TRANSIT NEWS

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority’s Metro Station at Allen and Main streets links to the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, where new buildings are rising and thousands of new jobs are expected to be created. With $30 million in state funds available this year for capital projects for upstate transit systems, Western New York is trying to secure its share to upgrade the NFTA’s light-rail system, as well as its bus fleet. State Sen. Tim Kennedy, D-Buffalo, said a modernized light-rail system is integral to new developments in the city, including the medical campus, the return of cars on Main Street, and projects like Canalside and HarborCenter.

Gather with industry leaders and experts to discuss the present state of transportation project funding.  This event is an opportunity to be a part of the solution, working with our leaders to help establish better means of financing, regulating and completing our infrastructure projects.  Our business economy depends upon it.

FEDERAL NEWS

A busy couple of months for public transportation saw gas prices that are 33 cents higher than February, a price hike that is contributing to the great savings public transit riders are achieving. Consider the facts from the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA), April Transit Savings Report: Individuals who ride public transportation instead of driving can save, on average, more than $848 this month and $10,174 annually.

Ahead of debate over a new highway funding bill this year, Reps. John Delaney (D-Md.) and Mike Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) say Congress should use repatriated revenue to fill the Highway Trust Fund's coffers. In a letter to colleagues, Delaney and Fitzpatrick suggested using one-time revenues from repatriated earnings as a temporary means of funding the trust while negotiating a long-term solution. Repatriated revenue comes from transferring foreign earnings or returns on foreign investments.

STATE NEWS

NEW YORK— Transit officials and the union representing an estimated 34,000 New York City subway and bus workers have reached a tentative contract deal that includes raises but also higher health insurance payments. Thursday’s tentative pact came after Gov. Andrew Cuomo‘s office got involved Wednesday in negotiations. The last contract lapsed more than two years ago.

WASHINGTON - The Federal Emergency Management Agency will award the MTA $403 million for its efforts to repair and strengthen two key East River tunnels that were flooded during superstorm Sandy, federal officials said Wednesday.  The Metropolitan Transportation Authority will receive $329 million for fixes to its Hugh Carey/Brooklyn Battery and Queens-Midtown tunnels, and another $74.5 million for flood-control projects.

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

TOKYO -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe took US ambassador Caroline Kennedy on a test ride of Japan's super-fast magnetic train, showcasing the maglev technology Tokyo hopes to sell to its ally. The smiling prime minister was able to show off the technology with ease, as the train reached speeds of 505km/h at certain points in the journey. Maglev, short for magnetic levitation after the magnets that propel the vehicle forward in place of traditional wheels and axles, is a contender for US President Barack Obama's multibillion-dollar national high-speed rail project.

ONTARIO:  Ontario is continuing to make smart investments in transit and infrastructure to improve the quality of life for people across the province today and build a more prosperous tomorrow. The province released its Infrastructure and Transit Progress Report today. It highlights how the government's unprecedented investments of nearly $100 billion to modernize public infrastructure since 2003 have helped create jobs, support businesses and improve everyday life for the people of Ontario.

MONTPELIER — Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin is urging leaders in Congress to replenish the federal transportation fund so Vermont can move forward with road and bridge projects that he says are critical to job growth, public safety and the health of the state. Shumlin sent a letter to U.S. House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., on Wednesday saying a projected shortfall in the Highway Trust Fund could threaten the state’s progress in recovering from the Great Recession

NYPTA TRAINING AND EVENTS

Public Transit Industry FREE Webinar Series
Developing a Succession Plan 
Thursday, April 24 | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Participants will focus on the process of developing a strong succession plan. You will learn how to identify key positions and leaders within your organization, and how to engage those people both inside and outside of the organization who will allow for continued growth as current leaders are phased out. Performance metrics and tracking of data will be discussed as tools for analyzing the progress of your succession plan. Registration is Free!

2014 NY Public Transit Fall Expo

We invite transit industry manufacturers, vendors and service providers to reserve your space at the 2014 New York Public Transit Fall Expo, September 16-18 at the Saratoga City Center in Saratoga Springs. It’s your chance to market your solutions to more than 150 public transportation leaders from across the State.  Expanded hours give you a greater opportunity to make important connections.  Call Mike Cocca at 518.434.9060 for your exhibitor prospectus, or email info@nytransit.org.