METRO Briefs
Houston’s light-rail leaks electricity MTA considers cell phone service underground CTA faces repairs, possible layoffs
Houston’s light-rail leaks electricity
HOUSTON — A consultant report says that electrical current leaking from Houston’s MetroRail tracks was found at two locations in the Texas Medical Center complex. The report says Metro must control “stray” current to protect area infrastructure. To read the full story, click here.
MTA considers cell phone service underground
NEW YORK — The MTA is moving ahead with plans to bring cell service to all 277 underground subway platforms. Several companies, including a consortium of major wireless providers, submitted bids for the contract. To read the full story, click here.
CTA faces repairs, possible layoffs
CHICAGO — The Chicago Transit Authority has announced that it is reallocating nearly $15 million to make repairs to its rapid transit operation. At the same time, the agency is facing job cuts as part of a contingency plan to take place in September if the state legislature fails to increase transit funding. To read the full story, click here.
More Management
STraffic Expands North American Presence with Fare Collection Technology
Deck: John Moon, Associate Director, Product Strategy at STraffic, discusses the company's growth in North America, its efforts to reduce fare evasion, and more.
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Study: Denver RTD Generates $2.1 Billion in Annual Economic Activity
An economic impact study finds the agency supports approximately 17,500 jobs, delivers $1.6 billion in annual community and mobility benefits, and generates $2.42 in economic value for every dollar invested.
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Mark Aesch Nominated to Lead Federal Transit Administration
The former Rochester transit chief and TransPro founder, who has also contributed to METRO Magazine, brings decades of industry experience and a focus on performance, accountability, and financial sustainability to the nomination.
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Best and Worst U.S. Cities for Public Transportation in 2026
A new analysis of 50 major U.S. urban areas ranks public transit systems based on accessibility, affordability, usefulness, and safety, highlighting where transit performs best and where challenges remain.
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Laketran Cuts Fuel Costs, Boosts Efficiency with Propane-Powered Fleet
The Ohio transit agency is using propane-powered vehicles and on-site fueling infrastructure to cut fuel and maintenance costs while meeting growing demand for paratransit services.
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Canada’s Public Transit Supports $65.6 Billion in Annual GDP
New research from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce examines transit's economic contributions, including job creation and the financial implications of transportation investment.
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Pierce Transit Moves to Expand Fleet Following Proposition 1 Approval
The agency authorized the purchase or refurbishment of up to 60 buses to support a 47% service expansion, as voters nationwide approved billions in new transit funding.
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Right-Sizing Rural Transit: Lessons from North Grenville’s On-Demand Model
A small municipality shows how flexible service, rider needs, and public accountability can expand mobility with limited resources.
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Transit Ballot Victories Signal Strong Voter Support: What Comes Next?
Voters approved billions in public transportation investments in 2026, giving agencies opportunities to preserve service, expand operations, and strengthen regional connections amid a changing political landscape.
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Transit Expands Agency Partnerships, Reaching 200 Official App Partners
COO Jake Sion discusses Transit’s growth, the success of its Transit Royale program, and how technology is helping agencies improve the rider experience.
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