Thanks to its Züm bus rapid transit line, Brampton Transit’s (ON) ridership reached an all-time high last year. The BRT route runs mostly in mixed traffic, but signal priority helps keep the vehicles on time. And, if buses are running late, customers can access real-time information at all terminals and station stops, as well asRead… Read more »
Two companies are using technology to match Seattle (WA) drivers and riders. The state funded a trial of the go520 ride-sharing application to test the applicability of ride-sharing as a strategy to reduce congestion on SR 520. The first phase of the Avego-managed project ended in June. Registered drivers were notified when someone requested aRead… Read more »
TriMet (OR) announced a tougher approach to fare evasion and will start issuing $175 tickets to scofflaws on trains and buses. To support the new approach, the agency restored funding for six fare inspector positions that were cut last year. “Our emphasis is changing immediately from education to enforcement,” general manager Neil McFarlane said atRead… Read more »
The July edition of On the Go with Ray LaHood is on YouTube, and this month the secretary gives a shout-out to readers of Transportation Nation. LaHood talks about how FTA funding helps aging transit agencies upgrade their systems, emphasizes the importance of high-speed rail for communities across the country, and offers career advice toRead… Read more »
The countdown clocks in a dozen New York City subway stations succumbed to a late July heat wave this week. Officials had to shut down the clocks to protect them from soaring temperatures, which can exceed 120 degrees in the rooms where the clocks are located. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority issued an apology and plansRead… Read more »
Almost half of the fare cheaters on New York City’s subways are children, and they are costing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority millions. According to an unofficial MTA report, 43% of scofflaws are children, most of whom duck under the turnstiles. The New York Daily News spoke with some mothers who did not pay for theirRead… Read more »
The Chicago Transit Authority (IL) ordered 300 new subway cars from Bombardier at a cost of $331 million. The new cars will use alternating current propulsion, which allows dynamic braking regeneration, lower energy and maintenance costs, and improved reliability. The cars will also be equipped with an active suspension system to keep the floor isRead… Read more »
Chicago-area Metra (IL) expects to improve the air quality inside its commuter rail cars by switching to more efficient air filters. After a Chicago Tribune investigation found that commuters were exposed to high levels of soot inside the rail cars, the agency studied a series of options for reducing exposure to the fumes. Soot levelsRead… Read more »
With the Hubway bicycle-sharing program set to start next week, Boston planners are setting the final locations for about 60 docking stations, which will house about 600 bikes. For now, the program will concentrate on downtown locations and adjacent neighborhoods with high concentrations of workers, shoppers, transit commuters, and tourists. “We really want to keepRead… Read more »
A year after Zipcar came to Baltimore (MD), a survey shows changes in travel behavior among members of the car-sharing service: they drive less, use alternative modes of transportation more, and own fewer cars than they did before joining. According to the survey, the number of so-called Zipsters taking five or more car trips inRead… Read more »