Latest news with #Metrorail
News24
26-05-2025
- News24
The Lead: Derailed - how Prasa fixes trains and then leaves them to rot, with Sipho Masondo
Remember those old yellow and grey Metrorail trains? The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) is shelling out billions of your tax money to refurbish them. But instead of ferrying people to and from work, they are being left to rot in train stockyards across the country. News24 investigative journalist Sipho Masondo is pushing to figure out why Prasa is fixing the old trains but not utilising them: 'When former Prasa executives sent this memo to the former minister, Fikile Mbalula, Prasa was already receiving these new [blue and white] trains from Gibela. What is the business rationale behind this?' Later in the show, we look at a hero's attempt to save a family of seven from a shack fire. And finally, News24 Life debunks the viral claims that cheating could land you behind bars. Listen on YouTube: Listen on Apple Podcasts:
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Metro tests new system to make train travel more convenient
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Metrorail is testing a new system designed to make it easier for you to catch the train. Metro staff is testing a program that would allow passengers to use credit or debit card information if they don't have enough money on their SmarTrip card. Pilot airlifted to hospital after small plane catches fire, crashes into Potomac River 'I think that's a good idea,' said Shawn Moore. 'If it's going to make it more convenient, more easier for me, a more faster process, hey, anything that's faster.' Metro General Manager Randy Clarke announced on Friday the start of the testing of the plan first unveiled last year. The card information is linked to the passenger's cell phone by way of Metro's app. The customer swipes it at the gate, and they're on their way. 'I think it's pretty easy right now, but if it's going to be even easier, that's fine,' said Huck Nielsen, a frequent passenger. Metro said more than 30% of trips are paid for by passengers who tap their cell phones, allowing them to skip the fare vending machines or wait in line to add money to their SmarTrip cards. Testing right now only involves Metrorail. Passengers will likely be able to use credit cards on Metrobuses later this year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
100 new small buses to restore first and last-mile links
Chennai: To revive its long-neglected small bus network, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) floated a fresh tender to procure 100 fully built BS-VI diesel small buses for the in 2013 to provide critical first and last-mile connectivity in areas with narrow roads, the small bus scheme has been operating at less than half its capacity in recent years. Most of the surviving fleet was relegated to function as Metrorail feeder services, leaving vast areas tender, issued by the Institute of Road Transport, carries an estimated value of 34 crore and invites manufacturers to supply compact, 7m-long buses with a seating capacity of 24 to 28 passengers. The purchase is expected to significantly improve access to MTC services in interior localities where larger buses cannot ply due to road width revival comes amid strong resistance from MTC to private minibus operations in recently added city areas such as Sholinganallur, Madhavaram, and Alandur, where demand for local connectivity is surging. MTC said that allowing private players could cut into its already thin small bus revenue, despite pressure from residents and local officials pushing for competitive options in areas currently underserved by state daily commuters, especially those in peripheral zones, the move could be a relief. "We end up paying 20–30 for a short ride in share autos or haggle with auto drivers just to reach the main road," said Sridevi, a domestic worker from Pallikaranai. "A regular small bus will save us money and time." Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
SWD work delay stalls traffic near Saidapet
Chennai: The slow progress of stormwater drain (SWD) construction on Taluk Office Road, a critical link of Anna Salai, has severely impacted traffic flow and commuter safety. Initiated nearly a month ago by the state highways department, the project has remained stalled for more than two weeks, leaving large pits open and construction material such as cement rings scattered across the stretch. Despite the presence of heavy machinery, no active work is underway at the site, located along a busy stretch connecting Anna Salai to Raj Bhavan and Velachery and flanked by the Saidapet court and churches. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai The situation has left thousands of commuters, especially two-wheeler riders, at risk. Clouds of dust from exposed soil have drastically reduced visibility, while loose debris has increased the risk of accidents. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Attempts to reach P Bhaskaran, superintending engineer (highways), for a response were unsuccessful. The 300m stretch now takes nearly 15 minutes to cross during peak hours, with traffic bottlenecks reported throughout the day. Commuters point to the fact that the work has further narrowed an already congested road. "On one side of Saidapet, traffic is already choked because half of Anna Salai is barricaded for the construction of an elevated corridor to Teynampet," said T Ramakrishnan, a regular commuter from Nandanam. "Parts that had just started settling after Metrorail work have again turned chaotic. Now with the drain project left incomplete, the loose mud spreads onto the road, making it dangerous for bikers. I've had a couple of close calls," he added. Pedestrians have also been affected, with access to pavements blocked due to construction. "People are forced to walk on the road to reach the bus stop near Saidapet, which is extremely unsafe during peak traffic," said S Arun Kumar, another commuter.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Political notes: A sobering maternal health report, a project to celebrate, a time to step down
Acting Prince George's County Executive Tara Jackson, left, alongside U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Maryland) outside the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building on Wednesday. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters) U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Maryland) came back home to Prince George's County on Wednesday morning to participate in a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Civic Plaza near the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building in Largo. The project, scheduled for completion in December, calls for an enclosed dog park, a playground and an area for community events. It's one of five planned near the county's four Metrorail Blue Line stations, and the first ever with the Maryland Stadium Authority, which will invest $400 million. Alsobrooks was part of the negotiations to secure the funding committed in the 2022 General Assembly session. 'I think the lesson for all of us in this is that Prince George's County is a sure economic driver, not only for Prince George's County, but that we are so important to the state and to the region. And so goes Prince George's County, the truth is, so goes the rest of the state,' Alsobrooks to dozens attending. Alsobrooks joined acting County Executive Tara H. Jackson, several state and county officials and the ceremony, including at least four councilmembers: Council Chair Edward Burroughs III, Council Vice Chair Krystal Oriadha, At-Large Councilmember Calvin Hawkins and Councilmember Wala Blegay, whose district includes the project site. After thanking those who pushed to revitalize communities on the Blue Line corridor from Largo to Capitol Heights, Blegay asked Burroughs and Oriadha to join her at the podium. Oriadha took the opportunity to say 'the baton' will be passed to new leadership after June's special election to select a new county executive between Prince George's State's Attorney Aisha Braveboy (D) and GOP nominee Jonathan White. Acting Prince George's County executive vows 'to keep the trains running' The seat came open when Alsobrooks, the former executive, was elected to the Senate last fall and Jackson, the county's chief administrative officer, stepped in to fill the seat on an interim basis. Oriadha, Blegay and Burroughs supported Braveboy who ran against Hawkins and others in a crowded special primary last month. 'What I hope to see when we pass the baton … is that we can trust the vision to keep on going here in Prince George's County, and for us to see the growth that we deserve,' Oriadha said, before thanking 'every leader for handing the baton to the next one and allowing us to get here today to break ground on what I think will be an amazing start to developing the Blue Line corridor.' In the meantime, Alsobrooks called it 'a tough time' for Maryland with the Trump administration laying off thousands of federal workers who reside in the state and freezing already-approved funding for agencies, many of which are headquartered in the state. 'It has been extremely, very difficult time, but we're working,' she said in a brief interview after the ceremony. 'I'm going to be working with others to ensure that Maryland's assets are protected and that we continue to grow investment in every corner of our state.' Montgomery County had a fetal mortality rate of 5.4% between 2017 to 2021, but that number masks wide racial disparities on maternal health, according to a nearly 200-page report from the county's Office of Legislative Oversight titled 'Racial Disparities in Maternal and Infant Health Outcomes.' Fetal mortality among Blacks was nearly 8%, compared to 5.2% for Latinx, 4.3% for whites and 3.5% for Asians. Blacks accounted for the highest percentage of preterm births, at 10.1%, compared to 7.5% of whites, 8.4% of Asians and 9.8% of Latinx. At-Large Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles (D), who commissioned the report, will discuss it at a news conference at 12:30 p.m. Thursday at the Montgomery County Council Office Building. 'Montgomery County is one of the healthiest counties in the United States, yet we are still rife with inequities, particularly for our mothers and babies,' Sayles said in a statement. 'There is no acceptable reason for racial inequities in health care. Implementing equitable healthcare strategies is crucial to addressing maternal and infant health disparities so that every resident can lead fulfilling, safe, healthy, and happy lives.' The report comes ahead of Black Maternal Health Week that begins Friday and runs through April 17. It was established and is led by Black Mamas Matter Alliance that's comprised of organizations and individuals from across the country. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The report also highlights racial disparities in certain areas of the county. While District 5 area has the highest percentage of Blacks in the county, for example, it has the second-fewest maternal health care providers, with 41 out of the 387 total. In a maternal health care report released last year, Maryland showed slight improvement, and ranked among the top 10 states, but still only got a grade of C. Two bills that passed the legislature this year aim to improve the situation. Senate Bill 94 and House Bill 553, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Ellis (D-Charles) and Del. Deni Taveras (D-Prince George's), respectively, will provide home blood pressure monitors to those in the Maryland Medical Assistance Program. Eligible recipients are those who are pregnant or postpartum, or have been diagnosed with a chronic kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease or cardiometabolic disease. The program is slated to begin Jan. 1, 'subject to the limitations of the state budget and as permitted by federal law…' Steven Kroll, who prosecuted cases in all of Maryland's 24 jurisdictions and was a frequent visitor to Annapolis during legislative sessions, will retire from his job as \state's attorney coordinator and executive director of the Maryland State's Attorney's Association on Sept. 1. 'It is time for me to join my wife spending time with our grandchildren and children,' he said in a statement Monday. 'I want to thank everyone for your support over these past fourteen years. I want to assure you that I will be here to help with a smooth transition. It has been my honor to serve the MSAA.' Kroll has been diplomatic, but not shy when he's testified before legislative committees on various legal topics. Last year, before the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, he cited the Apple TV series 'The Bear' while testifying against legislation to create a statewide policy to collect data that would assess the policies and procedures of Maryland's 24 state's attorney's offices. 'For those who haven't seen that, I welcome you to see that,' he said. 'That will be a train wreck, a bus wreck and a plane wreck all together. So please remove the public defender to avoid any future confrontation.' Since he's still on the clock, Kroll summarized association wins in the 2025 lesreceived some legislative victories from this year's bills approved – Senate Bill 274 and House Bill 293 – alter a certain requirement for victims of child abuse to testimony in criminal procedures. One provision outlined if a child 'testifies by closed circuit television, the testimony shall be given within the courthouse in a setting that the court finds will reasonable mitigate the likelihood that the child victim will suffer emotional distress.' The lead sponsors are House Minority Whip Jesse Pippy (R-Frederick) and Sen. Sara Love (D-Montgomery).
