WMATA to go wireless
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) will grant companies the right to install wireless Internet access at bus stops, tunnels and other locations to provide passengers up-to-the-minute information on trains and buses. WMATA’s plan, which also includes selling broadcast rights in its trains and buses, is also expected to make them more appealing to advertisers and increase its ad sales “seven-fold.” For the full story, click here.
26 Northern California agencies spare the air
SAN FRANCISCO — With predicted hot weather and stagnant air expected to cause smog in the Bay Area today, 26 transit agencies, including BART, Muni, AC Transit and Caltrain, will offer free rides to citizens as part of a regional effort to avoid exceeding state and federal smog limits. This will be the fifth time this year that a “Spare the Air Day” has been declared in the area. For the full story, click here.
California transit authority closes
LOS ANGELES — The San Gabriel Valley Transit Authority has closed its doors months after becoming part of the criminal probe into the crash of a rare Ferrari in Malibu, Calif. Local authorities are interested in finding out how and why the tiny transit authority created the police force, which attempted to interfere with its investigation. For the full story, click here.
METRO Briefs
More Management

FMCSA Tightens Clearinghouse Verification to Strengthen Driver Records
New ID requirements for employers and service providers aim to improve data accuracy and oversight for motorcoach and commercial drivers.
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USDOT Reboots Key Bridge Contract, Expands Infrastructure Funding Nationwide
Maryland to rebid major bridge contract as the Build America Bureau commits $20 million to accelerate project planning and public-private partnerships across 17 states.
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Bus Tech Talk: Part 2 with AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon
Deck: In Part 2 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his maintenance team’s work with various types of vehicle, training, augmented reality, and more.
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How Transit Architecture Is Reshaping the Rider Journey
In this Consultant Roundtable, Carmen C. Cham shares insights on how agencies can create spaces that are intuitive, connected and built for long-term impact.
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Dallas Area Rapid Transit Strengthens Safety with Expanded Security Presence
The approved contract modification will increase funding for transit security officer services to a total not-to-exceed amount of $32.1 million, ensuring a continued and visible security presence across DART’s buses, trains, stations, and facilities.
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Keolis Contract Extended for Valley Metro's East Valley Fixed-Route Bus Service
Under this extension, Keolis will continue to manage and operate fixed-route bus service across the East Valley, serving communities including Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, the town of Gilbert, parts of Phoenix, and the Gila River Indian Community.
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WTS International Names HDR Employer of the Year
The award recognizes the firm’s commitment to advancing women and developing a diverse workforce in an inclusive and collaborative environment.
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Chicago Kicks Off Historic Red Line Extension at Michigan Avenue Station Site
The Red Line Extension Project will provide the Far South Side of Chicago with rapid rail transit for the first time by extending the Red Line by 5.5 miles from 95th Street to 130th Street, including the construction of four new Red Line stations at 103rd, 111th, Michigan, and 130th streets.
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ABQ RIDE Celebrates One Year of Transit Ambassadors
A year in, ABQ RIDE’s Ambassador Program is proving that a friendly face and local know-how can transform the transit experience.
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TTC Upgrades Real-Time Signage to Improve Rider Experience
New onboard displays and stop-level screens aim to make transit easier to navigate, especially during disruptions and major events.
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