Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

Granted a new five-year contract to Titan for the exclusive right to sell advertising across Seattle-based King County Metro's system. The contract includes a two-year extension.

The contract extension runs through July 31, 2018.

The application, available over the Internet, for iPhone and Android devices and as SMS message alerts, is available for free and has become a valuable tool for thousands planning transit trips throughout the region.

The RapidRide B Line, featuring 60-foot articulated buses built by New Flyer, will connect the cities of Bellevue and Redmond.

A state representative has gotten 30 co-sponsors for a bill that would allow transit agencies to impose a "congestion reduction charge" per year on car-tabs in three area counties. If approved, the bill could bring in an estimated $38 million a year for King County Metro.

After beating incident, King County Metro installed driver's area barriers. But drivers say they interfere with passenger interaction and hinder visibility, among other issues.

Amendment placed by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) in last year's DOT appropriations bill prohibited the FTA from enforcing the Charter Bus Rule against King County Metro Transit.

Under the contract, Eurotech will deliver the DuraMAR to Metro in 2010 and 2011, with the option to provide additional routers for public safety vehicles and up to six years of extended warranty support.

Metro and the Sheriff's Office will assign at least one deputy to each of Metro's five tunnel stations during operating hours.

There are only two places in King County where seniors can go for discounted fare passes, while the disabled must report to Metro headquarters, because their passes require photographs and other computer equipment that's only available there.