METRO Briefs
Feds failed to ensure bus safety
WASHINGTON, D.C. — National Transportation Safety Board officials, investigating a Sept. 23 bus fire in Texas that claimed 23 lives, were told that the U.S. government has failed to make sure charter buses are safe to ride, citing numerous safety violations by the bus company that was carrying 44 passengers. Earlier in the week, investigators were told that the five-pound fire extinguishers currently being used on motorcoaches can't put out tire fires. For the full story,click here.
Poll: High gas prices have Americans driving less
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Showing how infatuated Americans are with their vehicles, a recent poll conducted by the Pew Research Center found that high gas prices have caused more drivers to reduce driving time (55%) than begin using mass transit (12%). The poll of 1,048 drivers also found that only one in five have started carpooling or sharing rides. For the full story, click here.
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California High-Speed Rail Authority Signs MOU to Advance High Desert Corridor
The agreement deepens collaboration between the California High-Speed Rail Authority and the High Desert Corridor Joint Powers Agency, supporting design integration, cost savings, and faster delivery of a key Southern California rail link.
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Building the Next Generation of Transit Technology
In this edition of METROspectives, Luminator CEO Magnus Friberg discusses the company's transformation, the growing role of AI and software, and what's next for transit technology.
Read More →How Data, Strategy, and Community Engagement Are Reshaping Transit
In this edition of METROspectives, strada360 CEO Steve Lassey discusses how transit agencies can better align planning with operations, leverage data to improve decision-making, and build public trust as they prepare for the future of mobility.
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NJ TRANSIT Secures Capital Funding, Adopts FY2027 Budget
The budgets continue investments in infrastructure and equipment to maintain the system in a state of good repair and enhance the overall customer experience.
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Federal Railroad Administration Study Finds Upgrades Could Boost Penn Station Capacity by One-Third
The study outlines a roadmap for increasing train throughput while preparing Penn Station for future growth across the Northeast Corridor.
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Austin Transit Partnership Selects Stadler to Manufacture Light Rail Vehicles
The award marks the conclusion of a series of major procurements over 18 months, as outlined in ATP’s delivery plan, and keeps Austin Light Rail on track.
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June LA Metro Ridership Surges 2 Million Year Over Year
Total June ridership increased for both weekdays and weekends. Weekday ridership was 953,820, which grew 8.4% from June 2025; Saturdays increased nearly 13% year-over-year to 708,826; and Sundays increased 7.7% to 611,534 from June 2025, according to LA Metro.
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Washington's Pierce Transit Board Sends Transit Funding Measure to November Ballot
With the adoption of Resolution 2026-006, the measure moves to the Pierce County Auditor, giving voters in the Pierce Transit service area the decision on whether to fund an expansion of local transit service within the agency’s service area.
Read More →Building the Next Generation of Transit Technology
In this edition of METROspectives, Luminator CEO Magnus Friberg discusses the company's transformation, the growing role of AI and software, and what's next for transit technology.
Read More →
EPA Proposal to Ease Diesel Emissions Compliance Could Improve Reliability for Motorcoach Operators
The EPA is proposing to remove DEF-related engine derates for new heavy-duty diesel vehicles, a change bus operators say would improve safety and reliability while sparking debate over the future of emissions enforcement.
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