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.