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OmniRide celebrates 40 years with new vehicles

The new vehicles include eight MCI commuter buses, seven Gillig buses, and one electric van. The 40-foot Gillig buses will replace vehicles that have reached or exceeded their useful life and will serve OmniRide Local and Metro Express routes, while the electric van will support microtransit and paratransit services.
September 7, 2026, APTA

Riders take first commutes after Metro's summer shutdown

It’s the first trip into work since Metro closed three stations for nine weeks to complete construction and upgrades. News4’s Juliana Valencia spoke to commuters celebrating the return of the Red Line.
Juliana Valencia, September 8, 2026, NBC4 Washington

Metro installs new signs at L'Enfant Plaza, kicks off rollout of new wayfinding system

In September 2026, new signs will be installed at L’Enfant Plaza station. By the end of October, Metro riders will see the L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station fully restored with updated signs that reflect ways to navigate the system.
Odyssey Fields, September 9, 2026, DC News Now

Skanska lands $114M contract to rehabilitate congested I-395 bridge

The D.C. Department of Transportation on Tuesday tapped global construction firm Skanska Group to oversee a design-build contract to rehabilitate the span, which connects Arlington and D.C. and transports roughly 90,000 vehicles daily via Interstate 395.
Nate Doughty, September 8, 2026, Washington Business Journal

Amtrak to suspend Virginia-to-D.C. service for critical track upgrades Oct. 16–26

Due to the suspension, trains traveling through Virginia will effectively end at Alexandria, with only a limited number continuing north. Most trips to Richmond, Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Hampton Roads will be served by express buses.
Nathaniel Cline, September 7, 2026, Virginia Mercury

'Just so happy it's open again': Metro Red Line commuters welcome end of partial shutdown

During the shutdown, Metro said it moved more than 1.2 million riders on free shuttle buses operating along Maryland Route 355, also known as Rockville Pike and Wisconsin Avenue, between North Bethesda and Friendship Heights.
Neal Augenstein, September 7, 2026, WTOP

Downtown DC road closures and parking restrictions Tuesday: What drivers need to know

Street closures and times could change depending on traffic, weather or other conditions. Parking restrictions will also be in effect along the listed streets. Vehicles parked in restricted areas may be ticketed and towed.
September 8, 2026, WTOP

Red Line construction complete, full reopening on Labor Day

On Monday, Red Line riders will be able to once again take Metrorail trains from Medical Center, Bethesda and Grosvenor-Strathmore stations. Some of the changes include new elevators, escalators, a mezzanine at Bethesda station that will connect people to the purple line and upgrades on platforms and along the tracks.
Catalina Pérez De Armiñán, September 6, 2026, NBC4 Washington

OmniRide adds 16 new buses and van to transit fleet

The agency acquired eight new Motor Coach Industries (MCI) commuter buses equipped with restrooms, seven new Gillig buses, and one electric van, further advancing its commitment to modernizing and expanding its fleet. 
September 3, 2026, Culpeper Star Exponent

Metro's Summer Red Line shutdown to end on Monday, temporary bus lanes will be removed

A major portion of Metro's Red Line shut down on July 6 and has remained closed. Full Red Line service will resume on Monday, restoring rail service to Grosvenor-Strathmore, Medical Center, and Bethesda stations.
Alanea Cremen, September 4, 2026, WUSA9

How track work at DC's Union Station will affect Metro Richmond train commuters in October

From Oct. 16 to 26, planned infrastructure upgrades south of Washington, D.C.’s Union Station will result in schedule adjustments impacting service to and from Virginia.
Dina Weinstein, September 2, 2026, Henrico Citizen

Rep. Larsen joins APTA, WMATA officials for Red Line construction tour

Rep. Larsen was joined by APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA/Metro) General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke on a tour of the Red Line’s summer construction.
September 2, 2026, APTA

Amtrak announces new 'System Expansion Committee'

The committee will also oversee the development of sustainable funding strategies and expansion of state-supported service partnerships. The committee has five initial members, including a designated U.S. Department of Transportation secretary representative.
Zachary Whalen, September 3, 2026, Planetizen

Virginia DRPT launches safety and design division

The new division “unifies and streamlines” existing agency initiatives under one umbrella, according to Virginia DRPT’s Sept. 2 announcement.
Marybeth Luczak, September 3, 2026, Railway Age

Maryland lost over $800M by failing to collect tolls, penalties from drivers

The audit found that the Maryland Transportation Authority did not take available actions to collect unpaid tolls and penalties incurred by out-of-state drivers, which totaled $818.1 million as of January.
Liam Scott, September 2, 2026, The Washington Post

Annual cost to commute by Metro

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team analyzed data from the 100 largest U.S. metro areas to estimate the annual cost of commuting. We combined the estimated value of time spent commuting — based on average round-trip commute times and state-level median hourly wages — with estimated annual fuel costs based on average gas prices, commute distance and fuel economy.
Christina von Claparède-Crola/Jon Bortin, September 2, 2026, Consumer Affairs

Amtrak launches System Expansion Committee to build out network

Approved by the Amtrak Board of Directors on July 30, the System Expansion Committee will serve as the board’s primary forum for advancing passenger rail growth. The new committee comes as Amtrak reports demand continues to grow across the network.
Noah Kolenda, September 2, 2026, Mass Transit Magazine

MARC Train introducing new service between Montgomery County, Baltimore

The Maryland Transit Administration is expanding the MARC Train service and will begin providing a weekday connection between Montgomery County and Baltimore starting Sept. 28.
Anna Chen, September 2, 2026, WTOP

OmniRide celebrates addition of new vehicles to fleet

The new vehicles represent a significant investment in OmniRide’s ability to provide safe, reliable, and accessible transportation throughout Prince William County and the surrounding region.
September 1, 2026, Bristow Beat

Three agencies expanding on-demand transit

Transit agencies nationwide are investing in on-demand transit for the communities they serve. Noah Kolenda compiled a list of three agencies for Mass Transit that are expanding their flexible transit options. 
Zachary Whalen, September 1, 2026, Planetizen

2 'temporary' changes made to help with the Metro Red Line shutdown could become permanent

To help shuttle buses move faster while three Red Line stations have been shut down, 7.5 miles of Maryland Route 355 have bus-only lanes that went into effect when the shutdown began Sept. 6. The bus-only rule is in place Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Tom Roussey, September 1, 2026, ABC7 News

Time for a spooky 11th Annual Tour de Mount Vernon

FABB encourages local riders to sign up now and start preparing to celebrate biking and Halloween with one of Fairfax County’s great community cycling traditions.
September 1, 2026, Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling

Frederick County's Transit-plus service expands hours

Until now, the service has been available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. But, effective Monday, the service will start at 5:30 a.m. and be available until 8 p.m.
Steven Cohen, August 31, 2026, DC News Now

Best and worst times to drive for Labor Day

Sunday is expected to be the easiest day to drive, with minimal traffic, according to INRIX, a transportation data firm that works with AAA to calculate travel times.
Sami Sparber, September 1, 2026, Axios

Fairfax Connector launches free fare program, increasing help for some lower-income riders

The Connector will offer a new Transit Ridership Incentive Program, called TRIP100, offering 100% off fares to eligible riders, up from the 50% discount previously provided.
Mary Stachyra Lopez, August 31, 2026

Metro partners with Georgetown and Catholic Universities to expand U-Pass program

Starting this fall, eligible students at Georgetown University's Capitol Campus and at Catholic University will have access to Metro's U-Pass program, which offers unlimited rides on Metro Rail and Metro Bus for a fixed price.
August 31,2026, WMATA

Bikeshare Beat: No fireworks for CaBi in July as ridership slips

The United States celebrated its semiquincentennial in July, attracting visitors to the nation’s capital for Independence Day festivities. These festivities had no visible effect on Capital Bikeshare (CaBi) ridership, however, as the regional bikesharing network recorded 653,671 rides in July 2026 — a 7.3% decrease from July 2025.
Samuel Littauer, August 31, 2026, Greater Greater Washington

Are Metro's escalators unusually slow?

But are the escalators actually sluggish? Metro says no: The system follows the national safety-code standard of 100 feet per minute. That sounds right to Tim Marshall, a private elevator and escalator inspector in Maryland. 
Walker Whalen, August 31, 2026, Washingtonian

Inside the team that responds to all the complaints about Metro

“You want to make a customer feel heard, which validates them. You definitely want them to know that you understand their issue,” said Darbi Dickerson, WMATA’s director of customer service. “If you can’t solve it, at least acknowledge it.”
Liam Scott, August 29, 2026, The Washington Post

Tell Congress: Don't defund—or remove—bike lanes

Federal transportation data have shown that properly designed bike lanes can substantially reduce crashes without increasing traffic congestion. Bike lanes and other bicycle safety improvements save lives, give people more transportation choices, and make streets safer and more predictable for everyone who uses them.
August 29, 2026, Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling

Americans want more trains: Amtrak sees record ridership

Americans are switching to trains for many reasons, including, recently, increasing gas prices and air fares. Recent improvements in Amtrak service create the potential for further ridership increases in the years to come – if the federal government matches Americans’ increasing desire for train travel with consistent investment.
Leonardo Pellizzari-Astle, August 26, 2026, Frontier Group

Transit agencies across the U.S. expand on-demand transit service zones

Transit agencies across the country are expanding and improving their on-demand transit offerings. These services often function to complete first- and last-mile trips, often connecting to fixed-route services—though sometimes also functioning like a rideshare platform, offering services that can be requested via app and travel wherever needed within a pre-defined zone.
Noah Kolenda, August 28, 2026, Mass Transit Magazine

E-Bikes are everywhere. Do you know the rules of the ride?

Whether you already own an e-bike, have a child who rides one, are considering purchasing one or simply share the roads and trails with them, the session is designed to provide practical information residents can use.
August 27, 2026, FFXNow

Transit agencies across North America make rider experience upgrades

The Bus Stop Enhancement Program is a $20 million statewide initiative to modernize high-ridership bus stops with new amenities, including shelters, benches, solar lighting and real-time information displays.
Noah Kolenda, August 27, 2026, Mass Transit Magazine

Fairfax Connector is adding more hybrid-electric buses to its fleet

The buses, built by New Flyer Industries, were purchased with state funding, costing roughly $1.1 million each.The buses will have technology that allows them to use battery power in designated areas through geofencing.
Acacia James, August 27, 2026, FFXNow

Metro opens public comment on proposed new training facility on Pennsy Drive in Landover, Maryland

The project, located at 3636 Pennsy Dr. in Landover, Maryland, proposes demolition of the existing 350,000 square-foot warehouse facility owned by Metro. A new two-story, 380,000 square-foot structure will be built in its place. 
August 27, 2026, WMATA

VRE eyes more specialty trains for festivals and sporting events after IndyCar test

The Virginia Railway Express is eyeing more specialty train services for festivals and select sporting events following the stronger-than-expected interest it garnered for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar race in D.C.
Nate Doughty, August 27, 2026, Washington Business Journal

Your guide to navigating Georgetown and D.C. transit like a local

After settling into Georgetown, it’s easy to find yourself stuck in the Georgetown bubble—walking to Leo’s, heading to class, and occasionally venturing down to M Street. But whether you’re heading to a museum, commuting to a job, or exploring a new neighborhood, getting around District of Columbia means learning to navigate its transportation options. 
Bennett Gilhuly, August 26, 2026, The Georgetown Voice

Metro hosts community open house to share information about RFK Campus redevelopment transit improvement plans

Proposed enhancements at the Stadium-Armory station include the installation of additional elevators, escalators, and a new mezzanine. A wider North entrance to the station is also under consideration. Together, these improvements would increase station accessibility and capacity, enabling customers to safely move from the RFK Stadium campus to trains.
August 26, 2026, WMATA

Family Biking Matters: Bring the joy of biking to your daily commute

Need help mapping a low-stress route? Check out our previous Family Biking Matters post on which route app you should use to find the safest bike routes wherever you might be headed.
Mark Sussman, August 26, 2026, Greater Greater Washington

I-95 express lanes could be expanded, turned into 2-way

Unlike other express lanes around Northern Virginia, I-95 is only inbound in the morning and outbound in the afternoon.
Adam Tuss, August 26, 2026, NBC4 Washington

Work is underway ahead of 9-day pause on Amtrak, VRE service between DC and Va.

The project is part of a larger effort to replace rail infrastructure that Amtrak says is at the end of its useful life. Crews have been making repairs and replacing components over the years, but Michalski said a full replacement is now the best option.
Mike Murillo, August 26, 2026, WTOP

Arlington's new microtransit program has provided 1,500 rides since April

The program offers rides in a large portion of northwestern Arlington and in the Westover neighborhood, with destinations including VHC Health and the Madison Community Center. 
Dan Egitto, August 26, 2026, ARLNow