Serbia borrows $104M for transport repairs The European Investment Bank approved a $104 million loan to help Serbia repair transport infrastructure in the capital city of Belgrade, according to the Serbian government. The loan, which has a 20-year repayment period, will be used for repairing 31 miles of tram tracks, refurbishing 120 trams and reconstructing some 75 miles of streets. Repair work is slated for completion in 2006. Coalition formed for international route Iran, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan signed a memorandum of understanding on an international transport route among the three countries, reported The Tehran Times. Under the agreement, which stressed expansion of the tripartite cooperation to set up a transit route and establish required infrastructures, the central Asian countries would gain access to Europe and international waters through Iran and Afghanistan, said The Times. New Zealand develops cell phone updates New Zealand rail service Trans Metro is developing Internet-based software to communicate with its customers via cell phones. The software, which would send text messages to mobile phones and also electronic signs considered for installation in larger stations, would allow Trans Metro to give updated information on trains such as arrival times, according to the Wairarapa Times-Age.
Briefs from around the globe
News from Serbia, the Middle East and New Zealand
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Keolis Contract Extended for Valley Metro's East Valley Fixed-Route Bus Service
Under this extension, Keolis will continue to manage and operate fixed-route bus service across the East Valley, serving communities including Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, the town of Gilbert, parts of Phoenix, and the Gila River Indian Community.
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WTS International Names HDR Employer of the Year
The award recognizes the firm’s commitment to advancing women and developing a diverse workforce in an inclusive and collaborative environment.
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Chicago Kicks Off Historic Red Line Extension at Michigan Avenue Station Site
The Red Line Extension Project will provide the Far South Side of Chicago with rapid rail transit for the first time by extending the Red Line by 5.5 miles from 95th Street to 130th Street, including the construction of four new Red Line stations at 103rd, 111th, Michigan, and 130th streets.
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ABQ RIDE Celebrates One Year of Transit Ambassadors
A year in, ABQ RIDE’s Ambassador Program is proving that a friendly face and local know-how can transform the transit experience.
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TTC Upgrades Real-Time Signage to Improve Rider Experience
New onboard displays and stop-level screens aim to make transit easier to navigate, especially during disruptions and major events.
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WMATA Adopts FY2027 Budget, Boosts Service Without Raising Fares
While recognizing regional economic constraints and continuing to improve service, the budget increases the jurisdictional subsidy to less than 1.8%, significantly below the inflation rate and the 3% regional target, said agency officials.
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Bus Coalition Leaders Push to Protect Transit Funding in Critical Reauthorization Year
Coalition leaders outline priorities for preserving bus funding, maintaining competitive grants, and ensuring flexibility for transit agencies nationwide.
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City of Everett, Community Transit Advance Transit Consolidation Effort
In the coming months, the parties will develop an interlocal agreement for the city’s annexation into Community Transit’s district. The proposal will be considered by the Everett City Council and the Community Transit board this fall, said officials.
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CTA To Upgrade 28 Stations, 14 Bus Turnarounds Under Expanded Improvement Program
A $6.5 million investment will bring station improvements, rider-friendly features, and workforce opportunities as CTA prioritizes safer, more welcoming transit spaces.
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From Collaboration to Innovation: Diane Cowin on What’s Next for Transit
In this Consultant Roundtable, AECOM’s Interim Global Transit Director discusses how agencies can align teams, manage complexity, and prepare for the next generation of transit infrastructure and service delivery.
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