrak Cascades Debut in the Pacific Northwest
Effective immediately, two cutting-edge Airo trainsets will join the Amtrak Cascades route, operating four daily trips between Vancouver, B.C., Seattle, Portland, and Eugene, Oregon, marking the first introduction of Airo trains into passenger service anywhere in the country.
Read More →
Florida's Brightline Announces Financial Restructuring
Brightline Florida says train operations will continue as normal as certain parent entities enter Chapter 11 and financial stakeholders provide $490 million in new long-term capital.
Read More →
ENC Lands MATA Contract and More in Biz Briefs
In this edition of Biz Briefs, we spotlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility.
Read More →
Strada360’s Steve Lassey on Turning Transit Data Into Better Decisions
From breaking down data silos to preparing for AI, Strada360 CEO Steve Lassey discusses how transit agencies can use technology to improve operations, customer information, and long-term decision-making.
Read More →
SEPTA Details Accelerate Vision for Transit System
The plan outlines investments in trolley modernization, new Metro and Regional Rail vehicles, accessible stations, and more frequent bus and rail service.
Read More →
FTA Ends Direct Oversight of MBTA Safety Actions
The federal agency closed its remaining special directive to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities following a safety review that began in 2022.
Read More →
Amtrak, CN Reach Agreements to Strengthen Passenger Rail Service, Safety
The agreement resolves a more than decade-long proceeding before the Surface Transportation Board concerning the terms and conditions for Amtrak services, such as the City of New Orleans, Illini/Saluki, and Wolverine.
Read More →
New York MTA Advances Final Contract for Second Avenue Subway Expansion
Contract Four is the largest in the Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 project and includes construction of station infrastructure, tracks, and signals for the subway expansion, MTA officials said. Work on Contract Four will begin in 2027.
Read More →