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SEARCHMetro Transit said it has has leased a locomotive from the Utah Transit Authority. The locomotive, which will be the sixth in the Northstar fleet, currently is en route to the Big Lake, Minn., maintenance base. It will enhance long-term service reliability and ease maintenance pressures.
Northstar commuter rail train ridership hit 33,112 in its first 15 days of operation, according to Minneapolis-based Metro Transit.
"While it is too early to make sweeping statements, these early ridership results indicate to us a very positive response to the state's newest transportation option," said Metro Transit GM Brian Lamb.
Daily ridership in November averaged 2,207 compared to a 2010 daily average goal of about 2,460, Lamb said. The numbers include strong weekend ridership as well as one special event train serving Vikings fans.
Northstar offers five morning rush-hour trips to Minneapolis and five trips home in the afternoon as well as one reverse-commute trip. Three roundtrips are available on Saturdays and Sundays.
In other Northstar news, Metro Transit said it has leased a locomotive from the Utah Transit Authority. The locomotive, which will be the sixth in the Northstar fleet, currently is en route to the Big Lake, Minn., maintenance base. It will enhance long-term service reliability and ease maintenance pressures.
The $317 million Northstar rail project was delivered on time and under budget through collaborative efforts of the Metropolitan Council/Metro Transit, Northstar Corridor Development Authority and Minnesota Department of Transportation. The Counties Transit Improvement Board and Sherburne County assist with operating funds.
Operation Lifesaver awarded $220,200 in grants to 12 states to support rail safety campaigns focused on grade crossing awareness and trespass prevention.
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The survey showed that commute trips still make up the majority of ridership, with most riders boarding 2 to 3 days a week, reflecting hybrid work schedules. Two-thirds of Caltrain riders have access to a car, while 37% of Caltrain riders are considered low-income.
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Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.
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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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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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Every year, more than 2,000 incidents and 300 fatalities occur at railroad crossings nationwide.
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The Siemens CBTC System, Trainguard MT, in compliance with New York Subway Interoperability Interface Specifications, enables trains to run as close as 90 seconds apart, using next-generation signaling and continuous communication to keep operations moving seamlessly.
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While recognizing regional economic constraints and continuing to improve service, the budget increases the jurisdictional subsidy to less than 1.8%, significantly below the inflation rate and the 3% regional target, said agency officials.
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With more than 59,400,000 boardings since the service’s debut, the A Line’s utilization surpassed that of all other RTD rail services in 2025, the agency reported.
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The plan outlines funding for transit operations, capital projects, and freight and passenger rail initiatives, as state officials seek public input on priorities shaping mobility and infrastructure across the Commonwealth.
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