Regional Transit News Service Alerts | ART News | Subscribe Latest News Construction work concludes on the Blue Line this Saturday, moves to Green Line next Saturday Crews updated the train control and signaling system, renewed rails and ties for a smoother ride, and repaired lighting for better visibility. We thank customers for their patience as we continue to make Metro safe, frequent, and reliable for the future. July 25, 2025, WMATA Free MetroFest to make stop at Vienna-Fairfax Station At the event, attendees can board Metro vehicles, meet team members and get a behind-the-scenes look at how Metro operates. Emily Leayman, July 24, 2025, Patch New data map shows higher flood risks for roads and transit networks From Silver Spring in Maryland to the Bloomingdale neighborhood in the District and areas around the Pentagon, flash floods are creating more headaches — and more risk to transportation networks in the region. Kate Ryan, July 24, 2025, WTOP No cars allowed on this major street in Silver Spring Various stages of construction have been taking place across the future light rail line’s 16-mile stretch since 2017. With service projected to begin in late 2027, the saga of the Purple Line’s construction is poised to occupy an entire decade. Mark Clements, July 24, 2025, Greater Greater Washington N. Va. commission explores using video tech to fine drivers in bus-only lanes Drivers who block bus traffic across Northern Virginia could someday receive fines based on video evidence from cameras mounted on Metrobuses, Fairfax Connector buses and those of other transit systems. Scott McCaffrey, July 23, 2025, FFXNow Metrobus roll out of new routes causing frustration for some riders It's only been a few weeks since these new routes went into effect--really a complete overhaul of the system--but just about every rider we spoke with say they want to go back to the old way. July 24, 2025, Fox 5 News Family Biking Matters: Which route app should I use? The biggest advantage is familiarity and seamless integration with other phone activities. However, Google Maps doesn’t necessarily prioritize safety. Sava Tshontikidis, July 23, 2025, Greater Greater Washington Metro riders sound alarm on duplicate charges Metro told News4 that upon review, the customer's bag came into contact with the faregate and her card was inadvertently charged. Metro also said more than 1.8 million trips have been paid for with credit and debit cards since the program launched, and there have only been 138 refund requests. Adam Tuss, July 23, 2025, NBC4 Washington County Board adopts new transportation vision, falling short of some advocates' transit goals The vision statement and goals are another step toward the eventual modernization of the transportation portion of the county government’s Comprehensive Plan. The effort, set to conclude in 2026, will replace the current Master Transportation Plan, adopted in 2007. Scott McCaffrey, July 23, 2025, ARLNow Maryland Transit Administration launching inaugural Customer Experience Action Plan The plan aims to improve service reliability, communication, accessibility, cleanliness and safety. MDOT MTA says the plan was shaped by input from thousands of riders, stakeholders and advocates. July 22, 2025, Mass Transit Magazine VRE proposes 5% fare hike for FY2027 amid rising costs and slower ridership recovery VRE’s current fare schedule—effective since July 1, 2024 (start of FY2025)—includes one-way tickets ranging from $5.00 to $12.80, and monthly passes up to $354.80, depending on travel distance. A 5% increase would raise the highest single-ride fare to approximately $13.45 and the most expensive monthly pass to more than $370. Uriah Kiser, July 22, 2025, Potomac Local News Federal workforce changes create questions for newly approved VRE 2050 growth plan Platforms, parking, tracks, and fleet replacement and expansion are all part of the proposal. So, too, is potential expansion southward, with the Manassas Line continuing on to Culpeper and Fauquier counties and the Fredericksburg Line extending to Caroline and Hanover counties. Scott McCaffrey, July 22, 2025, FFXNow DASH bus mascot named 'Dashy' after community vote DASH unveiled the mascot in April as part of a broader rebranding effort that included updated logos. The company stated that the changes represent growth alongside riders and the Alexandria community, while maintaining its founding principles. Ryan Belmore, July 22, 2025, ALXNow Virginia Passenger Rail Authority awards $414M contract for Franconia-Springfield Bypass Project The one-and-a half-mile long passenger railroad track will include a more than half-mile long rail flyover bypass bridge that will allow passenger and freight trains to move through the rail corridor more safely and efficiently. Officials said the project will alleviate congestion. Liz Carey, July 21, 2025, Transportation Today Bikeshare Beat: Through June 2025, CaBi annual ridership is up 28.8% This Pride Month was the busiest June in CaBi’s history, as ridership increased 18.3% from June 2024, marking the 42nd consecutive month of year-over-year ridership growth. Samuel Littauer, July 22, 2025, Greater Greater Washington DC region's 'brutal commute' ranks No. 1 for the country's worst traffic The D.C. region knocked Los Angeles off its throne to claim the top spot, and did that with an average commute of 33.4 minutes and traffic congestion in the region which lasts 6 hours and 35 minutes. Mike Murillo, July 23, 2025, WTOP Transit Briefs: BART, VRE, MARTA, TransLink, SEPTA, NYMTA, MassDOT, LA Metro, Reading & Northern VRE announced July 18 that it has officially adopted its System Plan 2050, “a forward-looking strategy designed to guide the commuter rail system’s evolution over the next 25 years.” Carolina Worrell, July 21, 2025, Railway Age Metro's 'Better Bus' rollout faces frustration, delays, and countless of complaints More than 2,000 calls and feedback reports are pouring into WMATA each day, and about 150 calls from frustrated commuters seeking clarity on the newly labeled routes and longer, more complex trips. John Gonzalez, July 22, 2025, ABC7 News County proposes design changes to make Gallows Road more bicycle and pedestrian-friendly Presented at community meetings on July 15 and 17, the “preferred alternatives” in the Gallows Road multimodal transportation study aim to modernize the corridor due to an increasing presence of active transportation — those who walk, jog and bike. Jared Serre, July 21, 2025, FFXNow Maryland lawmakers announce $2.8 million for Washington County bus facility Sen. Angela Alsobrooks and Rep. April McClain Delaney said the money will go toward the design of a new “transit vehicle maintenance and storage facility” for Washington County Transit, according to a news release from Sen. Chris Van Hollen. Carson Swick, July 19, 2025, Baltimore Sun Are you ready for the Commanders' trafficpocalypse? If the District lets the Commanders build a new stadium—whether it’s publicly subsidized or not—a new Metrorail station isn’t just a must-have, it’s mission critical. Nick Sementelli, July 18, 2025, Greater Greater Washington Commuter train to Washington may be in Delaware's distant future But it won't be anytime soon. The Maryland Transit Administration and its MARC commuter rail released a long-term plan in June that includes potential train service from Wilmington, through Baltimore, all the way to Washington, D.C. Shane Brennan, July 20, 2025, Delaware Online Northern Virginia Transportation Commission backs regional transit funding plan NVTC’s Resolution #2571 supports the DMVMoves initiative’s proposed $500-600 million annual funding program starting in fiscal year 2028. The plan would fund Metro infrastructure improvements and establish a regional bus priority program serving Alexandria and other jurisdictions. Ryan Belmore, July 18, 2025, ALXNow Can the D.C. region substitute rail with buses? The transit authority that serves the Washington D.C. is betting big on buses, not rail, to balance the books today and plan for the future — and with transit agencies across America working with leaner budgets for just about everything, some wonder if others need to follow their lead. Jack Guan, July 18, 2025, Streetsblog USA Metro celebrates ribbon-cutting at new Bladensburg Bus Garage facility Construction of a new multi-level parking structure that will hold 292 buses and include parking spots for employees begins soon. New, separate entrances for buses and staff, which will help traffic flow through the area, will also be part of the next phase of construction. July 17, 2025, WMATA Metrobus riders weigh in on WMATA's 'Better Bus Network' Additionally, buses on 11 new routes are scheduled to run every 12 to 20 minutes throughout the day, offering more frequent service for high-traffic stations. The new bus system also aims to better connect riders to L’Enfant Plaza in Southwest, and Maryland’s Downtown Silver Spring and National Harbor. Sam P.K. Collins/Maven McGann, July 16, 2025, The Washington Informer USDOT launches unfunded 'SAFE ROADS' program The program, “Safe Arterials for Everyone through Reliable Operations and Distraction-Reducing Strategies or SAFE ROADS,” asks state and local agencies to identify dangerous roads, “eliminate distractions,” and “make the entire roadway right?of?way easier to interpret and navigate for all users, including pedestrians, vehicle operators, and automated vehicles alike.” Diana Ionescu, July 16, 2025, Planetizen MetroFest returns! Bringing the region together for a free, family-friendly celebration of all things transit This action-packed afternoon invites transit fans of all ages to climb aboard Metro vehicles, meet the talented team who keeps the region moving, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the programs and services that power Metro. July 16, 2025, WMATA Tell The Post: Have you completed a uniquely D.C. quest? People in this city have run on every street in Washington, visited all 98 Metro stations and stopped at every Capital Bikeshare dock in the DMV. Do you have a mission that turns the city into your personal game board? Juan Benn Jr, July 16, 2025, The Washington Post Transit agencies focus on delivering seamless digital ticketing experiences There are multiple ways for mass transit providers to connect with passengers, including the reliability of their service, how comfortable the ride experience is, and the types of amenities they offer, such as Wi-Fi. Fernando Herkenhoff, July 14, 2025, Metro Magazine Key takeaways for public transit, passenger rail funding from House Appropriations FY 2026 THUD Appropriations Bill The total funding for public transit for FY26 is $3.1 billion, or 13.9 percent less than the funding level authorized in the IIJA. However, it does fully fund the public transit contract authority at $14.64 billion, as provided in the IIJA. Megan Perrero, July 15, 2025, Mass Transit Magazine The future of transit isn't flashy, it's functional While tech visionaries promote high-speed concepts like ET3’s vacuum-sealed capsules, true transformation will come from transportation solutions that are accessible, reliable, and affordable—like modernizing existing transit infrastructure, digitizing bus routes, and reducing traffic congestion. Tory Patrick, July 11, 2025, Fast Company Disabled travelers say they love Amtrak, but it doesn't always love them back Of those complaints, 39 percent were about customer service and staff interactions rather than infrastructure. Amtrak “could be exposed to unnecessary financial, reputational, and legal risks from service that does not consistently meet its standards,” the IG’s office said. Rachel Weiner, July 15, 2025, The Washington Post Where Americans walk and bike most often Transportation data firm StreetLight ranked all continental U.S. counties with at least 150 people per square mile by their share of trips taken via "active transportation" — walking and biking — compared to vehicles in 2023. Alex Fitzpatrick, July 15, 2025, Axios How the Better Bus network overhauled naming conventions New routes are a big deal for Metrobus riders because the built environment gives them fewer clues about routes and stops than subway or streetcar riders get: a small sign on a pole by the side of the road, a bus shelter that announces “this is where you get on,” a flashing sign on the bus that hints at the route and destination. Martin Miller, July 14, 2025, Greater Greater Washington Expect more congestion over 'vital link' between Virginia into DC The Theodore Roosevelt Bridge, which DDOT called a vital link between D.C. and Arlington, normally carries four lanes of traffic eastbound over the Potomac River and Theodore Roosevelt Island into D.C., and three lanes westbound toward Arlington. Matt Small, July 14, 2025, WTOP The 10 most walkable cities in America, according to experts and locals The best part of traveling to a new city is often walking around and exploring — discovering small parks, finding cute neighborhood shops, and stumbling upon local cafés or unexpected gems. But not all cities in the U.S. are truly walkable. Ben Kesslen, July 14, 2025, Quartz Making shared micromobility more inclusive Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report. Diana Ionescu, July 11, 2025, Planetizen How the 'Big Beautiful Bill' impacts transportation For one, the bill eliminates a modest but important benefit for bike commuters, as well as other clean commuting benefits. Diana Ionescu, July 14, 2025, Planetizen New D.C. bus system's growing pains bring headaches for some riders Thousands of D.C.-area riders are adjusting to the Better Bus Network, which launched June 29. Hundreds of stops disappeared, routes were added and eliminated and every route name changed. Sophia Solano/Rachel Weiner, July 12, 2025, The Washington Post Fleet of laser-equipped robots begins survey of Arlington sidewalks The bots, which went live at the start of this month, use a combination of laser scanners, mobile mapping, AI and machine learning to look for defects like cracks, weeds or gaps of at least half an inch. Ryan Cole, July 11, 2025, ARLNow Metro to close Blue Line train stations in Fairfax for construction work Metro reminded riders in a release that the upcoming track work is scheduled to run from Saturday, July 5, through Saturday, July 26. Vernon Miles, July 3, 2025, FFXNow