Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

Could be forced to eliminate 65 bus routes and reduce service on 86 others if the state Legislature fails to approve new revenue sources this session. Authorization for a temporary two-year Congestion Reduction Charge that would fully fund the transit agency will soon expire.

New York’s Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority exercised options under an existing contract for 20 60-foot heavy-duty Xcelsior articulated clean diesel buses. Meanwhile, Daimler Buses North America assigned to New Flyer its contract with Seattle’s King County Metro Transit to build up to 381 Xcelsior heavy-duty 35- and 40-foot diesel-electric hybrid buses.

Trying to keep the city of Kirkland from taking out a five-mile section of rail line to install a recreational trail. City officials told the paper that they plan to eventually rebuild the tracks, but rail advocates are skeptical and say the possibilities should be studied first.

Stops protrude toward the street, to help buses quickly board riders. Some are located close to the intersection and occupy the only lane of traffic, causing drivers behind the bus to block the intersection.

The Seattle network of transit systems allows visitors to conveniently reach a variety of points of interest, from the iconic Space Needle at the Seattle Center to the world-renowned Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle to the EMP Museum, featuring the Experience Music Project, and the Pacific Science Center.

With funds from the FTA’s Bus and Bus Facilities Grant Program, the King County Department of Transportation will build two new bus rapid transit lines as part of greater Seattle’s new six corridor RapidRide BRT system.

Washington Cease Fire purchased 50 ads for approximately $50,000 for the campaign.

Commuters have left their cars in the driveway and hopped on the bus, the King County Water Taxi and even bicycles. King County Metro reported more riders than usual on both buses and water taxis.

Agency’s new policy, created after a controversy involving an ad which sparked a face-off between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian groups, prohibits ads that express a viewpoint on economic, political, religious or social issues.

Bringing the “In Motion” program to five Seattle-area neighborhoods this summer to help residents increase their use of travel options, such as walking, cycling, riding the bus or water taxi, and sharing rides. People who pledge to drive less can earn rewards, including free ride tickets for King County Metro and Sound Transit, and items, discounts, and gift cards donated by local businesses.