2013 Top Rail Projects Total Reaches $99B
With $14.3 billion in projects, New York City Transit tops this year’s list, followed closely by the Toronto Transit Commission. Three new projects in Tucson, Ariz.; Detroit and Orlando, Fla., totaling $948 million, make their debut.

Courtesy Larry Levine

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s New York City Transit regains the top spot in METRO’s Top Rail Projects survey with a projected $14.3 billion in projects, with last year’s No.1, the Toronto Transit Commission, right behind them with $14 billion.
As has been the recent trend, Canadian projects continue to make a huge impact in the industry with six transit agencies, totaling approximately $21.8 billion, appearing in this year’s list. Meanwhile, projects at five California transit agencies total more than $10.4 billion.
Rounding out METRO’s top five are Seattle’s Sound Transit with $9 billion; Boston’s Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority with $7.1 billion; and the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation with $5.1 billion.
Overall, this year’s approximate $99 billion project purse is higher than the $83 billion reported in 2012.
At a Glance
This year’s Top Rail Projects features three new construction projects, including the Florida Department of Transportation’s $615 million SunRail project (No. 27); the City of Tucson Department of Transportation’s $196 million Sun Link streetcar project (No. 38); and Detroit’s M-1 Rail $137 million streetcar project.
Further analysis of this year’s numbers show respondents have 3,409 new railcars on order, with a majority of those vehicles expected to be heavy railcars. This year, METRO Magazine listed 40 projects and highlighted three transit projects with more in depth coverage.
If you know an agency with plans for the future, but were omitted from this year’s survey, please let us know so that we can include it next year. METRO would also like to send a special thanks to all the agencies for taking the time to fill out our surveys and continuing to participate in this annual feature.
To view the full list, click here.
To view project profiles, click here.
More Rail

Keolis and SNCF Voyageurs Bring Rail Expertise to California High-Speed Rail
The CDA establishes a collaborative predevelopment partnership intended to evaluate future delivery opportunities through public-private partnership models.
Read More →
Stadler Marks 10 Years in the U.S. with Salt Lake City Expansion
The expansion is expected to create up to 300 new local jobs, some of which are youth apprenticeships, said Stadler officials.
Read More →
MBTA Selects STV to Support Battery-Electric Locomotive Procurement
The firm's seven-year contract includes end-to-end support from bid review and selection through procurement, production, and testing.
Read More →
Executive Order Aims to Improve Transit Access Across California
The order directs state agencies to streamline transit project delivery, improve coordination, and expand access to bus and passenger rail services across California.
Read More →
California High-Speed Rail Advances Merced–Madera Construction Procurement
The procurement represents a major expansion of active high-speed rail construction.
Read More →
Amtrak Finalizes Pre-Development Agreement for Penn Station Overhaul
The agreement advances plans for a $7 billion to $8 billion transformation of New York's busiest transit hub, with construction expected to begin by the end of 2027.
Read More →
New York MTA Leverages Zoning Program to Advance Station Accessibility
Accessibility enhancements at Nevins St Station will be financed through a development agreement tied to the MTA's Zoning for Accessibility initiative.
Read More →
Virginia's $28.5B Transportation Plan Targets Transit and Rail
Approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the program supports ongoing infrastructure projects while providing new investments in transit, state of good repair and transportation alternatives.
Read More →
DOT: Brightline Corridor Incidents Fall 30% Following Federal Safety Upgrades
Safety improvements funded through a $25 million federal investment are credited with reducing trespassing and train-vehicle collisions along the Brightline Florida corridor.
Read More →
D Line Expansion Fuels Growth Across LA Metro's Rail System
Weekend rail ridership was especially strong, soaring 18% as riders embraced expanded access to jobs, entertainment, dining, and cultural destinations, said the agency. Total system ridership for May, including bus and rail, was 26,966,657.
Read More →