LA Metro Board urges $16.5 B investment in transit infrastructure
California’s budget surplus is a “golden opportunity” to advance the region’s Long Range Transportation Plan according to the LA Metro Board of Directors. The board has asked area representatives in the state’s legislature to support investing $16.5 billion of that surplus into transportation infrastructure. Public Transit capital projects and projects that support the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games are among specific targets that would benefit from additional funding. [cal.streetsblog.org]
Charlotte streetcar service to stay free due to reliability issues
Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) will continue to operate fare-free streetcar service on the CityLYNX Gold Line through the new year. CATS officials say this is because of the nationwide labor shortage, causing the transportation system to struggle meeting the frequency initially set. Until more reliable service is provided, the streetcar will continue to operate for free. The service was initially set to stop being free this month. CATS began passenger service on its CityLYNX Gold Line streetcar last August. [wbtv.com]
German modernization program renovates over 1,000 stations
Over 1,000 stations across Germany were renovated last year as part of rail operator Deutsche Bahn’s modernization program. This work has benefited 13.4 million travelers. Launched in May 2021, the program has seen DB invest 120 m euros (135.59 m USD) into station improvements including new benches and weather shelters, and fresh coats of paint. As a way of improving sustainability, LED lighting, energy-efficient heating systems have been installed at selected stations. Station accessibility was also improved. [railway-news.com]
Iran, Iraq draw up plans for railway connection
The transportation ministers of Iran and Iraq have signed a memorandum of understanding to build the Shalamcheh-Basra railway and Shatt al-Arab bridge. The agreement includes a roadmap and timetable for executing the project. According to the signed agreement, the project will be implemented by the railway companies of both sides, and work will begin within two months. The Iranian side agreed to withdraw from a portion of land inside Iraqi territory within 20 days in order to allow Iraq to build a workshop for the project. [al-monitor.com]
Shanghai metro passes 800 km as another driverless line opens
The total route length of the Shanghai urban rail network has reached 831 km (516 mi) with the inauguration of the city’s fifth fully-automated metro line. Built entirely underground, the 39.1 km (24 mi) Line 14 runs across the heart of the city, linking Fengbang in the western district of Jiading to Guiqiaolu in the east. It has 31 stations, of which 13 are interchanges. Designed as a high-capacity route, Line 14 is operated by a fleet of 49 eight-car trainsets, each carrying 2,480 passengers. Peak train frequency of just over three minutes will fall to 10 minutes intervals at other times. [railwaygazette.com]
