METRO Briefs
Fla. agency considers going fare-free Canadian transit to improve services for blind riders Va. schools to stop publishing bus routes
Fla. agency considers going fare-free
TAMPA — Hillsborough County's transit agency will explore eliminating fares as it considers switching from property taxes to sales taxes as a funding source. A half-cent sales tax would bring in $110 million a year, replacing the $36 million the agency currently gets from property owners and enough to cover fare box collections at $10 million. To read the full story, click here.
Canadian transit to improve services for blind riders
TORONTO — Transit agencies in cities across Canada are addressing the need to announce every stop or station after two blind lawyers brought cases before the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal and Canadian Transportation Agency, respectively. To read the full story, click here.
Va. schools to stop publishing bus routes
NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk Public Schools will no longer list school bus stops in newspapers or on its Website, but will instead mail route information to students’ homes. Reasons for the change include custody disputes between parents, terrorism concerns and possible abduction from a bus stop, officials say. To read the full story, click here.
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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.
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Hitachi Rail Completes Acquisition of Intelligent Transportation Systems Provider Clever Devices
The acquisition expands Hitachi Rail's North American presence and multimodal capabilities, combining rail and bus technologies to deliver more integrated digital solutions for transit agencies.
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Utah Transit Authority Adopts New Governance Model
State leaders said the changes will improve oversight, coordinate transportation investments, and support expanding transit service across the Wasatch Front.
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Federal Highway Administration Seeks Public Input on Future of Interstate System
The initiative invites feedback on new routes, major upgrades, and emerging transportation needs, including issues that could affect public transit and motorcoach operations.
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New York MTA to Replace Three East End LIRR Bridges
Each structure, built between 1895 and 1921, serves vehicular traffic over the LIRR’s Montauk Branch.
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Transit Pilot Offers Lessons for Expanding Mobility Access
An Urban Institute evaluation found that a fare-free transit program increased ridership, reduced transportation barriers, and improved access to jobs, healthcare, and other essential services.
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Tolar Manufacturing Marks 35 Years in Transit Infrastructure Industry
Founded in 1991 by Gary Tolar, the Corona, Calif.-based company has expanded from its first major transit contract in San Diego to projects in cities throughout the US and Canada.
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SEPTA Board Approves FY2027 Budget Amid Funding Challenges
The spending plan represents an increase of just 1.9% over the current year and includes investments in new buses, additional full-length fare gates, and other customer enhancements.
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North Carolina CATS Approves Fare Modernization, Fare Ambassadors Programs
The initiatives will introduce new payment options, fare capping, and rider education as the Charlotte transit agency looks to simplify fares and improve the customer experience.
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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.
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