METRO Briefs
Canadian PM announces new measures to enhance transportation safety
CANADA — Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced a plan to invest $254 million over two years to help increase the country’s capability to detect and respond to potential terrorist attacks throughout its entire travel and transportation infrastructure, including passenger rail and transit operations. For the full story, click here.
NJ Transit, Metro-North approve new contract
NEW YORK — New York’s Metro-North Railroad has agreed to pay approximately $1.3 million more each year to New Jersey Transit for providing service on the Port Jervis and Pascack Valley lines. The deal also includes an additional $690,000 a year for infrastructure improvements on the two lines, as well as a guarantee that Metro-North can add service on the Port Jervis line. For the full story, click here.
Passengers self-evacuate BART train
SAN FRANCISCO — With a five-minute delay stretching to 30 minutes, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) passengers, who were stuck after the train hit a piece of metal debris on the tracks, pried open the doors to evacuate the railcar despite warnings they could be arrested by BART police. It was the second recent incident in which riders got off a train stopped between stations without permission from BART. 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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