Houston METRO wins APTA outstanding transit system award

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County received the 2015 “Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award” from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). The award was given to Houston METRO at APTA’s annual meeting in San Francisco.

MBTA Green Line increases countdown signs

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Green Line will activate additional countdown signs this week at Copley, Arlington, Boylston, Park, Haymarket and North Stations.

Wiley to retire from SacRT

Mike Wiley, general manager and chief executive officer of Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT), has announced plans to retire following a 38-year career. Wiley will transition from the chief executive position to a supporting role that SacRT says will ensure the continued success of the agency.

Hurricane Joaquin could be MTA’s biggest test since Sandy

Should Hurricane Joaquin or its remnants track up the east coast, Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s fortification itiative that came into play following the damage Superstorm Sandy wrecked to the system will be put to the test.

FTA proposed rule would require transit agencies to maintain assets in a state of good repair

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) issued a proposed rule that would require public transportation agencies to monitor and manage their capital assets to achieve and maintain a state of good repair.

NTSB recommends federal oversight of WMATA rail system

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued two urgent safety recommendations calling for direct federal safety oversight of Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority’s (WMATA) system by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

RTD readies I-225 Line for integration into current system

In the very near future, Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD) Nine Mile Station near I-225 and Parker Road in Aurora, will no longer be an end-of-line station for the light-rail system.

USDOT unveils Build America Transportation Investment Center

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) recently unveiled its Build America Transportation Investment Center (BATIC), which will serve as the single point of contact and coordination for states, municipalities and project sponsors looking to utilize federal transportation expertise, apply for federal transportation credit programs and explore ways to access private capital in public-private partnerships.

House T&I Committee introduces legislation for three-year PTC deadline extension

The U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee leadership introduced legislation to extend the deadline for U.S. railroads to implement Positive Train Control (PTC).

CTA completes Clark/Division Red Line Station renovation

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has completed a major renovation project on the Clark/Division Red Line station. The project added a new entrance, as well as a fully renovated and modernized the station.

LACMTA names first chief innovation officer

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) has selected Dr. Joshua Schank as the first-ever head of its newly created Office of Extraordinary Innovation, effective October 5, 2015.

FTA approves WMATA corrective action plan to improve safety

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) approved the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) corrective action plan to improve the safety of its Metrorail and Metrobus systems as required by an FTA Safety Directive.

Two US transit projects named finalists for “Be Inspired” awards program

Bentley Systems, Incorporated, provider of software solutions for sustaining infrastructure, has released the list of project finalists in the 2015 Be Inspired Awards program.

Foothill Gold Line LRT reaches substantial completion on Pasadena to Azusa segment

The Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority and its contractor marked the substantial completion of the Pasadena, Calif., to Azusa, Calif., segment. The construction authority said the $1-billion project is on budget and on time with passenger service expected to begin in the spring of 2016.

Metrolinx’s Eglinton Crosstown TBMs to begin westward bore

The Eglinton Crosstown light-rail transit tunnel boring machines named Don and Humber will begin their journey westward on September 29, 2015, marking another milestone toward the completion of the new LRT.

Steps taken at federal level to speed up infrastructure projects

The White House Office of Management and Budget, Council on Environmental Quality and U.S. Department of Transportation says the Obama Administration will take steps to accelerate critical infrastructure projects, including an enhanced Federal Infrastructure Permitting Dashboard, new guidance to federal agencies establishing metrics for the permitting and environmental review of infrastructure projects.

MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board’s first report not glowing, but encouraging

In its first report to the legislature, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Fiscal and Management Control Board (FMCB) detailed underlying problems at the MBTA that are even more serious and deep-seated than reported in April by the Special Panel to Review the authority.

Battelle to perform MTA safety assessment

Battelle has been awarded a $3.1-million contract by New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), to perform an Independent Safety Assessment and safety certification support for the design and implementation of Interoperable Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) on the Queens Boulevard Line in the New York City Transit system.

Charlotte LYNX Blue Line Extension receives $180 million TIFIA loan

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) in North Carolina will receive a $180-million Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan for construction of the LYNX Blue Line light-rail extension. The TIFIA loan will support the expansion of the light-rail system from Center City Charlotte to the UNC Charlotte Campus.

Knueppel to take the helm of SEPTA

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has named Jeffrey Knueppel, P.E. its next general manager. With this appointment, Knueppel will oversee 9,300 employees and full operation of the sixth largest transportation agency in the country.

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