METRO Briefs
FTA: $50B needed to fix rail. Operator dislikes fee increase.Supporters launch new HSR site.
FTA: $50B needed to fix rail
WASHINGTON, DC – The Federal Transit Administration estimates it will cost $50 billion to bring the rail systems in major metropolitan cities, including Chicago, Boston, and New York into good repair and $5.9 billion a year to maintain them. For the full story, click here.
Operator dislikes fee increase
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia -- The vice-president of Halifax, Nova Scotia-based Ambassatours Gray Line, wants to know why his industry has been subjected to 100 percent increases in government fees when the average increase for most user fees and charges has been about three percent. For the full story, click here.
Supporters launch new HSR site
MINNEAPOLIS – St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum and Ramsey County Commissioner Jim McDonough helped launch onboardmidwest.org, a new Website and marketing campaign that will champion high-speed rail between the Twin Cities and Chicago. For the full story, click here.
More Management
NITA Proposes $5B Operating Budget, $9.7B Capital Program for 2027
The proposed budget includes funding for expanded transit service, safety initiatives, fleet upgrades, and infrastructure improvements across CTA, Metra, and Pace.
Read More →
Financing, Fleet Replacement Requires a More Strategic Approach
Executives from ABC Companies and MCI discuss how rising costs, changing market conditions, and post-pandemic challenges are prompting motorcoach operators to rethink financing strategies, fleet replacement cycles, and long-term planning.
Read More →
Bringing Austin’s First Light Rail System to Life
Austin Transit Partnership CEO Greg Canally discusses the city's nearly 10-mile light rail project, its collaborative approach to project delivery, the importance of community engagement, and the milestones ahead as construction approaches in 2027.
Read More →
ETA CEO John Maglio on Transit Technology, Innovation, and Building Agency Trust
ETA founder and CEO John Maglio explores the evolution of transit technology, the importance of reliable systems, and how stronger partnerships can help agencies improve operations and the passenger experience.
Read More →
Metra Draft Plan Outlines Costs, Service Improvements for Regional Rail
The Systemwide Network Plan identifies infrastructure needs and potential investments to expand all-day, bidirectional rail service across the Chicago region.
Read More →
New Orleans RTA Names Augustine III as New CEO
In this edition, we also spotlight recent personnel moves at HDR, PATH, STV, and more, highlighting the people taking on new roles across the transportation industry.
Read More →
How Transit Agencies Are Using Free Rides to Improve Voting Access
Transit agencies are using fare-free service, trip-planning tools, and targeted rides to improve voting access. See what other agencies can learn from these efforts.
Read More →
Caltrain’s Electrification Drives a New Era of Ridership Growth
The railroad’s shift to electric service has brought more frequent trains, stronger customer satisfaction, and increased ridership, earning it APTA’s Outstanding Public Transportation System award.
Read More →
Chicago, Charlotte Transit Agencies Expand Rider Support Programs
CTA launched crisis intervention teams as CATS prepares to deploy fare ambassadors, expanding customer assistance and security efforts across both systems.
Read More →
New York MTA Launches Historic $1.9B Signal, Track Modernization Project
Funded in part by congestion pricing revenue, the project will replace nearly century-old signals along the A and C lines in Brooklyn and Queens.
Read More →