An Executive Order (EO) signed Aug. 15 by President Trump strives to cut the federal environmental permitting process for infrastructure projects down to two years and implement the FAST Act requirement that there be a lead agency for environmental review for major projects. [More]

Annual Meeting Keynoter Looks to Changes in Public Transit's Future

The public transit landscape is changing rapidly, as shifting demographics and rapidly evolving technology are converging to drive innovation and shape the future of the industry—a theme that will take center stage at the 2017 APTA Annual Meeting & EXPO Opening General Session, ­Monday, Oct. 9, in Atlanta. [More]

Siemens Brings 'Internet of Trains' to Delaware Facility

With Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-DE) in attendance, Siemens opened a locomotive service facility in New Castle, DE, that will provide the latest in “Internet of Trains” digital and predictive technology for its service technicians. [More]

St. Louis Metro Reopens Expanded Civic Center Transit Center

Representatives of FTA, the city of St. Louis and other partners participated in St. Louis Metro’s ribbon-cutting ceremonies at the newly expanded Civic Center Transit Center in advance of the facility’s Aug. 14 opening. [More]

APTA's Ford Tells Mayors: Invest in Public Transit; 'Major Economic Driver' Needs Federal Support

APTA Vice Chair Nathaniel P. Ford Sr., chief executive officer, Jacksonville (FL) Transportation Authority, stressed the importance of increased public transportation investment, including continuation of FTA’s Capital Investment Grant program, in remarks at the United States Conference of ­Mayors’ (USCM) recent Leadership Meeting in New Orleans.  [More]

Lime Line Opening Marks 20 Years of LYNX LYMMO

The Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (LYNX) in Orlando recently launched service on its third LYMMO line, the Lime Line—joining Orange and Grapefruit—with an event that also commemorated the 20th anniversary of LYMMO, the nation’s first limited-stop express fixed-route bus service of the type now called BRT. [More]

Rep. Lieu Tours LA Metro's Expo Line Phase 2

Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) recently toured Los Angeles Metro’s Expo Light Rail Transit Phase 2 project, which extended service from Culver City to Santa Monica when it opened last year. The line has the second highest ridership of LA’s entire light rail system. [More]

New CEOs Named

Four public transit agencies have announced their new chief executives. [More]

In Memoriam: William Lhota, Retired COTA CEO

William J. Lhota, 77, president/chief executive officer of the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) in Columbus from 2004-2012, died Aug. 10. [More]

AROUND THE INDUSTRY

LANTA Is Partner in Airport's Intermodal Facility

Owen P. O’Neil, executive director of the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANTA), Allentown, PA, was among the speakers at dedication ceremonies Aug. 8 for the Multi-Modal Transportation Center at Lehigh Valley International Airport, which also provides connections to intercity buses and rental cars. [More]

NTI to Host Webinar on Onboard Camera Applications for Buses

The National Transit Institute (NTI) will host a 90-minute webinar on the findings of Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 123: Onboard Camera Applications for Buses Sept. 14 at 2 p.m. Eastern time. [More]

MetroLINK Hosts Summer Program for Students; Uses APTA Career Tools

WMATA Expands, Updates Paratransit Fleet

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) recently introduced the first of 207 new vans for its MetroAccess paratransit service. [More]

Ringing the Bell in San Francisco

For the seventh time, Byron Cobb, a cable car operator for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, took top honors at the agency’s recent 54th Annual Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest.   [More]

COMMENTARY

Preparing for Transportation Innovations, San Francisco's Way; Applying Guiding Principles to Emerging Mobility Services, Technologies BY ED REISKIN

Not since the advent of streetcars and automobiles have we seen such tremendous change in the ways people get around in cities. After decades of little change to transportation technology, recent advancements raise important questions that we all need to address. [More]

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]