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Why climate change is about to make your bad commute worse

Something remarkable happened on American roadways during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic: In even the most congested cities, traffic started moving again.
Matt Alderton, August 8, 2020, Washington Post

Opinion: This is wrong time to push I-495/I-270 highway expansion project

This is not the time to forge ahead with Gov. Larry Hogan’s highway expansion project.
August 8, 2020, Bethesda Magazine

Weekend Metro schedule: stations closed, shuttle service offered

Here's what to expect if you're taking the Metro this weekend.
Alessia Grunberger, August 7, 2020, Takoma Park Patch

Tropical Storm Isaias leaves some Md. roads in tatters

Tropical Storm Isaias has come and gone from the D.C. region, but it left plenty to remember it by, and the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration, or MDOT SHA, is working to assess the damage.
Zeke Hartner, August 7, 2020, WTOP

Amtrak preparing for new locomotives

Amtrak announced this week that it is preparing for the first of its new diesel-electric locomotives as part of long-term planned improvements for fleet, infrastructure, and stations.
Douglas Clark, August 7, 2020, Transportation Today

Weekend road and rail

An improvement project begins on Maryland’s River Road. Virginia Route 28 has new bridge beams being installed. Reconstruction of the New York and New Jersey Avenues intersection in D.C. continues, and there will be closures on Metro’s Red Line.
Mary DePompa, August 7, 2020, WTOP

D.C. will add 17 more miles of 'slow streets' by September

The District is limiting automobile activity on more streets to make them more accommodating to recreation and pedestrians.
Jordan pascale, August 6, 2020, dcist

Va. parks and preserves see big crowds -- and damage -- as people cooped up by pandemic head outdoors

Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, Virginia state parks and natural area preserves have become popular destinations for visitors, particularly early on when so many other recreational sites were closed.
Bill Lohmann, August 6, 2020, fredericksburg.com

Va. expands intra-city bus service from downstate to D.C.

Virginia Breeze bus service (dubbed the “Valley Flyer”) between Christiansburg and Union Station in the District of Columbia resumed on July 24 after a COVID-related stoppage, and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation is unveiling two new bus lines.
August 6, 2020, Inside NoVa

Woman using wheelchair rescued from Metro tracks after fall

A woman who apparently was using a motorized wheelchair fell onto the train tracks at the Suitland Metro station Thursday and was rescued, Metro says.
Adam Tuss, Sophia Barnes, August 6, 2020, NBC Washington

Safety improvements begin at deadly Bethesda intersection

Work to make a River Road intersection in Bethesda, Maryland, safer for drivers and pedestrians has finally begun, years after a deadly crash.
John Domen, August 6, 2020, WTOP

Cashless tolling now permanent throughout Md.

Maryland has made cashless tolling permanent throughout the state, Gov. Larry Hogan said Thursday.
Will Vitka, August 6, 2020, WTOP

Uber, Lyft sued in California over alleged wage theft

A California agency is suing Uber and Lyft over alleged wage theft, saying the ride-hailing companies have misclassified drivers as independent contractors.
Kaelan Deese, August 6, 2020, The Hill

Metro moves up schedule for Huntington Station escalator replacement to impact fewer riders

Metro will take advantage of the current period of extremely low ridership to replace three escalators at the Huntington Station south entrance, moving up the project’s start date by one year to reduce customer impact.
WMATA Press Release, August 6, 2020

Maryland will manage Purple Line construction if partnership falls through, state officials say

Maryland transit officials are preparing to manage Purple Line construction if a public-private partnership on the $2 billion project dissolves amid feuds over hundreds of millions in cost overruns, according to a letter sent Wednesday to the project's subcontractors.
Katherine Shaver, August 5, 2020, Washington Post

Arlington's emergency sidewalk ordinance is a mess

Targeted quite plainly at young, mask-less patrons waiting in tightly-packed lines for long periods of time outside of Clarendon bars whose capacity has been limited by social-distancing requirements, the ordinance seems well-intentioned but flawed in concept.
Chris Slatt, August 5, 2020, ARLnow

Prince William County prepares to widen key stretch of US Route 1

The project includes converting U.S. 1 from a four-lane undivided highway to a six-lane divided highway and also involves building a 10-foot wide trail and a 5-foot wide sidewalk, according to the county.
Emily Sides, August 5, 2020, WTOP

AAA: Partially automated driving systems don't always work

Two tests by AAA during the past two years show that partially automated driving systems don’t always function properly, so the auto club is recommending that car companies limit their use.
August 6, 2020, WTOP

Amtrak "Phase VI" livery gets a fresh application

Amtrak diesel-electric locomotives have worn many liveries over the years since the company was founded in 1971.
William C. Vantuono, August 5, 2020, Railway Age

Debate on face masks divides air-travel industry

A debate over whether the federal government should mandate masks at airports and on commercial flights is dividing key industry players and pitting powerful lobbying groups against each other.
Alex Gangitano, August 6, 2020, The Hill

Key Democrats pledge support for more federal aid for transit

Key congressional Democrats on Wednesday pledged their support for at least $32 billion in federal coronavirus relief for public transit, one week after Republicans included nothing in their stimulus proposals for an industry that agency heads warn is on the brink of layoffs without help.
Justin George, August 5, 2020, Washington Post

D.C. driving citations spike during the early stages of COVID-19

With less cars on the road, conventional wisdom would say that moving violations would have decreased. But it seems the opposite is true.
Adrian Nesta, August 5, 2020, GGWash

Protected bike lanes any city can afford

Road users who are tired of contending with car traffic on their ride could soon get some relief -- thanks to an ultra-affordable bike lane made out of recycled car tires.
Kea Wilson, August 5, 2020, GGWash

Gas price increases stalling

“This summer is no doubt the cheapest at the pump for motorists in more than a decade,” Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson, said.
Douglas Clark, August 5, 2020, Transportation Today

No answer yet as to what caused July's Metro Red Line derailment

Preliminary evidence has yet to reveal the answer, but it is providing clues as to what caused the July 7 derailment along Colesville Road.
Michelle Murillo, August 4, 2020, WTOP

There's a significant uptick in stolen cars in D.C. this year

In a joint email blast Tuesday, the D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles and the police department wrote that there is “an increase in car thefts targeting delivery drivers in DC,” and advised people to take precautions to prevent their vehicles from being stolen.
Jenny Gathright, August 4, 2020, dcist

Virgin Atlantic files for bankruptcy in U.S.

Virgin Atlantic Airways filed for bankruptcy in the U.S. on Tuesday as it suffers a financial toll during the coronavirus pandemic.
Tal Axelrod, August 4, 2020, The Hill

Uber to allow employees to work remotely through June 2021

Uber will allow its employees to work from home through the end of June 2021, the company said Tuesday.
Zack Budryk, August 4, 2020, The Hill

New Virginia plan aims to help deer, bears cross the road more safely

Wildlife sightings are common for anyone who spends time on Virginia’s highways. But many drivers are also all too familiar with the danger that can arise quickly when animals venture into the human-made spaces crisscrossing their habitats.
Graham Moomaw, August 4, 2020, Inside NoVa

Metro closes Cleveland Park station due to potential flooding

Metro has closed the Cleveland Park station as part of its severe weather plan in response to the impact of Isaias on the D.C. region Tuesday.
August 4, 2020, WJLA

Senators push for max telework in next coronavirus relief package

All federal employees and contractors who can perform their duties remotely should be doing so,” senators wrote in July 31 letter to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).
Nicole Ogrysko, August 3, 2020, Federal News Network

Video shows some of the challenges bicyclists face in Prince George's County

Black Women Bike DC, an organization that encourages bicycling for Black women and girls, recently released a video highlighting what riding a bike in Central and Southern Prince George’s County looks like.
George Kevin Jordan, August 4, 2020, GGWash

Fairfax County seeks more funding for Soapstone Connector

Fairfax County officials are seeking $66.4 million in state funds for the Soapstone Connector.
Fatimah Waseem, August 3, 2020, Reston Now

Isaias brings heavy rain, triggers tornado warnings

Isaias is bringing strong winds, heavy rains and the threat of tornadoes to the mid-Atlantic region Tuesday as the storm makes its way up the east coast.
Mike Thomas, August 4, 2020, Fox5

More cars on the road plus summer heat means poor air quality

The summer’s scorching temperatures combined with returning traffic on roadways across D.C., Maryland and Virginia, means the chances of poor air quality are on the rise.
Matt Small, August 3, 2020, WTOP

Air travel picks up alongside strict mask enforcement

Air travel is slowly making a comeback as more passengers appear to be gaining confidence with airlines that are imposing strict rules for wearing masks.
Alex Gangitano, August 4, 2020, The Hill

Arlington passes emergency ordinance against sidewalk crowding

With coronavirus cases in Arlington continuing to rise, and large crowds still congregating in Clarendon on weekends, the County Board took action late last week to try to cut down on sidewalk crowding.
August 3, 2020, ARLnow

COMMENTARY: VRE prepares for the safe return of riders

The Virginia Railway Express, the commuter rail system that has served our region for nearly three decades, remains a viable option for those headed north in the morning.
Gary Skinner, July 31, 2020, fredericksburg.com

Residential tower approved at Scotts Run South, the massive project atop the McLean Metro

Scotts Run South, the massive development planned atop the McLean Metro station in Tysons, is starting to come together.
Alex Koma, July 31, 2020, WBJ

Pedestrian struck by vehicle and killed in Prince George's County

A pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle traveling on Indian Head Highway early Sunday morning, Prince George’s County police said.
Teddy Amenabar, August 2, 2020, Washington Post

Montgomery Co. Ride On bus service increases 40% on weekdays

Ride On bus service in Montgomery County, Maryland, has expanded in an effort to support residents and businesses reopening amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Will Vitka, August 3, 2020, WTOP

MDOT releases documents on next steps of Capital Beltway/I-270 plan

It’s no surprise to local drivers that congestion on the Capital Beltway and I-270 in Maryland causes hours of slow travel each weekday.
Dan Friedell, August 2, 2020, WTOP

Proposed system would gather data about helicopter noise in the D.C. region

D.C.-area lawmakers are pushing a measure that would create a centralized system to track complaints about helicopter noise in the region similar to ones used to collect information about airplane noise.
Lori Aratani, August 1, 2020, Washington Post

Government officials adopt plan to expand Washington region trail network to 1,400 miles

The region’s top transportation board has endorsed a proposal for a network of trails stretching across the greater Washington region, from Frederick, Md., to Prince William County, Va., that would expand the amount of off-road bicycle and pedestrian pathways to 1,400 miles.
Luz Lazo, August 1, 2020, Washington Post

The Mount Vernon Bike Trail is a gem for all

The Mount Vernon Bike Trail is a gem to many in the area as a place to get away from the traffic and commotion of every day life in this area.
Mike Salmon, August 2, 2020, Zebra

Sen. Ernst: Telework 'bolsters' claim federal agencies don't need DC headquarters

Large swaths of the federal workforce are still out on mandatory telework because of the coronavirus, but the government could save billions of dollars each year if agencies continued to embrace work-from-home options even after the pandemic.
Jory Heckman, July 30, 2020, Federal News Network

A modern canal boat is headed to the C&O in Georgetown

The 80-foot-long boat, which is expected to make its debut next year, is part of an effort to revitalize the historical neighborhood and its one-mile stretch of the waterway.
Michael E. Ruane, July 31, 2020, Washington Post

Business owners fight to bring back Adams Morgan 'streatery'

There are growing calls to bring back a popular pedestrian zone in D.C.’s Adams Morgan neighborhood.
John Aaron, July 31, 2020, WTOP

Federal funds allocated to VDOT initiatives

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has been awarded a pair of federal grants totaling more than $4.5 million to bolster safety, improve congestion and incident management.
Douglas Clark, July 31, 2020, Transportation Today

Silver Line work accelerating during pandemic

Significant gains have been made toward completion of phase two of the Silver Line during the coronavirus pandemic.
Adam Tuss, July 30, 2020, NBC Washington

Montgomery Co. Ride On bus service expanding

Ride On bus service in Montgomery County, Maryland, is expanding starting Sunday in an effort to support residents and businesses reopening amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Will Vitka, July 31, 2020, WTOP

Bowser administration celebrates 15 years of DC Circulator bus service

This month, the Bowser Administration celebrates 15 years of DC Circulator service, the region’s fourth largest bus system that connects residents, visitors, and commuters to the District’s main attractions and liveliest corridors.
July 27, 2020, DDOT

Expanded telework could save individual feds $2.5K-$4K annually

An average federal employee could save up to $4,000 a year by teleworking, according to a recent analysis.
Courtney Bublé, July 30, 2020, Nextgov

Weekend road and rail: Planned stops on I-66; Red Line work with changes

Metro’s 24/7 summer track work project has moved to the Red Line and more changes are in store for this weekend.
Mary DePompa, July 31, 2020, WTOP

Manufacturing group accuses Metro of sidestepping 'Buy America' clause for new rail cars

Metro said there are no U.S. manufacturers of passenger rail cars to contract.
Justin George, July 31, 2020, Washington Post

Dulles Greenway owner hires VDOT veteran as new CEO

Renée N. Hamilton has been named chief executive officer of TRIP II, the owner and operator of the Dulles Greenway in Loudoun County.
July 30, 2020, Inside NoVa

Lawmakers said aviation companies laid off workers even as they took Cares Act funds

Democratic lawmakers have launched an investigation into whether four aviation contractors violated provisions of the Cares Act by laying off thousands of workers, despite receiving millions of dollars from the government to keep workers on the job.
lori Aratani, Ian Duncan, July 29, 2020, Washington Post

Homeland Security seized $2 billion from travelers, but most were never charged

More than $2 billion was taken from travelers at the nation’s airports by the CBP and other agencies now associated with the Department of Homeland Security between 2000 and 2016, according to a first-of-its-kind analysis of a government database of every seizure.
Justin Jouvenal, July 30, 2020, Washington Post

Va. State Police investigating fatal accident in Fairfax County

The crash occurred July 26 at approximately 11:51 p.m. at the Interstate 495 and Interstate 95 interchange.
July 27, 2020, Fairfax County Times

Annapolis man charged with shooting at truck on Beltway

Maryland State Police have arrested a man they believe to be the the driver who fired into another vehicle before fleeing police on the Capital Beltway’s Outer Loop in Silver Spring, Maryland, earlier this week.
Rob Woodfork, July 30, 2020, WTOP

APTA gathers public transportation leaders on need for COVID-19 relief funding

While the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted most sectors, the public transportation industry has taken a particularly heavy blow, and that fact spurred the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) to host a press conference this week to call for at least $32 billion in emergency funding.
Chris Galford, July 30, 2020, Transportation Today

Ride On bus service expanding in Montgomery County

Montgomery County will expand Ride On bus service starting Sunday, Aug. 2. The on-demand Flex service, however, remains suspended.
Alessia Grunberger, July 30, 2020, Takoma Park Patch

Reston Association updates 'On Foot and Bicycle' report

The Reston Association Board of Directors approved a committee’s updated report on the status of pedestrian and bicyclist facilities in Reston.
Fatimah Waseem, July 29, 2020, Reston Now

Arlington, neighborhoods top lists of best places to live

Niche previously lauded Arlington for high-quality public schools, low crime rate, abundant nightlife options and walkability.
July 29, 2020, ARLnow

Summer traffic on the rise for some major roads as travelers opt to drive during pandemic

Although traffic is still down overall due to the coronavirus pandemic, some major roads are seeing almost as much traffic as they did last summer.
Tom Roussey, July 29, 2020, WJLA

Cameras catch 5K speeders on Indian Head Highway in a month

Records provided to News4 show that more than 5,000 citations were issued in one month for speeding on Indian Head Highway -- with one driver caught going 143 mph.
Adam Tuss, Gina Cook, July 29, 2020, NBC Washington

Metro says it faces 'very difficult choices' if it doesn't get more pandemic aid

As Congress formulates its next coronavirus relief package, transit agencies across the country say they need federal help to survive. Metro is in better shape than most, but says the system will need funding to avoid a financial crisis come next year.
Jordan Pascale, July 29, 2020, dcist

Whisper networks long warned women about a prominent local journalist

A series of allegations against former WAMU transportation reporter Martin Di Caro depict a clear pattern of inappropriate behavior, even as he continued to receive professional opportunities and public accolades.
Rachel Kurzius, July 29, 2020, dcist

Support protected bike lanes and bus lanes on Penn Ave. SE

The District Department of Transportation is making plans for more than a mile of protected bike lanes on Pennsylvania Ave SE west of the river to calm traffic and expand the low-stress bike network.
Garrett Hennigan, July 29, 2020, WABA

D.C. has committed to stop burning fossil fuels by 2050. Washington Gas has another plan.

In March, Washington Gas unveiled its “climate business plan” purporting to explain how the utility will comply with DC’s commitment of carbon neutrality by 2050.
Mark Rodeffer, Matthias Paustian, July 29, 2020, GGWash

Prosecutors seek 27-month prison sentence for former Uber executive

Prosecutors are reportedly seeking to imprison the former head of Uber's self-driving vehicle division over claims that he stole documents from Google before leaving the company for Uber.
John Bowden, July 29, 2020, The Hill

Alexandria VRE improvements headed to city review

A series of new improvements to Alexandria’s Union Station -- a Virginia Railway Express stop -- proposed late last year are moving forward toward city approval.
Vernon Miles, July 28, 2020, ALX Now

WMATA wants to seize Landover property through eminent domain for Metrorail facility

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority wants to use eminent domain to take most of the land it needs in Landover to build two repair and maintenance buildings, according to documents filed in federal court.
July 28, 2020, WTOP

Woman dies after 3-car crash in Rockville

A woman was fatally injured Tuesday in a three-vehicle crash in Rockville, Montgomery County police said.
Martin Weil, July 28, 2020, Washington Post

Report: Progress made on improving Alexandria's pedestrian/cyclist infrastructure

The update on the Transportation Master Plan Pedestrian and Bicycle Chapter wasn’t planned to coincide with a sudden uptick in bicycle ridership and walking around the city, but it could help explain why many Alexandrians exploring their local pedestrian/bike infrastructure might find it different than they remember.
Vernon Miles, July 28, 2020, ALX Now

D.C. earns gold medal for pedestrian safety policies

Whether it’s walking or biking, more people are enjoying time outdoors during the coronavirus pandemic, but some cities have done a better job at keeping the roads safe for pedestrians -- and D.C. is one of them.
Melissa Howell, July 28, 2020, WTOP

Northern Virginia's 1st self-driving shuttle starts testing on Fairfax Co. streets

The first electric autonomous shuttle to run on public streets in Northern Virginia is being programmed and tested in the Mosaic District of Fairfax County.
Neal Augenstein, July 28, 2020, WTOP

Helbiz e-scooters come to Arlington, Alexandria

New York-based Helbiz, which brought its dockless electric bikes to D.C. earlier this year, is now deploying fleets of its e-scooters in Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia.
Jeff Clabaugh, July 28, 2020, WTOP

Metro, losing $2M a day, faces 'looming crisis'

The Washington Metro transit system is losing millions per day in revenue due to depressed ridership during the coronavirus pandemic, General Manager Paul Wiedefeld said Tuesday, warning that more federal funding is needed to avert deep cuts.
Alejandro Alvarez, July 29, 2020, WTOP

Metro, other transit providers plead for funding in second federal coronavirus package

Public transportation providers -- including Metro -- sounded a unified alarm on Tuesday after the Senate excluded transit from a second coronavirus relief proposal, a move which transit leaders warned would result in catastrophic service cuts and layoffs.
Justin George, July 28, 2020, Washington Post