METRO Briefs
Judge to weigh lifting LACMTA’s consent decree
LOS ANGELES — On Thursday, a judge will consider lifting a 10-year-old consent decree that forced the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) to spend more than $1 billion to expand and improve bus service for poor and minority riders. If the decree is lifted, local activists fear the LACMTA will slash service and raise fares. For the full story click here.
BART to test run ‘smart card’ for riders
OAKLAND, Calif. — The Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) will select 250 people to take part in a six-month pilot program to test smart cards at its stations. The cards will be linked to the card owners’ credit card and will automatically replenish once the balance drops below a certain amount. For the full story, click here.
CATS launches light-rail safety education
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte Area Transit System officials are starting an effort to educate the public about rail crossing safety a year ahead of its expected launch. The seminars are trying to stress the light rail system's faster speeds and higher frequencies. For the full story, click here.
More Management
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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