Ron Epstein of NYSDOT has prepared a table showing the estimated federal funding under FAST to each NYS Urbanized Area based on current formulas.  The funding is shown for each formula program - Section 5307/5340, Section 5337 State of Good Repair, and Section 5339 Bus Program.  Also shown are state totals for Section 5311 and 5310.A second table compares the total 5 year funding to each urbanized area from FAST to 5 years of current funding.

The cost of a study commissioned on B.C. Transit's routes would more than double under a proposal being considered by the Broome County Legislature. Officials say, however, that extending the contract with Florida-based TransPro Consulting would be a case of spending more to save more. Broome County has contracted with TransPro to evaluate public transit’s routes and ridership, and to suggest ways to increase revenues while controlling costs.

Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced the Capital District Transit Authority (CDTA) will receive $650,000 to construct a transit center on Fourth Street in Troy. This award is part of the $98.1 million awarded to the Capital Region under the 2015 Regional Economic Development Council awards. “The Uncle Sam Transit Center, positioned on the corner of the Fourth Street and Fulton Street, has the chance to be a transformative project helping revitalize a central section of Downtown Troy, while enhancing the region’s expanding public transit network,” said CDTA Chairman of the Board, David M. Stackrow.

Preliminary data shows the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) reached a new modern record when 6,217,621 customers entered the MTA New York City Transit subway system on Thursday, October 29, 2015. The subway system carried 50,000 more customers that day than at its previous record peak, just one year earlier. “The relentless growth in subway ridership shows how this century-old network is critical to New York’s future,” said MTA Chairman and CEO Thomas F. Prendergast.

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) has announced Southwest Airlines is commencing new weekly nonstop service to Denver, CO from the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. The new service is scheduled to start Saturday, June 11, 2016, using a 737-700 aircraft with 143 seats. Flights are now available for booking.

A coalition of business-backed groups and labor unions launched a television and digital ad campaign aimed at pushing for parity in upstate infrastructure and transportation spending. The ad, dubbed “parity” will be running in upstate media markets and on news and sports websites. The 30-second spot from Rebuild NY Now calls for a boost in infrastructure spending that’s in line with the money being spent in the New York City region for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s capital plan.

Governor Cuomo has signed an Executive Order which provides New Jersey and Connecticut law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction on New York’s public transportation services and facilities. This allows security and counter-terrorism officials in both states to assist New York in ensuring public safety at the types of locations which are traditionally targeted by terrorists.

Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman has announced he plans to retire from Amtrak in September 2016, following nearly eight years of service with the railroad. Under his leadership, Boardman, who served as NYPTA President 1987-1989, helped Amtrak to a number of accomplishments including record ridership and revenue, improved operating cost recovery, procurement of new equipment, enhanced passenger services, expansion of service and advancement of critical infrastructure projects, the railroad said.

Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is launching the Smart City Challenge, a contest that invites American cities to take advantage of new technologies that could change how we move. The city that offers the most compelling plan gets $50 million to begin making it happen. The challenge represents a new way of working for the DOT, one tailored to a rapidly changing world.

Minneapolis, MN -- The local bus of the future pulled into Metro Transit’s headquarters this week. Aside from a wider-than-normal rear door, the new bus was most notable for what it lacked: Payment machines. That’s because passengers will be paying before they board and entering through either door — similar to light rail — to help speed service. The route will also feature longer spacing between stops, and buses will employ traffic signal priority technology to move more easily through lights.

NYPTA has set up a Maintenance Directors Network (MDN) to connect maintenance professionals from throughout the state. The MDN offers a wonderful opportunity to enhance knowledge on maintenance specific topics, hear from experts in the field and gain a sense of comradery. A MDN list-serve has also been set up to assist in communicating.  If you or someone you know would like more information or to be added to the MDN, please contact info@nytransit.org and we will add you to the list.

Plan now to be at the Capital in Albany February 2 for NYPTA’s 2016 Transit Awareness Day. Join us in bringing lawmakers a unified message on the importance of investing in transit infrastructure.

 

The Governor and Legislature need to take the lead on securing resources to fund critical infrastructure investments necessary for safety and meeting increased public demand.

 

We need a unified voice, we need to be heard and we need you make it happen!
Our industry partners can play a key role, too. Become a Transit Awareness Day sponsor and secure a prominent position on Transit Awareness Day 2016!

 

Mark your calendars. Be in Albany on February 2nd. More details to come.