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Branch Avenue Metro closure impacts Southern Maryland commuters and families traveling to D.C.
Beginning Saturday, Aug. 2, through Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, Branch Avenue, Suitland and Naylor Road stations will be closed. These Metro stations serve as key transit hubs for commuters from Prince George’s and Charles counties. 
Jessica Jennings, July 30, 2025, The Bay Net
Montgomery County unveils Vision Zero FY26 Plan with expanded pedestrian and bike infrastructure
The plan includes expanded pedestrian and bike infrastructure, targeted enforcement on high-risk corridors, and continued investments in school safety and signal upgrades, with officials highlighting measurable progress on key corridors since the program’s inception.
July 29, 2025, The MoCo Show
Hampton Roads Transit installs smart stop bus signs at more than 2,600 locations
The smart stop bus signs allow customers to receive real-time bus information, report bus-stop cleanliness and safety issues, see route maps and schedules and buy HRT passes from a QR code.
July 29, 2025, Mass Transit Magazine
How driving less benefits us
Relying on other modes of transport — biking, transit and walking — will relax the tight sphincter of your horrible, unrealistically stuffed schedule and, due to inviolable laws of physics, force you to be less busy.
Ilse Griffin, July 29, 2025, Streets MN
Shifting gears to urban bike delivery
Shifting to bike deliveries in dense communities, though, can cut congestion, emissions and traffic violence, making them “a really effective and efficient mode for delivering in cities,” according to Cary Bearn, NACTO’s senior manager for multimodal design.
Jack Guan, July 30, 2025, Streetsblog USA
Virginia state-supported Amtrak routes set ridership record
The greatest growth among those lines was a 6.9% increase on the Roanoke route, from 338,125 to 361,420 passengers, awhile the Norfolk route carried the most passengers at 542,743, up 4.7% from the previous year.
July 29, 2025, Trains.com
What's next (and what's past) as two directors exit WMATA's board?
During the past four years, WMATA has been on a hot streak: the agency opened seven new Metrorail stations, rolled out a redesigned bus network, reduced crime to a seven-year low, improved customer satisfaction, led the nation in ridership growth, and reimplemented dormant Metrorail automation features.
Adam Bressler, July 28, 2025, Greater Greater Washington
Events: Launching Bike Walk and Bus PAC
This event will be a gathering of like-minded individuals, advocates, and local leaders who are passionate about building a sustainable future through smarter transportation policies.
Tricia Chicka, July 28, 2025, Greater Greater Washington
Drivers blocking Montgomery Co. bike lanes could soon see hefty penalties
“If there is a vehicle parked in the bike lane, the remedy would be the same as if there was a vehicle parked in an emergency parking space,” he said, adding that the county’s Department of Transportation would enforce a fine worth up to $250.
Kate Ryan, July 28, 2025, WTOP
List of top 9 US cities with best public transportation in 2025
In 2025, US cities with best public transport continue to innovate, with major metropolitan areas like New York and Washington D.C. leading the charge in enhancing urban mobility. Recent reports highlight a sustained focus on expanding reach and improving rider experience, making daily commutes and city exploration more convenient than ever for residents and visitors alike.
Harshita Singh, July 28, 2025, Jagran Josh
Smartphone, connected vehicle data could help states comply with DOT's 'Safe Roads' demand
These technologies use cameras and other sensors that have become common in most passenger vehicles manufactured in the past 10 years. 
Dan Zukowski, July 25, 2025, Smart Cities Dive
A transit-first vision for RFK doesn't end with Metrorail
A football stadium is one of the worst possible uses of publicly owned waterfront property, but, if we must, the District should take advantage of the fact that RFK, by virtue of being in a city, is extremely well-suited toward a transit-first vision.
Nick Sementelli, July 25, 2025, Greater Greater Washington
Montgomery County Ride On buses give free water to passengers amid scorching temperatures
The complimentary water bottles, which will be placed at the front of the buses, will also be available on extRa, Flex and Flash buses while supplies last. Officials urge riders to take one bottle per person.
Jenny Gable, July 26, 2025, DC News Now
Does D.C. have the worst traffic? Not so fast.
The report says D.C. topped the list of cities with the longest commute times, with the average being 33.4 minutes. The city with the second-longest commute time was Los Angeles, which had an average time of 30.5 minutes.
Rachel Weiner/John D. Harden, July 26, 2025, The Washington Post
Construction work concludes on the Blue Line this Saturday, moves to Green Line next Saturday
Crews updated the train control and signaling system, renewed rails and ties for a smoother ride, and repaired lighting for better visibility. We thank customers for their patience as we continue to make Metro safe, frequent, and reliable for the future.
July 25, 2025, WMATA
New data map shows higher flood risks for roads and transit networks
From Silver Spring in Maryland to the Bloomingdale neighborhood in the District and areas around the Pentagon, flash floods are creating more headaches — and more risk to transportation networks in the region.
Kate Ryan, July 24, 2025, WTOP
No cars allowed on this major street in Silver Spring
Various stages of construction have been taking place across the future light rail line’s 16-mile stretch since 2017. With service projected to begin in late 2027, the saga of the Purple Line’s construction is poised to occupy an entire decade.
Mark Clements, July 24, 2025, Greater Greater Washington
N. Va. commission explores using video tech to fine drivers in bus-only lanes
Drivers who block bus traffic across Northern Virginia could someday receive fines based on video evidence from cameras mounted on Metrobuses, Fairfax Connector buses and those of other transit systems.
Scott McCaffrey, July 23, 2025, FFXNow
Metrobus roll out of new routes causing frustration for some riders
It's only been a few weeks since these new routes went into effect--really a complete overhaul of the system--but just about every rider we spoke with say they want to go back to the old way.
July 24, 2025, Fox 5 News
Family Biking Matters: Which route app should I use?
The biggest advantage is familiarity and seamless integration with other phone activities. However, Google Maps doesn’t necessarily prioritize safety. 
Sava Tshontikidis, July 23, 2025, Greater Greater Washington
Metro riders sound alarm on duplicate charges
Metro told News4 that upon review, the customer's bag came into contact with the faregate and her card was inadvertently charged. Metro also said more than 1.8 million trips have been paid for with credit and debit cards since the program launched, and there have only been 138 refund requests.
Adam Tuss, July 23, 2025, NBC4 Washington
County Board adopts new transportation vision, falling short of some advocates' transit goals
The vision statement and goals are another step toward the eventual modernization of the transportation portion of the county government’s Comprehensive Plan. The effort, set to conclude in 2026, will replace the current Master Transportation Plan, adopted in 2007.
Scott McCaffrey, July 23, 2025, ARLNow
Maryland Transit Administration launching inaugural Customer Experience Action Plan
The plan aims to improve service reliability, communication, accessibility, cleanliness and safety. MDOT MTA says the plan was shaped by input from thousands of riders, stakeholders and advocates. 
July 22, 2025, Mass Transit Magazine
VRE proposes 5% fare hike for FY2027 amid rising costs and slower ridership recovery
VRE’s current fare schedule—effective since July 1, 2024 (start of FY2025)—includes one-way tickets ranging from $5.00 to $12.80, and monthly passes up to $354.80, depending on travel distance. A 5% increase would raise the highest single-ride fare to approximately $13.45 and the most expensive monthly pass to more than $370.
Uriah Kiser, July 22, 2025, Potomac Local News
Federal workforce changes create questions for newly approved VRE 2050 growth plan
Platforms, parking, tracks, and fleet replacement and expansion are all part of the proposal. So, too, is potential expansion southward, with the Manassas Line continuing on to Culpeper and Fauquier counties and the Fredericksburg Line extending to Caroline and Hanover counties.
Scott McCaffrey, July 22, 2025, FFXNow
DASH bus mascot named 'Dashy' after community vote
DASH unveiled the mascot in April as part of a broader rebranding effort that included updated logos. The company stated that the changes represent growth alongside riders and the Alexandria community, while maintaining its founding principles.
Ryan Belmore, July 22, 2025, ALXNow
Virginia Passenger Rail Authority awards $414M contract for Franconia-Springfield Bypass Project
The one-and-a half-mile long passenger railroad track will include a more than half-mile long rail flyover bypass bridge that will allow passenger and freight trains to move through the rail corridor more safely and efficiently. Officials said the project will alleviate congestion.
Liz Carey, July 21, 2025, Transportation Today
Bikeshare Beat: Through June 2025, CaBi annual ridership is up 28.8%
This Pride Month was the busiest June in CaBi’s history, as ridership increased 18.3% from June 2024, marking the 42nd consecutive month of year-over-year ridership growth. 
Samuel Littauer, July 22, 2025, Greater Greater Washington
DC region's 'brutal commute' ranks No. 1 for the country's worst traffic
The D.C. region knocked Los Angeles off its throne to claim the top spot, and did that with an average commute of 33.4 minutes and traffic congestion in the region which lasts 6 hours and 35 minutes.
Mike Murillo, July 23, 2025, WTOP
Transit Briefs: BART, VRE, MARTA, TransLink, SEPTA, NYMTA, MassDOT, LA Metro, Reading & Northern
VRE announced July 18 that it has officially adopted its System Plan 2050, “a forward-looking strategy designed to guide the commuter rail system’s evolution over the next 25 years.”
Carolina Worrell, July 21, 2025, Railway Age
Metro's 'Better Bus' rollout faces frustration, delays, and countless of complaints
More than 2,000 calls and feedback reports are pouring into WMATA each day, and about 150 calls from frustrated commuters seeking clarity on the newly labeled routes and longer, more complex trips.
John Gonzalez, July 22, 2025, ABC7 News
County proposes design changes to make Gallows Road more bicycle and pedestrian-friendly
Presented at community meetings on July 15 and 17, the “preferred alternatives” in the Gallows Road multimodal transportation study aim to modernize the corridor due to an increasing presence of active transportation — those who walk, jog and bike.
Jared Serre, July 21, 2025, FFXNow
Maryland lawmakers announce $2.8 million for Washington County bus facility
Sen. Angela Alsobrooks and Rep. April McClain Delaney said the money will go toward the design of a new “transit vehicle maintenance and storage facility” for Washington County Transit, according to a news release from Sen. Chris Van Hollen. 
Carson Swick, July 19, 2025, Baltimore Sun
Are you ready for the Commanders' trafficpocalypse?
If the District lets the Commanders build a new stadium—whether it’s publicly subsidized or not—a new Metrorail station isn’t just a must-have, it’s mission critical.
Nick Sementelli, July 18, 2025, Greater Greater Washington
Commuter train to Washington may be in Delaware's distant future
But it won't be anytime soon. The Maryland Transit Administration and its MARC commuter rail released a long-term plan in June that includes potential train service from Wilmington, through Baltimore, all the way to Washington, D.C. 
Shane Brennan, July 20, 2025, Delaware Online
Northern Virginia Transportation Commission backs regional transit funding plan
NVTC’s Resolution #2571 supports the DMVMoves initiative’s proposed $500-600 million annual funding program starting in fiscal year 2028. The plan would fund Metro infrastructure improvements and establish a regional bus priority program serving Alexandria and other jurisdictions.
Ryan Belmore, July 18, 2025, ALXNow
Can the D.C. region substitute rail with buses?
The transit authority that serves the Washington D.C. is betting big on buses, not rail, to balance the books today and plan for the future — and with transit agencies across America working with leaner budgets for just about everything, some wonder if others need to follow their lead.
Jack Guan, July 18, 2025, Streetsblog USA
Metro celebrates ribbon-cutting at new Bladensburg Bus Garage facility
Construction of a new multi-level parking structure that will hold 292 buses and include parking spots for employees begins soon. New, separate entrances for buses and staff, which will help traffic flow through the area, will also be part of the next phase of construction.
July 17, 2025, WMATA
Metrobus riders weigh in on WMATA's 'Better Bus Network'
Additionally, buses on 11 new routes are scheduled to run every 12 to 20 minutes throughout the day, offering more frequent service for high-traffic stations. The new bus system also aims to better connect riders to L’Enfant Plaza in Southwest, and Maryland’s Downtown Silver Spring and National Harbor. 
Sam P.K. Collins/Maven McGann, July 16, 2025, The Washington Informer
USDOT launches unfunded 'SAFE ROADS' program
The program, “Safe Arterials for Everyone through Reliable Operations and Distraction-Reducing Strategies or SAFE ROADS,” asks state and local agencies to identify dangerous roads, “eliminate distractions,” and  “make the entire roadway right?of?way easier to interpret and navigate for all users, including pedestrians, vehicle operators, and automated vehicles alike.”
Diana Ionescu, July 16, 2025, Planetizen
Tell The Post: Have you completed a uniquely D.C. quest?
People in this city have run on every street in Washington, visited all 98 Metro stations and stopped at every Capital Bikeshare dock in the DMV. Do you have a mission that turns the city into your personal game board?
Juan Benn Jr, July 16, 2025, The Washington Post

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