News

Regional transportation news stories compiled by CommuterPage.com. Subscribe to a daily email with the most recent news, recent ACCS blog posts, and upcoming events. Every CommuterPage.com News email includes an "unsubscribe" link.

New tariffs could stifle the US bike industry

Raising the cost of components will force producers to raise prices likely have a chilling effect and slow the adoption of more sustainable transportation modes, a key step in reducing carbon emissions.  Read more...
Diana Ionescu, November 19, 2024, Planetizen

Potomac Shores VRE station house breaks ground

A press release stated that the station house is designed to feature an arch pass-through for station access, which leads to a paved boardwalk overlooking the Potomac River.  Read more...
Caitlyn Meiser, November 19, 2024, Potomac Local News

WMATA is proposing a 'super peak' for these two Metro lines

Currently, there are Red and Silver line trains every five minutes during the busiest peak hour. With the proposed "super peak" service, trains will come every 4 minutes. It may not seem like much faster, but it would add two more trains per hour. Read more...
Sophie Rosenthal/Jess Arnold, November 20, 2024, WUSA9

Amtrak receives federal funding for 13 key infrastructure projects

“Thanks to this new round of competitive grants, Amtrak will continue to deliver a new era of passenger rail and advance vital infrastructure projects that drive economic growth, create jobs and transform this critical corridor that benefits millions of Americans,” Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner said. Read more...
Liz Carey, November 20, 2024, Transportation Today

Maryland's bicycling infrastructure plans face unfavorable budget

While federal funding has boosted several bike projects, the latest capital budget from Maryland Governor Wes Moore has transit activists wondering about the future of pedestrian infrastructure in the Seventh State. Read more...
Ethan Goffman, November 19, 2024, Greater Greater Washington

Metro to consider splitting Silver Line, running Yellow trains to Greenbelt again

The possible change would also allow riders in that area to go straight to places like Dulles Airport and Tysons without transferring trains. Read more...
Tom Roussey, November 18, 2024, ABC7 News

Metro to consider splitting Silver Line, running Yellow trains to Greenbelt again

Metro said by adding some Silver Line service in addition to the Orange Line service that already serves New Carrollton, riders on the section of the Orange Line east of Stadium-Armory would see trains arrive every 6-8 minutes instead of every 10-12 minutes.  Read more...
Tom Roussey, November 18, 2024, ABC7 News

Alexandria to pursue $3.5 million in grant funding for significant bus stop improvements

The city is seeking the $3.5 million for bus bulbs, a type of curb extension that pushes the bus stop out to be even with the parking lane, allowing buses to pick up and drop off passengers without leaving the traffic lane. Read more...
Vernon Miles, November 18, 2024, ALXNow

Metro, Casey Trees plant dozens of new trees at Suitland, Southern Ave Metro Stations

This summer, the region saw record-breaking temperatures and the number of annual high heat days are expected to increase in the future, making planting trees increasingly important for providing shading and air cooling to customers and employees at Metro stations. Read more...
November 18, 2024, WMATA

New access road aims to relieve frustrated drivers along DC's waterfront

West Potomac Drive will also have a shared bike and pedestrian path and a new traffic light at the intersection of Independence Avenue. The road will also include new metered parking spaces. Read more...
Luke Lukert, November 18, 2024, WTOP

Baltimore's transit riders are lower-income and more diverse than before, MTA study shows

MTA routes do branch into the surrounding Baltimore and Anne Arundel Counties, but core service remains predominantly within city limits. When surveyed, about 1 in every 5 riders said that were the MTA not an option, they simply wouldn’t make the trip. Read more...
Daniel Zawodny, November 18, 2024, The Baltimore Banner

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law marks third anniversary

Nearly $570 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding has been awarded to more than 66,000 projects nationwide and in the U.S. territories. Many projects have already broken ground and held ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Read more...
Melina Druga, November 18, 2024, Transportation Today

Union Station, other Northeastern rail projects getting $1.5 billion federal funding boost

Union Station in D.C. alone will be receiving more than $82 million in funding. Most of that money will be going toward what are described as “safety and operational improvements,” including improving the passenger experience and reducing boarding times. Read more...
John Domen, November 15, 2024, WTOP

Growing up instead of across: Prince William Co. opens first ever commuter garage

Prince William County leaders on Friday cut the ribbon on the Northern Virginia suburb’s first-ever commuter garage, a facility they’re hoping becomes a transportation hub and eases highway congestion. Read more...
Scott Gelman, November 15, 2024, WTOP

Metro riders complain of 'piggybacking' after new fare gates installed

While some passengers opt for the “stand and stare” method to deter freeloaders, others argue that station managers should be more accessible to assist passengers with legitimate issues, like adding funds or resolving card errors. Read more...
Samantha Gilstrap, November 15, 2024, WUSA9

How good transit benefits communities beyond its users

According to an article by Chris McCahill in State Smart Transportation Initiative, “The study looked at how factors like transit access, household makeup and income, and fuel prices influence transit use and vehicle miles of travel (VMT).” Read more...
Diana Ionescu, November 14, 2024, Planetizen

Efforts to modernize Route 7 bus service continue, as Metrobus finalizes redesign

The $518 million initiative dubbed Envision Route 7 appears to be “moving along well,” Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) chair Matt de Ferranti said at the organization’s Nov. 7 meeting. Read more...
Scott McCaffrey, November 14, 2024, FFXNow

Weekend track work: Buses replace trains between Fort Totten and NoMa on Red Line

On Saturday and Sunday, the Red Line will operate in two segments between Glenmont to Fort Totten and between NoMa-Gallaudet U and Shady Grove due to track maintenance. Read more...
November 13, 2024, WMATA

Amtrak gets hundreds of millions for D.C. and Md. as Biden leaves

The Biden administration on Thursday announced $321 million in grants to improve Amtrak service and stations between Baltimore and D.C., from station redesign to overhead wiring replacement. Read more...
Rachel Weiner/Ian Duncan, November 15, 2024, The Washington Post

Tired of guessing if there will be spots at Northern Va. commuter lots? This new app tells you

With a combined capacity of more than 5,000 parking spaces, travelers will be able to park and then transfer to buses, carpools, van pools or VRE trains. Read more...
Kyle Cooper, November 14, 2024, WTOP

Plans for new $177M Ballston Metro entrance take key step forward

Proposed plans for the project, meant to reduce congestion and improve access to areas west of the station, were published last month. Read more...
Dan Egitto, November 14, 2024, ARLNow

WMATA: October ranked busiest month on Metrobus in 10 years

“October was record-breaking! We’re beyond excited to be your choice for getting around the DMV. Thank you for riding with us and making Metrobus your go-to for reliable, easy transit!” WMATA said. Read more...
Jenny Gable, November 13, 2024, DC News Now

Want to improve transit safety and operations? Break down the silos

Today’s commuters and municipal partners are also increasingly expecting data from transit systems to be made available to support their decisions regarding which methods of transportation to take and when.  Read more...
Shawn Enides, November 13, 2024, Metro Magazine

Metro and Arlington County seek public feedback on proposed new entrance to Ballston Metrorail Station

he station is one of the more highly used stations in Arlington County, and the proposed second entrance would provide additional capacity to accommodate more riders as the region continues to grow.? Read more...
November 13, 2024, WMATA

Maryland considers making 'temporary' bus lanes permanent on Georgia Avenue

The bus lanes were initially put in place to help move Metro riders dealing with a summer shutdown of four Montgomery County Red Line stations: Silver Spring, Forest Glen, Wheaton, and Glenmont.  Read more...
Tom Roussey, November 12, 2024, ABC7 News

Rider feedback sought on Fairfax Connector changes in Reston and Springfield

More frequent service is slated for Route 352, a circulator connecting nearby areas to the Franconia-Springfield Metrorail and Virginia Railway Express stations, and for Route 642, which runs through the Centreville area. Read more...
Scott McCaffrey, November 12, 2024, FFXNow

Shuttle plan released for Blue, Orange, and Silver line construction work that closes some downtown stations Dec. 20-30

Free local and express buses will replace trains during the 11-day construction project. Shuttle frequency will be every 8-10 minutes on weekdays and 8-12 minutes on weekends and holidays.  Read more...
November 12, 2024, WMATA

Two key constraints on improving Metrorail service—and eight ways to overcome them

Increasing Metrorail ridership is an essential priority for the Washington region to achieve the various economic and environmental goals promoted by local leaders. Read more...
Adam Bressler, November 12, 2024, Greater Greater Washington

Robotaxis wreak havoc on urban transit

In cities across the United States, robotaxis, championed by companies like Waymo and Cruise, are a marvel of modern technology and a flashpoint for debate over their place in urban transit. Read more...
Pablo Valerio, November 11, 2024, Planetizen

America awakens to high-speed rail

On bullet trains, the U.S. has lagged behind other nations for decades. That may finally be changing as high-speed rail projects expand, but big obstacles remain. Read more...
Dan Zukowski, November 11, 2024, Smart Cities Dive

E-Scooter operator turns to AI to ensure parking compliance

Veo has partnered with Captur, an artificial intelligence (AI) parking compliance tool, it announced recently. Starting this month, when riders complete their trips, they must take a photo of the parked vehicle — while still in the Veo app — to show it is properly parked. Read more...
Skip Descant, November 8, 2024, Government Technology

At least local transit initiatives won big in Tuesday's election

"No matter if you live in a red state, a blue state, a purple state or anything in between ... people support transit," said Jessica Grennan, executive director of the American Public Transportation Association's Center for Transportation Excellence. "No other issue is this popular." Read more...
Kea Wilson, November 11, 2024, Streetsblog USA

After Trump win, Northern Virginia leaders stress need for dedicated transit funding

NVTC Executive Director Kate Mattice said little of the federal funding for regional transportation is at any short-term risk, but changes in leadership at federal transportation agencies “can make a huge difference” over time. Read more...
Scott McCaffrey, November 8, 2024, FFXNow

Transit turns to camera enforcement to keep bus lanes clear

Cities are using technology to keep bus and bike lanes clear of errant vehicles making drop-offs, deliveries or doing other things — and impeding transit. Read more...
November 8, 2024, Mass Transit Maagazine

Metro approves redesign for bus routes

FOX 5 DC has learned that under the recommended plan, the average rider reportedly gains access to at least 5% more destinations, including hospitals and grocery stores. But, 510 bus stops will be eliminated, out of 9,500 bus stops within the system.  Read more...
Tisha Lewis, November 7, 2024, Fox 5 DC