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Montgomery Co. to create app with real-time bus information

Montgomery County, Maryland, has been awarded a federal grant that will help develop an app that lets riders know the real-time status and occupancy of buses.
Abigail Constantino, August 2, 2021, WTOP

With only 40% of workforce reporting vaccination status, Metro prepared to step up testing

Metro said that it is prepared to ramp up coronavirus testing of its workforce if their vaccination rates do not reach more than 70%.
Abigail Constantino, August 2, 2021, WTOP

Free fares on DC Circulator extended through September

The DC Circulator will remain free through at least the end of September, per an emergency order issued by the District’s government on Monday.
Alejandro Alvarez, August 3, 2021, WTOP

Optimism grows that infrastructure deal will get to Biden's desk

The Senate voted to begin debate on a bipartisan infrastructure package that has yet to be turned into legislative text, and that many senators have yet to see.
Naomi Jagoda, August 1, 2021, The Hill

Speak up! For safe routes to school

There is legislation under consideration in Congress, and it needs our support.
July 31, 2021, FABB

Metro Board member weighs possibility of fare increase for long-distance riders

Metrorail fares for long-distance passengers may be going up in the near future.
Glynis Kazanjian, John Aaron, July 31, 2021

To meet zero emissions goal, DASH debuts new electric buses

The Alexandria Transit Company DASH is committed to transitioning to an entire fleet of zero emissions vehicles. Today they moved closer to that goal with the debut of three new battery-powered electric buses.
Kevin Dauray, July 30, 2021, Zebra

Board of Supervisors approves bus rapid transit through Tysons' core

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has approved a bus rapid transit (BRT) route through the heart of Tysons, despite some concerns that it might not be as “express” as hoped.
Vernon Miles, July 29, 2021, Tysons Reporter

How bipartisan infrastructure deal impacts rail, transit

The U.S. Senate has voted 67-32 to consider a nearly $1 trillion national infrastructure package, following a compromise by President Joe Biden and a bipartisan group of senators on key provisions, including $39 billion for public transit and $66 billion for passenger and freight rail.
Marybeth Luczak, July 29, 2021, Railway Age

Biden administration reaches $1 trillion infrastructure deal, Senate votes to begin work

On Wednesday, a bipartisan $1 trillion infrastructure deal was reached, and the U.S. Senate voted to begin working on the legislation.
Liz Carey, July 29, 2021, Transportation Today

The pandemic-era commute might be changed forever

Continued teleworking could ease traffic congestion, experts say, but only if commuters embrace mass transit.
Katherine Shaver, Justin George, July 30, 2021, Washington Post

Weekend Road and Rail: I-66 bridge demolition; closures on DC-295; Metro work on all lines

Metro is doing work on all lines this weekend.
Mary DePompa, July 30, 2021, WTOP

Eno study: U.S. rail transit projects cost more than they should

A new study from the Eno Center for Transportation, “Saving Time and Making Cents: A Blueprint for Building Transit Better,” analyzes current and historical trends “to understand the drivers behind mass transit construction, cost and delivery in the United States and abroad.”
William C. Vantuono, July 29, 2021, Railway Age

Metro delays vote on proposal that would ban passengers arrested for sex offense

Board members said they want more input from jurisdictions served by Metro on the proposal.
Justin George, July 29, 2021, Washington Post

Shared scooters aren't always where you need them. A U-Md. researcher has a plan for that.

Researchers are trying to get the scooters to reposition themselves in more convenient locations.
Michael Laris, July 29, 2021, Washington Post

Ballston-MU bus bay closures to affect many Metrobus routes

WMATA will be temporarily closing a number of bus bays Sunday at the Ballston-MU station, which will impact multiple Metrobus routes.
July 29, 2021, Arlington Patch

School bus drivers needed: Prince George's is holding a virtual job fair to fill the gap

To help fill a severe shortage of bus drivers, Prince George’s County Public Schools is recruiting new drivers with virtual job hiring events.
July 28, 2021, ABC7

D.C. rejects proposal for free Circulator bus rides

For the second time, the D.C. Council rejected Mayor Muriel E. Bowser’s proposal to keep D.C. Circulator rides free, opposing her request to subsidize a $1 fare on the six-route system.
Luz Lazo, July 29, 2021, Washington Post

National 'Vision Zero' resolution introduced

As an epidemic of traffic deaths surges nationwide, Vision Zero finally is finally gaining traction in Congress.
July 28, 2021, Streetsblog USA

Would temporary bans after sex offenses make Metro safer?

Metro’s safety board gave its initial approval July 15 to a policy that would temporarily ban people charged with sex or weapons offenses on Metro property. The full Board of Directors is set to vote on the policy Thursday.
Libby Solomon, July 28, 2021, GGWash

FRA issues final rule on revised PTC reporting

Effective Aug. 26, 2021, the Federal Railroad Administration is revising regulations governing changes to Positive Train Control (PTC) systems and reporting on PTC system performance.
William C. Vantuono, July 28, 2021, Railway Age

Prince George's County short more than 270 school bus drivers

Prince George's County is hosting a job fair in hopes of recruiting school bus drivers after reportedly being short more than 270 drivers shortly before the 2021-2022 school year begins.
Alanea Cremen, July 28, 2021, WUSA9

Metro switching order of announcements on railcars at request of Accessibility Committee

The new message moves the most important information, what train line and destination it is, to the front. The change will be especially helpful at stations that have multiple lines.
Jordan Pascale, July 27, 2021, dcist

Get police out of traffic enforcement!

The best way to ensure walkers, bikers, and bus riders have safe commutes is to fund safe infrastructure to change driver behavior, and to educate drivers on safety rules and regulations.
Jonathan Kincade, July 27, 2021, WABA

Opening of new Potomac Yard Metro station in Alexandria delayed

The new Potomac Yard Metro station that was set to open near the sprawling Amazon headquarters development in Alexandria, Virginia, next spring will be delayed by at least five months because of design flaws in a critical safety system, Metro announced Monday.
Jack Moore, July 26, 2021, WTOP

Metro delaying new Potomac Yard station opening because of train control system

The opening of a new Metro station at Potomac Yard in Alexandria is being delayed at least five months as Metro works out issues with Automatic Train Control systems, the transit agency announced Monday.
Jordan Pascale, July 26, 2021, dcist

Alleged shoplifter disappears into Metro station, but not for long

According to police, the suspect fled into the Pentagon City Metro station and entered the tracks.
July 25, 2021, Inside NoVa

Americans want green school buses, but Congress sells them short

Most Americans agree it's past time to green the nation’s fleet of yellow school buses, a new survey finds — but Congress keeps whittling down funding for this common-sense, bipartisan priority.
Kea Wilson, July 26, 2021, Streetsblog USA

Planning a return to the office? The D.C. area's transit systems want to get you there.

Bus and train service is returning to normal. Some systems are adding routes, reducing or eliminating fares, and rolling out new amenities to get riders back.
Luz Lazo, July 24, 2021, Washington Post

FTA finds more Americans riding public transportation

According to the FTA, transit ridership is up more than 80 percent over early 2020 levels.
Liz Carey, July 23, 2021, Transportation Today