METRO Briefs
Chicago loses $153M transit grant. SFMTA chief possible Obama appointee. Review: TriMet, Portland not communicating during storms.
Chicago loses $153M transit grant
CHICAGO – Chicago will forfeit $153 million in federal funds to create 10 miles of special bus service because the FTA refused to allow more time for the city to approve new fees for downtown parking and deliveries. For the full story, click here.
SFMTA chief possible Obama appointee
SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s chief Nathaniel Ford is rumored to be a strong candidate for the Federal Transit Administrator position. For the full story, click here.
Review: TriMet, Portland not communicating during storms
PORTLAND, Ore. – A city-led review of how public services were handled during two weeks of storms found that TriMet was unable to read Portland emergency data on which streets were being cleared, leading to thousands of residents being stranded. For the full story, click here.
More Management
COTA Launches First Customer Experience Action Plan to Improve Transit Service
The new plan outlines improvements to service reliability, accessibility, communication, and the overall rider experience across Central Ohio's transit system.
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LA Metro September Ridership Climbs 3.9%, Led by Rail Growth
The agency recorded more than 27.2 million boardings, with rail ridership increasing 12.4% year over year and the D Line posting the largest gains.
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Utilimarc Launches SmartReplace to Optimize Fleet Replacement Decisions
AI-powered SmartReplace helps fleets prioritize vehicle replacements, model budget scenarios, and build more defensible long-term strategies.
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APTA Honors 2026 Award Winners, Hall of Fame Inductees at TRANSform & EXPO
Innovations in autonomous and zero-emission transportation, standout transit systems, and industry leadership took center stage among this year's honorees.
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7 Ways to Build a Better Transit Internship Program
Lessons from DRPA/PATCO’s approach to creating a meaningful internship experience—and developing the next generation of transportation professionals.
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Scenes from APTA TRANSform & EXPO 2026
Transit leaders, manufacturers, and industry professionals gathered in Chicago to explore new technologies, share ideas, and discuss the future of public transportation.
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Building Stronger Leaders, More Resilient Transit Teams
Dr. Carol Parker Walsh discusses leadership development, employee retention, workplace culture, and preparing transit’s workforce for AI and automation.
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APTA 2026 TRANSform & EXPO Kicks Off in Chicago
After 45 years, APTA returns to Chicago with a focus on next-generation fleets, AI, connected transit networks, and the funding strategies shaping public transportation’s future.
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New York MTA Warns Federal Tariffs Could Add $1 Billion to Rolling Stock Costs
The agency said tariffs on specialized imported components could reduce the purchasing power of its $23 billion investment in new subway cars, railcars, and buses.
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From the Show Floor: What Happened at APTA TRANSform & EXPO 2026
See the latest product launches, partnerships, technology updates, and transit industry announcements from APTA TRANSform & EXPO in Chicago.
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