METRO Express

March 16, 2010

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Industry News

Report: Fare evasion costs NYCT $27M
Prior to updating the way the numbers were counted last April, NYCT officials believed the agency was only losing $7 million a year. Read More »

Transit leaders urge Congress to move quickly on legislation
Since the last federal surface transportation act expired last fall, Congress has been granting short-term extensions. The current extension is scheduled to expire March 28. Read More »

House passes bill to pay furloughed DOT workers
U.S. Department of Transportation workers were furloughed in early March when Sen. Jim Bunning (R-Ky) temporarily blocked funding for federal highway and transportation projects. Read More »

Bus signs criticizing OC Transpo workers’ wages rejected
A taxpayer advocacy group critical of how much transit workers earn is suing the City of Ottawa after their ad was rejected, due to inaccurate wording, the city claims. Read More »

Mineta Institute publishes emergency management handbook
Specific guidance and management techniques are provided to aid emergency planning staff to create DHS-compliant systems. Read More »

MBTA expecting $73M shortfall in 2011
Agency is currently restructuring available finances to limit any potential negative impacts of the shortfall on riders and taxpayers. Read More »

L.A. funicular rail line reopens after nine years
Angels Flight, as it is known, reopened on Monday after receiving approval from the California Public Utilities Commission. It was closed in 2001 after a deadly accident left one man dead and seven others injured. Read More »

GO Transit makes changes to meet demand
Strategically-adjusted train and bus schedules, across all seven corridors, vary from minor changes to departure and arrival times, to significant service changes and additions. Read More »

Report: D.C. Metro needs 3 years to fix issues
Industry expert David L. Gunn urged the agency to "level with the public regarding the seriousness of the problems facing Metrorail"and the need to move quickly to recruit a general manager with "a strong operating and technical background." Read More »

Bay area officials want Calif. gov to restore transit funds
Bay area transit agencies could expect about $148 million this year and $144 million in future years if new funding legislation is signed. Read More »

Wyoming becomes 20th state to ban texting while driving
On January 26, Sec.LaHood announced federal guidance to prohibit texting by drivers of commercial vehicles such as large trucks and buses. Truck and bus drivers who text while driving commercial vehicles may be subject to civil or criminal penalties of up to $2,750. Read More »

Santa Clara, Calif. transit agency extends GM contract
Michael T. Burns, who earns $290,000 a year, will not seek a raise. Read More »

New Orleans receives $45M for streetcar expansion
Grant was part of $1.5 billion TIGER Award from the U.S. DOT. It will expand the historic New Orleans streetcars through the city’s central business district, a corridor that is home to significant commercial and business activity. Read More »

Motor Coach Canada launches revamped Website
Allows members to download a membership database, update their profile, pay outstanding invoices (from My Association) and use the detailed member search to research business partners. Read More »

Houston Metro to roll out 20 MCI Commuters
The 55-seat capacity coach vehicles offer patrons cushioned seating, as well a smooth, quiet ride. Read More »

Wabtec acquires Xorail for $40M
Provides a variety of engineering, design and construction services, mainly for railway signaling systems, and has annual sales of about $40 million. Wabtec expects the transaction to be accretive in the first year. Read More »

Sound Transit taps HDR for ROW services
Contract includes planning, acquisition, relocation and property management, and transit support services needed for the construction and operation of additional passenger light-rail and commuter rail systems in and around the Seattle area. Read More »