The U.S. commuter rail industry is making significant progress on implementing PTC and is on schedule to meet congressional deadlines, according to updated analyses released by APTA. [More]

NEWS HEADLINES

Transportation's New Who's Who in Washington

As President-Elect Donald J. Trump prepares to make infrastructure investment one of his priorities, there are changes afoot for key federal public transportation policy makers and elected officials. [More]

Flowers: St. Louis Metro's 'Models of Efficiency'

FTA Acting Administrator Carolyn Flowers cited the St. Louis area’s “many models of efficiency that expand transportation options—and opportunities—for residents” during a recent visit that included a tour of public transit sites and hosting a workshop designed to build a more regional approach to transportation planning. [More]

In 'Season of Giving,' Public Transit Gives Back; Food Drives, Vehicle Donations, Community Events

As Thanksgiving approaches, signaling a start to the holiday season, public transportation agencies are ­giving back to their communities by donating retired vehicles to first responders and nonprofit organizations, collecting food and household items for area residents in need and hosting toy drives and community events. [More]

HART Unveils 'HyperLINK'; App Offers First, Last Mile Connections

At ceremonies Nov. 14, the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) in Tampa, FL, launched what officials are calling the nation’s first app-based public transit agency-operated rideshare program: HART HyperLINK, a pilot program subsidized by the state to provide fully accessible first and last mile service in targeted areas of the county. [More]

SFMTA Takes First Step Toward BRT

In preparation for introducing BRT to San Francisco, the San ­Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) began construction Nov. 11 along Van Ness Avenue, a major route in the city. [More]

Voters Deliver Good News to Public Transportation Industry; VTA Secures $6 Billion

In the wake of a historic win for public transportation on Election Day, Nov. 8, Passenger Transport continues its coverage of some of the largest, most significant measures in the nation. [More]

NTSB's Newest 'Most Wanted List' of Safety Improvements

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently unveiled its 2017-2018 Most Wanted List of Transportation Safety Improvements, which included several related to public transportation, as a way to bring greater attention to the board’s top priority for strengthening public safety.   [More]

New CEOs Named

Valley Metro and the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission have hired their acting chief executives on a permanent basis. [More]

$3.2M Amtrak Station Opens In Dwight, IL, on Future Chicago-St. Louis HSR Route

The first rail station to open for passengers as part of Illinois DOT’s High-Speed Rail Program, which will operate between Chicago and St. Louis, was recently unveiled in Dwight, IL, for use by Amtrak. [More]

Two Agencies Open Routes, Extend Service

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) in Las Vegas recently launched a route that improves access to the 65,000 residents and 33,000 jobs within one-half mile of the route and the North Central Regional Transit District (NCRTD), Española, NM, will partner with the Jicarilla Apache Nation (JAN) to begin service from Dulce, tribal headquarters, 31 miles to Chama and an additional 85 miles to Farmington, providing connections to healthcare, job centers and fresh food retailers. [More]

RTA to Administer Funding for 10 Chicago Accessibility Projects

The Regional Transportation Authority in Chicago recently received $7.3 million for 10 projects to enhance accessibility and expand available mobility options for older adults and individuals with disabilities. [More]

APTA EXPO Set for October 2017

It’s not too early to mark your calendar for the 2017 APTA Annual Meeting & EXPO, Oct. 8-11 in the heart of downtown Atlanta. [More]

Saying Goodbye to APTA's John Neff

Many current and former APTA employees were among the guests saying goodbye to John Neff, a senior policy researcher with more than 42 years of service to the association, at a Nov. 13 ceremony ­celebrating his life. [More]

Industry Briefs

Here are some brief news items from public transit agencies and businesses. [More]

'Kids on the Bus' in Milwaukee

Stay Engaged with APTA's Committee Collaboration Pages

Joining an APTA committee is a good way for public transit professionals to help plan and navigate the future of the industry—and APTA’s committee collaboration pages make it easy to stay engaged, ask questions and share best practices. [More]

Chicago GMs Convene Regional Exchange

Chicago Transit Agency President Dorval Carter, Regional Transportation Authority Executive Director Leanne Redden, Pace Suburban Bus Executive Director T.J. Ross and Illinois Tollway Executive Director Greg Bedalov kicked off the 19th Annual Transportation Symposium and Business Exchange on Nov. 15. [More]

UITP Summit Set for Montréal

Public transportation decision makers and industry suppliers will convene in Montréal, May 15-17, for the UITP (International Association of ­Public Transport) Global Public Transport Summit. [More]

Agencies Double Up: Double Deckers Gain Ground; Toronto, Snohomish County Add Vehicles to Fleets

Double-decker buses are becoming a more prominent part of public transit fleets: Metrolinx in Toronto is adding more than 250 of the vehicles to the 127 it already operates, while Community Transit in Snohomish County, WA, which introduced double-deckers in 2007, recently ordered 17 new vehicles to add to the 45 currently in its fleet. [More]

Flint, San Diego Go Green With Propane Vehicles

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and the Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) in Flint, MI, recently added propane-powered vehicles to their fleets to improve service, save money and reduce airborne emissions. [More]

Reading and Riding

The San Joaquin Regional Transit District, Stockton, CA, and VIA Metropolitan Transit in San Antonio, TX, recently introduced programs that give their riders access to books. [More]

BART's History Provides a Foundation for the Future

BART, The Dramatic History of the Bay Area Rapid Transit System, a new book by Michael C. Healy (head of BART’s Media & Public Affairs Department for 32 years) takes us on a rollercoaster ride starting when BART was only a gleam in the eye of one person following World War II. From there it emerged from vision to a hard-fought reality but came within “a gnat’s eyelash of not happening at all.” [More]

APTA's Newest Members

Click here for the latest list of new APTA members. [More]

COMMENTARY

Building to Win: The Urgent, Acute Economic Need for Transportation Investments

Great nations build and invest in great infrastructure. The reason is simple: When people are better connected, when communities have greater access to economic opportunities and when manufacturers have efficient ways to move goods to market, the quality of life rises, productivity soars and societies thrive. Current U.S. infrastructure, however, is in an alarming state of disrepair and in urgent need of strong investments. ... [More]

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Who's Doing What in the Industry