Major Transit Openings Expected in 2021

All the heavy rail, light rail, bus rapid transit, and commuter rail projects expected to open in North American in 2021.

2 minute read

February 1, 2021, 12:00 PM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


New York Subway

Emily Geraghty / Shutterstock

Yonah Freemark has updates TheTransportPolitic's annual survey of planned transit construction projects in the United States with the use of the Transit Explorer tool created and maintained by Freemark.

According to Freemark, 2021 is promises numerous new transit line openings, and even the rare heavy rail transit opening, thanks to the Phase I of the long-awaited Rail Transit project in Honolulu (the remainder of the project likely won't be complete until 2033) and Phase II of the Silver Line to Washington Dulles International Airport outside D.C. in Virginia. Four light rail projects are also scheduled for completion: the Green Line Extension outside of Boston, the Crenshaw Line in Los Angeles, the Mid Coast Corridor in San Diego, and the Northgate Link in Seattle. Streetcar routes in Charlotte and Tempe are also scheduled to open.

The article also lists bus rapid transit projects (BRT is the mode that will see the most major openings in the nation in 2021), commuter rail, and projects on parts of the North American continent not named the United States of America.

Freemark's constant vigilance also affords a comprehensive look back at the achievements of the past year, of which there are many despite the public health crisis of the past year at times slowing work on some projects. Albany, Denver, Grand Rapids, Houston, Omaha, the South Bay Area, the East Bay Area, and Montgomery County all opened new transit routes to service in 2020, in addition to projects opening in Canada and Mexico.

Friday, January 29, 2021 in theTransportPolitic

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog