Latest news with #OrangeLine
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Rail Project Suffers Blow as Trump Cuts $327 Million Funding
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. President Donald Trump's administration has pulled $327 million in federal funding from Massachusetts' Allston Multimodal transportation project after signing a law to end the Neighborhood Access and Equity Program. Democratic Governor Maura Healey and state officials confirmed the rescission, which left the state with only $8 million of the original award and prompted a strategic review of the multimodal infrastructure overhaul planned for Boston's Allston neighborhood. Newsweek has contacted the Allston Multimodal Project for comment via email. Why It Matters The decision followed a recent pattern of federal infrastructure funding reversals under the Trump administration. In July, the federal government revoked $4 billion previously earmarked for California's high-speed rail system. State officials and transit advocates have voiced concern that such cuts could stall or derail ambitious public transportation upgrades intended to alleviate congestion, modernize travel and fuel economic revitalization in major metropolitan regions. What To Know The $327 million grant for the Allston Multimodal Project, awarded under the now-eliminated Neighborhood Access and Equity Program, was rescinded as part of a broader federal funding shift. According to official statements from the governor's office, the project's goals include new infrastructure for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, improved connections for underserved areas and eventual redevelopment of the adjacent Beacon Park Yard. State transportation officials said they would retain $8 million and have begun a strategic review of the project's scope and cost in light of the sudden financial shortfall. An Orange Line train at Assembly Station, a rapid transit station in Somerville, Massachusetts, on March 21, 2023. An Orange Line train at Assembly Station, a rapid transit station in Somerville, Massachusetts, on March 21, 2023. Getty Images The grant, originally awarded in 2023, was intended to help realign a stretch of Interstate 90, add a new MBTA commuter rail station in Boston's West Station area, support new pedestrian and bicycle routes, and expand space for local redevelopment. The rescinded Massachusetts grant follows Trump's high-profile withdrawal of $4 billion from California's rail program, which he described as "disastrously overpriced" and a "train to nowhere." The California High-Speed Rail Authority has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging that the decision to cut the funding was an "arbitrary and capricious abuse of authority." What People Are Saying Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey said in a news release on July 18: "Massachusetts won this funding to support our communities and our economy—and the Trump Administration needs to restore it. "Why would any President of the United States oppose a project that will improve transportation for residents and visitors alike, create thousands of construction jobs, support local businesses and create space for new housing? We all benefit from that. The people of Massachusetts deserve better from their federal government." Massachusetts Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt said in the news release: "The loss of the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant does not change our commitment to the communities that are counting on this investment. We will move forward with a strategic review of the project, both analyzing the project costs and consulting with an outside engineering firm to assess the project." What Happens Next The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has launched a strategic review of the Allston Multimodal Project, evaluating new ways to achieve the project's transportation and urban planning goals within their reduced financial capacity.
Business Recorder
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
CM for digital payment system for public transport
LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif presided over a special meeting in which a detailed review was taken regarding Transport Department and Mass Transit Authority. The meeting decided to introduce a digital payment system for Metro Bus and Orange Line in Punjab. It was informed in the meeting that the token system will be abolished in Orange Line train and Metro Bus and a Barcode system will be introduced through card-based payment. Fare can be paid through credit card, debit card/ATM card and mobile account app. Fare can also be paid through NFC i.e. card tap and touch in the mass transit system. Fare can be paid only through credit card and debit card on Metro Bus in Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The token system will be abolished soon by implementing an e-payment system in Lahore's Orange Line train. Fare can be paid through credit card, debit card, payment apps on Lahore's Orange Line train. The meeting also decided to introduce a single card for the mass transit system across the province. The Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif approved the T-Cash card for the mass transit system. Travel on every metro bus or Orange Line across the province will be possible through the T-Cash card system. A separate card will be introduced for students in the mass transit system. The chief minister also gave in-principle approval for recruitment to technical posts from grade 5 to 18 in the transport department. The meeting agreed to introduce electric rickshaws as an alternative to motorcycle rickshaws. The chief minister has sought suggestions and recommendations for the electric rickshaw project. She also gave in-principle approval to organize the first-ever international transport expo in Punjab. She also announced the introduction of a single comprehensive RFID sticker for all matters related to vehicles. Secretary Transport Imran Sikandar Baloch gave a detailed briefing on the Yellow Line Lahore-Gujranwala BRT. It was apprised in the briefing that the supply of electric buses in the districts of Punjab will start from August. The meeting also reviewed the design and colour recommendations of prefabricated bus shelters in Lahore. The work of installing 50 prefabricated bus shelters in Lahore will start soon. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Digital transport fare system planned
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has decided to introduce a digital payment system for Metro Bus and Orange Line transport in the province. She was presiding over a meeting related to the transport department and Mass Transit Authority, in which she was informed that the token system in the Orange Line train and Metro Bus would be abolished and a barcode system would be introduced for card-based payment. In the planned system, the fare can be paid through credit, debit and ATM cards, as well as mobile account applications. Payment through near field communication (NFC) cards will also be enabled in the mass transit system in Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The token system will be abolished soon for implementing the e-payment system in Lahore's Orange Line train to enable fare payment through cards and apps. It was also decided in the meeting to introduce a single card for the mass transit system across the province. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved the T-Cash card for the mass transit system. Travel on every Metro Bus or Orange Line train across the province will be possible through the card. A separate card will be introduced for students. The chief minister also gave approval in principle for recruitment to technical posts from grade 5 to 18 in the transport department. The participants of the meeting agreed to introduce electric rickshaws as an alternative to motorcycle rickshaws. The chief minister sought suggestions for the electric rickshaw project. She also approved in principle a proposal to organise the first international transport expo in Punjab. The chief minister announced the introduction of a comprehensive radio frequency identification (RFID) sticker for all matters related to vehicles. Punjab Transport Secretary Imran Sikandar Baloch gave a detailed briefing on the Yellow Line Lahore-Gujranwala bus rapid transit (BRT) system. The participants were informed that the supply of electric buses in the districts of Punjab will would begin next month. The meeting also reviewed the design and colour recommendations of prefabricated bus shelters in Lahore. The installation 50 shelters will be initiated soon. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said in her message on World Day for International Justice that where justice was not served, darkness of oppression engulfed the entire society. "If there is no justice, development and prosperity remain an unfulfilled dream."
Business Recorder
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Work on Yellow BRT project: Sharjeel terms progress ‘satisfactory'
KARACHI: Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that the progress on the Yellow Line BRT project is satisfactory, with work advancing swiftly on two key components, the construction of depots and the new structure replacing the former Jam Sadiq Bridge. He emphasised that the government's objective is to complete the project ahead of schedule to provide the citizens of Karachi with access to modern and high-quality public transport services. Talking to media after reviewed the construction work of the Yellow Line BRT at the Jam Sadiq Bridge, he said that the Sindh government's priority is to integrate all BRT lines in the megacity, including the Green Line, Orange Line, Red Line, and Yellow Line, which will significantly ease traffic congestion. He added that electric buses (EV buses) are being introduced under the Yellow Line and other BRTs. In response to a question about the Red Line BRT, he acknowledged that there had indeed been some challenges; however, the pace of construction has now picked up again, and the progress is satisfactory. He said that the Sindh government is set to launch double-decker buses and Pakistan's first electric taxi service (EV Taxi) in Karachi in August. Additionally, Pink EV scooters will be provided free of cost, especially for women, to ensure safe and convenient transportation. He said that all these initiatives are part of the Sindh government's broader vision to reduce environmental pollution in Karachi and to provide a modern and efficient transport infrastructure. Memon said that water has been drained from most areas of Hyderabad following the recent rains, but some issues were encountered due to the power suspensions caused by HESCO. The administration used generators to drain water from the affected areas. To a question, he said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government should be allowed to function in accordance with its mandate, but Ali Amin Gandapur appears to be acting more like a member of the opposition. Regarding the MQM, he said that they should abandon the politics of hatred and instead focuses on addressing public issues. Regarding the children of the PTI founder, he said that if they wish to come to Pakistan and take part in politics, they should be allowed to do so; however, the politics of chaos will never be tolerated. Regarding the building collapse in Lyari, he stated that the building was constructed illegally without any approved plan. He also confirmed the formation of an inquiry committee and the arrest of several individuals in connection with the incident. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Yahoo
Here are July's scheduled MBTA and Commuter Rail shutdowns, and how to navigate them
The MBTA will partially close two of its key subway lines and direct riders to shuttle buses on select weekends in July as it performs essential maintenance work, authorities said. The closures will impact a central section of the Red Line running through downtown Boston on two weekends, as well as a lengthy stretch of the Orange Line between Medford and the Back Bay on a third weekend. Separately, the T will close the Framingham/Worcester commuter rail line between Framingham and South Station on the weekend of July 26 and 27 for accessibility upgrades. Red Line subway service between Kendall/MIT station in Cambridge and JFK/UMass station in Dorchester will be suspended and replaced with shuttle buses for two long weekends this month. The first closure begins Thursday, July 10, at 8:30 p.m. and continues through the weekend. Service will resume Monday morning, July 14. The T will then repeat the closure on the weekend following, beginning at 8:30 p.m. on July 17 and lasting through the end of the weekend. In place of train service, riders will be directed to free shuttle buses at the affected stations. Buses will not stop at Park Street, by Boston Common, but will stop at State and Haymarket stations for connections to the Orange, Blue and Green lines. At the mercy of Boston traffic on the shuttle buses, riders should factor extra travel time into their commutes. The MBTA warned that a journey from Downtown Crossing south to Ashmont or Braintree would take an additional 30 to 45 minutes beyond the regular commute. The disruption will allow the MBTA to perform 'regular, planned maintenance work,' the agency said. During the closure, the MBTA will waive fares at JFK/UMass, Kendall/MIT, Haymarket, State and South Station. Officials also encouraged riders to use the commuter rail free of charge between Braintree and South Station and between Porter and North Station. A two-day partial closure of the Orange Line later this month will allow the MBTA to continue installing a modern signal system, the essential yet hidden infrastructure that controls how trains move down the tracks, the T said. The Orange Line will shut down between Wellington Station in Medford and Back Bay Station in Boston on the weekend of July 26 and 27. In place of trains, local shuttle buses will make all stops between Wellington and North Station. Express shuttles will travel directly between the two stations. For service through Downtown Boston, riders will be directed to the Green Line, which runs parallel to the Orange Line between North Station and Copley. Copley is less than a quarter mile from the Orange Line's Back Bay stop. The T said it would increase Green Line service during the shutdown to handle the influx of riders from the Orange Line. During the shutdown, the agency will drop fees at Back Bay, Copley, Wellington and North Station. However, riders were encouraged to take the commuter rail for free alternate service between Oak Grove and North Station and between Forest Hills and South Station. Separately, the T plans announced a plan to partially close Jackson Square Station in Jamaica Plain to allow for accessibility upgrades on nights from the end of July through much of August. Southbound Orange Line trains — those headed toward Forest Hills — will skip Jackson Square from 9 p.m. until the end of service from July 26 through Aug. 9. Forest Hills-bound riders hoping to exit at Jackson Square will need to exit one stop later at Stony Brook and board an Oak Grove-bound train to double back to Jackson Square, T officials suggested. Forest Hills-bound riders looking to board the train at Jackson Square will instead need to board an Oak Grove-bound train, exit one stop up at Roxbury Crossing, and then board a Forest Hills-bound train to their destination, authorities said. From Aug. 10-24, Orange Line trains will skip Jackson Square in the Oak Grove-bound direction. To exit at Jackson Square, Oak Grove-bound riders will need to disembark at Roxbury Crossing and board a Forest Hills-bound train back to Jackson Square. Oak Grove-bound riders who would like to board at Jackson Square should board a train headed for Forest Hills, exit at Stony Brook, and then board an Oak Grove-bound train to their destination, the T said. The MBTA also plans to suspend commuter rail service between Framingham and South Station on the weekend of July 26-27 to allow for accessibility upgrades at Natick Center Station. In place of commuter rail service, the T will run four free shuttle bus routes: Route 1: Opererating between Framingham, West Natick, Natick Center, Wellesley Square, Wellesley Hills and South Station Route 2: Operating between Wellesley Hills, Riverside on the Green Line D Branch for connections to the subway, Auburndale, West Newton, Newtonville, Boston Landing and South Station Route 3: Operating between Framingham, West Natick, Natick Center, Wellesley Square, Wellesley Hills and Back Bay Route 4: Operating between Wellesley Hills, Riverside on the Green Line D Branch for connections to the subway, Auburndale, West Newton, Newtonville, Boston Landing and Back Bay Shuttle buses will not stop at Wellesley Farms or Lansdowne. Passengers who typically board at Wellesley Farms should instead board at Riverside. Those who typically board at Landsdown should instead board about a quarter-mile away at Kenmore. A 'dedicated diversion schedule' will also be available on the agency said. Commuter rail service will also be free between Worcester and Framingham during eh shut down. Person hit, killed by MBTA commuter rail train in Boston Monday Teen girl hit, killed by commuter rail train in Worcester Wrentham won't fight court ruling; will comply with MBTA Communities Act Man struck and killed by MBTA Commuter Rail train in Brockton MBTA reducing Green Line summer trips — but riders may not feel the difference Read the original article on MassLive.
