TriMet testing MAX Orange Line in preparation for September opening

On Aug. 30, TriMet MAX Orange Line test trains will begin running frequently along the 7.3-mile route between Downtown Portland and north Clackamas County in preparation for its opening Sept. 12

Phoenix votes to approve long-range light-rail extending transportation plan

Phoenix voters approved Transportation 2050, a transportation plan which as developed by a citizen-led committee of transportation experts and community advocates and expands investment in light-rail construction by building an additional 42 miles of light rail throughout the city.

Siemens to automate MTA’s Queens Boulevard subway line

Siemens has been awarded a $156-million contract by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to install Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) on the Queens Boulevard Line.

DEIS released for Durham-Orange light rail

The Federal Transit Administration on Aug. 20 signed the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the proposed 17-mile Durham-Orange Light Rail Transit (D-O LRT) Project, which would run from Chapel Hill to Durham, N.C.

USDOT awards grants to promote transit careers

The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $9.5 million in grants to 19 projects in 13 states selected to help train a new generation of skilled workers and support long-term careers in the public transportation industry.

SamTrans undergoes management reorganization

The management team at SamTrans is being restructured to improve the operating efficiency and the administrative functions of SamTrans, Caltrain and San Mateo County Transportation Authority.

AREMA names new executive director and CEO

The American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) Board of Governors has appointed Elizabeth Caruso, CAE, as AREMA’s executive director and chief executive officer, effective September 1, 2015.

NJ Transit to receive additional $71 million for Sandy recovery efforts


The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will award New Jersey Transit $71 million in Sandy recovery funds to support important repair and resiliency projects.

Valley Metro opens Central Mesa extension


Valley Metro‘s 3.1-mile light-rail extension connecting riders with downtown Mesa, Ariz., began service August 22, seven months ahead of schedule. The extension includes four new stations located on Main Street at Alma School Road, Country Club Drive, Center Street and Mesa Drive.

SacRT opens Blue Line light-rail extension


The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) Blue Line light-rail extension to Cosumnes River College (CRC) opened August 24, earlier than its original date in September in order to accommodate the fall semester start at Cosumnes River College and Los Rios Community College District campuses.

UIUC opens RAIL to advance better track designs

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for its Research and Innovation Laboratory (RAIL) located at the Harry Schnabel, Jr., Lab.

WMATA plans to accept Silver Spring Transit Center from Montgomery County

Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA) received a formal request from Montgomery County to transfer the Paul S. Sarbanes Silver Spring Transit Center into the regional transit system.

SEPTA GM Joseph M. Casey to retire


Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) General Manager Joseph Casey, who has led the authority since 2008 and completed 34 years of service in a number of roles, will retire September 30, 2015.

FTA proposed rule to establish new safety program for transit industry

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) proposed a rule to establish a Public Transportation Safety Program under FTA’s new safety oversight authority established by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21).

FASTRACK returns to 1, 2 and 3 lines

For the first time this year, Metropolitan Transportation Authority New York City Transit’s FASTRACK program returns to stations along the 1, 2 and 3 lines between Midtown Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn for two consecutive weeks starting August 17.

UTA CEO/President Michael Allegra to retire

Utah Transit Authority (UTA) President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Allegra has given notice of his intention to retire and will step down on August 28, 2015. Allegra will remain available as a senior advisor to the chair of the board of trustees through March 2016 and the board will begin a national search for a new transit executive to lead the agency. During this time of transition, Vice President of Operations Jerry Benson will serve as interim general manager.

Maryland could lose $100 million in federal funds over canceled Red Line

Maryland may lose out on $100 million in federal funding that was slated for use in the Red Line transit project, which was canceled by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan.

MTA appoints interim NYCT president

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thomas Prendergast named James Ferrara as interim president of MTA New York City Transit (NYCT).

Crews continue fortification work on NYCT Cranberry Tube

The Cranberry Tube, which carries the A and C Lines between Lower Manhattan and downtown Brooklyn, will be shut down in both directions for 40 non-consecutive weekends for Superstorm Sandy-related repairs.

Hadnett named president of HNTB West Division

Art Hadnett joined HNTB Corporation as senior vice president and president of the firm’s West Division, overseeing vital and complex infrastructure programs in growth markets, including rail/transit.

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