APTA, Transit Agencies Focus on Service, Fare Collection, Safety as 2026 FIFA World Cup Begins
Hours before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kickoff, the American Public Transportation Association convened a briefing with host‑city agencies to outline how the 39‑day tournament will strain and reshape transit operations. Leaders from L.A. Metro, Dallas Area Rapid Transit and Kansas City highlighted new contactless, multilingual fare solutions, a $32 million security boost, and contingency bus bridges to keep riders moving if rail service falters. Federal backing through the Build America 250 Act was cited as a catalyst for infrastructure investment and job growth. Officials say the upgrades will become lasting assets that drive ridership well beyond the event.
BART Board Approves FY27 Budget, Maintains Service and Fare Price
The Bay Area Rapid Transit board approved a balanced FY27 budget with a $1.2 billion operating plan and an $828 million capital program. Facing a $375 million structural deficit, BART is counting on a $74 million transit‑funding measure, $88.5 million in borrowing and internal efficiencies...
Metrolink Launches Six-Month Contactless Payment Pilot on San Bernardino Line, Arrow Service
Metrolink has begun a six‑month contactless‑payment pilot on the San Bernardino Line and Arrow service, allowing riders to tap a credit card, debit card, mobile wallet or wearable at entry and exit validators. The system uses a distance‑based, pay‑as‑you‑go model with...
NJ Transit Board Authorizes MDA with Denholtz to Advance TOD Project Adjacent to Red Bank Station
The New Jersey Transit Board approved a Master Development Agreement and a 98‑year ground lease with Red Bank developer Denholtz to build a mixed‑use, transit‑oriented development on six acres adjacent to Red Bank Station. The North Phase will deliver 175...
Innovative Mobility Initiative to Award $6 Million for Non-MTA Transit Projects in New York
The New York Innovative Mobility Initiative is allocating $6 million to non‑MTA transit projects in five upstate counties. Grants range from $288,000 in Broome County to $3.1 million for Lawrence County’s new micro‑transit service. The funding will support micro‑transit and dial‑a‑ride expansions...
IL: RTA Chair Sends Veiled Warning Shot to Mayor Brandon Johnson over CTA Leadership
Illinois’ new Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) law, effective last week, reshapes governance of the CTA, Metra and Pace and earmarks more than $1 billion in annual transit funding. RTA board chair Kirk Dillard warned in a letter that any CTA...
Op-Ed: Turning Mega Event Operational Excellence Into Transit’s New Standard
Transit agencies across North America are gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a showcase that will put 16 host‑city systems in the global spotlight, followed by the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The op‑ed argues that these mega‑events should...
MD: Baltimore Penn Station Project Paused as Amtrak, Partners Restructure Plan
Amtrak and Penn Station Partners have paused the Baltimore Penn Station redevelopment to restructure their partnership and align with evolving strategic priorities. The first phase of exterior improvements is complete, but decisions on interior upgrades, surrounding parcel development, and property...
IL: Landmark Transit Funding Legislation Takes Effect Today. Here’s What Commuters Can Expect.
Illinois' new transit funding law took effect June 1, injecting roughly $1.5 billion annually into the CTA, Metra and Pace to avert planned service cuts. The legislation also creates the Northern Illinois Transit Authority, which will replace the Regional Transportation Authority on...
Seattle Mayor Wilson Refers Transit Funding Measure Renewal, Increase to City Council
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson proposes renewing the city’s transit sales‑tax measure with a 0.3% levy that would generate roughly $138 million each year for ten years. The funding would add 280,000 bus trips annually, expand off‑peak service, and double the number...
GRTC Issues RFP for Downtown Transfer Hub Project
The Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC), together with the City of Richmond’s Economic Development Authority, has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to four shortlisted development teams for a downtown transfer hub. The three‑acre former public‑safety‑building site will be transformed...
Denver RTD’s Latest Customer, Community Surveys Show Improvement in Transit Services
Denver Regional Transportation District released its 2026 customer and community survey results, showing notable gains across bus and rail services. Satisfaction scores rose to 82% for buses and 87% for rail, while on‑time arrivals improved 15% for buses, 10% for...
IndyGo to Launch Upgraded MyKey+ Fare Collection System July 1
IndyGo will roll out MyKey+, an upgraded e‑fare system powered by Masabi, on July 1. The new platform adds a branded app and smart card while preserving cash‑pay options. Key innovations include automatic fare‑capping without an account, a negative‑balance buffer, group‑payment...
PA: PRT Touchdown: Transit Agency Earned More than $500,000 on Special Draft Service
Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) provided free special‑service buses and light‑rail rides for the NFL Draft, transporting over 180,000 fans. The agency’s extra expenses rose to $2.79 million, but sponsorships, advertising and fees generated $1.22 million, leaving a net surplus of roughly $530,000....
NY: Kingston Asks State to Look at Passenger Rail Service on West Side of Hudson River
The Kingston Common Council voted to request a state‑funded feasibility study for restoring passenger rail on the former CSX River Subdivision, known as the West Shore Line. The resolution urges coordination with regional planning agencies and inclusion of Ulster, Orange,...