Posts Tagged: state&local

MBTA may go solar

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority may install solar panels at several facilities, including the Boston Engine Terminal, Readville Yard, and Iron Horse Park. The agency is currently studying the feasibility of installing the solar photovoltaic arrays as part of a larger energy conservation program. “There’s no downside I can see, as long as they canRead… Read more »

More Twitter changes for Metro

More social media changes are coming to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (DC). The agency recently scooped up the Twitter handle @WMATA and will be migrating users from the current official feed, @MetroOpensDoors. Since hiring Dan Stessel as chief spokesman earlier this summer, WMATA has increased its social media presence. TBDOnFoot writes about theRead… Read more »

MTA chief’s exit could jeopardize tech projects

Last week’s sudden resignation of Metropolitan Transportation Authority (NY) CEO Jay Walder could leave some of the agency’s tech projects in doubt. According to the New York Post, projects in jeopardy could include a new open fare system to replace MetroCard, expansion of the subway countdown clock system, and new subway passenger communication system calledRead… Read more »

Failure to Raise Debt Ceiling May Result in Stopped Funding for Federally Funded Projects

Deltek State and Local Industry Analysis Manager Chris Dixon reports. As the federal government nears the brink of missing its self-imposed deadline for raising the debt ceiling, it’s a good time to assess the potential impact on state and local governments and their contractors. (You can find a great assessment on the potential impact onRead… Read more »

MBTA to add cameras at station

After an increase in serious crimes at one of its rapid transit stations, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority plans to add more surveillance cameras inside and outside the station to help improve public safety. MBTA police reported 11 serious crimes at the Jackson Square station during the first six months of 2011, compared to 16Read… Read more »

Boston gets ready for bike-sharing

As Boston (MA) gets ready to roll out Hubway, its bicycle-sharing program, pundits are wasting no time in voicing their opinions. In The Boston Globe, op-ed columnist Anthony Flint sees the positives in Hubway and envisions a city where drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians can happily share the road: Our streets are shared space, a conceptRead… Read more »

SEPTA takes another step toward new fare system

Last week the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority took a major step on its path to a new electronic fare system. A board committee approved a $9 million contract with LTK Engineering Services to manage installation of the system; the full board is expected to vote on Thursday. The $100 million project will allow passengers toRead… Read more »