Transportation
Ridership up, crime down on LA Metro transit system
Latest data from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) shows that as of July 2025, system ridership has grown for eight consecutive months, driven mainly by new line openings, World Cup events, and improved safety conditions. Meanwhile, violent crime within the system fell 6.7% year-over-year, and the homeless population decreased by 57% compared to 2024.
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After federal funding was terminated, the California High-Speed Rail Authority reached a cooperation agreement with private consortia, attempting to attract external investment. However, experts point out that the private sector's willingness to invest in high-speed rail projects is limited, and the financial difficulties of other private rail projects also cast a shadow over the prospects.
New York’s congestion pricing program has not affected air quality, study finds
The latest study by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene shows that the congestion pricing plan implemented on January 5, 2025, has not led to substantial improvements in air quality, nor has it caused deterioration in environmental justice communities. This conclusion aligns with the 2023 federal environmental assessment, with experts noting that air pollution is influenced by weather and topography, making it difficult to observe changes on a small scale.
Chicago-area transit agencies start operating under new regional authority
The Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) began operations today, replacing the former Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) to oversee the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace. This move aims to address an imminent fiscal crisis, with the state legislature approving $1.5 billion in funding support and planning to raise over $1.3 billion annually through sales and gasoline taxes. All existing services will remain unchanged, but the new authority will promote fare simplification, safety enhancements, and investment optimization.
As transit ridership more than doubles in North Miami Beach, first- and last-mile service expands
Since 2021, North Miami Beach has partnered with ProKel Mobility, launching a new bus system in July this year that includes three community shuttle routes and two on-demand electric vehicles, connecting to Miami-Dade Transit, Tri-Rail, and Metrorail. Monthly ridership has now doubled from approximately 4,000 to 10,000 trips, with projected savings of over $1.5 million for the city. ProKel's CEO stated that the company is focusing on the first-and-last-mile on-demand service trend and plans to announce an autonomous bus initiative within the year.
Greyhound’s 5-year turnaround: new buses, more routes, new customers
Nearly five years since Flix acquired Greyhound, this North American intercity bus operator has undergone a significant transformation. By updating its fleet, expanding routes, and improving on-time performance, Greyhound has attracted students, young professionals, and value-conscious travelers. In 2026, the World Cup, high fuel prices, and Spirit Airlines' suspension further drive passenger growth. The company is preparing for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and advancing hub facility upgrades in cities such as Chicago, Boston, and New York.
Tracking new transit openings in 2026
In 2026, North America is expected to open approximately 150 miles of new fixed-guideway transit lines, including the Seattle floating bridge light rail, Las Vegas BRT, and Los Angeles metro extension. Compared to 240 miles in 2016, this year's scale is reduced, with some cities favoring lower-cost bus rapid transit.
洛杉矶市中心体育综合体将建空中出租车垂直起降场
Archer Aviation与AEG于周一宣布，将在洛杉矶市中心L.A. Live体育娱乐综合体开发垂直起降场，作为其洛杉矶空中出租车网络的一部分，为2028年奥运会做准备。
Las Vegas launches bus rapid transit line to boost ridership and service reliability
Las Vegas opened a new bus rapid transit line on Sunday, featuring 60-foot zero-emission hydrogen fuel-cell buses. The $378 million project, funded by federal grants and local sources, aims to cut bus travel time by 20% and serve 13,000 daily riders by 2040.
HNTB Study: 125-mph Rail Link Could Cut Austin–San Antonio Travel to About an Hour
A new feasibility study released Thursday, commissioned by Travis County and prepared by HNTB, proposes a dedicated passenger rail line connecting Austin and San Antonio, Texas. The estimated $13.5 billion project could enable 125-mph trains to travel between the cities in about an hour, offering a faster alternative to the current Amtrak service.