San Diego MTS/NICTD
The San Diego MTS Board of Directors and the NCTD Board of Directors on April 16 recommended the first significant fare increase since 2009. The agencies, which share a fare system (PRONTO), proposed the changes to “help address their respective financial sustainability strategies.” The final proposals from MTS and NCTD are expected to be brought to a vote by the San Diego Association of Governments’ (SANDAG) Transportation Committee for final fare ordinance adoption anticipated for May and June.
If approved by SANDAG, fare increases are expected to take effect this fall in a phased approach over two years, “lessening the initial impact on transit rider,” according to the agencies. The second increase will be implemented in the fall of 2027. These fare increases, the agencies say, “are part of a wider set of strategies to push out a fiscal cliff in order to identify sustainable long-term funding solutions that preserve vital transit service for San Diego.”
In the recommendation, MTS and NCTD monthly passes would increase from $72 to $85 for adults and from $23 to $28 for senior, disabled and Medicare recipient (SDM) riders later this year. During phase two in fall of 2027, monthly passes would increase to $95 for adults and $30 for SDM. NCTD COASTER passes will change from a zone model to a flat-fare model this fall. COASTER one-way fares would reflect the current Zone 3 price of $6.50 for adults and $3.25 for SDM riders, while monthly COASTER passes would increase to $185 for adults and $60 for SDM riders.
Additional changes to a variety of other MTS and NCTD services would also apply, according to the agencies. A detailed breakdown of the proposed fare increases for the agencies can be found on the April 16 MTS Board of Directors meeting agenda (page 516) and NCTD Board of Directors meeting agenda (page 161).
According to the agencies, several factors have contributed to the current financial challenges facing MTS and NCTD, “many of which mirror trends impacting transit agencies nationwide.” These factors include rising workforce costs, higher operating expenses, flat sales tax revenues and limited local funding.
MDOT MTA
Due to “federal funding uncertainty,” the MDOT MTA on April 16 announced a series of public open houses “to determine a fiscally responsible path forward for the Baltimore Red Line.” The agency will engage community members in May to evaluate alternative delivery strategies, including project phasing and revisiting transit mode, “to help ensure the long-awaited east-west connector continues moving forward toward construction.”
“The Baltimore Red Line is long overdue, and we remain committed to providing a reliable east-west transit line across the region,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Katie Thomson. “Amid rapidly evolving federal priorities and limited financial resources, we are working with communities throughout the Baltimore region to find solutions to these barriers that will lead to getting shovels in the ground as quickly as we can for this critical project.”
The Red Line open houses, the MDOT MTA says, “will engage the public in open conversations on ways to continue to advance the project, while recognizing current federal realities and state headwinds.” Discussions will include presenting the results of the light rail alternatives analysis, exploring new delivery strategies and reimagining the recommended mode of service that “will maintain a realistic path forward to deliver improved regional mobility.” Topics discussed will also include the financial considerations for three options:
- Proceeding with the full 14-mile light rail project.
- Phasing the light rail project by splitting it into smaller portions over time
- Revisiting bus rapid transit.
“The Red Line represents an opportunity to improve east-west travel, increase access to opportunity and create a more connected Baltimore,” said Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold. “Community input is essential as we move towards selecting the final implementation strategy.”
The public is invited to attend, ask questions, and share input at the scheduled open houses:
- Baltimore County: Saturday, May 2 from 10 am – 12 pm, Woodlawn High School
- Downtown Baltimore: Tuesday, May 5 from 3 pm – 5 pm, Baltimore War Memorial
- West Baltimore: Thursday, May 7 from 6 pm – 8 pm, Edmondson High School
- Southeast Baltimore: Saturday, May 9 from 11 am – 1 pm, Southeast Anchor Enoch Pratt Library
NJ Transit
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee and NJ Transit on April 17 announced the Regional Mobility Plan for FIFA World Cup 2026™, in coordination with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA), and Amtrak outlining how fans will travel to matches at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) in East Rutherford.
The transportation plan is designed to move more than 78,000 spectators per match using a coordinated network of stadium shuttle buses, rail service, rideshare, permitted vehicles, and limited premium parking at American Dream across the eight New York New Jersey matches.
We are pleased to welcome fans from around the world, building on more than two years of preparation and strong coordination with local, state, and federal partners,” said NJ Transit President & CEO Kris Kolluri. “While we are ready to deliver a seamless travel experience for those riding with us on match days, we have been equally focused on ensuring our everyday customers have a multitude of travel options if they rely on NJ Transit for essential travel during key time periods before and after the match.”
“Our Stadium Mobility Plan is built with safety and responsibility at its core—ensuring that every fan, worker, and resident can move throughout the region securely during the tournament,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee. “It reflects years of planning and coordination across our transportation partners, and we’re incredibly grateful for their collaboration. Our focus is on delivering a clear, reliable experience for match goers while minimizing disruption and helping residents navigate the increased demand the tournament will bring. We want to ensure the World Cup is an enjoyable experience across our entire region, while showing the world everything New York New Jersey has to offer.”
“The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is a unique opportunity to showcase to the world New Jersey’s complex, modern, and interconnected transportation network that moves hundreds of thousands of people each day reliably and efficiently,” NJDOT Commissioner and NJ Transit Chair Priya Jain said. “Working in close collaboration with our transportation and law enforcement partners across the state and region, NJDOT is focused on match day operations and advanced public messaging – ensuring coordinated traffic management, incident response, and clear communication so the system performs in real time under peak demand.”
To reduce congestion and ensure safety, there will be no general spectator parking on Stadium property on matchdays, according to NJ Transit. Access to the Stadium will be limited to these official transportation options, and no private bus or charter operators will provide matchday service. Fans are strongly encouraged to plan ahead, purchase transportation in advance, and follow official guidance.
Amtrak
Amtrak on April 17 unveiled a new replica Liberty Bell at William H. Gray III 30th Street Station in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Part of the Bells Across PA program and titled The Ringing Railroad, the train-inspired installation designed by Sean Martorana will remain on display at the station through the end of 2026.
“As America’s Railroad, Amtrak is woven into the fabric of this great nation and Sean has captured that brilliantly,” said Amtrak Director of Northeast Government Affairs Craig Schulz. “We’re honored to join in the festivities around America’s 250th anniversary while recognizing Philadelphia’s unique place in railroad history.”
The new installation is located at Gray 30th Street Station’s West Plaza on N. 30th Street, “creating a new point of interest for travelers and visitors to the surrounding University City community, including the new Schuylkill Yards development,” Amtrak noted. The bell—properly oriented with markers indicating North, South, East, and West, reflects four different types of passenger rail equipment operated by the Pennsylvania Railroad (and its successor railroads), including Amtrak, over the years: Metroliner, GG1, K4, and NextGen Acela.
“It’s an incredible honor for this bell to be featured at Gray 30th Street Station and to contribute to a space that connects people from near and far to our great city,” said Martorana. “The design reflects the history of the railroad, the future of transportation, and the people who make it all possible.”
The bell is part of Bells Across PA, a statewide public art exhibition presented in partnership with America250PA and Mural Arts Philadelphia. The project features festively painted fiberglass Liberty Bell replicas displayed in communities across Pennsylvania, with 23 bells planned for Philadelphia, more than any other city in the state.
Gray 30th Street Station serves as a major transportation hub on the Northeast Corridor and a gateway to Philadelphia for more than four million passengers each year, making it Amtrak’s third busiest station, according to the company. “The Ringing Railroad will offer a visible reminder of the city’s historical significance, while also reinforcing Amtrak’s commitment to celebrating the nation’s past and looking forward to the future.”
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