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DC Circulator fares restart Oct. 1

The District Department of Transportation said Friday that DC Circulator fares will be reinstated Oct. 1.
Will Vitka, September 17, 2021, WTOP

City to submit transit grant application

City Council unanimously approved a grant application to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for the 2022 Transit Ridership Incentive Program.
Olivia Anderson, September 16, 2021, Alexandria Times

Flooding reported in Alexandria

Matthew Cappucci, a reporter with Fox 5, reported extensive flooding at the Braddock Road Metro station.
Vernon Miles, September 16, 2021, ALXnow

Pike transit project modified after bus shelters found faulty

A multi-year project to improve transit along Columbia Pike has been delayed by design problems associated with the proposed bus shelters.
Jo DeVoe, September 16, 2021, ARLnow

Woman shot, killed while driving in Southeast D.C.

A woman was shot and killed while driving in Southeast D.C. Wednesday morning.
Matthew Stabley, September 15, 2021, NBC Washington

Weekend Road and Rail: Beltway resurfacing and more Metro maintenance

Scheduled street closures are planned in the District due to some events, and Metro will be performing routine maintenance.
Mary DePompa, September 16, 2021, WTOP

PARK(ing) Day will bring 12 'parklets' to D.C. on Friday

PARK(ing) Day, an annual event that turns some curbside parking spaces across the city into temporary parks, is returning to D.C. on Friday. The event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Jenny Gathright, September 16, 2021, dcist

D.C. has collected $36 million through ticket amnesty program that ends this month

Scofflaws who have accumulated debts in unpaid tickets in the District need to act soon to save on paying late fines.
Luz Lazo, September 17, 2021, Washington Post

FABB September meeting on crash reconstruction

Join FABB for a virtual meeting on September 21 at 7:00 pm to discuss Fairfax County Police procedures for traffic crash investigations.
September 16, 2021, FABB

Every block matters in the fight for safer streets and the climate

In the wake of both the tragic death of one of DC’s youngest cyclists, and another dire warning on climate change from global scientists, it is jarring to be caught up in debates about the merits of a bike lane project at the block-by-block level.
Amber Gove, September 16, 2021, GGWash

Fire on roof of future Metro HQ spews smoke through area

A fire at the top of a high-rise building under construction in D.C. made smoke that can be seen for miles Thursday morning.
Rick Massimo, September 16, 2021, WTOP

Rail Safety Week set for Sept. 20-26

Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI), Operation Lifesaver Canada and the Mexican Association of Railroads (AMF) are kicking off this year’s observance of Rail Safety Week in North America on Sept. 20.
Marybeth Luczak, September 16, 2021, Railway Age

U.S. DOT announces $25 million in funding for transit agencies

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced Tuesday it would make $25 million in funding available to help public transportation agencies return to service.
Liz Carey, September 16, 2021, Transportation Today

County to study ways of making temporary outdoor seating areas permanent

Arlington County says it will explore ways to make it easier for restaurants to establish or expand outdoor dining after the pandemic ends, according to a county report.
Jo DeVoe, September 15, 2021, ARLnow

Seventh Metro transit employee dies of covid

A seventh Metro employee has died of covid-19, even as the agency’s vaccination rate rose dramatically this month, transit officials said.
Justin George, September 15, 2021, Washington Post

Study group unanimously opposes developer-proposed solutions for Wiehle Avenue crossing

After nearly two years of discussions and 15 meetings, a study group has voted in favor of ditching three pedestrian crossing options offered by a developer of an approved mixed-use development near the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station.
Fatimah Waseem, September 15, 2021, Reston Now

Reston development by Metro to feature dog park, outdoor fitness area

The developer behind Halley Rise, the mixed-use project currently under construction, is now offering more details about amenities: a dog park and an outdoor fitness park.
David Taube, September 15, 2021, Reston Now

The Perch opens high above Tysons [video]

Fairfax County has a new park and community space near the McLean Metro Station.
September 15, 2021, NBC Washington

Neighbors in Brookland not surprised after 5-year-old girl dies in traffic accident

Members of the neighborhood gathered to discuss traffic safety at a community meeting on Tuesday night, organized by Ward 5 State Board of Education member Zachary Parker.
Matthew Torres, September 15, 2021, WUSA9

Metro offers its first-ever pass sale to riders

Metro riders in the D.C. region can save up to 50% off their purchase of unlimited day passes at discounted prices starting Thursday morning.
Ivy Lyons, September 16, 2021, WTOP

Purple Line payment is approved; contractor timeline slides to 2022

Maryland’s Board of Public Works approved a hefty payment to the consortium building the Purple Line on Wednesday, though the state’s top transportation official insisted the payout — in tandem with a new contract modification — will save taxpayers money in the long run.
Bruce DePuyt, September 16, 2021, WTOP

D.C. street closures for Saturday's rally in support of Jan. 6 insurrection defendants

Crews have started to put up perimeter fencing around the U.S. Capitol area in preparation for a rally in support of those arrested in the Jan. 6 attack.
Dana Hedgpeth, Meagan Flynn, September 16, 2021, Washington Post

New study finds climate change exacerbates neighborhood smog

A study published last week shows that higher temperatures brought on by climate change over the last 70 years have increased the formation of ground-level ozone in the Denver Metro North Front Range, a geographic area that includes Denver and part of eight surrounding counties.
L. Delta Merner, September 15, 2021, UCS

Traffic violence wreaks havoc on our city and its residents. But it doesn't have to.

WABA, Greater Greater Washington, and DC Families for Safe Streets sent the following letter to the Mayor’s office on September 14th, 2021, in response to a driver killing a 5 year old child.
September 15, 2021, GGWash

Arlington officials seek input on moving County Fair

Should the Arlington County Fair relocate from its longtime location at Thomas Jefferson Community Center to Long Bridge Park?
September 15, 2021, Inside NoVa

Reconciliation looking good for sustainable transportation

Skillful new House legislation that will be folded into the Democrat’s reconciliation package could help restore some of what sustainable transportation advocates lost during the negotiations over the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill — without technically breaking President Biden’s promises to the GOP that many thought would shut the door on further money for transit and equity.
Kea Wilson, September 14, 2021, Streetsblog USA

Pedestrian, motorcyclist killed in separate crashes in Wheaton, Derwood

A pedestrian and a motorcyclist were killed in separate crashes Monday night in Wheaton and Derwood, respectively, about an hour apart, according to Montgomery County police.
Dan Schere, September 14, 2021, Bethesda Magazine

DMV to bring back walk-in service

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles next month will begin resuming walk-in service, which has largely been on hold since the start of the pandemic, and have decided to alternate it with service to those who have scheduled an appointment.
September 14, 2021, Inside NoVa

Va. man hit by car starts site listing dangerous intersections to reduce pedestrian deaths

Mike Doyle started Alexandria Families For Safe Streets, a resource for victims and an interactive site that shows you the more dangerous areas and intersections for pedestrians and cyclists in Northern Virginia.
John Gonzalez, September 14, 2021, ABC7

Traffic troubles in Montgomery County as more parents drive kids to school

A new school year, a bus driver shortage and more parents driving their kids due to COVID-19 has caused a traffic nightmare around some Montgomery County schools.
Lindsay Watts, September 15, 2021, Fox5

Ramp metering system starts on I-270

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration on Wednesday activated a ramp metering system on 23 ramps of southbound Interstate 270 in an effort to reduce congestion and increase safety on one of the nation’s busiest travel corridors.
Joshua Barlow, September 15, 2021, WTOP

5-year-old riding bike now dead after being hit by van in Northeast DC

A 5-year-old tragically died Monday while riding her bike in Northeast D.C., after she was struck by a van, police said.
September 14, 2021, WUSA9

Army Ten-Miler goes virtual in light of rising COVID-19 cases

Runners eager to race each other through the streets of D.C. and Arlington, Virginia, for the annual Army Ten-Miler will have to wait another year to do it in person.
Matthew Delaney, September 14, 2021, WTOP

Metro didn't follow safety procedures during overhaul of rail cars, audit shows

Metro mechanics, engineers and technicians do not keep organized records or follow a set of safety guidelines when maintaining, inspecting and rebuilding rail cars, contributing to dangerous mishaps such as the separation of two trains last year, according to a new audit.
Justin George, September 14, 2021, Washington Post

Register now for FABB Bike Your Park Day ride

FABB is celebrating Bike Your Park Day with a free family-friendly ride. Join us on Saturday, September 25,  to explore parks in the Lorton area.
September 14, 2021, FABB

City taking orders for trolley ornament honoring historic railway

The City of Alexandria is now taking orders for its 2021 Trolley ornament, depicting Car 303 of the Mount Vernon Alexandria & Washington Electric Railway.
Mary Wadland, September 13, 2021, Zebra

Alexandria Police report double-digit rise in burglary and drunk driving arrests

In an update to the Health and Safety Coordinating Committee, police reported a 35% increase in driving while intoxicated arrests (136 incidents) — as of August 2021.
James Cullum, September 13, 2021, ALXnow

Future of Fairfax County roads named after Confederate leaders still up in the air

The Confederate Names Task Force was formed in July, and could recommend, by the end of the year, whether to change the names of Lee Highway-Route 29 and Lee Jackson Memorial Highway-Route 50.
Kyle Cooper, September 13, 2021, WTOP

Maryland agencies, police departments getting safety grants

More than 90 agencies and organizations in Maryland will share more than $12 million in federal highway safety grants aimed at reducing fatalities on roads.
Dick Uliano, September 13, 2021, WTOP

Events: Explore DC on 20 miles of car-free streets

DC Bike Ride is back for 2021 with a 20-mile tour of the nation’s capital including tourist stops, parties, and an ending festival in front of the US Capitol Building.
George Kevin Jordan, September 13, 2021, GGWash

First weekday morning commute on new Frederick Douglass Bridge

The first weekday morning commute over the brand new Frederick Douglass Bridge requires paying attention to temporary signage and numerous construction barrels.
Neal Augenstein, September 13, 2021, WTOP

WMATA closes 2 red line stations until December

There will be no Metrorail service at Shady Grove and Rockville stations until Dec. 4.
Brielle Ashford, September 11, 2021, WUSA9

House Democrats propose using reconciliation to spend $20 billion on transit and rail

The package is a chance for lawmakers on the left to secure spending on what was left out of the Senate’s infrastructure bill.
Ian Duncan, September 10, 2021, Washington Post

Candidate: Having students use public-transit would be a win-win

“It helps that system [ART] and the school system,” said Mary Kadera, the Democratic endorsee in the Nov. 2 battle to succeed School Board member Monique O’Grady.
Scott McCaffrey, September 12, 2021, Inside NoVa

DC-area doctor advises caution for new users of electric scooters, bikes

Electric bikes and scooters are becoming more popular, and a D.C.-area surgeon cautions users to become familiar with new motorized modes of transportation before taking them into crowded urban settings.
Kristi King, September 13, 2021, WTOP

Keep telling Congress: Support biking!

People for Bikes have set up an easy way to send a message to Congress to show your support for funding for better bicycle infrastructure and incentives that make bicycling easier and more affordable in the budget reconciliation bill.
September 12, 2021, FABB

Silver Spring man dies in motorcycle crash

A motorcyclist died in a collision in Silver Spring on Friday night.
Julie Zauzmer Weil, September 11, 2021, Washington Post

Protest over road widening through Black community stirs memories of a similar fight in 1967

The proposed project, residents say, would eat up the buffer between their neighborhood and Richmond Highway in Fairfax County.
Justin George, September 12, 2021, Washington Post

Metro to remain open until 1 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays

Metrorail announced that it will stay open until 1 a.m. instead of midnight on Fridays and Saturdays going forward.
Kevin Kuzminski, September 11, 2021, ABC7

Bird e-scooters roll into town of Vienna

Vienna residents now have a new way to get around town and beyond – electric scooters.
September 9, 2021, Vienna Patch

Section of Dulles Airport Access Highway to close this weekend for Silver Line-related work

Approximately seven miles of the Dulles International Airport Access Highway going westbound will be closed this weekend (Sept. 11 and 12) for maintenance work on pedestrian bridges.
Matt Blitz, September 10, 2021, Reston Now

Alexandria seeking state funding to make fare-free buses long-term

The city’s DASH bus network recently went fare-free, and the city is looking for more funding from the state to help it stay that way.
Vernon Miles, September 10, 2021, ALXnow

Road closures, Metro schedule for Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run on Sunday

Metrorail is going to open two hours early on Sunday, at 5 a.m., for the Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run so folks can get to the race. There will also be some road closures along the racecourse. Here’s what you need to know.
Will Vitka, September 10, 2021, WTOP

Wiehle Metro station shutdown set for October with possible Silver Line Phase 2 hand-off on the horizon

The Wiehle-Reston East Metro station will be closed during the weekend of Oct. 23 and 24 so crews can work to connect the first and second phase of the Silver Line.
Matt Blitz, September 10, 2021, Reston Now

Construction to realign Columbia Pike and expand Arlington National Cemetery to start soon

The project will also add a new sidewalk and a shared-use trail, improve bicycle facilities, add street lighting, and put utility lines underground.
Matt Blitz, September 10, 2021, ARLnow

OmniRide still planning service expansion despite COVID surge, hiring challenges

Area transit operators say the summer COVID surge will delay the wider return to work that they were counting on to boost ridership this fall, even though OmniRide still plans to expand its service closer to pre-pandemic levels by the end of September.
Jared Foretek, September 10, 2021, Inside NoVa

Get ready to stop before you go: Ramp metering on I-270 set to start Wednesday

Just when you think you can speed up to get on I-270, you might have to stop first.
Don Parker, September 9, 2021, ABC7

Outraged residents roll casket onto Richmond Highway to protest VDOT road widening project

An attention-grabbing protest pitting concerned citizens against the Virginia Department of Transportation stopped traffic Thursday night when outraged residents marched a casket across busy Richmond highway in Fairfax County.
Jay Korff, September 9, 2021, ABC7

DC festivals return; new Metro shutdown; I-66 and I-295 transformations

Unlike last weekend when the remnants of Hurricane Ida barreled through the region, it doesn’t look like weather will be a factor for roadwork this weekend.
Mary DePompa, September 10, 2021, WTOP

Metro opens early Sunday for Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run

Metrorail is going to open two hours early on Sunday, at 5 a.m., for the Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run so folks can get to the race.
Will Vitka, September 10, 2021, WTOP

Study: Crash avoidance technology benefits young drivers most

A new study from the Highway Loss Data Institute has found that crash avoidance features in automobiles seems to benefit young drivers more than others.
Liz Carey, September 10, 2021, Transportation Today

African American gravesites detected near the Capital Beltway will be spared in road-widening plans

Maryland highway officials committed to avoid a historical African American cemetery when adding toll lanes to the Capital Beltway after 27 “probable” or “possible” unmarked graves were detected along the highway this summer, a state archaeologist said Thursday.
Katherine Shaver, September 9, 2021, Washington Post

Virginia behind on CDL licensing, contributing to lack of bus drivers

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles is playing catch up to license new bus drivers to make up for shortages in the state.
Rick Horner, September 10, 2021, Fairfax County Times

West End trail project derailed by stalled development

The city had plans — to the tune of a $5 million grant — to extend the Backlick Run Trail and connect Armistead Boothe Park to the Van Dorn Street bridge.
Vernon Miles, September 9, 2021, ALXnow

Completion of Metro's Silver Line project likely delayed until 2022

Metro leaders provided an update on the future second phase of the Silver Line Thursday. A once-hoped for start date of this coming winter looks all but impossible now.
Tom Roussey, September 9, 2021, ABC7

Prince George's families adjust to school bus driver shortage

One parent told WUSA9 no school bus came to pick up her son at his bus stop Wednesday.
John Henry, September 9, 2021, WUSA9

Metro leaders say curb your enthusiasm about potential Georgetown, National Harbor stations

A proposal to create a Metro station in Georgetown and expand the Blue Line to National Harbor has been getting a lot of buzz.
John Aaron, September 9, 2021, WTOP

Metro's proposed expansion plans could face common foe: cost and interstate rivalries

High price tags and infighting among local jurisdictions could play out in the future decision-making about Metro’s plans to expand the rail system to address capacity issues at the Rosslyn Tunnel.
Jordan Pascale, September 9, 2021, dcist

New report assesses Amtrak's ADA compliance efforts

Better planning and coordination could help Amtrak complete an “aggressive” $1.2 billion plan to bring its remaining stations into Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance by FY 2027, according to a report from the railroad’s Office of Inspector General (OIG).
Marybeth Luczak, September 9, 2021, Railway Age

How D.C. might kneecap its micromobility revolution

A controversial plan to limit the number of scooter- and bike-share operators in the nation’s capital has some advocates wondering why micromobility providers are again being held to higher standards than are drivers, automakers, and car-related businesses.
Kea Wilson, September 9, 2021, Streetsblog USA

DHS to increase fines for mask violations in airports, on planes

The Department of Homeland Security announced on Thursday that those who refuse or fail to wear a mask in airports, planes or certain other public transportation modes will be subject to higher fines.
Caroline Vakil, September 9, 2021, The Hill

House Democrat proposes vaccine or testing mandate for trains and planes

Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) on Thursday unveiled legislation to require all airline and train passengers in the U.S. to provide proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test in order to travel.
Celine Castronuovo, September 9, 2021, The Hill

White House announces target of 20 percent aviation emissions reduction by 2030

The Biden administration on Thursday announced a series of industry-backed actions aimed at reducing the climate impact of air travel, with a goal of cutting aviation emissions by 20 percent by 2030.
Zack Budryk, September 9, 2021, The Hill

Caterpillar, Chevron team on hydrogen power

Caterpillar Inc. and Chevron U.S.A. Inc. will collaborate “to confirm the feasibility and performance of hydrogen for use as a commercially viable alternative to traditional fuels” for line-haul rail, marine vessels and prime power, reported the companies, which said they will demonstrate a hydrogen-powered locomotive.
Marybeth Luczak, September 9, 2021, Railway Age

FRA releases PTC Safety Advisory

This permits the PTC system to be “disabled and unable to initiate the brakes to prevent a train-to-train collision, over-speed derailment, incursion into an established work zones, or the movement of a train through a switch left in the wrong position.”
Marybeth Luczak, September 9, 2021, Railway Age

While still working on train automation, Metro moves toward new signaling system

It’s been twelve years since Metro trains were primarily computer-operated, not driven manually by human operators.
Stephen Repetski, September 9, 2021, GGWash

A commission has a $117 billion plan to modernize the Northeast Corridor. Here's how it improves passenger rail.

A federally appointed panel is urging ambitious, costly steps to modernize the passenger rail network between Washington and Boston to reduce chronic delays and improve travel times.
Luz Lazo, September 9, 2021, Washington Post

Metro's preferred expansion option would create second Potomac River tunnel, add Georgetown station

A Metro study that looked at extending rail service in the Washington region recommends expanding the Blue Line to National Harbor and creating a long-mentioned station in Georgetown.
Justin George, September 7, 2021, Washington Post

New Purple Line contractor should be in place by February, transit officials say

Maryland transit officials plan to have a new construction team in place by mid-February to complete the Purple Line, replacing the contractor that quit a year ago amid cost disputes with the state.
Katherine Shaver, September 8, 2021, Washington Post

Columbia Pike Metro expansion nixed for now

It looks like the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is not going to consider a Metro line through Columbia Pike any time soon.
Jo DeVoe, September 8, 2021, ARLnow