Airport News

American Airlines curtails service to 15 U.S. cities during October

No Kalamazoo for you.

American Airlines

If you're thinking about a trip to Kalamazoo this fall, you may want to plan otherwise: During October, American Airlines is removing service to 15 markets, from Dubuque, Iowa to Kalamazoo and Battle Creek.

According to a release, the airline is suspending these flights as a result of low demand and the expiration of the air service requirements associated with the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act.

It is but the first step, as American will continue to evaluate its network and plans for additional schedule changes in the coming weeks.

These station suspensions will be effective October 7 and for now are only in place for the October schedule period, which runs through November 3.

But the airline will continue to re-assess plans for these and other markets, as an extension of the Payroll Support Program remains under deliberation.

The 15 markets are as follows:

Del Rio, Texas
Dubuque, Iowa
Florence, South Carolina
Greenville, North Carolina
Huntington, West Virginia
Joplin, Missouri
Kalamazoo/Battle Creek, Michigan
Lake Charles, Louisiana
New Haven, Connecticut
New Windsor, New York
Roswell, New Mexico
Sioux City, Iowa
Springfield, Illinois
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Williamsport, Pennsylvania

The full, updated October schedule will be released August 29, when the full list of suspensions will be reflected on aa.com.

Moving forward, American anticipates releasing an updated November schedule by late-September.

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DART News

DART launches scooter parking pilot program at 4 Dallas rail stations

DART

Scooter parking for DART

In a new pilot program, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is making room for scooters: According to a release, four DART stations will now have dedicated parking zones for scooters.

DART will unveil six designated scooter parking zones at four of its highest-traffic stations. Each of the zones will be specifically marked and provide a controlled space for users to park scooters, leaving them clear of walkways, platforms and rail or bus paths, where they can disrupt train and bus service.

The designated scooter parking zones can be found at:

CBD West Transit Center – just east and behind the bus shelter
Victory Station – next to tap and go pay stations along the walkway to the American Airlines Center and next to the southernmost crossing at the rail platform
EBJ/Union Station – on the sidewalk near the north and south entrances to Union Station
SMU/Mockingbird Station – next to bike racks along the walkway from station platform

The pilot program is expected to run a few months beginning in December.

DART will collaborate with the City of Dallas to process the data to scooter rental companies to ensure that the scooters are equipped with geofencing technology allowing the marking of their locations.

With motorized scooters becoming a common mode of "micro transit" for commuters, DART hopes to clear clutter and walking hazards for rail and bus customers, while also provide those who use scooters a quick and reliable way to access or park them.

“Whether people like them or not, scooters have become a popular form of transportation across our service area,” says DART VP of capital design and construction Trey Walker. “We’re acknowledging this fact while attempting to get ahead of scooter clutter at our stations with this pilot program. We want to ensure that our transit stations remain safe, and we continue to maximize efficiency with our train and bus operations.”

Scooter companies, Lime and Bird, are also partnering with DART to incorporate scooter locations near transit stations on the GoPass app, making it easier for riders to find scooters to utilize and complete their journey. DART staff will also monitor the usage of the scooter parking zones and gather public feedback regarding their effectiveness during the pilot.