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DOE, USDOT issue $5.25M in project grants to advance transit tech

Researchers at MIT will look to develop a transit-centric Smart Mobility System to help agencies create short-term operating plans and adaptable real-time control strategies.
Chris Teale, Smart Cities Dive, October 27, 2020

These six 'spokes' could make Washington a model biking region

As the Washington region recovers from the coronavirus pandemic and considers ways to build resilience, investing in biking could offer far-reaching benefits. A robust biking infrastructure can help improve health, and address climate change, systemic racism and economic hardship.
Andrew Grinberg and Shayna Goldsmith, October 27, 2020, GGWash

New names for Lee Highway in Arlington narrowed to list of 20

The list of 20 possible replacement names has been announced, looking to change the moniker of the portion of U.S. 29 named after Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee by Virginia’s General Assembly in 1922, which runs through Arlington.
Neal Augenstein, October 27, 2020, WTOP

Most scooter injuries in D.C. region happen on sidewalks, study says

A report offers some evidence that most injuries involving e-scooters happen on sidewalks — though the vast majority of the injured are the riders themselves.
Luz Lazo, October 27, 2020, Washington Post

City–county feud paralyzes Fredericksburg area transportation committee

A rift on the area’s transportation planning organization has grown now to the point where little is getting done because Fredericksburg representatives are boycotting meetings.
Scott Shenk, Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star, October 26, 2020

Public transit faces uncertain future after pandemic

Public transportation in cities across the U.S. faces an uncertain future in a post-pandemic world.
Rebecca Klar, The Hill, October 26, 2020

Virginia studies multimodal options to address congestion on I-495 bridge

Study aims to identify a range of multimodal solutions to enhance mobility and connectivity.
Roads & Bridges, October 26, 2020

How the pandemic changed the urban soundscape

A map of recordings from around the world during lockdowns reveals what cities sound like without noise pollution.
Linda Poon, October 26, 2020, City Lab

How this election could impact our transit future

With so much at stake, issues like public transportation can get buried under more pressing issues.
Dave Murphy, October 25, 2020, GGWash

Arlington Memorial Bridge to close for repairs on Halloween weekend

The Arlington Memorial Bridge will be closed for repairs during Halloween weekend, starting Friday, Oct. 30, the National Park Service said Friday.
Jose Umana, October 25, 2020, WTOP

Purple Line project uncertainty leaves Maryland residents, businesses in limbo

The aggravation of living amid Maryland’s massive Purple Line light-rail project was supposed to end in spring 2022, leaving residents in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties with the region’s first direct suburb-to-suburb rail link.
Katherine Shaver and Luz Lazo, October 25, 2020, Washington Post

This website helps you measure walkability on your block, neighborhood, or even region

The website, Pedestrians First, to help you measure walkability from an area as a small as a block to an entire region, and beyond.
D. Taylor Reich, October 24, 2020, GGWash

The pandemic kick-started an urban motorcycle boom. are cities ready?

Two-wheeled vehicles surged during lockdown on streets around the world. So have worries about noise, air pollution and safety.
John Surico, October 22, 2020, City Lab

Alexandria Metrobus route cuts will hurt Pentagon support staff, mayor says

As Metro faces a $250 million budget gap, its board of directors is planning to vote on a series of cost-saving measures that include schedule changes and service cuts.
Victoria Chamberlin, October 22, 2020, dcist

OmniRide Receives TSA Gold Standard Award

The award is the top recognition TSA can give to a transit agency for demonstrating outstanding performance in enhancing its security programs.
October 22, 2020, Inside NoVa

Neighbors say they only want bus garage if WMATA switches to electric buses

Metro is in the process of reconstructing its Northern Bus Garage in D.C. to once again house 150 buses.
Jordan Pascale, October 22, 2020, dcist

Metro says it will improve standards, training for protecting the integrity of investigations

Metro officials on Thursday pledged to improve communication with passengers during emergencies and come up with better evidence control standards in response to missteps made after a Red Line train separated earlier this month.
Justin George, October 22, 2020, Washington Post

VeloCity bike co-op celebrates 10th anniversary

The Del Ray-based VéloCity Bicycle Cooperative is celebrating 10 years of serving the Alexandria community.
Cody Mello-Klein, October 22, 2020, Alexandria Times

Alexandria tells financially crippled Metro to keep buses running in West End

Alexandria is opposed to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s plan to eliminate bus routes in the West End to the Pentagon, and has asked the transit system to reconsider its proposed service changes.
James Cullum, October 22, 2020, ALX Now

Metro spent nearly $20K per bike parking spot at 3 facilities, report finds

Metro has spent over $5.9 million on the construction of 304 bike spaces at the three facilities, one of which is not yet open, according to the OIG's special report, which was published Oct. 16.
Adam Tuss, Anisa Holmes, October 22, 2020, NBC Washington

Death toll on Indian Head Highway doubles in a year

Five pedestrians and two people in cars have died along the notorious stretch of highway so far this year.
Bruce Leshan, October 22, 2020, WUSA9

Weekend road and rail: Work on Beltway ramp to I-66, paving on I-270 and Metro trackwork

This weekend will see scheduled routine maintenance on all but the Red Line.
Mary DePompa, October 23, 2020, WTOP

Pollution levels decreased in Maryland during COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed just about everything, including what’s in the air we breathe.
Megan Cloherty, October 22, 2020, WTOP

Metro: No intentional tampering of evidence in detached Red Line cars

Metro still doesn’t know what caused Red Line rail cars to detach near Union Station earlier this month, but insists there’s been no tampering of evidence in the investigation, the transit system said.
Kyle Cooper, October 22, 2020, WTOP

Here's where crash fatalities and injuries are happening in Prince George's County

As part of its Vision Zero Initiative, Prince George’s County published a tool in August mapping recent traffic crashes involving fatalities or serious injuries.
Bryan Barnett-Woods, October 22, 2020, GGWash

Service begins on self-driving shuttle in Fairfax Co.

If you want to get a first-hand look at cutting-edge driverless vehicle technology, you can now hop on a self-driving electric shuttle in the Mosaic District of Fairfax County.
Nick Ianelli, October 22, 2020, WTOP

American, Southwest report billions in third-quarter losses

American Airlines and Southwest Airlines on Thursday reported billions of dollars in losses as the industry continues to be hit hard by decreased travel amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Celine Castronuovo, October 22, 2020, The Hill

Good news and bad news for the Capital Crescent Trail expansion - victim of the troubled Purple Line

Workers building the Purple Line, and with it the Capital Crescent Trail, have stopped construction as the companies they work for quit the project.  This will likely delay the opening of the trail by at least a year.
October 22, 2020, WashCycle

Alexandria Mayor asks Metro to reconsider service cuts that impact low-income, households of color

Metro is facing a tough budget season with $200 million to cut. That will result in service cuts, shorter hours and layoffs.
Marcella Robertson, October 22, 2020, WUSA9

New parking rates in Silver Spring coming next month

Montgomery County-run garages, as well as parking lots and street meters in downtown Silver Spring, will see a hike in parking rates go into effect Monday, Nov. 2,  the county announced Tuesday.
Will Vitka, October 21, 2020, WTOP

Planning agency rejects Hogan highway widening plan

The planning agency that serves Montgomery and Prince George’s counties on Wednesday formally rejected the state’s plan for widening the Capital Beltway (I-495) and Interstate 270.
Bruce DePuyt, October 21, 2020, WTOP

Making Mclean bicycle/trail network plan better

The McLean Community Business Center (CBC) Comprehensive Plan has been undergoing several revisions over the past few months.
October 21, 2020, FABB

Metro has 30 days to propose new emergency protocols following Red Line train 'uncoupling'

The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission released its findings Tuesday on several investigations, including a Red Line train that pulled apart earlier this month.
Laura Wainman, Lorenzo Hall, October 20, 2020, WUSA9

DC-area drivers with advanced-tech cars sought for paid study

Northern Virginia and D.C.-area drivers with cars equipped with advanced driving technologies are wanted for a transportation research study.
Dick Uliano, October 20, 2020, WTOP

Inspectors pinpoint likely cause of Metro cars unexpectedly separating

Independent safety regulators have pinpointed the likely failure that caused two Metrorail cars to unexpectedly detach two weeks ago near D.C.’s Union Station.
Dick Uliano, October 20, 2020, WTOP

D.C. Council approves bill that makes locking electric scooters, limiting speed on e-bikes a requirement

The D.C. Council gave final approval on Tuesday to a bill establishing new rules and restrictions on the companies that rent out scooters and other shared electric mobility devices.
Jordan Pascale, October 20, 2020, WAMU

Two traffic safety projects in Bloomingdale and Eckington move forward

Updates on traffic-calming curb extensions on 1st Street NW and a new design for a proposed one-way conversion on T Street NE were recently released by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT).
Nick Sementelli, October 20, 2020, GGWash

Body found Monday after discovery of Saturday crash, police say

A man was found dead Monday after discovery of a car that apparently crashed in woods in Prince George’s County on Saturday, the U.S. Park Police said.
Martin Weil, October 19, 2020, Washington Post

One killed when vehicle leaves road in Prince George's, police say

A man driving a truck was killed Tuesday afternoon in Prince George’s County in a single-vehicle crash, county police said.
Martin Weil, October 20, 2020, Washington Post

VDOT seeking input on ways to improve Rt. 1 in Crystal City

The Virginia Department of Transportation is asking residents to take a short survey that will shape a study of potential improvements to Route 1 between 12th and 23rd Streets S. in Crystal City.
Jo DeVoe, October 20, 2020, ARLnow

Study: Most e-scooter injuries happen on sidewalks

A new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has found that nearly three out of five e-scooter rider injuries occurred on the sidewalk, and about a third of those were in places where sidewalk-riding is prohibited.
Liz Carey, October 20, 2020, Transportation Today

DDOT promotes goDCgo initiative

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT), based in Washington D.C., recently recognized the 10th anniversary of its goDCgo initiative, which promotes travel options, reduces traffic, infrastructure stress, and air pollution.
Douglas Clark, October 20, 2020, Transportation Today

D.C. Council to take final vote on new e-scooter regulations

The D.C. Council will take the final vote Tuesday on a bill further regulating electric scooter services in the nation's capital.
Luz Lazo, October 20, 2020, Washington Post

CDC to passengers and workers: Wear a mask when you are on a plane, train, bus or other public transit

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday strongly recommended in newly issued guidelines that all passengers and workers on planes, trains, buses and other public transportation wear masks to control the spread of the novel coronavirus.
October 19, 2020, Washington Post

Alexandria's DASH adds electric buses to fleet

On Monday, the city’s DASH bus system unveiled new zero-emission electric buses, a first for the transit system that has used diesel and hybrid engines.
Luke Lukert, October 19, 2020, WTOP

Concerns raised about equity of northeast pollution pact

The Transportation and Climate Initiative, an initiative of 12 Northeastern states and the District of Columbia, proposes to cap greenhouse gas emissions from transportation and invest the proceeds raised from polluters into greener options, such as electric cars, public transit, and biking and walking infrastructure.
Ethan Goffman, Octoer 19, 2020, Streetsblog USA

No urban flight in the DC area

While many large cities, particularly San Francisco and New York, have seen a decline in the pace of rising home sales and home prices, and an exodus in renters -- the number of vacant apartments in Manhattan rose to 15,000 in August, nearly triple a year ago -- there is evidence that is not the case in the District and the close-in Washington suburbs.
Jeff Clabaugh, October 19, 2020, WTOP

Airport screenings top 1 million for first time since March

More than 1 million passengers were screened at U.S. airports on Sunday, the first time the threshold has been reached in seven months due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Alex Gangitano, October 19, 2020, The Hill

DC's long-range transportation plan, moveDC, is getting an update

Six years ago the District created its first set of long range transportation plans to help people better move around the city using various means of transportation.
Libby Solomon, October 19, 2020, GGWash

DDOT's goDCgo celebrates 10 years of advancing sustainable transportation

Today, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) celebrates the 10th anniversary of goDCgo, the District program that promotes sustainable travel options to help reduce traffic, stress on infrastructure, and air pollution.
October 16, 2020, DDOT

The importance of loops

Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Trail project moving forward toward construction begining next spring.
October 19, 2020, FABB

Are people using DC streets closed to traffic during the pandemic?

A number of D.C. roadways have shut down or partially closed to traffic during the coronavirus pandemic -- and a new study has examined the impact.
Matt Small, October 19, 2020, WTOP

Man hit by car, killed in Prince George's, county police say

A man was hit by a car and killed Sunday night in Prince George’s County, the police said.
Martin Weil, October 18, 2020, Washington Post

How likely are car vs. deer collisions in Va., D.C.?

Most animal-involved crashes occur in the fall. Here's how likely it is you'll hit a deer in Virginia and DC, according to State Farm.
Deb Belt, October 18, 2020, Arlington Patch

Prince George's Co., UMD create map showing dangerous roadways for pedestrians

Just two weeks ago, Prince George’s County had its most recent fatal pedestrian incident on route 1 in downtown Laurel, Maryland.
John Gonzalez, October 19, 2020, WJLA

Maryland Beltway expansion might require moving part of historic African American cemetery

Tucked behind a bamboo grove and hidden from motorists whizzing past on the Capital Beltway in Maryland lie what researchers say are at least 80 graves, mostly unmarked, in a small wooded cemetery dating to the 1890s.
Katherine Shaver, October 17, 2020, Washington Post

Woman dead after car crash on Columbia Pike in White Oak

A woman is dead after a serious crash on Columbia Pike early Sunday morning, Montgomery County police said.
Khalida Volou, October 18, 2020, WUSA9

Pedestrian struck, killed while putting gas in his car on BW Parkway

A man is dead after he was struck and killed by a car while he was putting gas in his vehicle on Baltimore-Washington Parkway early Sunday morning, U.S. Park Police said.
Khalida Volou, October 18, 2020, WUSA9

Citing Purple Line woes, Montgomery Co. officials continue skepticism over highway widening

Montgomery County’s top elected officials implored Maryland’s transportation secretary Thursday night to scale back the plan to add four lanes to Interstate 270 and the Capital Beltway -- and to adopt a more conservative approach to financing the project.
Bruce DePuyt, October 18, 2020, WTOP

Metro selects new director for troubled operations control center

Metro on Saturday selected a longtime Federal Aviation Administration official to help change the workplace culture within its troubled rail operations control center and become its newest director, according to the transit agency.
Justin George, October 17, 2020, Washington Post

Bicyclist who was hit by car in Gaithersburg dies

A bicyclist died three days after he was hit by a car, Montgomery County police said Friday.
Dan Schere, October 16, 2020, Bethesda Magazine

Elrich vetoes bill that provides tax incentive for housing developments on Metro stations

County Executive Marc Elrich on Friday vetoed a County Council bill that would provide tax incentives to housing developers for constructing high-rise buildings on top of Metro stations.
Briana Adhikusuma, October 17, 2020, Bethesda Magazine

Board Supervisors worry Silver Line becoming 'wicked stepchild' of Metro system

The announcement of more delays for the Silver Line have led to concerns from Supervisors Dalia Palchik and John Foust that Metro isn’t giving the communities around the Tysons area a fair shake.
Fatimah Waseem, October 16, 2020, Reston Now

Major cycletrack project finished connecting Brookland, Park View

On paper, one mile of protected bike lanes may not sound like a lot, but a newly-finished cycletrack project is creating a safer connection for cyclists between two neighborhoods.
Jordan Pascale, October 16, 2020, dcist

Rail transit in slow recovery

It has now been more than six months since the COVID-19 virus hit the United States and Canada, and also hit transit hard in both nations.
David Peter Alan, October 16, 2020, Railway Age

Baltimore Penn Station redevelopment aims to enhance experience for modern passengers

The renovation of Baltimore’s Penn Station will transform the historic transportation center into a modern and more functional transit “experience” for passengers that will include shops and eateries, glass windows and outdoor plazas with fine landscaping detail, a team of developers and architects said Thursday.
Hallie Miller, October 15, 2020, Baltimore Sun

Uber Elevate, GE Aviation team up to enhance safety for aerial ride sharing program

Uber Elevate announced Wednesday they have selected GE Aviation’s Digital Group to partner with for their aerial ride sharing program.
Liz Carey, October 16, 2020, Transportation Today

Beltway, I-270 toll lanes could cost more than $1.50 and $2 per mile, study says

Motorists traveling from Frederick to Rockville during the peak morning commute could end up paying $2.26 per mile -- or nearly $50 total -- to use the toll lanes being planned for Interstate 270, according to regional traffic models.
Katherine Shaver, October 16, 2020, Washington Post

New study on e-scooter injuries in D.C.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety interviewed more than 100 e-scooter riders whose injuries landed them in the emergency room at George Washington University Hospital between March and November 2019.
Susan Hogan, Meredith Royster, October 15, 2020, NBC Washington

United CEO: Business demand for air travel won't return until 2024

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby on Thursday said that he doesn’t expect the demand for business travel to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2024.
Alex Gangitano, October 15, 2020, The Hill

Defense Department study finds low risk of coronavirus infection through air on a packed airline flight

A Defense Department study of the risk of catching the coronavirus on a packed commercial flight concluded that a person would have to be sitting next to a infectious passenger for at least 54 hours to receive a dangerous dose of the virus through the air.
Ian Duncan, October 15, 2020, Washington Post

New study looks at whether people are using streets closed during pandemic

In the nearly eight months since the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States, cities across the county have closed roads, extended bike lanes and turned parking spaces into dining spots as a way to give Americans more space to move around safely during the health crisis.
Luz Lazo, October 15, 2020, Washington Post

Man killed in motorcycle crash on Intercounty Connector

A man died after his motorcycle struck a tree on the Intercounty Connector in the Shady Grove area on Wednesday, police said on Thursday.
Dan Schere, October 15, 2020, Bethesda Magazine

DC 911 took 14 minutes to send help to stranded Metro riders on uncoupled train

The District of Columbia’s 911 call center reportedly took 14 minutes to dispatch Fire and EMS crews to help more than 100 passengers stranded on an uncoupled Metro train last Friday.
Neal Augenstein, October 15, 2020, WTOP

Facing budget cuts, Metro asks riders to select the least bad options

Riders, the public, and elected officials are being asked to weigh in as the Metro’s Board of Directors considers how to close a major hole in the agency’s budget caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.
Stephen Repetski, October 15, 2020, GGWash

G Street being upgraded with protected bike lane, Capital Bikeshare station

Before the month is over, a newly constructed protected bike lane and an additional Capital Bikeshare station will be added to the G Street corridor in Foggy Bottom.
Jarrod Wardwell, October 14, 2020, GW Hatchet

Crash involving tow truck and car leaves one dead in Northern Virginia

Local police said the incident happened late Wednesday in the 3500 block of McLearen Road near Centreville Road in the Herndon area.
Dana Hedgpeth, October 15, 2020, Washington Post

OmniRide cutting services; ridership continues to decline

A series of OmniRide service reductions could be the first sign of long-term trouble for the transit operator as 2020, and federal money that has helped it maintain service through the COVID-19 pandemic, comes to an end.
Jared Foretek, October 15, 2020, Inside NoVa

Senior citizens plead with Metro to restore vital bus routes cut during the pandemic

At a virtual public hearing on proposed budget cuts Tuesday afternoon, most of the speakers pleaded with Metro’s board of directors to restore bus service that has been cut.
Tom Roussey, October 14, 2020, WJLA

Proof: Bike paths are good for the local economy

Completion of the stalled 35-mile Baltimore Greenway Trails Network would create jobs, improve property values, reduce vehicle miles traveled, create new business activity surrounding the trail and just be better for the air, according to a new report to be released today by the accounting firm Ernst and Young.
Gersh Kuntsman, October 15, 2020, Streetsblog USA