METRO Briefs
Subprime crisis squeezes transit funds CTA plans fare hikes, service cuts L.A. light rail project gets funding
Subprime crisis squeezes transit funds
NEW YORK CITY — With the subprime mortgage crisis impacting the real estate market in New York City, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority will likely receive less revenue from real estate transaction fees. Mayor Michael Bloomberg says this shortfall could be bridged if his congestion pricing plan were enacted. To read the full story, click here.
CTA plans fare hikes, service cuts
CHICAGO — The Chicago Transit Authority will go forward with fare increases and service cuts planned to begin Sept. 16 if the agency doesn’t get state funding. Illinois legislators in the House this week rejected a tax package that would have benefited Chicago-area mass transit systems. To read the full story, click here.
L.A. light rail project gets funding
SACRAMENTO — California transit officials have greenlighted $315 million for the Exposition Light Rail line project, which will connect Los Angeles’s Westside to Culver City and eventually Santa Monica. Funding had been stalled in the state’s legislative budget deadlock. To read the full story, click here.
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NITA Proposes $5B Operating Budget, $9.7B Capital Program for 2027
The proposed budget includes funding for expanded transit service, safety initiatives, fleet upgrades, and infrastructure improvements across CTA, Metra, and Pace.
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Financing, Fleet Replacement Requires a More Strategic Approach
Executives from ABC Companies and MCI discuss how rising costs, changing market conditions, and post-pandemic challenges are prompting motorcoach operators to rethink financing strategies, fleet replacement cycles, and long-term planning.
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Bringing Austin’s First Light Rail System to Life
Austin Transit Partnership CEO Greg Canally discusses the city's nearly 10-mile light rail project, its collaborative approach to project delivery, the importance of community engagement, and the milestones ahead as construction approaches in 2027.
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ETA CEO John Maglio on Transit Technology, Innovation, and Building Agency Trust
ETA founder and CEO John Maglio explores the evolution of transit technology, the importance of reliable systems, and how stronger partnerships can help agencies improve operations and the passenger experience.
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Metra Draft Plan Outlines Costs, Service Improvements for Regional Rail
The Systemwide Network Plan identifies infrastructure needs and potential investments to expand all-day, bidirectional rail service across the Chicago region.
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New Orleans RTA Names Augustine III as New CEO
In this edition, we also spotlight recent personnel moves at HDR, PATH, STV, and more, highlighting the people taking on new roles across the transportation industry.
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How Transit Agencies Are Using Free Rides to Improve Voting Access
Transit agencies are using fare-free service, trip-planning tools, and targeted rides to improve voting access. See what other agencies can learn from these efforts.
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Caltrain’s Electrification Drives a New Era of Ridership Growth
The railroad’s shift to electric service has brought more frequent trains, stronger customer satisfaction, and increased ridership, earning it APTA’s Outstanding Public Transportation System award.
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Chicago, Charlotte Transit Agencies Expand Rider Support Programs
CTA launched crisis intervention teams as CATS prepares to deploy fare ambassadors, expanding customer assistance and security efforts across both systems.
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New York MTA Launches Historic $1.9B Signal, Track Modernization Project
Funded in part by congestion pricing revenue, the project will replace nearly century-old signals along the A and C lines in Brooklyn and Queens.
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