ATU News
Transportation Learning Center Update - July 1, 2009
Transportation Learning Center — US, NAT'L (7/1)
Center UpdatesSpending Bill Allows Transit Funds for Operating Expenses
Transit labor and management representatives have been advocating for federal funding eligibility for operating costs. Until recently ARRA funds could only be used for system improvements and purchasing of equipment. In the May/June edition of In Transit, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU)
The Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2009 contains a provision permitting transit agencies to use as much as 10 percent of their ARRA funds for operating costs. Agencies that previously allocated their ARRA monies can amend their applications to redirect funding to operating expenses.
Transit System/Partners
Metro inspecting all 3,000 of system's circuits
By: Kytja Weir - The Examiner
Metro's general manager said the transit system was manually checking all of the some 3,000 circuits in the rail system after a National Transportation Safety Board investigation pinpointed one as having "anomalies" along the tracks near where a train slammed into another Monday, killing nine and injuring more than 70.
MARTA signs off on $787 million FY10 budget
Progressive Railroading
Yesterday, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) board approved a $787.6 million FY2010 spending plan that includes $399.1 million for operating expenses and $388.5 million for capital costs. The budget takes effect on July 1. The budget includes a 25-cent base fare increase, as well as pass price hikes. MARTA also will eliminate some service, including the reduction of rail service frequency.
Labor News
First female to be recognized as labor group's representative of the year
By RANDY HEASTER
The Kansas City Star
Birks has been named Labor's Representative of the Year by a local labor group. The awards dinner will be held July 24 in the Harrah's banquet room, sponsored by Labor's Educational & Political Club Independent, or LEPCI. She is the first female to be recognized at the group's annual dinner. Hence, the first 100 women attending the banquet will receive Rosie the Riveter T-shirts, and buttons will be given to everyone.
Building Transportation Infrastructure
Orange Line extension is vital for Valley transit
Daily News
Los Angeles, CA - CONNECTIVITY is key. The ability to make seamless connections from bus to train to subway makes public transit faster, more convenient and more appealing to potential riders. That's why the Orange Line extension to Chatsworth is so exciting. The $225 million, four-mile extension will link the busway with the Chatsworth Metrolink station.
Economic Issues
AC Transit lands federal stimulus money
By Shelly Meron - West County Times
AC Transit will receive about $26 million through the federal Department of Transportation, according to U.S. Rep. George Miller's office. The money is part of the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act approved earlier this year. It will be used for preventive maintenance to AC Transit's 643 buses and facilities over a five-month period.
Misc.
Demolished! 11 Beautiful Train Stations That Fell To The Wrecking Ball
In 1963, America learned a painful lesson when Pennsylvania Station, an architectural treasure that Senator Daniel Moynihan described as "the best thing in our city," was torn down and replaced with a dreary complex that includes an office building and Madison Square Garden. The rail station, to this day the nation's busiest, was moved underground into a claustrophobic warren of artificially lit passageways and bleak waiting rooms.
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