The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) celebrated the opening of Houston Metro’s North Line light rail extension, the first of three new light rail lines that will significantly improve transit options in one of the nation’s largest and fastest growing areas.
The U.S. Department of Transportation is providing $900 million toward construction of two new light rail lines in Houston, including $450 million for the North Line and $450 million for the Southeast Line, which is currently under construction and expected to open in 2014. Funding for both rail lines is provided through FTA’s Capital Investment (New Starts) Grant Program.
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Houston Metro estimates nearly 1,800 jobs have been created during construction of the two new light rail lines. In addition, expanding service to the north and the southeast is part of the city’s sweeping plan to connect Houston’s workforce with major downtown employment centers, the Texas Medical Center, the University of Houston and Texas Southern University.
Combined, the two projects will extend the existing light rail system by an additional 12 miles and provide alternatives to congested Interstate 45 and U.S. Route 59.
With 18 new passenger stops along the way, the expanded light rail will take riders to Reliant Park, Toyota Center, Minute Maid Park, BBVA Compass Stadium, the Museum District, and the George R. Brown Convention Center/Discovery Green Park. The new light rail lines are expected to carry more than 58,000 riders on weekdays, including more than 13,000 new transit riders a day, by the year 2030.
The revamped Buyer’s Guide will reach METRO’s audience of more than 17,000 print and digital subscribers, providing suppliers with year-round visibility in front of transit agency leaders, motorcoach operators, and industry decision-makers across North America.
Funded through the 2025 Investment Plan, the new R2 Marine–Willingdon RapidBus is expected to begin service in September, more than three months ahead of schedule.
In addition to new projects, progress continues on a multiyear effort to upgrade track, electrical, and signal systems on the Metra Electric Line to accommodate the expansion of service on the South Shore Line.
Behind every sold-out game is a transit playbook built on data, partnerships, and precision timing to move thousands of fans. Here’s how agencies make it work.
The Maryland Transit Administration is advancing the nearly $1.4 billion Light Rail Modernization Program, which modernizes the Baltimore Central Light Rail Line from Hunt Valley to BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport with new, low-floor vehicles and upgrades to all light rail stations, systems, and maintenance facilities.
Created with local artist Dante Lewis, the new “On the Move” audio identity aims to unify messaging and deepen the rider experience across agency platforms.
The Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board recently met for a budget workshop, during which staff outlined the significant service reductions Caltrain could be forced to make without new external funding.
In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at Alstom, VIA Metropolitan Transit, Transdev US, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
