The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) in Philadelphia cele­brated the opening of its first new regional rail station in almost 20 years, the 9th Street Regional Rail Station in Lansdale, on Nov. 16—three days after the agency marked the completed reconstruction of the historic Wayne Junction Station in the city’s Nicetown neighborhood. [More]

Safe and Secure; Public Transit Agencies Step Up Precautions

It is no surprise that public transportation agencies across the U.S. are implementing heightened security measures following the recent terror attacks in France and Mali. What is noteworthy, however, is the efficiency, professionalism and breadth of effort that is on display—and in some cases purposely concealed—in so many public transit systems and communities. [More]

RIPTA Starts Program in Hope Valley Region; New Bus Service Reaches First-Time Riders

Since launching its ­latest route on Nov. 13, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) has reported “a really warm and welcoming response” from local officials and residents alike for beginning to cover previously unserved regions of Rhode Island, according to Barbara Polichetti, director of public affairs. [More]

FRA Releases PTC Guidance for Railroads

FRA Administrator Sarah Feinberg released guidance Nov. 19 regarding compliance with the Positive Train Control Enforcement and Implementation Act of 2015, which requires that covered railroads submit a revised PTC implementation plan (PTCIP) to FRA no later than Jan. 27. [More]

Hatch, Mott MacDonald to Split

Hatch and Mott MacDonald have announced that the Hatch Mott ­MacDonald (HMM) joint venture will separate into two distinct businesses, with the arrangements expected to be finalized by early 2016. [More]

New CEOs Named

VIA Opens Centro Plaza at VIA Villa

VIA Metropolitan Transit in San Antonio dedicated its newest hub, Centro Plaza at VIA Villa, at ceremonies Nov. 30 that included the recitation of an original poem by 2015 Texas State Poet Laureate Carmen Tafolla. [More]

Snohomish Measure Passes; Community Transit Announces Service Additions

Following the approval of Proposition 1 in Snohomish County, WA, to increase sales tax revenue for public transportation in the Community Transit service district by 0.3 percent, the agency has announced additions to its service beginning in March. [More]

Salt Lake County Sales Tax Fails

The one-quarter percent sales tax in Salt Lake County, UT, to benefit transportation including the Utah Transit Authority (UTA)—which was too close to call on the Nov. 3 ballot—has been defeated, according to official election results released Nov. 17. (See the Nov. 16 issue of Passenger Transport for previous election coverage.) [More]

King Dies; Former AC Transit Interim GM, BART Board Member

Mary V. King, 69, interim general manager of AC Transit in Oakland, CA from 2009-2012, died Nov. 15. [More]

Bonds Dies; Founder of Amtrak Substance Prevention Program

Robert “Bobby” Bonds, 61, founder of ­Operation RedBlock, Amtrak’s internationally recognized substance prevention and inter­vention program, died Oct. 29 at his home in Bala Cynwyd, PA. [More]

APTA NEWS

APTA Welcomes New WMATA GM

APTA President & CEO Michael Melaniphy recently welcomed Paul Wiedefeld, newly named general manager and chief executive officer, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, back to the public transit community. [More]

Calling All Ideas: APTA Seeks Annual Meeting Abstracts

Have a best practice to share, an innovative partnership to highlight, service improvement to cele­brate or technological improvement to present to your industry colleagues? [More]

APTA Members in the Spotlight

Click here to see photos of APTA member public transit systems and businesses in the spotlight: hosting special events, giving back to their communities, making new connections for their passengers and unveiling new and improved vehicles. [More]

APTA MEMBER PROFILE

Meet Hugh A. Mose!

This is the latest in an ongoing series of columns showcasing APTA members. The subject of this profile is Hugh A. Mose, principal, Hugh A. Mose, P.E., Transportation Consultant, State College, PA; chair, Member Services Committee; vice chair, American Public Transportation Foundation; designated committee chair director, APTA Board of Directors; member, Legislative, Mobility Management and Small Operations committees; past APTA vice chair-small operations; and recipient of the 2010 APTA Outstanding Public Transportation Manager Award. [More]

MEET THE APTA STAFF

Meet Michael Hemsley!

This is the latest in an ongoing series of columns showcasing members of the APTA staff. The subject of this profile is Michael Hemsley, senior membership specialist, Member Services Department. [More]

AROUND THE INDUSTRY

7 of 10 Support More Funding for Public Transportation

More than seven in 10 people across all age groups and political affiliations support increased federal funding for public transportation systems that serve communities of all sizes, reports a recent APTA survey. [More]

Laketran Restores Final Service Cuts

With the approval of its 2016 operating budget, ­Lake­tran in Lake County, OH, has restored the last of the service cuts necessitated in 2009 in response to the economic recession’s ­dramatic decrease in local sales tax ­revenues and the uncertainty of state and federal funding. [More]

CATS Light Rail, Streetcars Aid Future Development

Portland Streetcar and TriMet: Partners for Greater Mobility and Community Development

When the first modern streetcar line opened in May 2001, it wasn’t obvious that TriMet would be a partner. [More]

L.A. Metro's New Safety Technologies

Los Angeles Metro and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) recently announced three major safety technologies and patrol innovations. [More]

RTA Participates in Anniversary of Dayton Peace Accords

Dayton, OH, played host to history 20 years ago and the Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority (RTA) helped to do so Nov. 18-21, when current and former world leaders gathered in the city to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords. [More]

Industry Briefs

Here are some brief notices about APTA member public transit systems and businesses. [More]

COMMENTARY

Autonomous Vehicles and the VMT Problem

The flurry of speculation about the future of autonomous vehicles is mostly ignoring a significant downside: the impact on vehicle miles travelled (VMT). Safety and congestion resonate with people while VMT doesn’t. Yet reducing per capita VMT is also essential for combating climate change. The potential increase in VMT when self-driving cars become prevalent could negate any congestion reduction benefit. Indeed, it could be far worse than today. [More]

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Who's Doing What in the Industry

Click here to see the latest hirings and promotions in public transportation agencies and business members. Items appear in People on the Move in the order in which they are received. [More]