Hyderabad’s public transportation network is set to receive a major boost with the nearing completion of the Cherlapalli Rail Terminal. This state-of-the-art facility, built at a cost of Rs 430 crore, aims to streamline transit operations and cater to the city’s growing population. With its modern design, extensive amenities, and focus on accessibility, the terminal is poised to become a crucial hub in Hyderabad’s transportation infrastructure.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced its target to complete all three priority corridors of its Phase 4 expansion by 2026, adding 65 kilometers of new lines. Despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and land acquisition issues, DMRC has achieved 50% completion and aims to open the Janakpuri West to Krishna Park Extension by August 2024.
Oakland County has launched SMART Bus Route 759, a new public transit option serving the Highland Road/M-59 corridor, connecting commuters, students, and residents between Auburn Hills, Pontiac, Waterford Township, and White Lake Township. The route, operating from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, provides reliable transportation for various needs, including work, school, errands, and leisure.
Alstom has delivered the first Metropolis metro train for Pune Metro Line 3, which is being constructed at its facility in Sricity, Andhra Pradesh. The trains are designed to link the IT center of Hinjewadi with the central business area of Shivajinagar in Pune. The project is a collaborative venture between the Tata Group and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). Alstom is tasked with producing 22 sets of Metropolis trains, each consisting of three carriages, capable of accommodating up to 1,000 passengers.
East West Railway Company (EWR) has announced the appointment of David Hughes as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective June 3, 2024. Hughes, who joins from Arup where he served as Major Programs Director, brings a wealth of experience in delivering major transport projects in the UK.
Uber has become the first aggregator to be licensed by the Transport Department of Delhi to operate Uber Shuttle service in the city. This new service will be part of the Delhi Premium Bus programme, allowing passengers to reserve seats in advance on their preferred routes through the ‘Shuttle’ option on the Uber app. The app also provides users with real-time information on bus arrival times and locations, and allows for reservations up to a week in advance.
Stansted Express services have been disrupted on Tuesday morning due to a person being hit by a train near Bishop’s Stortford, affecting travelers between Stansted Airport and Cambridge. The incident has led to the suspension of all train lines between the two stations, causing significant delays, cancellations, and revisions to travel plans.
A recent survey reveals that over 54% of Americans support the reduction or elimination of short-haul flights in areas where high-speed rail alternatives are available. This growing preference for long-distance train travel is driven by factors such as comfort, convenience, and cost. Despite limited access to high-speed rail in the US, survey respondents express a desire for expanded options, with nearly half endorsing increased air taxes to finance rail infrastructure.
Calgary Transit continues to experience substantial ridership growth, with over 25 million trips recorded in the first quarter of 2024. This marks a 21% increase compared to the same period last year, following sustained growth throughout 2023. The City of Calgary attributes this surge to increased demand and expanded off-peak service levels. Notably, CTrain boardings reached an all-time high of 8,792,500 in a single month, surpassing the previous record set in 2014. Furthermore, surveys indicate that perceptions of safety on Calgary Transit are improving, with a growing percentage of Calgarians feeling secure while riding or waiting for CTrains. Despite these positive developments, approximately 49% of Calgarians still express safety concerns and avoid using public transit at times. Calgary Transit plans to further expand services in 2024 and 2025 to enhance accessibility and improve the customer experience.
Jeepney drivers in the Philippines have launched a three-day strike to protest government plans to phase out older vehicles. The strike, which is scheduled to end on May 1, has led to a shift to online classes for public schools and caused challenges due to coinciding high temperatures. The government has been pushing for a modernization program that includes removing older jeepneys from service, but drivers and operators are resisting the changes, viewing them as a threat to their livelihoods and a cultural erasure. The strike could significantly impact urban mobility and affect the travel plans of locals and tourists, possibly steering visitors towards other forms of transportation or affecting their overall experience in the Philippines.
