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
More Management

Intercity Bus Industry Outlook: A Mix of Apprehension & Optimism
Industry leaders see both promise and peril ahead as intercity bus travel rebounds, but unpredictable market forces threaten to reshape the sector.
Read More →
Philadelphia's SEPTA Celebrates New Ardmore Station
The station was rebuilt as part of SEPTA’s Station Accessibility Program, making it fully ADA accessible with new elevators, ramps, and high-level platforms.
Read More →
SEPTA Releases Proposed $2.7B Fiscal Year 2027 Budget
The plan represents an increase of just 1.9% over the current year, and includes investments in new buses, more full-length fare gates, and other enhancements for customers.
Read More →
Metra Reaches New 10-Year Agreement with BNSF
The announcement highlights the long-standing partnership between the Class I railroad and the commuter rail system, dating back to Metra's creation in 1983.
Read More →
Bus Tech Talk: AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Leadership, Mentorship, and a Career in Transit
In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.
Read More →
Last Chance: Be A Part of METRO's Annual Buyer’s Guide
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.
Read More →
Vancouver's TransLink Fast-Tracks RapidBus Line to Metrotown
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.
Read More →
Metra Reveals 2026 Construction Program
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.
Read More →
What It Really Takes To Move a Stadium Crowd
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.
Read More →
Governor Advances Transit-Oriented Development in Baltimore
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.
Read More →
