METRO Express

August 31, 2010

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Industry News

U.S. DOT releases high-speed rail design standards
Creates a level playing field and economies of scale based on a common set of designs and technical requirements allowing U.S. based manufacturers to more effectively compete. Read More »

AC Transit may enact severe cuts
Agency plans to cut weekend service by half, nearly all of its overnight bus lines and reduce service hours on all routes, due to a dispute with its largest labor union. Read More »

Operation Lifesaver lauded for safety efforts
NTSB chief commended OLI for its leading role in efforts to reduce highway-rail grade crossing accidents by more than 80 percent since its founding in 1972. Read More »

L.A. Metro issues RFP for light rail extension
The $450 million-plus design-build-finance project will involve final design, construction and financing of 11.5-miles of track, utilities, crossings and systems, as well as six stations, multiple bridges and a 25 acre-plus light rail maintenance facility. Read More »

Smart phone apps help riders connect with services
S.F.'s BART was one of the first major transportation systems to go digital, and was among the first to allow third-party developers to access scheduling data. Read More »

Foothill to deploy first Proterra battery-electric bus
Beginning Sept. 3, the agency will launch the EcoRide BE35s and related fast charging stations into its existing bus fleet and transit routes with the goal of establishing a full fleet of clean-fueled vehicles by 2011. Read More »

Smiths wins D.C. Metro anti-terrorism contract
PROTECT and FirstView allow transit authorities to monitor multiple chemical warfare sensors, distribute command and control responsibilities among agencies, and integrate Metro's hundreds of cameras into a manageable system. Read More »

ABC delivers Van Hool C2045s to Va.
The new 55-passenger coaches have the Angel Trax security monitoring system; DriveCam; wood grain flooring; and Amaya passenger seats custom built to Venture's specification, which includes three-point seat belts and other luxury and safety options. Read More »

BusCon Show Updates

September 29-30, 2010
Navy Pier, Chicago

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Last chance to get your special rate at the Hyatt Regency Chicago!

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Minn. Valley receives 2 Gillig BRT buses
Agency was awarded a CMAQ grant in 2009-2010 to fund these and eight additional vehicles to be delivered in 2011. The vehicles cost just more than $400,000 each. Read More »

Mobis Transportation to open Ore. bike transit center
Located in the recently completed Hillsboro, Ore. Intermodal Transit Facility one block from Tri-Met's Blue MAX transit line, Bikestation Hillsboro will provide members with electronically secure indoor bicycle parking, showers, restrooms, lockers, a bicycle self-repair stand with tools and transit information. Read More »

MCI’s Ziska named ‘Partner of the Year’ by coach group
The International Motor Coach Group honored Patricia Ziska, vice president and chief customer officer, with the 2010 Alliance Partner of the Year award. She was selected for demonstrating exceptional service and commitment to the industry, especially to IMG members. Read More »

Trailways holds first stockholder training seminar at MCI facility
The two-day event, held Aug. 3 and 4, offered sessions covering passenger safety, emergency preparedness, motorcoach maintenance, troubleshooting, best marketing practices and reviews of the Trailways tools that help stockholder companies reach their business goals. Read More »