Rising costs threaten N.Y. transit projects
NEW YORK — An estimated $1.4 billion in cost increases could force the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority to eliminate or postpone major transit improvement projects less than halfway through a five-year, $21 billion program. Projects that may be affected include renovations to subway and commuter train stations, maintenance of aging signaling systems and the purchase of buses and subway cars. For the full story, click here. LACMTA considering transit court
LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials are considering the institution of a special court that would deal with passengers who evade fares or break other rules on its buses or trains without paying their fines. A decision on the matter is expected later this year. For the full story, click here. Boston device scare a hoax
BOSTON — Nine blinking electronic devices found around the Boston area that contributed to the shutting down of bus and subway service in some areas and caused a general state of panic, turned out to be a marketing ploy for a cable TV cartoon show. Gov. Deval Patrick, as well as many other Bostonians, were not amused by the hoax. For the full story, click here.