New York MTA submits balanced budget, Lhota resigns

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board has approved the agency’s 2013 budget and four-year financial plan.

Minnesota Metropolitan Council awards engineering contracts for Southwest LRT

The Southwest Light Rail Transit line in Minnesota took a major step forward to opening in 2018 when the Metropolitan Council authorized preliminary engineering contracts with Kimley-Horn and AECOM.

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.

FRA issues ROD for the Chicago-St. Louis HSR

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued two Records of Decisions (ROD) for the Chicago-St. Louis high-speed rail corridor.

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.

Local officials urge CN to allow Metra expanded service on Heritage Corridor

U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL) was joined by more than 20 local officials in urging Canadian National to allow Chicago-area’s commuter railroad Metra to expand service on the Heritage Corridor Line and accommodate at least two additional trains a day.

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.

Amtrak names chief transportation officer

Amtrak named David Nichols as its chief transportation officer (CTO) who will be responsible for setting, managing and maintaining operating rules and policies to ensure that all train operations meet federal rail safety requirements and the company’s business needs.

MDOT buys 135 miles of NS line

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Norfolk Southern signed a sale agreement that transfers ownership of 135 miles of NS railroad to MDOT for $140 million.

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.

NJ Transit Raritan Valley Line returns to full service Dec. 17

New Jersey Transit’s (NJ Transit) Raritan Valley Line (RVL) will resume full-service starting Monday, Dec. 17, marking another milestone for customers in the transit system’s return to normalcy after Hurricane Sandy.

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.

Plans advance for Rochester Intermodal Transportation Center

An agreement has been reached for Amtrak to continue to own and operate the new $23-million Rochester Intermodal Transportation Center in Rochester, N.Y., at the existing Amtrak station location on 320 Central Avenue.

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