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No Cinco de Mayo Soberride campaign

In adherence with federal guidelines to “slow the spread” of the COVID-19 virus and in concert with Washington-metropolitan area localities’ actions regarding venues where people congregate, the nonprofit Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) announced today that its 2020 Cinco de Mayo SoberRide® campaign is suspended.
April 3, 2020, Inside NoVa

Personal bicycles no longer have to be registered in Montgomery County

The amendment, which the council unanimously approved on Tuesday, makes registration voluntary for personal bikes and takes away the ability for authorities to impound them for being unregistered.
Briana Adhikusuma, April 4, 2020, Bethesda Magazine

New DHS guidance to address network issues as telework exacerbates problems

With the sudden surge of federal employees working remotely, the Homeland Security Department will issue interim guidance to relieve some of the challenges of getting on to agency networks.
Jason Miller, April 3, 2020, Federal News Network

What I-66 toll money could pay for next (if traffic returns) in Northern Va.

Two new Metro entrances, expanded bus service and even a bus-only lane in Rosslyn are among Northern Virginia projects that could be funded by Interstate 66 tolls, if drivers eventually hit the roads again.
Max Smith, April 3, 2020, WTOP

Metro to now close at 9 p.m. until further notice

Metro will shut down rail service at 9 p.m. each night, effective Monday, and will further cut back bus service. The 19 stations Metro closed earlier remain closed indefinitely.
Max Smith, April 3, 2020, WTOP

Dulles Toll Road shifts to electronic toll collecting only

Drivers who don’t have a way to pay electronically will receive bills via mail.
Lori Aratani, April 3, 2020, Washington Post

Virginia Breeze announces service changes and guidance for riders

The Virginia Breeze is suspending Monday-Thursday service effective Sunday, April 5, 2020, due to decreased ridership. Additional service modifications or reductions will be considered on April 13, 2020.
April 2, 2020, DRPT

Metro buses, trains to continue limited schedule this weekend

The bus and rail system will operate 27 buses every 30 minutes on April 4 and 5, and operate trains twice an hour, according to a schedule posted to Metro’s website.
March 30, 2020, dcist

Metro budget passes, but coronavirus costs could force re-evaluation

Metro’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the agency’s fiscal year 2021 budget on Thursday, but major questions remain about its implementation as the agency reacts to the coronavirus outbreak.
Jordan Pascale, Margaret Barthel, April 2, 2020, WAMU

Bike and scooter-sharing companies implement new cleaning practices

As a result of World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, the companies have modified their cleaning and sanitizing protocols, and they’ve also added new safety practices.
Brandon Millman, April 2, 2020, WTOP

What would it take for Metro to shut down?

Metro does not expect to totally shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, General Manager Paul Wiedefeld said.
Max Smith, April 2, 2020, WTOP

Five Arlington roads eyed for Complete Streets changes

Five arterial streets in Arlington are being considered as candidates for a Complete Streets overhaul.
Vernon Miles, April 2, 2020, ARLnow

Alexandria expands suspension of parking enforcement

The city will no longer enforce residential parking permit zones, weekend time restrictions, meter fees on blocks with pay stations, time restrictions for street sweeping or the prohibition against parking on a street for more than 72 hours.
Cody Mello-Klein, April 2, 2020, Alexandria Times

North Branch Trail construction pushed back to 2021

Construction on a couple of segments of the North Branch Trail, a trail that will eventually extend along the North Branch of Rock Creek from the Rock Creek Valley Trail to Olney, was to begin this spring or last fall, but has been pushed out to 2021.
April 2, 2020, WashCycle

Dirt-bike rider who struck SUV dies

A man died Wednesday, a week and a half after he was involved in a crash, in Prince George’s County.
Dana Hedgpeth, April 2, 2020, Washington Post

Fairfax Connector to get $1.85M in funding to keep buses rolling

The bus service is set to receive $1.85 million in funds from the Commonwealth Transportation Board, which oversees statewide transportation and transit projects, to help address the impact of the novel coronavirus, including a dip in revenue from fares.
Fatimah Waseem, April 1, 2020, Reston Now

One dead in Fairfax Co. hit-and-run

A hit-and-run Thursday morning in Fairfax County, Virginia, left a pedestrian dead, police said.
Laura Spitalniak, April 2, 2020, WTOP

Express Lanes traffic falls in coronavirus era as gridlock disappears

No traffic jams during the coronavirus pandemic stay-home orders means drivers are not seeing a reason to use Northern Virginia’s toll lanes.
Max Smith, April 2, 2020, WTOP

Despite telework, stay-at-home orders, not much change to air quality in D.C. area

One outcome that is emerging from the mandated stay-at-home orders and other local initiatives related to the coronavirus pandemic is less traffic on D.C.-area roadways. But the potential for improved air quality remains to be seen, at least for now.
Brandon Millman, April 1, 2020, WTOP

Help determine NVTA funding for regional transportation projects

$400 million in funding is available for regional transportation projects in 2020-2025 plan.
April 1, 2020, FABB

Biking during COVID-19

Note: Everything in this post could change very quickly.
April 1, 2020, WABA

Where can I park my bike?

While locking your bike to a rack is always the ideal scenario, sometimes there aren’t enough racks available.
April 1, 2020, WABA

Bikes on bus and rail

Sometimes you need to take your bike on the train or bus.
April 1, 2020, WABA

Construction ends on the Bay Bridge's westbound span a year early

A long-term rehabilitation project on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge’s westbound span ended Wednesday, when Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced construction wrapped more than a year ahead of schedule.
Alejandro Alvarez, April 1, 2020, WTOP

Project helps D.C. residents donate bicycles to essential workers

As avid cyclists, Rachel Maisler and Rudi Riet already knew that bikes could be great alternative modes of transit. But as the coronavirus pandemic shut down much of D.C. and greatly reduced access to public transportation, they seemed even more vital.
Nathan Diller, April 1, 2020, WAMU

Trump administration rolls back rules on mileage standards

The Trump administration released its far-reaching rollback of Obama-era tailpipe pollution standards Tuesday, describing the new looser rules as reflecting its “largest deregulatory initiative” yet.
Michael Laris, Ian Duncan, March 31, 2020, Washington Post

Silver Line extension likely to open in Spring 2021

Although Metro is currently cutting routes and closing stations due to COVID-19, planning continues for the extension of the Silver Line into Loudoun County.
Fatimah Waseem, March 31, 2020, Reston Now

What social distancing and staying home might mean for D.C.'s air quality

In D.C., it’s still too soon to know the true environmental impact of the crisis. But experts say that, at least in the short term, it’s likely to clear up air pollution in the city.
Nathan Diller, March 31, 2020, dcist

Metro backs away from significant bus service cuts

The Metro Board is set to approve its final budget for fiscal year 2021 on Thursday, following an extensive public comment period and no shortage of controversy.
Margaret Barthel, March 31, 2020, WAMU

How WMATA is juggling riders' needs and coronavirus safety

Some are questioning WMATA’s approach to curtailing service during a time when many people need it most, bringing to the forefront some key questions.
Caitlin Rogger, March 31, 2020, GGWash

Car-sharing service shuts down local operations amid outbreak

After quietly launching in October, car-sharing service Penske Dash is quietly closing down in Arlington and D.C.
March 31, 2020, ARLnow

New rail authority in Va. could revolutionize connections for riders throughout the state

After decades of railroad corporations’ stranglehold on Virginia’s rail expansion plans, the Commonwealth will now join the elite handful of states featuring a legal entity with a mandate to own, manage, and expand rail infrastructure for the public good and the benefit of businesses across the region.
Wyatt Gordon, March 31, 2020, GGWash

Arlington to get state grant to keep ART buses running

The Arlington County Board voted Monday to accept $420,000 in funds from the state to support Arlington Transit.
March 31, 2020, dcist

Facing stay-at-home orders, Metro says it will close more stations, scale back service

Metro is warning that it could scale back essential rail and bus service even further now that stay-at-home orders have been issued in all the jurisdictions it serves – Maryland, D.C. and Virginia.
Pete Muntean, March 30, 2020, WUSA9

Bike lane projects planned for Reston

State and local officials are planned to add bike lanes and left-turn lanes on Beulah Road, as well as shared lane marks on the narrow parts of the road.
Fatimah Waseem, March 30, 2020, Reston Now

D.C. closing additional biking, walking paths near Tidal Basin

D.C. is closing more biking and walking paths around the Tidal Basin in an effort to stop crowds from checking out the cherry blossom trees.
March 31, 2020, Fox5

Metro board will decide on service, fare changes this week

Metro’s board of directors is set to vote on a final version of its fiscal year 2021 budget this Thursday, likely bringing changes to Metro’s fare structure and service. Once passed, the budget could take effect as early as July.
Margaret Barthel, March 31, 2020, WAMU

Amtrak makes more service cuts, extends waiver on change fees

To help reduce the spread of the virus, Amtrak said Monday it would temporarily reduce bookings in coach and business class by 50 percent “to help maintain CDC recommendations for social distancing onboard our trains.”
Luz Lazo, March 30, 2020, Washington Post

WMATA on track for budget compromise that achieves key rider asks

Most but not all of Metro’s proposed cuts to bus service are off the table, under a draft budget proposal the WMATA Board will vote on Thursday. So is an extra charge for riders using cash on buses, which advocates had opposed.
David Alpert, March 30, 2020, GGWash

Reduced traffic means more time for roadwork during coronavirus crisis

Road crews will have more time to work on Route 7 corridor improvements due to reduced traffic during the coronavirus crisis.
March 30, 2020, Inside NoVa

Report: Northam to issue a stay-at-home order for Va.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam will order state residents to remain at home with some exceptions, as the state steps up its effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, a source familiar with the order said.
March 30, 2020, Richmond Times-Dispatch

Md. Gov. Larry Hogan issues 'stay at home' order

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has issued a “stay at home” order, directing Maryland residents not to leave their homes unless it’s for an “essential” purpose, such as getting food or medicine or reporting for work that is deemed essential.
Jack Moore, March 30, 2020, WTOP

Work on region's big projects continues amid coronavirus

Infrastructure projects across the Washington region, from routine road maintenance to major transit and highway expansions, are progressing apace even as efforts to limit the spread of the potentially deadly virus have brought much of the region to a standstill.
Luz Lazo, Katherine Shaver, March 28, 2020, Washington Post

C&O Canal Towpath resurfacing project could improve more sections in Montgomery County

The National Park Service is currently a few years in to a multi-phase project to resurface parts of the C&O Canal path.
March 30, 2020, WashCycle

Metro to provide free shuttles during summer shutdown

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority will provide free shuttle service at Metro stations on the Orange Line that will be closed throughout the summer for construction work, the transit agency announced on Mar. 13.
Angela Woolsey, March 27, 2020, Fairfax County Times

D.C. Circulator rolls back late-night weekend service on three routes

The D.C. Circulator suspended late-night weekend service starting Friday until further notice, the District Department of Transportation said.
March 27, 2020, Washington Post

Less traffic on the roads, fewer crashes

The number of car crashes has dropped off the table -- both across the state and locally -- since social distancing became the norm.
Scott Shenk, March 29, 2020, fredericksburg.com

Metro to close front and rear cars of trains to riders to protect employees from COVID-19

Metro announced it will shutting the front and rear cars of its trains in order to protect its employees during the COVID-19 pandemic starting Monday, March 30.
Samantha Mitchell, March 29, 2020, WJLA

IRS issues evacuation notice putting nearly all employees on mandatory telework

The IRS issued an evacuation notice Friday afternoon that would send nearly all of its employees home on mandatory telework during the coronavirus pandemic.
Jory Heckman, March 27, 2020, Federal News Network

Montgomery Co. closing part of Sligo Creek Pkwy for more recreation space during virus shutdown

Segments of Sligo Creek Parkway in Montgomery County, Maryland will be closed from April 3 to 5 in order to establish additional recreational space for residents to accommodate demand during the coronavirus pandemic.
Matthew Delaney, March 29, 2020, WTOP

Alexandria's DASH bus makes additional changes due to coronavirus

A modified Sunday schedule and the suspension of the King Street Trolley are just two of the biggest new changes to Alexandria’s DASH bus that take effect Monday.
Matthew Delaney, March 29, 2020, WTOP

Real ID deadline extended to Oct. 1, 2021

The Department of Homeland Security extended the deadline a year because the coronavirus is delaying issuance of the credential in DMVs across the country.
Luz Lazo, March 27, 2020, Washington Post

Local public transit agencies cut service in wake of coronavirus

As cases of the coronavirus continue to rise in the Washington region, transit agencies are adapting their schedules in an attempt to balance the virus’ impact on ridership and public health.
Margaret Barthel, March 27, 2020, WAMU

Van Ness and Tenleytown Stations reopen after contractor tests positive for COVID-19

Metro temporarily closed the Van Ness and Tenleytown Metro stations after it says an overnight contractor tested positive for COVID-19. The stations have since been reopened.
Samantha Mitchell, March 26, 2020, WJLA

Va., Md. make changes to tolling amid COVID-19 pandemic

Virginia and Maryland are making some tolling changes amid the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Max Smith, March 26, 2020, WTOP

Coronavirus bill would provide $114 billion to prop up faltering transportation networks

A federal bailout bill aimed at keeping the economy afloat during the coronavirus pandemic would provide $114 billion to prop up transportation networks that have been financially battered as passengers have stayed home.
Ian Duncan, March 25, 2020, Washington Post

Federal agencies would get money for telework, equipment -- and cleaning the office

Numerous federal agencies would get money to buy protective equipment, sanitize their offices and accommodate increased telework by their employees under the coronavirus emergency spending bill approved by the Senate.
Eric Yoder, March 26, 2020, Washington Post

Dramatic drop in traffic and congestion as Fredericksburg region stays home

The spread of the COVID-19 virus and extreme changes to how people work have combined to cause a severe drop in transit riders, mirroring what Fredericksburg-area drivers are seeing on local roads and interstates.
Scott Shenk, March 25, 2020, fredericksburg.com

Transportation options available in Montgomery during pandemic

Montgomery County transportation and health officials have compiled a list of transportation resources for residents -- but particularly for adults over 50 and people with disabilities -- during the coronavirus pandemic.
Alessia Grunberger, March 24, 2020, Takoma Park Patch

Arlington projects remain in regional transportation package

There were no nasty unexpected surprises for Arlington officials as the National Capital Regional Planning Board on March 18 approved a 500-project, $16 billion capital-spending plan covering the next four years.
March 25, 2020, Inside NoVa

How coronavirus could impact Metro commuters for months after a cure

This pandemic’s impact on public transit systems will be felt by commuters for months after a cure. That's according to transit advocates, who warn that without an influx of federal money, coronavirus could cripple systems like D.C.'s Metro.
Pete Muntean, March 25, 2020, WUSA9

Teleworking among feds ramped up but plenty of issues remain

It may have taken awhile to get going, but a new survey of federal employees shows that strong majority of federal employees are teleworking during the coronavirus pandemic.
Jason Miller, March 25, 2020, Federal News Network

Transit agencies grapple with cutting service during pandemic

“Metro wants to provide bus service for essential trips in the region, but if continued usage for non-essential trips becomes a public health concern, Metro may consider discontinuing all bus service,” the agency said in a statement.
Margaret Barthel, March 25, 2020, WAMU

Fairfax Connector detours bus routes from closed Metro stations

Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) announces that due to the temporary closure of the Mclean and Van Dorn Metrorail Stations beginning Thursday, March 26, 2020, Fairfax Connector bus routes that serve those stations will be re-routed to serve open Metrorail stations.
March 25, 2020, Fairfax Connector

Alternative routes for Alexandria Metrorail closures & service updates

The following routes may assist passengers impacted by the Van Dorn and Eisenhower Metrorail closures.
Debby Critchley, March 25, 2020, Zebra

Metro temporarily shuts down Potomac Yard Metroway

In addition to a series bus line closures due to coronavirus, Metro is suspending service of Metroway-Potomac Yard -- a bus line running between Pentagon City and Braddock Road.
Vernon Miles, March 25, 2020, ALX Now

Multiple Metrobus routes in Northern Va. stop running

Metro canceled more service on Wednesday -- this time, with no warning to riders.
Max Smith, March 25, 2020, WTOP

D.C. and Montgomery County add pick-up/drop-off zones to help restaurants

Most retail businesses are closed for social distancing during the Covid-19 epidemic, but restaurants are continuing to do business entirely as take-out and delivery. To help with that, some area governments are adding more “pick-up/drop-off zones” near restaurants and other take-out businesses.
David Alpert, March 25, 2020, GGWash

Brandon Todd clarifies he's not against all car sharing

One week B.C. (Before Coronavirus), DC councilmember Brandon Todd (Ward 4) surprised a lot of people with an announcement, posted to Twitter, of a new bill to limit car sharing.
David Alpert, March 25, 2020, GGWash

Mass transit systems desperate for financial relief as riders stay home

A sharp decline in ridership and revenue is forcing some of the largest transportation systems in the country to seek bailouts from the federal government as money dries up during the coronavirus pandemic.
Rachel Bucchino, March 25, 2020. The Hill

Fairfax County to close all parks, keeps trails open

People can still use the trails around Fairfax County as long as they keep 6 feet away from other people and don’t form groups.
Catherine Douglas Moran, March 24, 2020, Reston Now

Metro to close 17 more stations, several entrances amid coronavirus rider drop

Metro is closing more than a dozen stations for an indefinite period beginning Thursday morning.
Max Smith, March 24, 2020, WTOP

Help avoid stress on the trails

FABB strongly supports everyone getting outside and staying active, but we can’t stress enough that it is important to practice social distancing to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
March 24, 2020, FABB

Nearly 80 airlines cut capacity by 100 percent over coronavirus

A majority of airlines worldwide have cut capacity by 100 percent as a result of the coronavirus shutting down travel and grounding most flights.
Zack Budryk, March 24, 2020, The Hill

Arlington Transit - ART buses changing service due to coronavirus

ART is asking all riders to board its buses using the rear doors only, in order to protect its drivers and prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
Michael O'Connell, March 24, 2020, Arlington Patch

Metro's cuts and messaging leave some riders who still need transit confused

Although local leaders stopped short of a formal “shelter in place” order, WMATA, the region’s transit agency, has taken extraordinary measures to keep people from gathering.
Ron Thompson, March 24, 2020, GGWash

The coronavirus takes a toll on Virginia's transit

Facing the worst pandemic in at least a century, transit agencies throughout Virginia and the nation are struggling to balance the needs of their riders, the safety of their operators, and the implications of the coronavirus for their finances.
Wyatt Gordon, March 24, 2020, GGWash

Nation's transit agencies ask Congress for $25 billion in coronavirus aid

The nation’s largest public transit agencies said Monday that they need at least $25 billion in federal aid to survive the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on their systems.
Justin George, March 23, 2020, Washington Post

D.C. man shot and killed on interstate in Prince George's

Detectives continue to investigate an interstate shooting that left a D.C. man dead on Saturday in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
Luke Lukert, March 24, 2020, WTOP

Wiehle tie-in: How the Silver Line got held up

A few circuit boards at a Silver Line station that has been open for years are now the biggest single obstacle to getting trains running beyond Wiehle-Reston East to Dulles International Airport and Ashburn -- at least if coronavirus concerns don’t pose their own problems.
Max Smith, March 23, 2020, WTOP