In testimony before a subcommittee of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on April 5, Gary Thomas, president/executive director, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), said proposals to eliminate FTA’s Capital Investment Grant (CIG) and TIGER programs, among other cuts, “would have a significant impact on the ability of transit agencies to get people to work and put them to work.” [More]

Valley Metro Scores Big With Multiple Events; Extensive Planning Effort Pays Off

The city of Phoenix hosted several large-scale, high-profile sporting events and festivals during the first weekend in April, and Valley Metro was at the heart of the action as it served an estimated 220,000 riders over three days—a 68 percent increase compared to an average weekend, with a peak of 131 percent more riders on Sunday alone. [More]

BJCTA Launches 'Magic City Connector'

The Birmingham Jefferson County (AL) Transit Authority recently introduced its newest service: the Magic City Connector, a revamped circulator that will further enhance a revitalized downtown area and respond to a growing demand for public transit options from young professionals. [More]

MARTA Sees Increased Ridership After Bridge Collapse

As Passenger Transport went to press, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) was reporting increased ridership—preliminary numbers show a jump of up to 34 percent over the weekend—and additional service in the aftermath of the March 30 fire that caused a section of a heavily-traveled bridge on I-85 to collapse. [More]

Bus Conference Features Tech Tours; APTA Issues Housing Notice

The Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County (RTC), host system for the APTA Bus & Paratransit Conference in Reno, NV, May 7-10, has scheduled two technical tours for Wednesday afternoon, May 10, following the conclusion of the ­conference. [More]

AC Transit Launches 'Flex' Program Following Test Period

Warm Springs: BART's 'Crown Jewel'

Grace Crunican, general manager, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART), and BART Director Tom Blalock joined hundreds of city leaders and community members to celebrate the opening of the Warm Springs/South Fremont BART Station at the end of the 5.4-mile Warm Springs Extension. [More]

New CEO, Interim Named

John Duklewski has been promoted to executive director of the Transportation Association of Maryland, and John Jensen is interim chief executive officer at Metrolinx in Toronto, succeeding Bruce McCuaig. [More]

Senate Commerce Committee Approves Rosen's Nomination

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved the nomination of Jeffrey A. Rosen as deputy secretary of transportation by a 15-12 vote on April 5. [More]

Sales Tax Passes in St. Louis

With a preliminary tally of 60 percent in favor, voters in St. Louis voted April 4 for a half-cent sales tax to fund MetroLink light rail expansion and other economic development purposes. [More]

MPO Rule Repeal Means No Changes to Process

In Memoriam: Coleman, Past DOT Secretary

William T. Coleman Jr., 96, the second African-American to serve in a president’s cabinet as transportation secretary under President Gerald Ford (1975-77), died March 31 in Alexandria, VA. [More]

Learn About 'Hot Companies'

Click here to learn more about "Hot Companies" in the public transit sector. [More]

APTA NEWS

Research You Can Use: TCRP Issues New Reports

The Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) announces the release of these reports, all designed to help public transportation agency and business leaders strengthen operations and implement best practices. [More]

Apply Now for Leadership APTA Class of 2018 Program

Leadership APTA is accepting applications for the Class of 2018 through June 2. [More]

Fare Collection/Revenue Management/TransITech Conferences Address Practices, Policies, Standards

APTA’s 2017 Fare Collection/Revenue Management Conference, co-located with the association’s TransITech Conference, recently concluded in San Antonio following three busy days of information, educational programming, committee meetings, networking and an informative host property tour. [More]

COMMENTARY

Making Federal Policies Work at the Local Level: Reflections from Both Vantage Points By Peter Rogoff

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Who's Doing What in the Industry

Passenger Transport announces the following hirings and promotions in public transportation agencies and business members. Items appear in People on the Move as space permits. [More]