The new Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has a year to promulgate rulemaking to govern vans with eight to 15 passengers. Observers are split on whether it will cause a shift to buses, since vans’ exemption to federal safety rules (e.g., requiring drivers to have a CDL and being subject to drug/alcohol testing) is why many operators have turned to vans in the first place. Others say it will have no effect, because buses tend to have higher capital cost and have lower fuel economy. The agency, which opens for business Jan. 1, is under the Department of Transportation, with "modal administration," or sub-cabinet-level status like that of the Federal Aviation Administration, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and others. It succeeds the Office of Motor Carrier Safety, but there are no extra funds to run it. Motorcoach operators still hope for a special office in the new agency to deal with passenger carrier safety. For more information visit the DOT Website at www.dot.gov.
New Federal Agency Starts Jan. 1, May Tighten Van Rules
The new Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has a year to promulgate rulemaking to govern vans with eight to 15 passengers.
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NFI Group Officially Opens New Flyer All-Canadian Build Facility in Winnipeg
The CAD facility enables NFI to complete full domestic production of heavy-duty transit vehicles, including zero-emission buses, in Winnipeg for the first time in 15 years.
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APTA: Surface Transportation Funding Delivers 5:1 Economic Return, Supports 41,400 Jobs per $1B
The findings provide clear evidence that sustained Federal investment in public transit and passenger rail delivers significant returns for workers, communities, taxpayers, and the U.S. economy, APTA officials said.
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Building a National Framework for Transit Safety and Consistency
On a recent episode of METROspectives, METRO Magazine’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sat down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic & Cross-Sector Programs at the CSA Group, to explore a bold initiative aimed at addressing those challenges: the development of a National Code for Transit and Passenger Rail Systems in Canada.
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FTA Invests $100M to Strengthen Transit for 2026 World Cup
The funding will ensure communities can expand transit options to meet increased demand for services around stadiums.
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ENC Names New VP of Transit Sales
John Obert previously served as regional sales manager for ENC since joining the company in June 2025.
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New 2026 Plan Aims to Expand Transportation Access Across Virginia
Over the next four years during the Spanberger Administration, DRPT will use the plan to prioritize funding for human service transportation projects and programs that reduce barriers, expand access, and promote equitable mobility, said department officials.
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Via Launches Mayors Council to Accelerate Transit Innovation Nationwide
A new advisory group of current and former city leaders will collaborate on funding strategies, technology deployment, and best practices to modernize U.S. public transit systems.
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Latinos In Transit Wraps Inaugural Navigate Mentorship Program,
The LIT Navigate Mentorship Program was launched as a structured, low-cost opportunity for active LIT members, focused on intentional growth, workforce development, mentorship, networking, and education.
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WMATA Expands U-Pass Program
Approved as part of WMATA’s Strategic Transformation Plan, the expanded program introduces new pricing and participation options that make it easier for colleges and universities to join and for more students, such as part-time, community college, and graduate students, to benefit from accessible transportation.
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People Movement: New CEO's in Georgia, California
In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at Savannah's CAT, California's VVTA, STV, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
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