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.

DC is permanently changing speed limits on local streets to 20 MPH

The District is lowering the speed limit on Monday, June 1 in an effort to keep more pedestrians safe. Read more...
Kyley Schultz, May 29, 2020, WUSA9

Bowser announces new measures for street safety as D.C. reopens

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser outlined plans Friday to reform D.C. streets in an effort to increase pedestrian safety and expand space for social distancing measures as the city slowly begins to reopen. Read more...
May 29, 2020, dcist

D.C. doesn't have to become more car-centric after the pandemic

The novel coronavirus has changed the nature of transportation in the District, and choices made now may reshape mobility in our city permanently. Read more...
Stephanie Damassa, May 29, 2020, Washington Post

As riders return, Metro outlines how physical distancing and safety will be enforced

As DC and most local counties enter the first phase of reopening in the coming days, Metro’s general manager was asked Thursday how he will stay ahead of demand as more riders return to the transit system. Read more...
Tom Roussey, May 28, 2020, WJLA

Metro takes wait-and-see approach as region begins to reopen

As the Washington Metropolitan region takes its biggest step yet toward reopening, Metro plans to keep service limited -- but will adjust if demand for rides exceeds the transit agency’s expectations. Read more...
Justin George, May 28, 2020, Washington Post

DOD considers permanent teleworking for some Pentagon staff

For over two months, up to 4 million DOD active-duty and civilian personnel have been teleworking because of the pandemic, and hundreds of offices where unclassified work is done have been vacant. Read more...
John Gonzalez, May 28, 2020, WJLA

American Airlines to cut one-third of management, support staff

American Airlines on Wednesday said it will need to cut its management and support staff by 30 percent in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Read more...
Rebecca Klar, May 28, 2020, The Hill

The second-life of used EV batteries

Before batteries are recycled to recover critical energy materials, reusing batteries in secondary applications is a promising strategy. Read more...
Hanjiro Ambrose, May 27, 2020, Union of Concerned Scientists

Megabus to resume some D.C. service June 1

Megabus will reopen routes between New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and D.C. on a limited schedule starting on June 1. Read more...
Jose Umana, May 27, 2020, WTOP

Fire, smoke billow from Metro headquarters' top floor

D.C. fire crews were called to the scene of a two-alarm fire at Metro headquarters in Northwest Wednesday morning, officials said. Read more...
Khalida Volou, May 27, 2020, WUSA9

In age of coronavirus, bikes becoming increasingly popular

Whether they’re used as an alternative transportation method or for exercise, bikes have become increasingly popular during the coronavirus pandemic. Read more...
Michelle Murillo, May 27, 2020, WTOP

Railroads pin hopes on auto manufacturing as U.S. carloads sustain record decline

The Class I railroads are closely watching the restart of North American automotive production, hoping that the slow ramp-up will not only grow motor vehicle volumes but also improve demand for supplies such as steel and plastics, according to executives at recent investor conferences. Read more...
Joanna Marsh, May 22, 2020, Railway Age

Amtrak preparing to cut up to 20 percent of staff

Amtrak reportedly plans to cut its workforce by about one-fifth in the next fiscal year after the coronavirus pandemic reduced ridership and ticket revenue by about 95 percent. Read more...
Zack Budryk, May 26, 2020, The Hill

Amtrak says it needs additional bailout of nearly $1.5 billion to stay afloat

Railroad company projects ridership will remain low next year, about half of pre-pandemic levels. Read more...
Luz Lazo, May 26, 2020, Washington Post

Watch new Acela train travel at 160 mph

Train manufacturer Alstrom continues advanced testing of Amtrak’s new Acela fleet, reaching another milestone with the first Acela prototype completing a test run at Transportation Technology Center near Pueblo, Colorado, traveling at speeds up to 165 mph. Read more...
Jeff Clabaugh, May 26, 2020, WTOP

Metro closes nine Va. stations for summer

Metro has suspended Silver Line service and closed nine stations in Northern Virginia from Memorial Day to fall, hoping to accelerate construction plans during the agency's summer shutdown. Read more...
Sophia Barnes, May 25, 2020, NBC Washington

Safety leaders urge cautious driving as more cars fill the roads

Some drivers in the D.C. area have taken advantage of lighter than usual traffic to flout speed limits and behave more aggressively behind the wheel. Read more...
John Domen, May 25, 2020, WTOP

D.C. residents close streets in call for expanded pedestrian, cyclist access

Residents across D.C. closed their streets to cars today in protest with a safer-streets advocacy group, D.C. Department of Transformation. Read more...
May 25, 2020, dcist

Cities are closing streets to make way for restaurants and pedestrians

The forced distancing required by the coronavirus prompted several cities to quickly close some public roads to make room so cooped-up residents anxious to get outside for exercise could do so safely. Read more...
Michael Laris, May 25, 2020, Washington Post

Montgomery Co. parkways are open to pedestrians through Memorial Day weekend

Sections of Little Falls Parkway, Sligo Creek Parkway, and Beach Drive will be open through Tuesday at 8 a.m. Read more...
Jess Arnold, Matt Pusatory, May 23, 2020, WUSA9

Advocates to close some District streets to cars in protest on Monday

Climate and safe streets activists will take matters into their own hands Monday when they plan to use cones and other objects to block some streets in the District to vehicles to allow more room for pedestrians. Read more...
May 24, 2020, dcist

Local mental health professionals say go outside -- but safely

While social distancing, caution and protection is still very much needed as COVID-19 continues to attack the region, area mental health care professionals want folks to understand that enjoying the outdoors and getting exercise is vital. Read more...
Matt Blitz, May 24, 2020, dcist

Metro's summer-long shutdown is underway

Metro’s summer shutdown is underway. The multiyear platform-rebuilding project has moved to the western end of the Orange Line to rebuild deteriorating platforms at Vienna, Dunn Loring, West Falls Church and East Falls Church stations. Read more...
May 23, 2020, Washington Post

During first week of Metro's mandatory mask policy, most riders comply

On Monday, Metro joined a growing number of transit agencies nationwide in requiring all train and bus riders to wear face masks in an effort to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Read more...
Justin George, May 23, 2020, Washington Post

DC Circulator driver dies from the coronavirus

A D.C. Circulator operator has died due to COVID-19 complications. The news comes a month after WUSA9 confirmed two operators had tested positive for the coronavirus. Read more...
May 23, 2020, WUSA9

Memorial Day weekend deals latest economic blow to travel industry

The travel industry is bracing for a dismal Memorial Day weekend, as many Americans are either unwilling or unable to visit popular destinations around the U.S. because of the coronavirus. Read more...
Alex Gangitano, May 23, 2020, The Hill

What will summer vacation be like in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic?

This time last year, more than 43 million Americans took to the roads rails and skies, kicking off one of the busiest summer travel seasons in recent history. Read more...
Luz Lazo, May 22, 2020, Washington Post

Old Town sidewalks temporarily widened Memorial Day weekend

The City has temporarily widened the sidewalk on the south side of the unit, 100 and 200 blocks of King Street, to allow more room for pedestrians to stay at least 6 feet apart while walking,” the city said in a press release. Read more...
Vernon Miles, May 22, 2020, ALX Now

Amtrak continues testing on new Acela fleet

Amtrak’s new Acela fleet, scheduled to enter service on the Northeast Corridor (NEC) in 2021, continues to progress with its high-speed testing at Transportation Technology Center near Pueblo, Colo., as the first Acela prototype completed another milestone by traveling at speeds up to 165 mph, although the train’s initial top operating speed will be 160 mph. Read more...
Andrew Corselli, May 22, 2020, Railway Age

Hertz files for bankruptcy amid drop in demand

Hertz filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy amid rising debt and a sharp drop in demand for rental cars during the coronavirus pandemic. Read more...
Tal Axelrod, May 22, 2020, The Hill

New report strengthens the case for MARC "run-through" service to Virginia

Even with Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s recent veto of a bill to study expanding MARC (Maryland Area Rail Commuter) service to Northern Virginia, the potential demand to bring “run-though” rail service across the Potomac River remains strong according to a new report presented to the Washington region’s main planning body this week. Read more...
Alex Holt, May 22, 2020, GGWash

Daily talks underway in hopes of preventing Purple Line builders from quitting

Maryland transportation leaders say they are negotiating daily with the builders of the Purple Line in hopes of preventing them from leaving the project. Read more...
Michelle Basch, May 21, 2020, WTOP

Metro's summer shutdown begins Saturday

Metro will close nine Metrorail stations on the Orange and Silver lines through the summer starting Saturday in order to begin its platform reconstruction projects. Read more...
Mary DePompa, May 22, 2020, WTOP

Greyhound will pay D.C. $125,000 to settle illegal idling suit

According to a lawsuit filed in December by D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine, Greyhound routinely ignores the anti-idling law and allows its buses to idle at Union Station for much longer than the legal limit. Read more...
Jacob Fenston, May 21, 2020, dcist

As the District considers reopening, councilmembers call for plans to open streets

Advocates and some District leaders are frustrated that there are few concrete plans to make streets friendlier to pedestrians and cyclists -- like expanding sidewalks, lowering speed limits, opening lanes of traffic to pedestrians and cyclists, and closing off some streets entirely -- in the mix. Read more...
Margaret Barthel, May 22, 2020, dcist

The ReOpenDC report recommends reallocating street space for walking, restaurants, buses

“DC should reallocate sidewalks and streets to support physical distancing for residents and greater outdoor capacity for restaurants and other businesses,” says one section of a new report, released Thursday by Mayor Muriel Bowser, “as well as reconfigure road lanes to prioritize Lifeline Network bus corridors.” Read more...
David Alpert, May 21, 2020, GGWash

12 states and DC join forces to curb harmful emissions from cars and other vehicles

With federal action limited on climate change, states have been stepping up to do their part. The latest move is the Transportation and Climate Initiative, an alliance among states from Maine to Virginia, plus DC, to reduce transportation-related emissions. Read more...
Ethan Goffman, May 21, 2020, GGWash

D.C. officials see more problems with Union Station expansion

Union Station neighbors, D.C. leaders and one prominent developer are frustrated because they believe federal officials aren’t listening to their concerns about the massive station expansion project, especially as a new dispute has emerged. Read more...
Alex Koma, May 20, 2020, WBJ

Md. Transportation Trust Fund faces up to $560 million shortfall

Maryland's already ailing Transportation Trust Fund faces an estimated $550 million revenue shortfall in the current fiscal year because of social distancing restrictions, and that number could be even higher next year, Transportation Secretary Greg Slater said Wednesday. Read more...
Holden Wilen, May 20, 2020, WBJ

Metro gets $876M in federal funding through coronavirus aid package

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority will be getting a boost to the tune of $876 million in federal funding, a Democratic delegation from Maryland announced Tuesday. Read more...
Will Vitka, May 20, 2020, WTOP

Three years of roadwork to begin on stretch of Route 1 in College Park

$29 million project includes bike lanes and other traffic safety features. Read more...
Luz Lazo, May 20, 2020, Washington Post

D.C. parks second-best in nation, Arlington is 4th, according to new ranking

The only U.S. city with better parks than D.C. is Minneapolis, Minnesota, according to new rankings by an organization that advocates for parks and land protection. Read more...
Kristi King, May 20, 2020, WTOP

U.S. roadways more lethal during pandemic, safety group says

U.S. highways have been emptier during the coronavirus pandemic, but they have also been more deadly, according to statistics released Wednesday. Read more...
Luz Lazo, May 20, 2020, Washington Post

CDC adopts guidelines for transit reopening

Systems should ensure passengers can wash hands in train and bus stations and have access to sanitizer, guidance says. Read more...
Justin George, May 19, 2020, Washington Post

Transit agencies in D.C., Md. grapple with enforcing mask policies

During a teleconference with WMATA workers last week, General Manager Paul Wiedefeld said the mask policy and maintaining social distance on buses and trains is “extremely tough. People are going to do what they’re going to do, but we’ve got to convince them to do it on their own.” Read more...
Jordan Pascale, May 19, 2020, WAMU

World carbon pollution falls 17% during pandemic peak

The world cut its daily carbon dioxide emissions by 17% at the peak of the pandemic shutdown last month, a new study found. Read more...
Seth Borenstein, May 19, 2020, Fox5

Md. making big money with 'porta potty' speed cameras

Over a two-year period, the state collected nearly $24 million dollars in speeding citations. Read more...
Adam Longo, May 19, 2020, WUSA9

26 people run the Metrorail system, and their office has major safety issues

In response to major, ongoing issues in Metro’s rail control center, the agency’s oversight committee is requiring solutions to problems that “pose unacceptable risks for Metrorail customers, employees, and contractors” if left unaddressed. Read more...
Stephen Repetski, May 19, 2020, GGWash

Drop in state revenue may delay Va. transportation projects

Virginia’s plans to improve its transportation infrastructure may need to be put on hold as the coronavirus pandemic leads to state revenue falling dramatically. Read more...
Nick Iannelli, May 19, 2020, WTOP

Md. cracks down on drivers excessively speeding

An unexpected side effect of the coronavirus pandemic has been an increase in the number of drivers reaching triple digit speeds on local roads. Read more...
Megan Cloherty, May 18, 2020, WTOP