METRO Briefs
Big Dig ceiling collapse investigation focusing on bolts
BOSTON — Bolts attaching 3-ton concrete panels to the ceiling of a Big Dig tunnel have become the focus in the investigation of why four of the slabs broke away Monday night and crushed a car, killing a Boston woman and injuring her husband. Warning signs that the bolts were defective may have occurred as early as 1999. For the full story, click here.
India names train attack suspects
BOMBAY, India — India’s Anti-Terror Squad has released photos of two young men they believe are responsible for placing the eight bombs on a commuter train that killed 200 people and wounded 700 more in Bombay on Tuesday. A possible al-Qaida link is also being looked into. For the full story, click here.
COTA drops light rail plans
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Central Ohio Transit Authority has dropped plans for a light rail project that would have run through its northern corridor after failing to qualify for federal funding. The agency was relying on the feds to cover at least half of the capital costs, which were projected to be somewhere between $228 million and $600 million. For the full story, click here.
More Management

FRA Announces $5.3B in Rail Investments, Including $2B for Amtrak
Funding will support grade-crossing improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and new Amtrak equipment in 23 states.
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Finding the ‘Happy Medium’: Optimizing Maintenance Without Sacrificing Reliability
The key to maintenance optimization isn’t doing less work—it’s doing the right work at the right time on the right assets.
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People Movement: MARTA Drops Interim Tag on GM/CEO Hunt and More
In this edition, METRO covers recent appointments and announcements at the FMCSA, HDR, SilverRide, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
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VIA Metropolitan Transit Reports 2 Million More Passenger Trips as Better Bus Plan Gains Momentum
San Antonio's transit agency said accelerated service improvements are driving ridership growth, offering another example of how increased frequency and workforce investments can translate into stronger transit performance.
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ABAF Study Reveals Growing Insurance Crisis for Motorcoach Operators
Preliminary findings show 98% of operators faced premium increases over the past five years, while shrinking insurer participation is putting added pressure on businesses and customers.
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PSTA Modernizes Workforce Management with Digital Bidding System
The award-winning Workforce Transit Modernization project replaced paper bidding with a transparent digital platform, cutting administrative effort while improving access for operators.
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Chicago to Host Public Transportation's Biggest Gathering at APTA TRANSform & EXPO 2026
North America’s largest public transportation gathering returns to Chicago, connecting transit decision-makers with the technologies, ideas, and partnerships driving the industry forward.
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New Tricks for Old Bureaucracies: Joshua Schank on Making Transit Innovation Stick
Former LA Metro Chief Innovation Officer Joshua Schank discusses why good ideas aren't enough, how transit agencies can overcome resistance to change, and why today's challenges demand more innovation.
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Washington's Community Transit Sets Six-Year Roadmap for Growth, Expansion
Approved TDP targets more bus service, new mobility options, Swift BRT expansion, and a potential Everett Transit annexation.
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OKC Streetcar Makes Zero-Fare Service Permanent
Ridership increased an average of 71% compared with the same period a year earlier during the fare-free pilot.
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