Transit Briefs: MDOT MTA, Phoenix Valley Metro, Metrolink, Metra
MDOT MTA
The 2025 Central Maryland Regional Transit Plan (RTP) Update refines recommendations from the original plan released in 2020 and outlines strategies to advance transit over the next 20 years, incorporating regional changes such as travel trends, shifts in population, and emerging employment hubs, according to MDOT MTA. Its updated plan, released Nov. 5, was developed in collaboration with the Baltimore Regional Transit Commission (see above).
The 2020 Central Maryland RTP is a 25-year plan for improving public transportation in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Harford County and Howard County. The 2025 RTP Update highlights the progress made since then, including:
- “Completion or adoption of a majority of the transit improvement strategies identified in the previous RTP’s five-year implementation plan.
- “Implementation of numerous local improvements identified as ‘Transit Network Improvements’ in the 2020 RTP.
- “Planning or construction of improvements in half of the 30 RTP Corridors.”
The 2025 RTP Update also refines the 2020 RTP recommendations, complementing other regional transit planning that has taken place since, including the BMORE BUS plan for Core Bus Network and the MARC Growth & Transformation Plan for regional rail. Updated recommendations are provided for the following:
- “RTP Corridors: Proposals for the most investment-ready RTP Corridors, along with essential facility needs and recommendations for other RTP Corridors.
- “Strategies: New and revised strategies based to keep making progress toward RTP objectives.
- “Transit Network Improvement Areas: Updated list of transit-supportive local actions.”
Lastly, the 2025 RTP Update includes a five-year implementation plan that is said to prioritize the refined recommendations and identify the actions that MDOT MTA and other state and local partners can take in the short term.
Separately, MDOT recently launched a rewards program to encourage Baltimore-area commuters to try transit.
Valley Metro
Valley Metro riders have experienced “significant enhancements” in security, cleanliness and rider behavior, according to a recent study of more than 1,100 riders, reported the agency that provides regional bus, streetcar, light rail and paratransit services in the metro Phoenix area. The improved rider experience is also paired with a drop in rail security incidents, year over year, by more than 50%, it said on Nov. 6.
The survey found that 81% of bus, streetcar, and light rail riders feel very secure or secure (vs. 71% in 2022 survey); 61% see more security on transit (vs. 52% in 2022); 82% are very likely or likely to recommend Valley Metro to others (vs. 74% in 2022); and 78% very satisfied or satisfied with Valley Metro (vs. 69% in 2022).
According to Valley Metro security data, the agency said, from FY 2024 to FY 2025, the average rail incident rate dropped by 54%; and from January to June 2025, total incidents decreased 75% compared with the same period in 2024.
Improvements in security “reflect continued investments in both personnel and prevention,” Valley Metro reported. Field Security Officers, who patrol stations, trains and park-and-rides, are now more visible with a 40% increase in presence, representing 45–50 officers on the rail system during peak hours, according to the transit agency. Partnerships with local law enforcement add another layer of security presence, including from the Phoenix Transit Police, Tempe Police’s extra-duty program, Mesa Police’s bike squad, and via Operation Blue Ride that offers wellness resources to bus riders, it added.
Valley Metro also reported on Nov. 6 that bus and rail ridership in September 2025 increased by 21% year over year, with 45,000 daily weekday riders; that the new rail extension into south Phoenix is seeing more than 9,000 riders each weekday, surpassing a projected 8,000 daily riders; that Metro Parkway station, which opened in January 2024, had 69,000 boardings in September, the second highest in the system, and was followed closely by 67,000 boardings at the new end-of-line in south Phoenix at Baseline/Central Ave.; and that Express and RAPID commuter buses are seeing weekday increases of 18%.
“Our unwavering focus on security is transforming the transit experience for our riders,” Valley Metro CEO Jessica Mefford-Miller said. “Whether it’s deepening partnerships with law enforcement or prioritizing safety enhancement at our passenger facilities, every effort contributes to a more confident and enjoyable journey for our community.”
“Behind this progress are the people who look out for our community,” added Adrian Ruiz, Valley Metro Chief, Safety and Security. “Our police partners, supervisors, Customer Experience Coordinators, alongside our security officers, work together every day to ensure a safe and welcoming experience for all riders. We also rely on our community. If you see something, please say something.”
Separately, Valley Metro recently introduced streetcar fares.
Metrolink
Metrolink’s annual Holiday Express trains will return for three weekends next month, featuring festive interiors and visits from Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and an assortment of merry helpers, according to the regional passenger rail service, whose 545.6 total service line miles and 67 stations span Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, and San Diego counties.
Each nonstop, round-trip train ride lasts approximately 75 minutes, giving riders plenty of time to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, sing along with the elves, and snap photos with Santa and company, according to Metrolink. Prior to departure, riders are invited to welcome receptions with themed activities, treats, music and family-friendly entertainment. Metrolink, in partnership with various local nonprofit organizations, is also continuing its tradition of collecting toys at each event to support families in need during the holiday season.
“There’s something truly magical about Metrolink’s Holiday Express trains that capture what this time of year is all about,” said Riverside County 2nd District Supervisor and Metrolink Board Member Karen Spiegel, who joined in the merriment with her family last year in Redlands. “This heartwarming experience enriches our local communities and creates memories that last long after the season ends.”
“When aboard Metrolink’s Holiday Express, the journey itself becomes the destination, and it’s a celebration,” added Metrolink Board Member Tâm Nguyễn, who visited last year’s Holiday Express stop in Anaheim. “It’s a wonderful example of how Metrolink connects our region, not just through rail service, but through shared experiences that bring people together.”
Following is the 2025 Holiday Express schedule:
- Saturday, Dec. 6 – L.A. Union Station
Departures: 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. - Sunday, Dec. 7 – San Bernardino Depot Station
Departures: 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - Saturday, Dec. 13 – Irvine Station (Sold Out)
Departures: 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. - Sunday, Dec. 14 – Irvine Station (Sold Out)
Departures: 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. - Saturday, Dec. 20 – Riverside-Downtown Station
Departures: 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. - Sunday, Dec. 21 – Simi Valley Station
Departures: 9:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.
Metra
Metra is operating its annual Holiday Trains—specially decorated and filled with holiday characters—on five rail lines this December:
- Dec. 6: Milwaukee District West and BNSF lines
- Dec. 13: Metra Electric, Rock Island, and UP Northwest lines
- Dec. 20: Metra Electric Line
On the Metra Electric Line, each ticket will also include a visit to a North Pole winter wonderland at Millennium Station, where families can enjoy treats, holiday music, face painting, games, and other fun activities, according to the commuter railroad.
Tickets will go on sale at noon on Nov. 17 at shop.metra.com.
Metra said it is also donating Holiday Train tickets so children from Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago can ride.
Participants can ride the Holiday Trains back to their starting point or stay downtown and use their Holiday Train ticket to return on any scheduled train that day.
Other downtown stations will be decorated to spread holiday cheer to participants, as well as regular riders, according to Metra, and the Holiday Trains will also be used in regular service during December.
“Our Holiday Trains have become an annual tradition for our riders and their families, and we are happy to be operating them again,” Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski said. “It’s our way to spread a little holiday joy and thank our riders for making Metra part of their lives all year.”
AT&T is the official Character Costume Sponsor and Chick-fil-A at State and Lake is a “valued sponsor” for this year’s Holiday Trains. Easterseals will be at Millennium Station creating free buttons for all participants through its HB Threads booth; HB Threads is a nonprofit program that provides employment opportunities, job training, and life skills development for individuals with disabilities.
