USDOT signs $1.55 billion FFA for Honolulu transit system
U.S. Department of Transportation signed an agreement to provide $1.55 billion to the city and county of Honolulu on the island of Oahu to build Hawaii’s first-ever rail transit system.
Rapid Transit/Light Rail
CTA approves 2013 Budget
The Chicago Transit Board unanimously approved the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) 2013 budget of $1.39 billion, a spending plan that maintains current service levels, freezes base fares and continues investment to modernize and repair infrastructure.
MetroPlan Orlando approves maglev project
In Orlando, Fla., American Maglev Technology (AMT) has proposed to build, operate and maintain a privately financed fully automatic train system powered by magnetic levitation.
LAX officials unveil possible light-rail station sites
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) staff says it has a strong commitment and desire for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) to locate a light-rail station directly at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Houston Metro CEO stepping down at end of month
Houston Metro President and CEO George Greanias plans to resign from his post on December 31, 2012.
Maryland Transit seeks approval for Red Line FEIS
The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) submitted the Red Line transit project’s Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
LACMTA begins utility relocation work for Regional Connector
In Southern California, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) officially began advance utility relocation work for the Regional Connector, a major light-rail project in Downtown Los Angeles.
DART secures $120 million for Orange Line project
The Federal Railroad Administration approved a nearly $120-million loan that will enable Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) to advance construction on the third phase of its Orange Line extension project.
Twin Cities’ Central Corridor heavy construction coming to end
The final year of heavy construction on the Central Corridor Light Rail Transit Project between Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn., is wrapping up on cue.
MBTA Green Line extension project begins
The start of phase one of construction to extend the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) Green Line into the cities of Medford and Somerville has begun.
Charlotte streetcar starter line breaks ground
The Charlotte Streetcar Starter Project in North Carolina has begun and the first phase of a planned 10-mile streetcar line that will expand transit options, spur economic development and improve access to jobs, education and medical facilities.
Santa Clara VTA light rail celebrates 25 years of service
Twenty-five years ago on Dec. 11, a nine-mile, twelve-station light-rail transit line opened its car doors and would become the first of nine segments to offer passenger service in Santa Clara County in California.
San Francisco rail improvement projects completed
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s (SFMTA) Church and Duboce Track and Street Improvement Project and the Carl Street Rail Replacement Project have been completed.
Calgary opens West LRT, completes 7 Avenue project
In Calgary, AB, Canada, the city’s West LRT line officially opened on Dec. 10.
St. Paul Union Depot restoration completed
Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority (RCRRA) in St. Paul, Minn., completed the $243-million historic restoration of the 90-year-old Union Depot train station.
Final early works contract for the Evergreen Line awarded
The final early works contract for the Evergreen Line in British Columbia, Canada, has been awarded, which lays the groundwork for major construction and helps to keep the project on track for 2016.
Canada’s transit ridership continues growth
According to the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA), public transit ridership for the first six months of 2012 showed remarkable growth across Canada, registering an increase of 3.2 percent during the same period a year earlier.
Honolulu city council authorizes FTA grant for rail project
The Honolulu City Council voted eight to one in favor of authorizing the execution of the $1.55-billion Full Funding Grant Agreement with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for the Honolulu rail project.
Ottawa recommends Rideau Transit Group for light-rail project
In Ottawa, ON, Canada, city staff has recommended that the international consortium known as the Rideau Transit Group be awarded the contract to design, build, finance and maintain the Ottawa Light Rail Transit (OLRT) project.
Phoenix Valley Metro names chief engineer
Phoenix Valley Metro in Arizona has hired Rick Brown as chief engineer/director of design and construction.