The April 2024 Transportation Market Recap is a recap of some of the most interesting and useful transit industry news from the previous month. It contains updates on industry drivers, notable projects, and recent mergers and acquisitions, as well as some interesting reads, and upcoming meetings and conferences.
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Industry Drivers
Our data team tracks new and updated industry drivers. Here are some recent drivers we have been following this month:
Maryland HB 1256: Distributed Renewable Integration and Vehicle Electrification (DRIVE) Act
Status: Proposed
Organization: Maryland Department of Transportation
Summary: On April 4, 2024, the State of Maryland General Assembly passed the Distributed Renewable Integration and Vehicle Electrification (DRIVE) Act to integrate distributed energy resources and advance vehicle electrification. The DRIVE Act mandates electric companies to file time-of-use tariffs with the Public Service Commission by July 1, 2025, and strive to meet enrollment targets for these tariffs by January 1, 2028. The legislation allows for automatic enrollment of customers in time-of-use tariffs on an opt-out basis. It requires adopting regulations for the interconnection of systems to the electric distribution network. The Act also prohibits electric companies from unnecessarily demanding customers to enter contracts or apply for interconnection. It establishes a program for electric companies to compensate individuals for electric distribution system support services through pilot programs or temporary tariffs. Additionally, the Act authorizes electric companies to propose and the Commission to approve performance mechanisms and incentives or rebates to encourage participation.
Click Here for More Information
USDOT Finalizes Important National Regulation to Promote Transit Safety and Protect Transit Workers
Status: Effective
Organization: U.S. Department of Transportation
Summary: On April 9, 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced a final rule amending the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plans (PTASP) regulation and a revised National Public Transportation Safety Plan. The revisions prioritize the safety of transit workers and passengers nationwide, fostering increased worker involvement in safety decision-making through enhanced safety committees. Additionally, the updated safety plans address assault prevention, de-escalation training, and infectious disease control, aligning with broader safety goals outlined in the National Roadway Safety Strategy. The revised National Safety Plan emphasizes performance measures and best practices to mitigate accidents, injuries, and assaults on transit workers.
Click Here for More Information
Illinois SB 3451: An Act Concerning Commuter Passenger Rail Service
Status: Proposed
Organization: Illinois State Legislature
Summary: On April 12, 2024, the Senate of Illinois General Assembly passed SB 3451 to enhance rail safety by mandating comprehensive annual reporting. The legislation amends several acts, including the Transportation Cooperation Act of 1971 and the Regional Transportation Authority Act, requiring various entities such as the Department of Transportation, Regional Transportation Authority, Chicago Transit Authority, and the Commuter Rail Division to issue annual reports. These reports must detail all rail safety recommendations made by the National Transportation Safety Board in the previous year and the status of their implementation. Additionally, the Federal Railroad Corporation (Amtrak) and the Bi-State Development Agency may voluntarily issue similar reports. All mandated reports are to be made publicly available on the respective entity's website. The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2024.
Click Here for More Information
Notable Capital Improvement Programs
Here are some recent, notable Capital Improvement Programs (CIPs). FirmoGraphs has deconstructed the CIPs into data elements, along with available project descriptions. Please feel free to request a meeting and review the data live in our business intelligence application.
Lee County, Florida, Planned Capital Expenditure Increased by 9%
In the CIP covering the 2024-2028 fiscal years, Lee County, Florida, detailed plans to spend $1.7 billion on capital projects, an increase of 9% from $1.6 billion in its 2023-2027 CIP. The current CIP has 246 line items, compared to 239 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down Lee County's planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.
Planned Spending Increases Due to New and Ongoing Projects
Planned spending in the Utilities category increased by 29% with funding towards existing projects. The Solid Waste category also increased its spending by 61% due to a new project, the WTE Life Extensions. Lastly, the Parks and Recreation category also increased going to Stadiums Maintenance & Improvements and Environment Restoration & Exotic Maintenance.
Nearly $500 Million Programmed for Transportation Category
Even though Transportation spending went down, Lee County still has two large line items worth over $100 million and one over $50 million, all in Transportation. The largest line item is the Cape Coral Bdg WP Span Replacement, worth $224 million. Another 165 million is planned for the Alico Road Connector and $53 million for the Three Oaks Extension North.
Click Here to See Lee County, Florida, CIP
Yakima County Public Works, Washington, Planned Capital Spending Increased By 7%
In the CIP covering the 2024-2029 fiscal years, Yakima County Public Works, Washington, detailed plans to spend nearly $143 million on capital projects, an increase of 7% from $133 million in its 2023-2028 CIP. The current CIP has 45 line items, compared to 37 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down Yakima County Public Works’ planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.
Bridges Increases; Local Access Roads Decreases
Planned spending in the Bridges category increased by 165% due to five new projects, involving reconstruction of various bridges. On the other hand, the Local Access Roads decreased by 29% due to ongoing projects nearing completion.
Urban Arterials Project to Receive Over $50 Million
Yakima County Public Works, Washington has one notable line item valued at over $50 million, which is the East-West Corridor Yakima River East Bank To I - 82 Turnback Limits, worth $64 million, under the Urban Arterials category. The project involves new arterial connection including new Yakima River Bridge, I-82 Access Modifications and connection to City of Yakima Mill Site.
Click Here to See Yakima County Public Works, Washington, CIP
San Diego International Airport, California, Planned Capital Program Increased By 40%
In the CIP covering the 2024-2028 fiscal years, San Diego International Airport, California, detailed plans to spend nearly $726 million on capital projects, an increase of 40% from $520 million in its 2023-2027 CIP. The current CIP has 70 line items, compared to 76 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down San Diego International Airport's planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.
New Terminal 1 Increases; Landside/Ancillary Decreases
Planned spending in the New Terminal 1 category increased by 193% due to the New T1 Program Contingency, worth $227 million. On the other hand, the Landside/Ancillary category decreased by 13% due to the Airport Roadway & Vehicle Monitoring that is expected to be completed in 2025.
Solid Waste Facility to Receive Over $25 Million
San Diego International Airport, California, has one notable line item valued at over $25 million and one at over $10 million. The largest line item is the East Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling Facility, worth $26 million, under the Landside/Ancillary category. The project will replace the existing Solid Waste, Recycling, Triturator, and Vehicle Wash Facility on the east side of the Airport. In addition, it provides containment for airport solid waste operations to ensure regulatory compliance with both stormwater and industrial waste permits. Another $15 million goes to Northside Apron Improvements, under the Airside category, which involves rehabilitation of asphalt and concrete pavements within the north cargo apron, mitigating foreign object debris (FOD), filling cracks, eliminating pavement distresses, and correcting ponding issues; includes coordination with Airside Operations, Facilities Management (FMD), on-call contractors, and cargo apron tenants.
Click Here to See San Diego International Airport, California, CIP
Salt Lake City, Utah, Planned Capital Expenditure Increased By 61%
In the CIP covering the 2024 fiscal year, Salt Lake City, Utah, detailed plans to spend nearly $532 million on capital projects, an increase of 61% from $330 million in its 2023 CIP. The current and prior CIP has 81 line items. The table below breaks down Salt Lake City's planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.
Increase Going to New and Existing Projects
Planned spending in the Airport category increased by 321% or $134 million with funding for new projects. Public Utilities also increased by 28% for Treatment Plants and Treatment Plant Improvements.
Airport Project To Receive Nearly $80 Million
Salt Lake City has two notable line items valued at over $25 million. The largest line item is the Taxiway U & V Tunnel & Roadway Realignment, worth $79 million, under the Airport category. This project is the first of two phases, including constructing a tunnel structure to allow Taxiways U and V to cross over a depressed portion of 4000 West. Other components of this project are constructing MSE walls along the new 4000 West realignments, earthwork, asphalt, and concrete paving, relocating conflicting utilities, drainage systems, and fencing. $38 million is also planned for the Treatment Plant Improvements under the Public Utilities category.
Click Here to See Salt Lake City, Utah, CIP
Spokane International Airport, Washington, Planned Capital Spending Increased By 8%
In the CIP covering the 2024 fiscal year, Spokane International Airport, Washington detailed plans to spend $133 million on capital projects, an increase of 8% from $124 million in its 2023 CIP. The current CIP has 74 line items, compared to 65 line items in the prior CIP. The table below breaks down Spokane International Airport's planned capital spending by business area for its last two CIPs.
Increase Going to New and Existing Projects
Planned spending in the Airport category increased by 321% or $134 million with funding for new projects. Public Utilities also increased by 28% for Treatment Plants and Treatment Plant Improvements.
Over $40 Million Planned for Construction of Concourse C
Spokane International Airport, Washington, has one notable line item valued at over $25 million and one at over $10 million, belonging to the Spokane International Airport. The largest line item is the construction of Concourse C TREX, worth $44 million. Another $20 million is also planned for the reconstruction of Taxiway A - Phase 1.
Click Here to See Spokane International Airport, Washington, CIP
What We Are Reading
Here are some recent articles our team has been reading:
- FRA makes $2.4 billion available in FY23 and FY24 CRISI grants
- StarTran highlights new design of Multi-Modal Transportation Center, new transit technology
- Community Transit celebrates opening of Swift Orange BRT
- New Mexico regulators approve El Paso Electric $11M EV plan, including low-income rebates
- $7.5B for transportation, infrastructure projects available from US DOT
- L.A. Metro completes tunneling for Purple Subway Extension Project
- FTA awards $17.6 million in competitive grant funding for transit-oriented development projects
- FTA awards $149.9 million in CIG funding to RTC of Southern Nevada to support BRT project
- PA: Multiyear $150M light rail upgrades begin this week
- DC’s $8.8B Union Station upgrade moves forward
- U.S. Department of Transportation Announces Latest Step Toward Launching New Reconnecting Communities Institute
- Biden-Harris Administration Announces $148.3 million from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Fund Airport Projects in 28 States, Guam
- Seattle Mayor Harrell unveils $1.35 billion transportation levy
- Indiana DOT, Purdue collaborate on highway that charges EVs
- Seattle Mayor Harrell unveils $1.35 billion transportation levy
- Construction set for Louisiana’s $362M Jimmie Davis Bridge
- PANYNJ investing $430 million in PATH system upgrades
- Preteckt, Trapeze Group collaborate on automated predictive maintenance platform for transit industry
- USDOT Finalizes Important National Regulation to Promote Transit Safety and Protect Transit Workers
- MnDOT’s 2024 construction season includes 12 transit projects
- SANDAG to begin construction on Phase 5 of Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization project
- Biden-Harris Administration Announces Nearly $830 Million in Grants to Make Transportation Infrastructure More Resilient to Climate Change
- MBTA launches bus stop signage pilot
- Caltrain and partners reach another milestone on Electrification Project, test full 51-mile Caltrain-owned corridor
- DOT releases $830M for resilience projects
- PA: PennDOT secretary pushes for funding that could help RRTA add buses
- BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION AWARDS $23.6 MILLION TO HELP 112 COMMUNITIES DELIVER TRANSFORMATIVE INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS
- CHSRA issues RFP to Alstom and Siemens Mobility for high-speed train sets
- High-speed rail project in Texas gets high-level US, Japan support
- Atlanta Mayor Dickens issues Administrative Order for infill MARTA rail stations, BRT line
- OH: New potential Amtrak platform identified for Hamilton
- The Transportation Technology Center: A hub for advanced passenger train testing
- PSTA, city of Clearwater Fla., swap land to build new multimodal transit center
- Alexandria Transit Company Board approves FY 2025 Alexandria Transit Strategic Plan
- TARC Board of Directors passes FY 2025 budget
- FL: In Clearwater, construction nears on $45M downtown transit center
- Electric bus, railcar purchases sought by Chicago-based transit authority
- Amtrak issues RFI to assist transition of rail fleet to zero-emissions technology
- Gateway Development Commission submits final documents to FTA for Hudson Tunnel Project FFGA
- Biden-Harris Administration Announces Availability of $316 Million to Modernize Ferry Service and Better Connect Rural Communities
- FTA issues $316 million NOFO to support and modernize passenger ferry service
- 2 Arkansas highway projects totaling $308M break ground
- IL: Connect Transit transfer station in downtown Bloomington approaching design phase
- Amtrak completes accessibility upgrades at Utah stations
- U.S. Joint Office of Energy and Transportation issues $54 million NOFO for Communities Taking Charge Accelerator
- CTtransit awards The Mobility House electric bus charging contract
- Caltrain completes integrated testing between San Francisco and San Jose for electric train service
- $12B Vegas-to-California high-speed rail project breaks ground
- WI: Racine partnering with consultant for KRM rail study
- MA: East-west rail through Springfield called No. 1 priority as WMass delegation keeps up pressure
- Biden-Harris Administration Announces Nearly $150 Million in Grants to Help Reduce Truck Air Pollution Near America’s Ports
- City of London, Ontario, receives first shelter for BRT program
- SEPTA begins installation of SEPTA Metro wayfinding system
- Sound Transit’s Lynwood Link extension to open Aug. 30
- FTA makes $20.5 billion in FY24 transit formula funding available
- Minneapolis area’s Metro Transit begins construction on two BRT lines
- LA/NV: Feds Help Shreveport, La., and Las Vegas Modernize Transit
- White House earmarks $1.5B in push for freight decarbonization
Meeting Planner
In this over-digitized age, there is no replacement for face-to-face meetings with your prospects and customers! We track meetings of interest to our customers serving the U.S. transit industry so you won’t miss upcoming meetings and deadlines. Additionally, FirmoGraphs has recently implemented a free-of-charge service for tracking notable infrastructure events.
Meetings in May and June 2024
|
Name Organization |
Name Meeting |
Date Start |
Date End |
| Transportation Research Board | 2024-06-24 | 2024-06-26 |
Early Bird Registration
- Event: Forth Roadmap Conference
Dates: September 24, 2024 - September 26, 2024
Deadline for Early Registration: June 24, 2024 - Event: Transportation Research Board
Dates: August 12 - August 14, 2024
Deadline for Early Registration: May 17, 2024