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WMATA, DDOT add new benches, bus stop shelters to system

The shelters come as part of WMATA’s Bus Stop and Shelter Improvements Program, launched in 2023 under the agency’s Better Bus initiative to replace the oldest shelters in the system, some of which had been in place for nearly 50 years. 
Noah Kolenda, October 5, 2026, Mass Transit Magazine

Fairfax, regional leaders eager to turn Route 7 bus rapid transit from plan to reality

The meeting included another update on the Envision Route 7 project, which aims to connect Tysons to Alexandria via a modern bus network that officials hope will run as much as possible on dedicated lanes down Leesburg Pike (Route 7).
Scott McCaffrey, October 5, 2026, FFXNow

Speak up for smarter, safer transportation priorities

The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) is seeking public input on Virginia’s transportation priorities and its Six-Year Improvement Program. FABB encourages Northern Virginia bicyclists to join the Coalition for Smarter Growth (CSG) in calling for a transportation program that puts safety, maintenance, and transportation choices ahead of simply building wider and faster roads.
October 5, 2026, Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling

Metro proposes fare increase, free access for DMV youth

The transit agency also says a proposed initiative would provide free access on Metro Rail and Metro Bus for all children ages 5 through 18 who live in Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia. This program carries an estimated net cost of $7 million and is projected to add 900,000 trips. 
Sam Kosmas/Shirin Rajaee, October 5, 2026, Fox 5 News

Small bike bus, big benefits

As inspiring (and aspirational) as these massive group rides can be, they’re not the only way to do it: enter the bike minibus. Ahead of National Walk & Roll to School Day on October 7, we’re sharing our bike bus story.
Nicole McEntee/Brian McEntee, October 5, 2026, Greater Greater Washington

Purple Line opening date is 'dynamic,' MTA official says

Committee Chair Evan Glass told Purple Line officials the first question he gets about the line, which will carry riders from New Carrollton to Bethesda, is ‘When will it open?’
Kate Ryan, October 5, 2026, WTOP

Montgomery County bus routes detoured for Purple Line work

The closure is scheduled to take place nightly from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., beginning Monday, Oct. 5. Montgomery County officials say the work is expected to be completed by Thursday, Oct. 15.
John Gonzalez, October 5, 2026, ABC7 News

Walkable cities can make life better for drivers, too

In the report’s vernacular, there are really only two options. “Flow streets,” the report says, primarily exist to move cars at steady speeds with few interruptions; “place streets,” meanwhile, encourage people to bike, walk, shop, dine, linger, and in short, do everything else.
Kea Wilson, October 5, 2026, Streetsblog USA

Metro's iconic striped pylons are off the chopping block

“Metro is always listening to customers to drive continuous improvement. Customer feedback made it clear that the stripes are a valued part of Metro’s identity, and we adjusted our plans to retain them as we make improvements,” the statement said.
Kendall Staton, October 2, 2026, Washington Sun

'Going backwards:' Baltimore mayor, students rally against state's transit funding plan

The Maryland Department of Transportation allocated $96 million for the red line in its proposed plan, which would “keep the project in the planning phase rather than move it toward construction,” the Baltimore Sun reports. 
Zachary Whalen, October 2, 2026, Planetizen

Metro announces updates to Art in Transit program, including new open call for artists, community feedback opportunities

The first project under the new “Created Together” initiative will be installed at Deanwood Metro Rail Station. The project will transform two station passageways with a large-scale temporary art installation that celebrates the history, culture, creativity, and people of Deanwood. 
October 2, 2026, WMATA

Metro unveils new wayfinding system at L'Enfant Plaza - but not everyone is rejoicing

Metro wants to ensure riders can seamlessly answer their three most common questions: "Which platform do I go to?", "Which train do I take?", and "Where is my exit?"
Tom Roussey, October 1, 2026, ABC7 News

Fairfax Connector 'Spooky Buses' will roll through the county this October

Each bus is wrapped in a unique Halloween-themed festive design. The “Spooky Buses” will travel throughout the county, giving the community a chance to see the special Fairfax Connector buses.
Odyssey Fields, October 1, 2026, DC News Now

As cycling grows in popularity, activists fear loss of beloved space

Two recent fights — over President Trump's East Potomac golf course makeover and Connecticut Avenue bike lanes — are putting D.C.'s long-running debate over bike access back in the spotlight.
Cuneyt Dil, October 1, 2026, Axios

Council, WMATA still at odds over Metro for new RFK stadium

Transit improvements are more urgent to flesh out at the outset of planning, due to the scale of construction needed, versus simpler parts of the plan like park design and recreation facilities. 
Jaclyn Peiser, September 30, 2026, City Cast DC

Dive Brief White House, DOT officials meet with transit leaders on safety and security

Transit agency leaders and police chiefs emphasized the importance of federal funding to assist local crime-prevention and safety efforts during a meeting with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and other federal officials in Washington, D.C., to discuss safety and security issues on the nation’s public transit systems. 
Dan Zukowski, September 30, 2026, Smart Cities Dive

DASH to cut costs after overspending by $3.7M in error

The error was due to a $3.2 million reimbursement being counted twice in a spreadsheet, according to a DASH presentation at the work session.
Sydney Kodama, September 30, 2026, Alexandria Times

Windscreen designs for Route 1 bus rapid transit stations approved

Each of the designs reflects a theme related to the area surrounding a station. Submissions were sought from artists as part of the project’s “Community Charm” initiative.
Scott McCaffrey, September 30, 2026, FFXNow

Bicyclists protest lack of bike lanes with rush-hour ride on Connecticut Avenue

These cyclists joined a hectic morning commute to make their point and protest the lack of safety infrastructure. “When you build bike lanes, it increases safety in the streets," said cyclist Max Silverstone. "It gives people another alternative to driving.”
John Doran, September 30, 2026, WUSA9

DC unveils stadium master plan with expanded Metro options

Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser last week let the public see the master plan for what will be the new $3.7 billion home of the NFL's Washington Commanders football team, which includes changes to the city's transportation infrastructure.
Scott Sowers, September 29, 2026, The Bond Buyer

Steep cuts to federal transit funding take effect Thursday

The American Public Transportation Association estimates the stopgap measure would result in a 20% cut to public transit investment and an over 80% cut to passenger rail. 
Dan Zukowski, September 29, 2026, Smart Cities Dive

No Metro, Yes Problems: Can RFK's transportation plan be saved?

The final master plan will need to prioritize bus service in an even more hardcore way and make RFK the most walkable, bikeable football stadium on the planet to have a chance of moving the tens of thousands of trips necessary with buses, bikes, and feet instead of creating the city’s biggest traffic nightmare every Sunday.
Nick Sementelli/Alex Baca, September 29, 2026, Greater Greater Washington

Transit agencies across North America celebrate See Tracks? Think Train® Week 2026

Each day during the week of celebration, a different theme was highlighted with in-person events led by state OLI Programs, as well as virtual activities and social media efforts sharing lifesaving rail safety education messages.
Brandon Lewis, September 28, 2026, Mass Transit Magazine

DC drivers brace for months of 9th Street Tunnel delays after Metrobus fire

Some of the work that will be done is cosmetic -- the walls and ceiling of a sizeable part of the tunnel are still black from the heat and smoke of the bus fire.
Tom Roussey, September 28, 2026, ABC7 News

We're organizing the 2026 DC Week Without Driving

The Week Without Driving uses personal storytelling to change the transportation narrative in the District. We want participants, whether you are a public official or a member of the public, to notice the things that make getting to and from your destinations easier or more challenging. 
Kai Hall, September 28, 2026, Greater Greater Washington

How to navigate partial Oct. Amtrak, VRE shutdown from Union Station

For commuters looking for help getting around the trackwork, think of L'Enfant Plaza as home base during this time. There, VRE has the capability to pull trains basically off to the side after everyone has gotten off and then they can reverse the train and send it right back into Virginia.
Adam Tuss, September 28, 2026, NBC4 Washington

Falls Church eyes $2.5M contract for sidewalk, intersection upgrades

Years in the making, the capital project involves widening sidewalks to 10 feet where possible and upgrading curb extensions, ramps and pedestrian signals, while adding a pedestrian-activated signal between Virginia and Pennsylvania avenues.
Scott McCaffrey, September 28, 2026, ARLNow

Amtrak Cascades Airo trains debut Sept. 30 in the Pacific Northwest

The new trains, manufactured in the United States by Siemens Mobility, are part of a larger effort by Amtrak to replace and expand its passenger fleet. The new trainsets include technical upgrades that will speed up service on the railroad’s Eastern corridor where routes switch between electric and diesel power.
Lillian Karabaic, September 27, 2026, OPB

Making micromobility work

Today, a fourth element, motorized “micromobility” devices, is profoundly complicating the old equation. These powered two-wheelers — e-bikes, stand-up scooters, mini-motorcycles — are larger, heavier and faster than ordinary bicycles.
Charles Komanoff, September 24, 2026, Vital City

Metro is changing its signage. Some riders aren't happy.

Earlier this month, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority began installing new wayfinding signs at the L’Enfant Plaza station. Metro said it expects to spend the next five years updating the signs at all of its rail stations.
Liam Scott, September 26, 2026, The Washington Post

Montgomery County welcomes 70 new electric Capital Bikeshare bikes to its fleet

The e-bikes reduce traffic congestion and offer a cleaner, healthier transportation option for community members. They can be used for quick trips to nearby businesses and shopping outlets without having to worry about finding or paying for parking.

Odyssey Fields, September 25, 2026, DC News Now

Fairfax leaders hopeful two-way I-95 toll lanes plan can fix 'biggest mistake' in Va. highways

VDOT officials sketched out their plan on Tuesday (Sept. 22) for converting the existing reversible I-95 Express Lanes, which can be used only in one direction at a time, into a bidirectional network running 45 miles from Fairfax south to Spotsylvania County.
Scott McCaffrey, September 25, 2026, FFXNow

495 express lanes: VDOT expansion plan makes room for Metro along Wilson Bridge

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has proposed building 11 miles of express lanes on I-495 from the Springfield interchange to the Maryland 210 interchange, which includes the Wilson Bridge.
Jessica Albert, September 25, 2026, NBC4 Washington

RFK campus master plan heads to DC Council, with no new Metro station, parking garages unchanged

There will be no new Metro station on Oklahoma Avenue. WMATA concluded that the station is not feasible due to cost, engineering, and timeline constraints, though the plan does not rule it out in the future. The existing Stadium-Armory station will be expanded instead.
Eric Flack, September 24, 2026, WUSA9

Metro seeks developers for new joint development opportunity at Braddock Rd station

The approximately 3.4-acre property presents an opportunity to bring new housing, neighborhood-serving retail, and other amenities close to public transportation while improving connections between the station and surrounding neighborhood.
September 24, 2026, WMATA

Long-term lane closures coming to DC's 9th Street Tunnel starting Monday

The center lane may also be temporarily closed for up to six hours during off-peak travel periods. When that happens, southbound traffic could be reduced to just one travel lane.
Catherine Chen, September 24, 2026, WTOP

VDOT returns with revised plan for I-495 Southside Express Lanes

Under the new concept, VDOT proposes significantly reducing shoulder space in both travel directions to accommodate four non-toll lanes and two Express Lanes in each direction, along with an 18-foot-wide right-of-way down the middle for future Metro service.
Scott McCaffrey, September 24, 2026, FFXNow

Virginia city overspends by millions on public buses after spreadsheet error

When the fiscal year ended in June, the transit company assumed that it had a balanced budget. But then staff notified the board of the error, which overstated the funding available to offset operational costs. 
Liam Scott, September 23, 2026, The Washington Post

Maryland railroad named one of the best scenic train rides in the country

The railroad, which operates between Cumberland and Frostburg in Allegany County, was one of 10 scenic train rides selected through USA TODAY’s annual readers’ choice process. Nominees for 10Best awards are selected by expert panels before readers vote to determine the final rankings.
September 24, 2026, The MoCo Show

Commonwealth Transportation Board invites public to participate in fall transportation meetings

Representatives from the Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) will be in attendance to highlight their transportation programs and to discuss your ideas and concerns on Virginia’s transportation network.
September 24, 2026, The World News Wire

What multimodal data can tell transit agencies about rider demand

Some agencies don't track cycling ridership, while others rely on manual observations or operators recording when a rider loads a bike. Those tactics provide individual snapshots rather than a continuous picture of demand, according to April Johnson, general manager at Sportworks, and Yizhou Chen, VP, digital and growth at Sportworks.
Elora Haynes, September 22, 2026, Metro Magazine

Metro to release 50th anniversary Smart Trip cards from September through November

Metro continues to celebrate our 50th year of service with the release of five commemorative Smart Trip card designs that honor the five decades of Metro. The gold-tinted cards offer customers a new way to take part in Metro's golden anniversary.
September 22, 2026, WMATA

Virginia breaks ground on Hampton Roads Express Lanes project

The project will add a part-time Express Lanes option from east of Interstate 264 to Tidewater Drive in the westbound direction and from Tidewater Drive to Northampton Boulevard in the eastbound direction along approximately seven miles of I-64 in Norfolk. 
Melina Druga, September 22, 2026, Transportation Today

Alexandria overspent $3.7M on DASH buses last fiscal year

The extra money was spent on maintenance of buses and overtime for drivers.
Adam Tuss, September 22, 2026, NBC4 Washington