Transit Agencies

Blue, white, and red Metra commuter train with Chicago buildigns in background.

Chicago Transit Faces Severe Service Cuts

Metra officials warn the agency could cut service by as much as 40 percent to make up for a massive budget shortfall.

November 19, 2024 - CBS Chicago

Man in suit holding tablet looking at subway turnstiles with superimposed graphics signaling technology and AI.

How AI Can Improve Public Transit

Machine learning and AI can transform the way transit agencies operate and make service faster and more comfortable for users.

October 23, 2024 - RT Insights

People entering modern fare gates in subway station.

Is Cracking Down on Fare Evasion the Answer to Lagging Transit Ridership?

Transit agencies hope to reassure riders concerned about crime by boosting security at transit stations.

October 17, 2024 - My Panhandle

People waiting on subway platform with blurred train passing by.

US Transit Leaders Outline Current Challenges

Public transit providers still face budget gaps, staffing shortages, and challenges acquiring clean-energy vehicles.

July 14, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Antioch, California

California Lawmakers Withdraw Connect Bay Area Act

The proposal would have merged the Bay Area’s 27 transit agencies into one regional entity.

June 6, 2024 - Streetsblog San Francisco

Worker in yellow safety vest holds clipboard and stands in front of parked red and white train in maintenance center building.

Report: Transit Agencies Face Imminent Staffing Crisis

Already understaffed, most of the nation’s transit agencies will need to replace a majority of their workers due to retirement, but recruitment efforts are not yet keeping up with the need.

May 29, 2024 - Governing

CHicago elevated train on track passing by tall buildings.

Proposed Legislation Would Consolidate Chicago Transit Agencies

State lawmakers say the move could cut down on competition and make regional transit more efficient for riders.

May 1, 2024 - CBS News

Walkways and escalator at crowded transit station, with one person walking a bike in foreground.

Best Practices for Outsourcing Transit Operations

Contracting with private sector vendors can help transit agencies improve efficiency and provide better service.

April 14, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Close-up of hands holding straps on public bus.

Research Reveals Subsidized Transit Is More Efficient

Contrary to some arguments, public transit networks with higher government subsidies have higher ridership and more farebox revenue.

February 5, 2024 - Streetsblog USA

Buses and pedestrians on busy Baltimore street.

Maryland Could Cut Transit Funding, Citing Budget Gap

The governor says the state remains committed to its major transit projects, but may need to reduce service to meet a growing financial shortfall.

December 22, 2023 - Governing

Parked green electric NJ Transit buses.

TOD Lease a Win-Win for Transit and Housing

New Jersey’s transit agency is looking to development leases on agency-owned properties to boost revenue and support new housing.

November 13, 2023 - NorthJersey.com

White minibus with yellow "On-Demand" logo parked in an asphalt lot with grass field and dry fall trees in background in Edmonton, Canada.

Advocates Urge Caution as Microtransit Expands

On-demand microtransit is gaining popularity with transit agencies, but is it at the expense of existing service?

November 1, 2023 - Governing

Female bus driver wearing safety vest sits in driver's seat, talking with woman passenger boarding bus

TSA Suggests More Background Checks for Transit Workers

The proposal could make it even harder for short-staffed agencies to attract and hire new employees.

August 27, 2023 - Federal Times

Close-up of bus driver holding bus steering wheel

How HR Shortcomings are Kneecapping Transit Agencies

Facing severe staffing shortages and high rates of burnout, transit agencies must improve their human resources departments and create healthier work environments to address current lapses in service.

July 27, 2023 - Streetsblog USA

Bay Area Rapid Transit

California Could Cut Transit Spending Even as Systems Struggle

Governor Newsom’s proposed budget would cut over $2 billion from transit infrastructure funds.

May 16, 2023 - Bloomberg CityLab

Two Chicago transit operators standing in front of a bus and smiling at the camera

Transit Workforce Dashboard Promotes Employment in Public Transit

A new online tool aims to help transit agencies recruit and retain workers.

March 10, 2023 - Smart Cities Dive

Rendering of California high-speed rail train viaduct with arches

How Consultants Drive Up Transit Construction Costs

A new report suggests that an overreliance on external consultants by U.S. transit agencies and other government entities is hollowing out the public sector and raising the costs of transit projects.

February 27, 2023 - Slate

Nighttime bus interior with one rider standing by door

Transit Agencies Increasingly Dependent on Federal Funding

After dramatic losses of riders and operators during the pandemic, transit agencies around the country are supplementing operational costs with federal relief dollars.

November 9, 2022 - The Center Square

Portland Transit

Promoting Diversity in Transit Leadership

Latinos in Transit works to connect and empower people of color to increase diversity in management roles at transit agencies.

September 25, 2022 - Smart Cities Dive

Salt Lake City, Utah

Opinion: Utah Transportation Bill a Step in the Right Direction

A Utah mayor writes in support of state legislation that tasks state agencies with coordinating major transit projects, citing it as a positive step toward accommodating Utah’s explosive growth.

May 10, 2022 - Deseret News

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