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D.C. leaders say free-bus plan will advance despite Bowser's cost concerns

D.C. leaders said the city will move forward with a plan to subsidize free Metrobus service later this year, even as Mayor Muriel E. Bowser on Wednesday proposed a budget that doesn’t include the program.
Justin George, March 23, 2023, Washington Post

DC to get 342 new traffic cameras starting this summer

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser revealed during her annual budget proposal presentation that she plans to have crews install another 342 cameras around the District this summer. 
John Henry, March 22, 2023, WUSA9

Bowser-Mendelson battle over free metrobus program peaks as budget season arrives

The whole free bus idea came about after Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen backed a much more ambitious proposal that would have subsidized Metro rides for D.C. residents. 
Alex Koma, March 22, 2023, Washington City Paper

Metro enhances visibility of '988' lifeline, crisis support resource signs

The public awareness initiative echoes #YourMetro commitment to providing crisis support, safety and wellness resources to its customers and aligns with national efforts to increase awareness of mental health prevention resources. 
March 22, 2023, WMATA

How the DC Mayor's budget would impact transportation

More speed cameras and fewer buses are part of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s budget proposal.
March 22, 2023, NBC Washington

There is much more work to do to shift cities away from cars

It was an abrupt shift from decades of city planning that has generally served the automobile. And today, as city curbs are crowded with deliveries, pedestrians, scooters and more, this thinking is placed increasingly under a critical microscope.
Skip Descant, March 21, 2023, Government Technology

DC region scores high on walkability. How could it do better?

The Washington region boasts a host of walkable suburbs and town centers, a walkable core, and the high-quality transit to support it all. 
David Edmondson, March 21, 2023, Greater Greater Washington

Week-long work zone on US-50 in Maryland could hamper commuters

Maryland transportation officials have temporarily closed the right lanes on a stretch of U.S. Route 50, just outside of Annapolis, Maryland, to make bridge repairs — an around-the-clock project that could slow westbound commuters.
Mary DePompa, March 21, 2023, WTOP

Metro celebrates completion of its Md. headquarters in Prince George's Co.

Among the 1,200 or so employees coming here to work every day will be the management staff of Metro Transit Police, as well as Metro Access, parking and customer service call centers.
John Domen, March 22, 2023, WTOP

New 'saloon door' fare gates coming to Metro stations to prevent fare evaders

Metro riders will soon walk through newly-designed fare gates — a deterrent to the growing number of people who ride the rail system without swiping their SmartTrip cards.
Neal Augenstein, March 21, 2023, WTOP

Metro releases statistics on fare evaders, announces new plan on how to stop them

For the first time, Metro released detailed numbers on Monday showing that roughly one out of eight trips on the rail this year has been by a rider who did not swipe a SmarTrip card.
Tom Roussey, March 20, 2023, ABC7

DDOT to offer grants to improve traffic safety

Today, grant opportunities for projects and programs that improve traffic safety as part of the District’s Vision Zero initiative were announced by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), in conjunction with the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration (NHTSA).
German Vigil/Mariam Nabizad, March 20, 2023, DDOT

Metro to welcome Maryland leaders to celebrate opening of New Carrollton Office Building, continuing transformation of multi-modal transit hub

The ribbon cutting ceremony will mark the continued transformation of New Carrollton as a transit-accessible hub for office space, housing, and retail.
March 20, 2023, WMATA

Capital Bikeshare getting 700 new e-bikes; Bowser celebrates completion of 9th Street Bikeway

More than 700 of the new grey electric bikes will be available in the District and 150 in Fairfax and Arlington counties by May. 
Jordan Pascale, March 20, 2023, DCist

With ridership up, Metro adds more rail service at busy stations

These days there are more riders than the transit system has seen since the pandemic started in 2020. In fact, last week saw the two busiest single days on the rails yet.
John Domen, March 20, 2023, WTOP

McLean residents file lawsuit to stop Capital Beltway toll lane expansion

Although the project to add two-and-a-half miles of express lanes from the Dulles Toll Road in Tysons past the George Washington Parkway is in its second year of construction, the Northern Virginia Citizens Association wants it stopped and has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Kyle Cooper, March 21, 2023, WTOP

Metro gets overall high marks in poll

 The survey of a random sample of more than 1,600 D.C., suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia residents shows that despite Metro’s high-profile struggles…3 in 4 riders rate Metrorail ‘excellent’ or 'good.'
Justin George/Emily Guskin, March 18, 2023, The Washington Post

Metro's new schedule starts Monday. Here's what it means for your commute.

The next timetable change is set to take effect on Monday, March 20, when Silver, Blue, Orange, and Blue+ lines will start running every 12 minutes on weekdays during the morning and evening rush.
Joseph Olmo, March 19, 2023, DC News Now

To recover from COVID, transit needs a rider-centered future. Here's how

Which path we follow depends on how we answer the fundamental question at the heart of our industry today: Why do riders choose transit — why, even before the pandemic, was ridership was trending down?
Colin Drake, March 20, 2023, USA Streetsblog

Mayor Bowser to announce new biking projects

On Monday, March 20 at 11:00 a.m., Mayor Muriel Bowser, federal and local government leaders, and community members will celebrate the completion of the 9th Street NW two-way protected bike lane. The Mayor will also make an announcement about an expansion to the Capital Bikeshare e-bike fleet.
March 19, 2023, DDOT

Cherry Blossom Watch: Tidal Basin cherry trees reach stage 5

If you make the blossoms a part of your weekend plans, organizers recommend taking public transportation to get there. Metro is offering free parking on the weekends and $2 fares one-way through the entire festival.
Solangi Sosa/Allison Hageman, March 18, 2023, NBC Washington

DC's Vision Zero safety program not working, city auditor's report finds

The goal of Vision Zero is to eliminate all traffic-related deaths in D.C. by 2024. A goal that will not be met. 
Sam Ford, March 17, 2023, ABC7

Metrorail gets a service boost systemwide amid ridership surge

Starting Monday, March 20, Metro will begin increasing train service across the rail system just in time for peak cherry blossom season. Weekday service will see an infusion of trains, as well as weekends.
March 17, 2023, WMATA

Mass transit has long catered to commuters. It's facing a reckoning.

The Covid-19 pandemic, the rise of remote work and the need to revitalize urban spaces will also mean the re-imagining of mass transit, experts say.
Andy Medici, March 17, 2023, Washington Business Journal

Amtrak announces ultra-cheap fares for late-night rides on popular routes

The company on Thursday announced a slate of $5 to $20 train fares for routes running between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. on select Northeast lines.
Rebecca Picciotto, March 16, 2023, CNBC

FRA approves DRPT's 2022 Statewide Rail Plan

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) Statewide Rail Plan received approval from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). The 2022 Statewide Rail Plan provides long-term guidance for Virginia’s transportation leadership to ensure the Commonwealth’s rail needs for people, communities and commerce are addressed.
March 16, 2023, Mass Transit Magazine

Rail work to close several crossings in March, April

Repair work by the railroad company CSX will temporarily close several railroad crossings in Frederick County in the coming weeks.
Ryan Marshall, March 16, 2023, The Frederick News-Post

Is American Legion Bridge doomed to 'perpetual gridlock'?

The project, which officials expect to open in 2025, will reduce travel times, provide new commuter connections at the Dulles Toll Road and George Washington Memorial Parkway, implement new bicycle and pedestrian links, and support new bus service between Virginia and Maryland.
Metro Creative, March 16, 2023, Gazette Leader

Road projects kick off in Spotsylvania

The projects are linked to the VA clinic, and aim to address the expected traffic increase. The clinic is slated to open in 2024.
Scott Shenk, March 15, 2023, The Free Lance-Star

Here's how to build your own mini Metro arrival screen for your home or office

Today, most people do use apps like Transit, Google Maps or Metro Hero — Metro surveys find that about 60% of Metro riders check those train or bus times before leaving.
Jordan Pascale, March 16, 2023, DCist

Arlington isn't full

Arlington is a well-connected part of the DC metro area. A 2022 report notes that "Arlington has more private office space than the Central Business Districts of Los Angeles, Denver, Dallas and Seattle, and Downtown Atlanta."
Hector Arbuckle, March 15, 2023, Greater Greater Washington

Driving habits along Seminary Road in Virginia cause concern

The speed limit along Seminary Road between I-395 and the Alexandria city limits was lowered from 35 mph to 25 mph in 2021.
Katie Lusso, March 16, 2023, WUSA9

Metro gears up for cherry blossom crowds

Metro recently recorded its busiest day since the start of the pandemic. News4’s Adam Tuss reports the rise in ridership comes as Metro prepares for cherry blossom peak bloom.
Adam Tuss, March 15, 2023, NBC Washington

DC implementing new street safety measures

Lott said narrower roadways and more concrete protected bike lanes are coming, as are more concrete islands so pedestrians have a place to stand if they get caught in the middle of the road.
Adam Tuss, March 14, 2023, NBC Washington

Capacity at Amtrak's Washington Union Station concourse to double by 2026

The expansion is part of the Concourse Modernization Project, which will be the first set of improvements as part of Washington Union Station’s 2nd Century plan.
March 14, 2023, MassTransit Magazine

Innovation Center Metro station area prioritized for review of possible land use changes

Fairfax County planners agree that proposed development changes to the Innovation Center area are a top planning priority in the county’s ongoing Site-Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) process.
Fatimah Waseem, March 14, 2023, FFX Now

West Falls Church, Franconia Metro facility changes advance despite 'big number' opposing latter

Staff said the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Frontier Road Extension project should provide clearer signage explaining where the lots are and that they’re free to use.
Angela Woolsey, March 14, 2023, FFX Now

Schumer asks for expanded investigation into Norfolk Southern, other railroads

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is urging the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to expand its investigation into Norfolk Southern to include other major railroads to determine ways to improve rail safety in the aftermath of the derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, last month. 
Jared Gans, March 15, 2023, The Hill

Dynamic curbs could make cities more livable but would require getting more people out of cars, experts say

With cars dominating the streetscape, other modes of transportation fight for scraps, including electric scooter companies like Bird and Lime, one investor said.
Maylin Tu, March 13, 2023, Smart Cities Dive

Transportation Department includes $4.45B for rail, bus rapid transit projects in budget request

The projects, which require a local funding match, seek funding through the Federal Transit Administration’s Capital Investment Grants and Expedited Project Delivery Pilot programs.
Melina Druga, March 13, 2023, Transportation Today

Glebe Road intersection near the Pike could get 'desperately needed' safety upgrades

Arlington County is embarking on a project to develop plans to upgrade the intersection of S. Glebe Road and 9th Street S., located between the Alcova Heights and Arlington Heights neighborhoods.
Jo DeVoe, March 13, 2023, ARLNow

Safety concerns lead to more funding sought for Shirlington bus station

Arlington County Manager Mark Schwartz has proposed spending an additional $115,000 in the coming fiscal year to address safety issues at the Shirlington bus-transfer station.
March 13, 2023, Gazette Leader

Virginia sees record train ridership as passenger rail expands

Virginia is seeing a record number of residents riding the rails amid increased investment in Amtrak and other passenger services.
Jakob Cordes, March 13, 2023, DC News Now

OmniRide strike ends, several routes resume service in Prince William Co.

After several weeks of delayed morning commutes, bus operators represented by Teamsters Local, voted Sunday evening to accept a contract with OmniRide system manager, Keolis.
Derrick Ward, March 13, 2023, NBC Washington

ART bus riders to pick up 12% of operational costs in coming year

As part of developing the government’s fiscal 2024 budget, officials are projecting cost recovery of 12 percent for the fiscal year that begins in July.
Scott McCaffrey, March 10, 2023, Gazette Leader

New Silver Line stations a tiny part of Metro trips. Leaders cite growth prospects.

More than a decade later and four years overdue, the extension arrived to much fanfare in November. Confetti blanketed the entrance of the Ashburn station as cheery Metro workers handed out commemorative pennants. 
Justin George, March 11, 2023, MSN/The Washington Post

George Washington Memorial Parkway southbound lanes will be closed in April

The project, which costs about $161 million, is one of the largest Great American Outdoors Act investments in the country.
Sarah Y. Kim, March 10, 2023, DCist

Prince William Co. bus workers union, transportation company reach tentative agreement

The collective bargaining agreement covers 150 drivers and provides commuter transit and paratransit services in Manassas and Woodbridge.
Cayla Cade, March 10, 2023, ABC7 News

Clarify confusing signs for new I-66 toll lanes, Fairfax County tells VDOT

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors directed staff on Tuesday (March 7) to prepare a letter asking the Virginia Department of Transportation to clarify the information on its signs about toll prices and exit locations.
Angela Woolsey, March 10, 2023, FFX Now

Construction on new W&OD Trail bridge over Wiehle Avenue begins

The $6.7 million project replaces an at-grade crossing and widens Wiehle Avenue from Sunset Hills to the Reston Fire Station and Pupatella Pizza entrances, according to the county. It will also accommodate future 5-foot-wide bicycle lanes.
Fatimah Waseem, March 10, 2023, FFX Now

Metro's first electric bus delivery delayed due to battery fire recall; DASH buses also affected

Metro is still waiting for its first electric buses — originally scheduled to arrive in February — because a bus fire in Connecticut has triggered a recall and is delaying the delivery. Four Alexandria DASH buses have also been pulled from their routes.
Jordan Pascale, March 10, 2023, DCist

Metro decorates trains, buses, SmarTrip cards, expands service for cherry blossoms

While the cherry blossoms just reached halfway to peak bloom, a new look for trains, buses and SmarTrip cards to help D.C. get into the mood for cherry blossom season has already arrived.
Valerie Bonk, March 10, 2023, WTOP

Tyson's planned urban trail

Last month the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors endorsed the circuit design guidance for the Tysons Community Circuit.
March 10, 2023, Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling

Follow the blossoms and make Metro your ride during cherry blossom season

Look for Metro’s cherry blossom train and buses debuting today. On Metrorail, our fully wrapped six-car cherry blossom train will be on the tracks, running on different lines throughout cherry blossom season. 
March 10, 2023, WMATA

Lead partner in plan to build toll lanes on Beltway, I-270 in Maryland leaves project

The lead team involved with Maryland’s plan to build high-occupancy toll lanes on the Capital Beltway and Interstate 270, along with building a new American Legion Bridge, has pulled out of the project.
Adam Tuss, March 9, 2023, NBC Washington

West Glebe Road bridge partially reopens to vehicle traffic

The bridge had severely deteriorated, requiring partial closures over the years until the bridge was fully closed last summer.
Vernon Miles, March 9, 2023, ARLnow

Access to Telegraph Road ramp would change under Alexandria pilot program

In Virginia, the City of Alexandria has plans to improve traffic flow along busy Duke Street, near the ramp onto Telegraph Road, but some in the surrounding neighborhood are concerned solving one problem will cause other problems.
Neal Augenstein, July 27, 2022, WTOP