New Transit Openings & Construction 2012

[Arch City]

See entire list with detailed descriptions here (http://www.thetransportpolitic.com/2012/01/02/opening-and-construction-starts-planned-for-2012/).

http://www.thetransportpolitic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/2012-Openings4.jpg

See entire list with detailed descriptions here (http://www.thetransportpolitic.com/2012/01/02/opening-and-construction-starts-planned-for-2012/).

[Jonboy1983]

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_787069.html

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_786971.html

:previous: Two articles about the opening of the North Shore Connector in Pittsburgh next Sunday. The first one essentially states that politicians are taking a "wait and see" approach regarding whether this thing will be a success or failure. (I'm praying that it will work). The second article is a take on potential future riders of the connector. Some think it will be a good idea; others say it's a waste of time.

I'm praying this thing will altimately be a success, but given the dire state of Port Authority, me things it will be a blunder. I just hope someone comes in and privatizes some of the service. Apparently that's what we need now.

That's a question I have with transit in general. What is the state of the other transit agencies in the country. If they're flourishing, why? I see Pittsburgh's service, and all I see it doing is cutting back and cutting back. SEPTA (Greater Philadelphia) hasn't really done much of anything as far as expansion is concerned. They updated a few stations and are phasing out some of their older equipment, but that's about it...

Places like Washington DC, Seattle, Los Angeles, and Baltimore are all expanding like crazy. I know DC pretty much uses adjusted land values to help fund their expansion, but what about other metro areas and their agencies?

[ssiguy]

Actually for Toronto, it has one metro extension under construction and one beginning this year.
Winnipeg's short BRT system is a good start for a city of 700,000. Although only 5 km long once it leaves the downtown it is a TRUE BRT on a total bus-only roadway with complete road separation using bridges, tunnels, large heated stations, and speeds of up to 80kph. Very similar to Pittsburg and Ottawa systems.

[Metro-One]

Thanks for posting, surprised so little comments on this thread. love the map!

I do enjoy the fact that here in Vancouver we are building metro rail. Love seeing our green dot, hehe, yay to our 4th metro line!

[Kingofthehill]

Both Chicago and Philly's transit agencies' pessimism and apathy is downright sad. That said, good job, LA!

[Rizzo]

Both Chicago and Philly's transit agencies' pessimism and apathy is downright sad. That said, good job, LA!

Well, let's look at this a different way. Chicago's red, blue, and green lines are are in pretty awful shape with dungeon subway stations and rusting / rotting EL platforms. The CTA is spending a ton of money to renovate these and introducing new vehicles. It's a big priority over adding new lines. Yet... the CTA is adding new stations. Morgan and the one up in Skokie.

Keep in mind, at some point they want to completely demolish and rebuild Northern parts of the red line. Not start with an empty site, but actually reconstruct brand new rapid transit while keeping the line in operation. Complicated an expensive.

Modernizations don't come cheap

Really, my only dream projects for Chicago transit are some express train to ORD from downtown and light rail from Union to Magnificent Mile to Navy Pier. The proposed BRT will provide some ease of getting cross town to other rail lines

[bobdreamz]

http://www.thetransportpolitic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Miami-Central-Station.png

The Miami Intermodal Center will have the Metrorail Airport Link open within a few weeks connecting to the Airport people mover. So a direct link to MIA will be complete
The other procect is upgrading & construction for tracks for the Tri-Rail commuter rail line & Amtrak rail lines that are being designed to tie into the Intermodal center set to be fully functional by next year.

[initiald]

The second leg of Charlotte's light rail system won't break ground until next year. Next step is FTA Approval to Enter Final Design with a planned groundbreaking on the 9.4 mile/15.1 km line set for August 2013.