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Transit commission chairman offers advice for Metro's funding problems

Michael Goldman proposes Metro pitch the public on a sales tax after it wins back confidence.
Jusin George, May 28, 2022, Washington Post

Metro releases detailed plan to return 7000-series cars to service

Metro on Friday released a detailed document outlining the steps it will follow to return a small number of its troubled 7000-series rail cars to service this summer.
Lori Aratani, May 27, 2022, Washington Post

Traffic deaths in Md. buck national trend, new estimates show

Traffic fatalities across the country have reached record levels for most states.
Kristin Danley-Greiner, May 27, 2022, Columbia Patch

First look: Amtrak/Alstom Acela II

On May 23, Railway Age Publisher Jon Chalon and Editor-in-Chief William C. Vantuono toured Amtrak’s new Alstom-built Acela II high-speed Northeast Corridor trainset at Philadelphia 30th Street Station.
William C. Vantuono, May 23, 2022, Railway Age

D.C. SUV owners will finally pay much more to drive such behemoths

District of Columbia leaders, frustrated with the clouds of carbon dioxide emissions, chunks of asphalt dislodged from roadways, and preponderance of traffic deaths and injuries on city streets, voted this week to boost registration fees for the capital city’s largest, barely street-legal SUVs.
Aaron Short, May 27, 2022, Streetsblog USA

Fairfax County approves half-off fare discount for Connector riders in need

A new program will make bus fares half off for certain Fairfax Connector riders, including individuals with disabilities, low-income residents and aging adults.
May 26, 2022, Tysons Reporter

Lane on I-495 North to permanently close in preparation for express lane construction

A lane closure is coming for I-495 in McLean, the first of what will likely be many similar changes to the roadway over the next few years.
Angela Woolsey, May 26. 2022, FFXnow

More public-transit failure in D.C.

Sometimes government incompetence, while expected, still manages to astonish.
Dominic Pino, May 26, 2022, National Review

County takes over maintenance of Silver Line Phase Two facilities

Another logistical piece to formally open phase two of the Silver Line has been completed, but the opening date remains entirely unclear.
May 26, 2022, Reston Now

After safety lapses, Metro board says agency is getting back on track

Metro has recertified about 20 percent of its train operators who were found last week to be missing required training.
Justin George, May 26, 2022, Washington Post

Millions to travel for Memorial Day weekend amid record-high gas prices

Travel experts say two years of pent-up demand from the pandemic will spur more summer trips, even as gas prices and hotel rates rise.
Katherine Shaver, Lori Aratani, May, 26, 2022, Washington Post

DC drivers could soon pay a lot more to register big trucks, SUVs

If you have a big, heavy car, get ready to pay more to register it in D.C. when the new budget gets the mayor’s signature.
Mike Murillo, May 26, 2022, WTOP

Weekend Road and Rail: Memorial Day events, Beltway shifts and Metro shutdown

Rolling into a long holiday weekend, most road work is suspended except for a few long-term work zones.
Mary DePompa, May 27, 2022, WTOP

Old Town Alexandria to expand pedestrian-only zone, add in-street dining

Part of Strand Street and an additional block of King Street will be closed to cars and have outdoor dining, Alexandria officials said.
Andrea Swalec, May 26, 2022, NBC Washington

Spare some exceptions, Metro's Inspector General says station conditions are 'mostly positive'

A new report from Metro’s inspector general found that the appearance of stations and facilities in the transit system was “mostly positive,” though inspectors did find feces in a parking garage, vomit at a bus stop, and one dead bird.
Jordan Pascale, May 26, 2022, dcist

Final phase of WMATA's multi-year Platform Improvement Project begins this weekend, closing five Orange Line stations

This is the final phase of WMATA’s Platform Improvement Project to reconstruct the aging concrete platforms at 20 stations to ensure the platforms are safe and accessible for years to come.
May 24, 2022, Mass Transit

WMATA 7000-series cars to return this summer

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has reported that its 7000-series railcars are on schedule to resume service “later this summer,” after being sidelined last year due to a derailment.
Marybeth Luczak, May 23, 2022, Railway Age

In a rare sign of unity, the world celebrates cycling (and Clarence Eckerson)

With its narrow frame, tiny carbon footprint and ample contributions to health and well-being, the bike has few enemies.
Deborah Baldwin, May 27, 2022, Streetslog USA

Opinion: Feds must make new cars safer for bikers, too

Cyclists can't wait until 2025 for the administration to mandate the testing of life-saving technology.
Austin Wu, May 27, 2022, Streetsblog USA

Biden's 'Justice40' initiative could mean more emissions, worse health outcomes in poor areas

How can we ensure that investments in communities lead to safer, more convenient infrastructure for all?
Abigail Grimminger, May 26, 2022, Streetsblog USA

The Other GAP trail 2022: An updated status of the Metropolitan Branch Trail

It's been almost 35 years since WABA began working to preserve the rail ROW that would become the Metropolitan Branch Trail. Despite numerous delays, large sections of the trail have been built and are opened.
May 26, 2022, WashCycle

A year after the Shell ruling: Big vicories and next steps for climate litigation

Today marks one year since the precedent-setting court ruling in the Netherlands, which ordered Shell to cut its activities’ carbon emissions by 45 percent compared to 2019 levels to align with the Paris climate agreement.
L. Delta Merner, May 26, 2022, The Equation

E-bikes strengthen need for better infrastructure

Electric bicycle sales are booming–they outsell electric cars by about two-to-one–and, as Ira Boudway recently pointed out on Bloomberg, they are a cost effective transportation alternative that increase mobility options for underserved populations.
May 26, 2022, FABB

New management and procedures, but safety lapses persist at the Metrorail Control Center

Employees in Metro’s Rail Operations Control Center (ROCC) are repeatedly ignoring and bypassing safety procedures - still - which were put in place to protect employees working around the rail system’s power network, according to the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC).
Sephen Repetski, May 26, 2022, GGWash.org

Rolling to Remember brings D.C. street closures on Memorial Day weekend

D.C. police announced several street closures for this weekend’s Rolling to Remember ride, as thousands of motorcycles will be in the nation’s capital for the annual event to honor those killed in war and missing in action as well as to bring awareness to issues affecting veterans.
May 26, 2022, Washington Post

Unions protest lack of labor agreement on Purple Line construction

A dispute over a “project labor agreement" comes as work on Maryland’s delayed light-rail project is scheduled to resume in August.
Katherine Shaver, May 25, 2022, Washington Post

Maryland begins issuing digital driver's licenses, ID cards

Mobile IDs in Apple Wallet are acceptable at BWI and Reagan National airports.
Luz Lazo, May 25, 2022, Washington Post

Union Station operator blasts Amtrak bid to take over by eminent domain

Under federal code, Amtrak has authority to acquire property necessary for the use of intercity passenger rail operations.
Luz Lazo, May 25, 2022, Washington Post

Metro projects in Northern Va. to prompt temporary station closures this fall

It’s all part of two substantial Metro projects to add a new station and rehabilitate the Yellow Line Potomac tunnel and bridge.
Luke Lukert, May 25, 2022, WTOP

Safety audit probing Metro water problems turns up leaks, stalactites in ceiling

Water seeping into Metro stations is putting electrical equipment, such as escalators and elevators, at risk, and a recent inspection even turned up stalactites growing above ceiling tiles in one station, according to a new safety audit.
Jack Moore, May 25, 2022, WTOP

Elrich charges Riemer with caving to state officials over Beltway widening

Democratic candidates for Montgomery County executive sniped with one another Wednesday over Capital Beltway widening plans, with County Council Member Hans Riemer claiming he’s largely stood alone in advancing the project.
Bethany Rodgers, May 25, 2022, Bethesda Magazine

Expanded King Street pedestrian zone to start this weekend

Alexandria’s King Street pedestrian zone initiative is getting a boost this weekend as the zone’s size will double for the next few months.
Vernon Miles, May 25, 2022, ALXnow

Riders evacuate after bus catches fire on I-270 in Montgomery Co.

All passengers escaped unharmed after a bus caught fire Wednesday afternoon on northbound I-270 in Montgomery County.
May 25, 2022, ABC7

5 Orange Line Metro stations to close for summer 2022

Five stations in Washington, DC and Prince George's County, Maryland, will close from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day 2022
May 25, 2022, NBC Washington

83-year-old woman dies days after driver hits 4 people in Annandale, Va.

While traveling on Maple Place, a driver dropped food and spilled a drink inside her car, police said. As she tried to retrieve the dropped items, she lost control of her car, they said
Carissa DiMargo, Darcy Spencer, May 25, 2022, NBC Washington

Metrorail Safety Commission renews concerns about Metro fatigue policy after latest incident

On Jan. 7, a train operator overran the Yellow Line platform at Fort Totten before opening the doors on the wrong side of the train for more than 90 seconds, according to a WMSC Commissioner brief.
Jordan Pascale, May 25, 2022, dcist

Metro And Alexandria officials prepare for months-long Yellow Line disruptions

Officials in Alexandria are preparing for lengthy service disruptions on Metro’s Yellow Line that are expected to start in September.
Margaret Barthel, May 25, 2022, dcist

The next growth spurt for scooters is in partnerships

The shared e-scooter could become as common on city streets as a bus, or even cars, according to those in the industry.
Skip Descant, May 25, 2022, Mass Transit

We went aboard Amtrak's new Acela for a sneak peak. Here's what might impress you.

Believe it or not, the current fleet of Acelas are approaching their 22nd birthday, and Amtrak’s new fleet of Acela trains are looking to raise the bar with a posh interior that delivers the comfort levels promised in mock-ups we toured in 2019.
Larry Higgs, May 24, 2022, Mass Transit

Four reasons that pedestrian deaths just hit a 40-year high

Pedestrian death rates climbed to a 40-year high in 2021, but experts say the factors driving the national traffic violence crisis emerged far earlier — and that policymakers urgently need to confront them.
Kea Wilson, May 26, 2022, Streetblog USA

Commuter Stores, call centers closed May 30

The Commuter Store Arlington locations, Mobile Commuter Store Arlington locations, CommuterDirect.com Customer Service Call Center, and ART - Arlington Transit Call Center will be closed Monday, May 30 for Memorial Day. The Silver Spring TRIPs Store will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. CommuterDirect.com orders placed after 2 p.m. Friday, May 27 will be processed and mailed on Tuesday, May 31. ART 41, 42, 45, 51, 55 and 87 will operate on Sunday schedules. All other ART routes will not operate.
May 25, 2022, Commuter Store

As office-centric downtowns struggle, suburbs cater to the laptop crowd

Developers are adding outdoor co-working space — bocce ball, anyone? — to attract remote workers to stores and restaurants
Katherine Shaver, May 25, 3033, Washington Post

Oversight board OKs Metro plan for 7000 series train cars' return

Metro’s safety oversight board has signed off on Metro’s plan to bring the 7000 series trains back into service. But there won’t be many of them, and it won’t happen until several conditions are met.
John Doman, May 24, 2022, WTOP

Memorial Day traffic expected to be heavy despite rising gas prices

Even with all-time high gas prices, more people are expected to travel at least 50 miles to enjoy the Memorial Day holiday this weekend, according to AAA’s forecast.
Scott Shenk, May 24, 2022, Free Lance-Star

Metro to put eight 7000-series trains back in service soon

Metro tells 7News it expects eight 7000-series trains to pick up passengers for the first time since 2021 quote “in the next several weeks.”
Tom Roussey, May 24, 2022, ABC7

Passenger dies in 2-vehicle crash near Skyline Plaza in Fairfax County

A car was turning in to Skyline Plaza on S. George Mason Drive when it was struck by another vehicle, police in Fairfax County, Virginia, say.
May 24, 2022, NBC Washington

Violent crash kills driver stopped at light in Seat Pleasant

Jose Hernandez Chavez, of Hyattsville, was the victim of the crash at Central Avenue and Ritchie Road, police said.
Andrea Swalec, May 24, 2022, NBC Washington

New app will help low vision riders navigate D.C.'s transit system

A new navigation app designed to help blind and low vision people is launching at three D.C. Metro stations, with more on the way.
Colleen Grablick, May 24, 2022, dcist

Biden administration waiving limitations for truck drivers to speed baby formula production

The Department of Transportation is waiving some requirements for truck drivers carrying baby formula ingredients and packaging amid a nationwide shortage of formula.
Chloe Folman, May 24, 2022, The Hill

Adams Morgan stakeholders grapple over road safety improvements

Adams Morgan community stakeholders are pushing for road changes that would increase safety for bicyclists and pedestrians, potentially shift bus routes, and limit vehicle access to major thoroughfares in the neighborhood.
Ashley Hopko, May 24, 2022, GGWash.org

County needs to speed up bike-ped infrastructure projects

During recent Fairfax County budget reviews, the county staff reported that the 2014 $100 million transportation bond referendum had not been fully used. In fact, the county had sold only $52.86 million in bonds to support project expenditures.
May 24, 2022, FABB

Hyundai to invest $5.54B into first fully dedicated electric vehicle, battery manufacturing facility in Georgia

Hyundai Motor Group recently announced plans to build a new smart factory at the Bryan County Megasite in Georgia, which will invest billions of dollars and attention to the state’s first fully dedicated electric vehicle (EV) and battery manufacturing facility.
Chris Galford, May 24, 2022, Transportation Today

U.S. pedestrian fatalities reach highest level in 40 Years, GHSA estimates

A new estimate from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) found that drivers struck and killed an estimated 7,485 people on foot last year – the most pedestrian deaths in a single year in four decades.
Liz Carey, May 23, 2022, Transportation Today

Final phase of Metro's multi-year Platform Improvement Project begins this weekend, closing five Orange Line stations

Metro is reminding customers that starting Saturday, May 28 and continuing through Monday, September 5, New Carrollton, Landover, Cheverly, Deanwood and Minnesota Ave stations will close for platform reconstruction and station improvements.
May 23, 2022, WMAATA

3-vehicle crash in Seat Pleasant kills 1

One person is dead after a three-car crash in Prince George’s County, Maryland, Monday afternoon.
Jose Umana, May 23, 2022, WTOP

Md. governor, comptroller differ on providing relief at the pump

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan is urging state Comptroller Peter Franchot to take action and soften the impact of an increase to the state’s gas tax.
Kate Ryan, May 23, 2022, WTOP

Light rail to Southern Maryland? That 'choo-choo train will be rolling soon'

Southern Maryland is no longer the sleepy, sparsely populated region it used to be, and that’s why local, state and federal lawmakers gathered in La Plata to tout millions to get the future Southern Maryland Rapid Transit Project on track and moving.
John Domen, May 23, 2922, WTOP

Developers oppose County Council bill to slow development where roads are congested

Local developers said they oppose a bill from two Frederick County councilmen that would change the county’s adequate public facilities ordinance if the council votes in coming weeks to pass it.
Jack Hogan, May 23, 2022, Frederick News-Post

Metro service gets better, with train operators out of the classroom

As of today, Metro trains on the Green and Yellow lines are back to running at 15-minute intervals. Service had been cut back earlier this month when 72 train operators were taken off the job because their certifications had lapsed more than a year earlier.
Jacob Fenston, May 23, 2022, dcist

More states – and the feds – are getting into zoning reform for sustainable transport

New efforts by federal and state authorities to encourage the construction of housing in walkable and transit-rich communities suggests that many cities’ best chance at progressive zoning reform will come from the top down, rather than the grass roots.
Kea Wilson, May 24, 2022, Streetsblog USA

Take two: Metro tries again to return some 7000-series railcars to service

In a long-awaited announcement, Metro on Thursday said it had submitted a plan to the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) outlining the steps it would take in order to return some 7000-series railcars to passenger service.
Stephen Repetski, May 23, 2022, GGWash.org

Can you plug an electir car into a regular outlet? And other charging questions answered.

If you’re in the market for an electric car, then you are probably also in the market for an electric car charger.
Samantha Houston, May 23, 2022, UCS

Autonomous transit buses will still need skilled operators, researchers say

A new report finds automation can’t handle all the situations a driver may encounter and would add stress to human operators who might have to react at a moment’s notice.
Dan Zukowski, May 23, 2022, Smart Cities Dive

MDOT again rejects bid protest on I-270, Beltway toll lanes design

The losing bidder on a contract to develop highway toll lanes in Montgomery County is expected to again appeal to a judge
Katherine Shaver, May 22, 2-922, Washington Post

Heavy traffic: More than 850K will be driving in DC area Memorial Day weekend

Nearly a million people in the D.C. area will travel this upcoming weekend and most of them will be driving.
Luke Lukert, May 23, 2022, WTOP

Green, Yellow line trains expected every 15 minutes

Starting Monday, Green and Yellow line trains will arrive every 15 minutes.
Jack Moore, May 23, 2022, WTOP

VDOT prepares for fuel spike impact

Rising fuel prices and inflation aren’t just hitting the average person. The state is adjusting to the increased costs of doing the business of building and maintaining Virginia’s roads.
Scott Shenk, May 22, 2022, Free Lance-Star

Average US gasoline price jumps 33 cents to $4.71 per gallon

The average U.S. price of regular-grade gasoline spiked 33 cents over the past two weeks to $4.71 per gallon.
May 23, 2022, Frederick News-Post

Walker confronted by unleashed dog thereatened by man with gun: police

Eric Rickert of Arlington was arrested on charges of assault and battery, brandishing, and possession of a firearm by a felon, police said.
Mark Hand, May 19, 2022, Arlington Patch

I-66 buses may receive more funding

Bus service in western Prince William County is getting a pick-me-up from the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission.
Jared Foretek, May 22, 2022, Inside NoVa

Avoid Windy Run: Sewage spills into Arlington stream after line damage, says DES

7News was alerted of a sewage spill overnight Sunday in the area of Windy Run Park in Arlington, Virginia.
May 22, 2022, ABC7

Hundreds of passengers at Reagan Airport say they were 'stranded' on tarmac for hours

Hundreds of passengers said they experienced a travel nightmare Sunday night at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Ida Domingo, John Gonzales, May 23, 2022, ABC7

We need more – and better – e-bike incentive programs across America

American communities can expand access to e-bike incentive programs by using data to better connect their benefits to community goals like mobility justice and ending climate change, a new analysis argues — and there’s a great blueprint for how to do it right now.
Kea Wilson, May 23, 2022, Streetsbog USA

DC-bound Megabus overturns on I-95 near Baltimore, injuring dozens

A coach bus overturned Sunday morning while traveling south to D.C. on Interstate 95 through Baltimore County, Maryland, sending about a third of its passengers to the hospital
Matthew Delaney, May 22, 2022, WTOP

Metro's recurring problems raise questions about oversight, management

As the rail system struggles to lure back riders whose confidence is shaken, future service cuts are likely if passengers don’t return
Justin George, Lori Aratani, May 21, 2022, Washington Post

Man killed in Prince George's Co. crash

A man is dead after being struck by a car Saturday night in Lanham.
Veronica Canales, May 22, 2022, WTOP

I-95 cleanup complete but Va. crews still clearing debris from January's winter storm

More than four months after a winter storm shut down a large stretch of Interstate 95 in Virginia, officials say they have finally finished the clean-up effort on the state highway — but work on secondary roads remains to be done.
Matthew Delaney, May 20, 2022, WTOP

Security checkpoint at DCA closed to investigate possible roadway issues

Officials at Reagan National Airport say a security screening checkpoint for departing passengers was temporarily closed Saturday afternoon in order to investigate possible structural issues with the roadway.
Joshua Burlow, May 21, 2022, WTOP

28 vehicles stolen in Arlington during first 2 weeks of May: police

Arlington County Police received 28 reports of stolen vehicles during the first two weeks of May, with most involving unlocked vehicles.
Mark Hand, May 19 2022, Arlington Patch

Opinion: The Purple Line debacle could have been avoided

Let’s face it, the Purple Line has become a disaster. And it’s not supposed to even open until 2026 at a cost of $9.3 billion.
Peter James, May 21, 2022, Bethesda Magazine