CRC WEBINAR AVAILABLE ONLINE

The CRC webinar on “Delivering a Next-Gen Train Control System” has been posted to CRC’s YouTube channel. The conversation, recorded on February 19, recounts the partnership between NICTD and Tracsis, with insights applicable across commuter railroads.

MARC is considering implementing a family fare or program where children 18 and under ride for free and are looking for industry best practices to inform their policy. CRC members with experience introducing similar programs are asked to get in touch.

If you offer a fare product like this, what has been your experience? What were the impacts on ridership/revenue increases (or decreases), fare compliance, onboard behavioral issues, and any unanticipated challenges?

Anyone who would like to provide feedback can email MARC directly.

WASHINGTON ROUND-UP

• President Trump this week clarified that agency heads and not DOGE will make decisions about policy and staffing. In his comments, Trump noted that Elon Musk - who wielded a very real chainsaw last week - can only make recommendations. At the DOT, Secretary Sean Duffy has said that the agency’s mission is “safety and building big, beautiful roads and bridges,” noting that those remain safe from cuts.

• Confirmation updates: Steven Bradbury’s nomination continues to move forward, with Senate Leader John Thune filing cloture as the next step in his approval for DOT deputy.

• The Senate Banking Committee has not yet scheduled a hearing for FTA nominee Marc Molinaro, nor has he met with the committee’s ranking member, according to Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).

• Shutdown watch: House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) aims to put to vote Tuesday a continuing resolution that would fund the government through the remainder of this fiscal year. The current CR expires Friday, March 14.

METROLINK MEETS RIDERSHIP DEMANDS FOR INT’L WOMEN’S DAY

Metrolink is adding five morning and five afternoon trains to accommodate an anticipated ridership increase from attendees of an International Women’s Day event in downtown Los Angeles Saturday, March 8.

The event is being organized by the Women’s March Foundation. In both 2018 and 2019, Metrolink saw ridership for the organization’s annual Women’s March top 13,000, a more than 70% increase over typical Saturday ridership.

WHAT WE’RE READING

• US DOT asks DC transportation authorities to focus on cutting crime (Smart Cities Dive)

• City of Fort Worth, Trinity Metro to Explore Urban Mobility in Fort Worth (Mass Transit Magazine)

• Push to Extend Northstar to St. Cloud Faces New Legislative Hurdle (St. Cloud Times)

• South Florida Counties are Asked to Pay Millions to Keep Tri-Rail Running (Mass Transit Magazine)

• FRA Personnel Cuts Could Further Delay Languishing Rail Initiatives: Analysis (Trains.com)

• MBTA Releases Official Timetable for South Coast Rail Service (Streetsblog Mass)