Modernisation and accessibility works have been completed at Deák Ferenc tér and Ferenciek tere stations as part of a major upgrade of Budapest metro line M3 which began in November 2017 and is scheduled to be completed in May.
New York MTA has been awarded $254m of federal funding for station accessibility projects including the installation of lifts, reducing platform gaps, adding tactile platform edging, modifying fare gates and stairs and improving handrails. Stations have been selected to fill some of the largest geographical gaps between accessible stations. ‘Federal grants are essential to us maintaining this pace as we fulfil our commitment to make 95% of remaining stations accessible by 2055,’ said Jamie Torres-Springer, President of MTA Construction & Development.
Biometric fare payment was introduced on Moskva Aeroexpress airport rail services on January 19.
Chicago commuter rail operator Metra has begun the rollout of a real-time train-tracking website developed by Clever Devices at metratracker.com. GPS devices and other equipment have been installed on more than 1 000 vehicles and in 238 stations. Staff can send text messages which are converted into audio announcements and displayed on platform signs.
Contractor Cairn Cross has begun work to upgrade Wednesbury depot on Birmingham’s West Midlands Metro light rail line. Work includes replacement of the tram washer and provision of gantries in the depot to improve maintenance access.
Transmashholding subsidiary Metrowagonmash delivered 48 Moskva-2020 metro cars for the Moskva Metro’s Big Circle Line during December.
Chicago Transit Authority has awarded East Lake Management Group a four-year property maintenance contract worth up to $23·5m as part of the $3·6bn project to extend the Red Line by 9 km from 95th Street to 130th Street. The initial disadvantaged business enterprises participation goal for the contract was 30%, but the contractor has committed to 60%.