LA Metro
LA Metro recently announced that it is resuming its TAP-to-Exit program at North Hollywood Station (B Line) and Union Station (B & D Lines) at the beginning of service on Monday, Nov. 17. At the same time, the agency is also launching TAP-to-Exit at the A Line’s Pomona North Station.
TAP-to-Exit was paused at North Hollywood and Union Station last spring for LA Metro to resolve technical issues with the Los Angeles Fire Department. TAP-to-Exit has been ongoing at the E Line’s Downtown Santa Monica Station.
Some stats that LA Metro collected on TAP-to-Exit:
- “We surveyed riders at North Hollywood in 2024, and 90% felt that the program made the station cleaner, and 86% felt safer. The numbers were even higher among women.
- “Reports to our Transit Watch app of crime and other issues (fights, drug use and graffiti) dropped by more than 40% on the B Line.
- “After TAP-to-Exit was launched at Downtown Santa Monica Station and paired with more fare enforcement on the E Line, incidents on the E Line dropped 55%.
- “In the first month of the program at North Hollywood, 15,000 unpaid rides were identified and paid for upon exit, amounting to an 11% increase in fare compliance. Overall, 120,000 fares were collected because of TAP-to-Exit, recovering over $130,000 in fare revenue that we can use to maintain and improve our system.”
MTA
The Jacobs and Kittelson and Associates, Inc. team has been selected by the MTA to continue their longstanding working relationship and assist with project planning efforts for a range of transit initiatives across the state. The contracts cover planning for bus, light rail, metro, commuter rail and mobility capital projects that aim to improve transit access, efficiency and sustainability.
As part of a joint venture, Jacobs and Kittelson will provide a full suite of planning services to support Maryland’s evolving transit infrastructure.
“From project development and environmental assessments to architecture, urban planning and engineering, we’re focused on creating positive outcomes for Maryland communities,” said Heather Murphy, Jacobs’ Client Account Manager and Senior Transportation Consultant. “Our planning approach centers on innovation and sustainability, expanding transit access for all residents. By enhancing accessibility and efficiency, we aim to reduce congestion, lower emissions and support a healthier environment.”
Planning services under the new contracts will help MTA:
- “Navigate a competitive and financially constrained environment.
- “Continue its leadership role in statewide transit planning and integration.
- “Respond to shifting travel patterns, including commuter-focused services such as commuter rail, commuter bus and paratransit.
- “Apply emerging technologies and tools to strengthen project design and federal funding competitiveness.”
“Our planning solutions are tailored to meet the specific needs of Maryland’s transit systems—from Maryland Area Rail Commuter and light rail to buses and statewide mobility,” added Murphy. “Together with Kittelson, we bring the experience and resources to help MTA meet today’s challenges and deliver a more connected, resilient future.”
STM
The union representing maintenance workers with Montreal’s public transit authority announced it was suspending its month-long job action, “just hours before the province’s labor minister tabled new legislation that could have forced them back on the job,” according to a CBC News report.
In a news release sent late Tuesday night, the union said STM “remained inflexible despite significant movement on the union’s part.”
“Our union is not insensitive and it’s suspending the strike in order to continue negotiations while aiming for public transit to be financed in a fair way that can maintain good working conditions for the STM’s 2,400 maintenance workers,” stated the release from the Syndicat du transport de Montréal.
According to the CBC News report, the suspension of the strike, which had been ongoing since Oct. 31, was in effect as of 6 a.m. on Wednesday. Regular service will be gradually reintroduced throughout the day and will be fully restored Thursday, the STM says.
Speaking at a news conference at city hall Wednesday morning, incoming Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada said the union made the “right decision,” according to the CBC News report. “She also asked for predictability from bus drivers, Metro operators and station agents who are preparing to strike this weekend.”
According to the report, the labor tribunal is expected to issue a ruling this week on the service levels for Saturday and Sunday.
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