UPDATE
ACE Rail re-ups with ETA Transit to continue their decades-long partnership
ETA Transit announced that Altamont Corridor Express ( ACE Rail ) has renewed its intelligent vehicle tracking service contracts . The new term of the agreement extends the relationship between both organizations beyond the 20-year mark , a testament to the versatility of ETA ’ s SPOT ™ platform and its continued emphasis on quality system support . “ Twenty years is a significant milestone in any relationship ,” said ETA Transit President John Maglio . “ The partnership between ACE Rail and ETA Transit is one we don ’ t take for granted . They were among ETA ’ s first customers . The fact that they keep renewing in an era of increased competition underscores one of the core benefits of a SPOT ™ platform — the constant evolution of our technology and industry knowledge ensures that transit operators always have access to the solutions they need most .” The SPOT ™ intelligent transit system ( ITS ) provides ACE Rail with a suite of powerful management tools , including a robust reporting solution that provides real-time and historical information . This data translates into hyper-accurate arrival predictions and system updates to connected systems , such as digital displays , tracking websites , and mobile applications .
U . S . Transportation Secretary Buttigieg announces ARP grant awards to transit systems for COVID-19 response
In August , U . S . Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced several notable American Rescue Plan Act ( ARP ) grant awards to transit systems for COVID-19 response . These funds are intended to help transit agencies maintain service and jobs as communities continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic . The ARP grant awards include :
• $ 859.6 million to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority ( MBTA ) also known as “ The T ” in Boston ;
• $ 255.7 million to New Jersey Transit ;
• $ 163.9 million to Orange County Transportation Authority ( OCTA ) in California ;
• $ 330.8 million to the Bay Area Rapid Transit System ( BART ) in San Francisco ;
• $ 304.2 million to the Denver Regional Transportation District ( RTD ) in Colorado .
• $ 298.6 million to Houston METRO
• $ 288.2 million to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency ( SFMTA ) This funding is part of more than $ 30 billion for public transportation in the American Rescue Plan Act which was signed into law by President Biden on March 11 of this year . The funding comes from the $ 26.6 billion allocated by statutory formulas to urban and rural areas , tribal governments , and for the enhanced mobility of seniors and individuals with disabilities . The Act also included $ 2.2 billion for additional transit pandemic-associated need , which will be awarded later this year . No local share is required for this funding .
DART Board of Directors unanimously approves bus network redesign plan
The Dallas Area Rapid Transit ( DART ) Board of Directors has unanimously approved the DARTzoom Final Bus Network Plan , which includes a complete redesign of the DART bus network . With the goal of providing greater frequency , longer service hours and improved access to destinations , the redesigned network goes into effect on January 24 , 2022 . As the North Texas region continues to experience unparalleled growth , becoming a national and international destination for both residents and corporations , DART has undertaken a complete blank-slate redesign of the existing bus system . Working with all 13 Service Area cities , employers , community leaders , and transit riders , DART has developed a new bus system that is designed to ensure passengers have safe and easy access to employment , education , and entertainment areas across the DART service area .
Greater Frequency Core Frequent Network service will provide bus frequency matching or better than light rail service – 15-minute peak and 20-minute midday . Light rail service will also return to prepandemic levels , providing 15-minute peak service and more frequent evening service .
Expanded Coverage With the implementation of the DARTzoom Bus Network Redesign service changes , 74 percent of DART service area residents will have access to transit services within walking distance . This is an increase of 6 percent above the current bus network design . New DART GoLink on-demand service zones help achieve the added coverage .
More Direct Routes By making the new bus routes more direct , focusing on major transit corridors , and reducing the number of bus stops , DART bus service will be faster , ensuring passengers get to their destinations quicker and improving connections .
Longer Hours of Service With a focus on transit riders working non-traditional hours , all local DART bus routes will provide service seven days a week between the hours of 5:00 a . m . and midnight at a minimum . The 22 core frequent bus routes will operate between 4:00 a . m . and 1:00 a . m .
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