All Commuter News stories gathered from Washington, D.C. area sources over the past two weeks are listed below. Stories can be sorted by topic using the links immediately below. For older stories, see the Commuter News archives.
Bike to Work Day Pre-registration Ends Friday
National Bike to Work Day is next Friday, May 16. Here in the Washington, D.C. area we celebrate the event with 26 pitstops throughout the region with two being right here in Arlington - one at Rosslyn's Gateway Park and the other at Crystal City's Water Park. The Gateway Park pitstop is at the intersection of Lee Highway and Lynn Street (just off the Custis Trail) and the Water Park is just off the Mt. Vernon Trail.
Registration for Bike to Work Day is free and everyone who registers gets a t-shirt showing off to your coworkers that you biked to work. However, registration ends this Friday, so register now.
For more information on how to prepare for Bike to Work Day and the route of the bicycle commuter caravan closest to your home, contact the Washington Area Bicyclist Association at 202.518.0524.
From BikeArlington, May 7, 2008
Preliminary Approval Given For Restructuring Metrobus 30 Line
Metro's most popular and oldest bus line is one step away from a major makeover that will mean shorter commutes for thousands of riders.
May 8, 2008, WMATA
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Metro Plans to Cut Projects to Pay for Repairs
Metro's general manager announced $100 million in diversions from the agency's capital spending plan in a move to fund repairs to the dilapidated transit system.
By Lillian Kafka, May 8, 2008, InsideNoVa.com
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Planes Fly More, Emit Less Greenhouse Gas
The U.S. aviation industry has cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 13% since 2000, even as the amount of flying has reached record levels, government data show.
By Thomas Frank, May 9, 2008, USA Today
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Metro Pushes For Cameras Throughout System
Metro is making a major push to install cameras throughout the system in an effort to improve passenger safety.
By Taryn Luntz, May 9, 2008, The Examiner
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No Good Fuel Alternative Goes Unpunished
Dave Eck, a Half Moon Bay, Calif., mechanic, had attracted a media spotlight with his fleet of vehicles fueled by used fryer grease from a local chowder house. So when Sacramento called, he figured officials wanted advice on alternative fuels.
By Evan Halper, May 9, 2008, Baltimore Sun
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A Bus to the Prom
Pastel-colored dresses for the girls and dark suits for the boys were in this year at Oakland Mills High School's prom. Renting a stretch limousine was out.
By John-John Williams IV, May 9, 2008, Baltimore Sun
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Navigating Metrorail This Weekend
The track work and resulting delays this weekend will be quite extensive. They affect the Green, Yellow and Orange lines, but it's the Green and Yellow that will be hardest hit, because of the switch replacement project at Mount Vernon Square.
By Dr. Gridlock, May 9, 2008, Washington Post
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Metro's Hybrid Bus Fleet Struggles to Keep Pace
They are promoted as clean, green and cost effective, but it turns out Metro's hybrid buses aren't keeping pace with the other buses in the transit agency's fleet.
By Adam Tuss, May 8, 2008, WTOP
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Catoe to Request $157M for Priority Metro Repairs
Metro General Manager John B. Catoe Jr. is scheduled to outline to Metro board members today which capital repairs are most urgently needed for the aging transit system and should be funded in the next two years.
By Lena H. Sun, May 8, 2008,
Washington Post
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Transit Systems Travel 'Green' Track
"Carbon footprint" has become part of the national lexicon, and mass transit systems throughout the country are taking steps to ease their impact on the environment even as they strive to provide more service to a growing number of riders.
By Charisse Jones, May 8, 2008, USA TODAY
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Fairfax County Board Patches Up Transportation Funding
In July, Fairfax County will begin charging an additional real estate tax of 12 cents per $100 of assessed value on commercial and industrial properties to fund transportation. The new tax is estimated to bring in about $52 million per year.
By Kali Schumitz, May 7, 2008, Fairfax County Times
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For Dulles Rail, Va. Must Share Metro Fare
Last week, U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters gave the Dulles Metrorail extension final design approval, but cautioned that the crumbling infrastructure of the existing Metro system remains a concern.
By Monty Tayloe, May 7, 2008, Fairfax County Times
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Kaine Calls Transportation Special Session for June 23
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine is calling the General Assembly into special session beginning June 23 to consider a new transportation funding package, legislators said Wednesday.
May 8, 2008, ABC 7 News
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Statewide Solutions On Va. Roads Discussed
Calling themselves the "new urban majority," legislators from Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads inched closer Wednesday to agreeing that any transportation plan must include millions of dollars for road and transit projects across the state.
By Anita Kumar, May 8, 2008, Washington Post
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Wilson Bridge Delays This Weekend
Delays and detours at the Wilson Bridge this weekend will remind drivers of what happened before the first new span opened in the summer of 2006.
By Dr. Gridlock, May 8, 2008, Washington Post
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Wilson Bridge Roadwork This Weekend
Major roadwork is scheduled on the Outer Loop starting Friday night and lasting until Sunday afternoon, so a new Beltway alignment can be put in place.
By Adam Tuss, May 8, 2008, WTOP
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Text of Business Groups' Statement
A statement issued Monday by 25 business, education, local government and other lobbying interests in support of new statewide taxes to fund highway maintenance:
May 7, 2008, WTOP
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Airport Taxis Without Meters Will Be Left at the Curb
WTOP has learned the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority won't allow its cab drivers to pick up passengers at Reagan National Airport if they do not have meters.
By Adam Tuss, May 7, 2008, WTOP
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Tack 45 Minutes On To Weekend Rides on Green, Yellow Lines
Metro is advising passengers to prepare for delays of up to 45 minutes on the Green and Yellow lines this weekend because of track work.
May 7, 2008, WTOP
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Frederick County Refines Transportation Priority List
The board seeks funding for roads, public transit, Frederick Municipal Airport and projects to improve downtown areas in three towns.
By Cailin McGough, May 7, 2008, Frederick News-Post
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With Food Costs Rising, Ethanol Benefits Questioned
"Our enthusiasm for corn ethanol deserves a second look. That's all I'm saying, a second look," said Rep. Jane Harman, D-Calif., at a House hearing Tuesday where the impact of ethanol on soaring food costs was given a wide airing.
By H. Joseph Hebert, May 6, 2008, WTOP
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Virginia Business Groups Back Road Taxes
Twenty-five of the state's most influential business lobbying groups are backing new statewide taxes for highway upkeep and repair.
May 6, 2008, ABC 7 News
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Fairfax: Millions Needed in Improvements to Accompany Rail
Fairfax County wants Virginia officials to commit hundreds of millions of dollars to make the Dulles Rail extension's Metro stations more accessible to walkers, bus riders and motorists.
By William C. Flook, May 7, 2008, The Examiner
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Traffic Top Complaint, Loudoun Residents Say
Loudoun County residents surveyed last year labeled traffic congestion the top complaint about their way of life, passing the county's rapid growth as the biggest local gripe.
By Dan Genz, May 7, 2008, The Examiner
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Road Crews Try to Keep the Light On for Your Commute
Now, hundreds of traffic lights around the region are being outfitted with backup power systems so that traffic lights will stay on even if the power goes out.
By Adam Tuss, May 7, 2008, WTOP
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Slow Roll: Metro Riders Bracing for Big Delays
Some riders could face delays as long as 45 minutes, while trains share one track between the Mount Vernon Square and L'Enfant Plaza stops.
By Adam Tuss, May 6, 2008, WTOP
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With Mounting Gas Costs, Telework Programs Should Expand
In times when commuting expenses are hitting all-time highs, one looks for ways to cut costs and increase efficiencies.
By Michael Kole, May 6, 2008, Free Lance-Star
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Gas Crunch Forces Drivers to Think Outside the Box
To ease the financial burden, Burkey and other local residents have decided to put the brakes on conventional commuting, and consider alternatives.
By Hannah Hager, May 5, 2008, WTOP
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Metrorail Passenger Injuries Down
Metro has made significant progress in preventing passenger injuries since the start of General Manager John Catoe's first full fiscal year at the helm of the transit agency.
By Taryn Luntz, May 6, 2008, The Examiner
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Md. Opens Safe Driving Campaign
Standing on the steps of the state medical examiner's office on Penn Street, with pictures of victims posted in the background, officials introduced "Choose Safety for Life," a blitz of billboards, posters and radio and television announcements reminding drivers to buckle up, slow down and stay sober.
By Steven Stanek, May 6, 2008, Baltimore Sun
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Ridership, Revenues Looking Up
Despite the largest cost increases in Metro's history, rail ridership remains strong. In fact, it didn't just hold steady, it grew 6 percent in January, 4 percent in February and 3 percent in March.
By Dr. Gridlock, May 5, 2008, Washington Post
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Most Dangerous Crossings
Dear Dr. Gridlock: So many people cross between corners that it is no wonder there are so many pedestrian deaths. Add to this the fact that people do not pay attention to the crosswalk signs, and there is a major problem.
By Dr. Gridlock, May 6, 2008, Washington Post
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Track Work Will Impact Green, Yellow Lines Next Four Weekends
Metrorail riders should add 30 to 45 minutes of travel time into their schedules while riding the Green and Yellow lines during four weekends as Metro conducts a vital track rehabilitation project at the Mt. Vernon Sq/7th St-Convention Center Metrorail station.
May 5, 2008, WMATA
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Metro Ridership Up Three Months After Fare Increase
Despite increasing fares earlier this year, Metro has seen a steady increase in ridership, according to budget analysts.
May 5, 2008, WMATA
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Amtrak Plans Celebration of Train Travel
Amtrak is hoping live entertainment, exhibits and a national TV personality will lure people who don't normally take the train into its stations - and then inspire them to return to ride the rails another day.
May 4. 2008, HometownAnnapolis.com
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Gas Tax Holiday Not in Md.'s Future
With gas prices continuing to reach new heights, the part of the cost controlled by federal and state governments is coming under increasing scrutiny as some politicians lobby for a break during the summer driving season.
By Liam Farrell, May 4, 2008, HometownAnnapolis.com
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A Debate Over What Revived Dulles Rail
U.S transportation officials say they reversed their position last week on the proposed extension of Metrorail to Dulles International Airport because Virginia officials and the people overseeing the project made significant enough changes to make it viable.
By Amy Gardner, May 5, 2008, Washington Post
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Little Relief For Choked Secondary Roads in Va.
Just months ago, Northern Virginia residents and elected officials were expecting hundreds of millions of dollars in improvements to such roads. Now, because of budget cuts and state lawmakers' failure to reach a deal on regional transportation funding, drivers can expect only more misery.
By Eric M. Weiss, May 5, 2008, Washington Post
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Metro Parking Rates Not Likely To Rise
Metro's January fare increase has so far generated enough money for the transit agency that officials do not want to increase parking fees an additional 25 cents in July.
By Taryn Luntz, May 5, 2008, The Examiner
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Dr. Gridlock: Some Near Misses For Those in Rear Of Eight-Car Train
Some commuters who board the crowded Orange Line trains at Court House station know they might get a seat if they enter the last car of an eight-car train. That's because many other riders are still in the habit of standing at boarding spots for six-car trains.
By Robert Thomson, May 4, 2008, Washington Post
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Metro Tells Feds It Needs Help Shaping Up
"Half our peak ridership is federal employees on their way to work," Metro Board Chairman Chris Zimmerman tells WTOP. "The United States Government has an interest in seeing that {the Metro system} is able to keep up. They are the main entity yet to step up to the plate."
By Adam Tuss, May 2, 2008, WTOP
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Train Operators Fired, Suspended Over Platform Error
One train operator has been fired and eight others have been suspended for opening the doors on trains before all the rail cars reached station platforms.
May 2, 2008, WTOP
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Toll Road Lawsuit May Still Snag Dulles Rail Construction
The Dulles Rail project's largest source of funding remains threatened by a lawsuit being considered by the Virginia Supreme Court, despite its resurrection this week
By William C. Flook, May 3, 2008, The Examiner
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Fairfax Eyes Bus Shelter Ads for Revenue
Fairfax County officials want to sell advertisements in more than 100 bus shelters throughout the county in the hopes of raising funds to support the local transit system.
By William C. Flook, May 3, 2008, The Examiner
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The Weekend and Beyond
Here are some travel tips for your weekend and the rest of May, when we'll have some big disruptions because of road and rail projects.
By Dr. Gridlock, May 2, 2008, Washington Post
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Dulles Rail Still Has Miles to Go, Hurdles to Clear
As business and political leaders celebrate the revival of the proposal to extend Metrorail to Dulles International Airport, those responsible for building, operating and paying for the new line face a cold reality: The project could still fail.
By Amy Gardner and Lena H. Sun, May 2, 2008, Washington Post
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Weekend Track Maintenance To Affect Metro's Blue and Orange Lines
Track maintenance on the Orange and Blue lines this weekend (May 2-4) will cause inbound and outbound trains to take turns sharing one track.
May 1, 2008, WMATA
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Metro Operators' Door Errors Linked to Longer Trains
Some Metro operators are opening the doors of eight-car trains before all the cars reach station platforms, a safety violation that endangers riders, who could fall onto the tracks, officials said yesterday.
By Lena H. Sun, May 2, 2008, Washington Post
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Money Train: Dulles Rail Still Not a Done Deal
The federal government has a strong message for Metro: shape up or forget about rail to Dulles.
By Adam Tuss, May 2, 2008, WTOP
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Feds: Metro Not Pulling Into Dulles Just Yet
The federal government has given further approval to a planned Metrorail extension in northern Virginia that, if completed as envisioned, would extend the D.C. region's popular subway system to Dulles International Airport.
By Matthew Barakat, May 1, 2008, WTOP
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Editorial: Dulles Rail's Revival
Its resurrection is a triumph of common sense over dogma and suggests that, contrary to the general impression of the state of governance in Washington, rational outcomes remain possible when grown-ups put their heads together.
Thursday, May 1, 2008, Washington Post
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Editorial: Gas Tax Gotcha
IF THE United States had a sensible energy policy, a higher federal excise tax on motor fuels would definitely be a part of it. Few measures would more efficiently accomplish more worthy goals -- strategic, social and environmental.
May 1, 2008, Washington Post
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Kaine Plans Roads Fix
Gov. Tim Kaine yesterday reiterated a promise to announce his own transportation proposal within 10 days to two weeks, and name a date for a special legislative session on the issue.
By Chelyen Davis, May 1, 2008, Free Lance-Star
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Deadline For Taxi Cabs To Switch To Meters Today
It's the day many local residents have been waiting for and a day that most cab drivers have been trying to avoid.
May 1, 2008, nbc4.com
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Cabdriver Faces End Of 50-Year Fare Fight
"I testified before Congress in 1956 against meters," said Wright, sitting in the living room of his Capitol Hill rowhouse on a recent afternoon, talking about his 65 years behind the wheel.
By Paul Duggan, May 1, 2008, Washington Post
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Court Refuses to Delay Meter Switch
The D.C. Court of Appeals refused yesterday to delay the switch to time-and-distance taxi meters that takes effect today.
By Keith L. Alexander, May 1, 2008, Washington Post
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Region's Air Still a Problem, Study Finds
The Washington-Baltimore region still has one of the worst air pollution problems in the country, ranking among the top 10 metropolitan areas for smog and soot, according to a report from the American Lung Association.
By David A. Fahrenthold, May 1, 2008, Washington Post
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Plan to Halt Gas Tax Criticized
Proposal supported by Clinton, McCain would offer little savings at the pump, economists say.
By Alec MacGillis and Steven Mufson, May 1, 2008, Washington Post
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Rail Decision Thrusts Tysons Development Back to Forefront
The Federal Transit Administration's announcement Wednesday that it would tentatively move the Dulles Rail project forward resurrects a plan to triple or even quadruple development in Tysons Corner, promising to reignite a battle over growth and traffic in Fairfax County's traffic-clogged "downtown."
By William C. Flook, May 1, 2008, The Examiner
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Metro Operators Jumping the Gun on Opening Doors
Metro operators have opened the doors before the trains have fully reached the platform at least 13 times this year, including five times since operators began a new policy of opening the doors manually 16 days ago, Metro officials acknowledged.
By Taryn Luntz, May 1, 2008, The Examiner
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Dulles Rail Project Hinges on Metro Repairs
Metro and the governments that fund it must find a way to pay for hundreds of millions of dollars worth of urgent repairs to the transit system for the Dulles Rail expansion to receive federal funding, U.S. transportation officials said Wednesday.
By William C. Flook and Taryn Luntz, May 1, 2008, The Examiner
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Despite Comeback, Rail Plan Still Faces Hurdles
The Dulles rail project, a central artery in Northern Virginia's transportation plans, came back from the dead today, but remains in intensive care.
By Dr. Gridlock, April 30, 2008, Washington Post
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Train Doors Open in Tunnel Again
Again this morning, the doors on an eight-car Metro train opened while a train car was still in the tunnel outside Rosslyn Station. No one was injured, but alarming as it is for this to happen once, it now has happened twice in two weeks.
By Dr. Gridlock, April 30, 2008, Washington Post
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As Fuel Prices Rise, So Does Ridership
Officials at MARC, Metro and Ride On report their passenger numbers keep growing as gas prices keep going up.
By C. Benjamin Ford, April 30, 2008, Gazette.Net
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High Gas Prices Send Some To Mass Transit
It's getting more crowded inside of the commuter trains that service Baltimore and Washington DC.
Mike Schuh reports, April 29, 2008, WJZ
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Area Traffic Congestion Seen Rising 50 Percent in 25-30 Years
The traffic-clogged Washington area will see a 50 percent increase in congestion over the next 25 to 30 years despite being one of the nation's mass-transit success stories, according to a new report.
By Taryn Luntz, April 30, 2008, The Examiner
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More Surveillance Cameras Coming to Metro Lots
Metro parking lots and garages have become a big target for thieves. Global positioning system devices, cell phones, iPods and even cars have all been stolen recently.
By Adam Tuss, April 30, 2008, WTOP
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Free Ride Today on Va. Buses
Get to know a Northern Virginia bus today (April 30). It's free.
By Dr. Gridlock, April 30, 2008, Washington Post
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Siphoning Off Corn to Fuel Our Cars
Across the country, ethanol plants are swallowing more and more of the nation's corn crop. This year, about a quarter of U.S. corn will go to feeding ethanol plants instead of poultry or livestock. That has helped farmers like Johnson, but it has boosted demand -- and prices -- for corn at the same time global grain demand is growing.
By Steven Mufson, April 30, 2008, Washington Post
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Dulles Rail Back on Track
Federal transportation officials are planning to approve the proposed 23-mile extension of Metrorail to Dulles International Airport in a letter to Congress today, the officials told local and state authorities yesterday.
By Amy Gardner and Lena H. Sun, April 30, 2008, Washington Post
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Kaine To Soon Roll Out Transportation Package
In the next 10 days, look for Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine to roll out a transportation package for lawmakers to consider during a June special session.
By Hank Silverberg, April 29, 2008, WTOP
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Toll Road Project Will Bulldoze Hundreds of Trees
Hundreds of trees along the Capital Beltway will be cut down in preparation for construction of four more toll lanes, officials said yesterday.
By Eric M. Weiss, April 29, 2008, Washington Post
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Regional Biofuel Discussion Welcomed
Interested people are invited to share their vision for biofuel development in the watershed, along with any issues or recommendations they want the panel to consider.
By Ike Wilson, April 28, 2008, Frederick News-Post
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Editorial: Bus Stop...Please
Last Saturday's edition of The Frederick News-Post featured a front-page story on disgruntled commuters. In this case, they are would-be bus riders who'd prefer to take public transportation from Urbana than drive to their destinations south.
April 29, 2008, Frederick News-Post
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Bus Rides Free in Northern Virginia Wednesday April 30
With all the wet weather lately, you probably haven't thought about those super hot, humid days of summer -- the ones where the region goes under a Code Red air quality advisory. The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission wants to remind you of them with free bus rides Wednesday on all Northern Virginia routes.
By Kristi King, April 29, 2008, WTOP
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D.C. Cabbies Feel The Pinch as They Prepare for Meters
Cabbie economics: math as brutal as it is simple, which helps explain the trepidation many D.C. taxi drivers feel these days as they line up at garages to have meters installed.
By Paul Duggan, April 29, 2008, Washington Post
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YouTube Effort to Highlight N. Va. Gridlock Gets Little Traffic
Few commuters have taken their traffic complaints to the Internet superhighway to chronicle local fury over millions of lost road revenue under a video campaign organized by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority.
By Dan Genz, April 29, 2008, The Examiner
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HOT Lane Tree Clearing Surprises, Angers Officials
The Virginia Department of Transportation unexpectedly cut down three acres of trees and vegetation that served as a buffer between a Fairfax County middle school and the Capital Beltway, part of a plan to install new toll lanes along the highway, surprising and angering local officials.
By William C. Flook, April 29, 2008, The Examiner
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Ball Game Shuttle Working Well
A month into the baseball season, fans and commuters seem to be having a relatively easy time dealing with the new stadium on South Capitol Street.
By Dr. Gridlock, April 28, 2008, Washington Post
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Driven to Make Our Roads Safer
Two weeks ago, this column suggested that cutting Maryland's highway death toll of more than 600 a year in half would be a worthy -- and achievable -- goal.
By Michael Dresser, April 28, 2008, Baltimore Sun
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Phoenix Bikes Program Combines Community Service With Skill-Building
Phoenix Bikes, a non-profit community bike shop with after-school programs for middle school and high school students, tries to help solve this problem by offering Arlington's teens the chance to earn their own bicycle.
By Kristen Armstrong, April 26, 2008, Sun Gazette
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Ridesharing Could Save Time
Commuters in the Fredericksburg area may be switching to carpooling and vanpooling to save money on gas, but you can also save time. Check out VDOT's High Occupancy Vehicle lane calculator to see how ridesharing can get you to work, and home, faster. Visit hovcalculator.com. Kudos to VDOT for including carpool lots in Caroline, Spotsylvania and Stafford as starting points.
By Kelly Hannon April 28, 2008, Free Lance-Star
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Va. Lawmakers Focus On Transportation
For the second time in two years, legislators are being called back to Richmond for a special session to focus on highway funding.
April 27, 2008, nbc4.com
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Residents Try to Halt Intercounty Connector
Dozens of Montgomery County residents say it's not too late to stop construction of the controversial six-lane Intercounty Connector highway.
April 27, 2008, WTOP
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One Out of Six Metro Delays Caused by Sick Passengers
Red Line riders were frustrated Friday morning when a sick passenger put rush-hour service at a standstill, but statistics show the situation is not uncommon.
By Taryn Luntz, April 28, 2008, The Examiner
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No Rest Stops For the Weary, But Just for a While
Dear Dr. Gridlock: On the almost 100 miles of Interstate 70 in Maryland, there is, sadly, only one set of rest areas, around mile post 40, about 12 miles west of Frederick.
By Robert Thomson, April 27, 2008, Washington Post
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Metro System Was Controversial From Inception
Washington was one of the first cities to choose rapid transit rather than more highways within its boundaries, but at first it was not an easy or popular choice. Travel by automobile was ascendant, and public-transit ridership was falling. The interstate highway system plan called for numerous highways through and around the District of Columbia.
By Steve Dunham, April 27, 2008, Free Lance-Star
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'Unreliable' Bus Service Frustrates Urbana Commuters
When Torres began taking the bus three years ago, getting on was never a problem. But in the past year, buses are often full by the time they get to the Urbana Park and Ride, and drivers aren't stopping.
By Cailin McGough, April 26, 2008, Frederick News-Post
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Taxi Meter Plan Moves Forward
A judge refused to stop the District's plan to enforce a meter system on city taxis. (Streaming video.)
Tom Sherwood Reports, April 25, 2008, nbc4.com
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SmartBike Pedaling Starter Service
Need to get to a meeting on the Hill? Lunch on K Street? Drinks in Georgetown? More Washingtonians could be pedaling to those appointments when the city launches the nation's first European-style bike-sharing service next month.
By Sarah Karush, April 26, 2008, Washington Times
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Two Va. Corridors Vie For More Train Service
An Amtrak proposal to add a single train from either Lynchburg or Newport News to Union Station has spurred a competition between the two slices of Virginia and pointed to severe limits on state and federal transportation funding.
By Michael Laris, April 26, 2008, Washington Post
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Judge Rejects Cab Drivers' Attempt to Delay Meters
Another attempt by D.C. taxi drivers to stall the implementation of time-and-distance meters failed Friday when a Superior Court judge denied their request for an emergency injunction.
By Dena Levitz, April 26, 2008, The Examiner
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Bike-Sharing Services Roll into the U.S.
City commuters weary of stuffy journeys aboard buses and subways now have a better way to get to work, buy groceries and meet for a Saturday matinee. The bike-sharing programs that have transformed Europeans into two-wheeled travelers are now en route to the U.S.
By Hannah Hoag, MSNBC, April 6, 2008
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Bike To Work Day, Meet Facebook
If you've ever had to compete for time on your friends' busy calendars, this post is for you. We've made a Facebook event page for Bike to Work Day, so users of Facebook can easily invite their coworkers and friends to bike in on Friday, May 16th, and then easily keep track of who's coming.
By Melissa Esposito, March 24, 2008, CommuterPageBlog
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Will The High Price Of Oil Help Make 2008 The Year Of The Bicycle?
Bicycling's best year since the start of the auto age? That's the argument likely to be made this week as hundreds of cyclists from across the nation gather in Washington for the National Bike Summit sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists. A crescendo of trends and developments makes the case.
by Niel Pierce, Washington Post Writers Group; March 2, 2008
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Car-Free Diet: Shed Traffic, Fatten Wallet
County officials spread the word last week to about 150 business people and residents at its Car-Free Diet Expo, aimed at publicizing the county's Car-Free Diet initiative, a marketing campaign as well as a quality-of-life program.
By Mark Berman, February 7, 2008, Washington Post
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Arlington Promotes Mass Transit
The government in Arlington County, Virginia wants residents and visitors to go green and lose weight at the same time -- by giving up their cars.
Rosiland Jordan reports, WAMU
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GW Parkway Project at Humpback Bridge Starts
The Federal Highway Administration, in cooperation with the National Park Service (NPS) will soon begin a road construction project to improve motorist and trail use safety on the Boundary Channel Humpback Bridge. "Humpback Bridge" is located on the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) just north of Interstate 395 and immediately south of the Columbia Island Marina. Work is expected to begin in early January 2008. Traffic delays are expected. During the three-year improvement project, both northbound and southbound lanes of the Parkway will experience construction at nonrush hour times. The Federal Highway Administration and the National Park Service urge motorists to seek alternative routes to avoid delays uring non-rush hour periods.
The project will include replacing the historic "Humpback Bridge" using similar materials and configuration of the existing bridge, adding a new acceleration lane for northbound traffic from the I-395 on-ramp, and a separate wider path for users of the Mount Vernon rail. The grade of the road will be adjusted to improve sight
distance over the bridge. A pedestrian crosswalk will be replaced with a tunnel under the parkway for safe access between the Columbia Island Marina and the Mount Vernon Trail and Potomac shoreline. A barrier will be placed along the "Humpback Bridge" to separate users of the Mount Vernon Trail from Parkway traffic. Additional safety improvements include closing the northbound vehicle entrance into the Columbia Island Marina and Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove parking areas. The project, when completed, is also expected to improve traffic flow.
by National Park Service; January 4, 2008
Metro Names New Chief Safety Officer
Metro tapped a Maryland Transit Administration official to become its new chief safety officer Wednesday, appointing Ronald Keele to head efforts to improve rail and bus safety after several accidents killed pedestrians and employees in the past two years.
By Dan Genz, January 3, 2007; The Examiner
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Dr. Gridlock: Two Highway Projects Advance
Two highway deals announced this month will affect thousands of drivers in Virginia over the next few years: Construction of the High Occupancy or Toll lanes along the Capital Beltway is scheduled to begin in the spring, and construction of the final, crucial segment of the Fairfax County Parkway is scheduled to begin in 2009.
By Robert Thomson, December 26, 2007; WashingtonPost.com
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