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.

Metro budget passes, but coronavirus costs could force re-evaluation

Metro’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the agency’s fiscal year 2021 budget on Thursday, but major questions remain about its implementation as the agency reacts to the coronavirus outbreak. Read more...
Jordan Pascale, Margaret Barthel, April 2, 2020, WAMU

Bike and scooter-sharing companies implement new cleaning practices

As a result of World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, the companies have modified their cleaning and sanitizing protocols, and they’ve also added new safety practices. Read more...
Brandon Millman, April 2, 2020, WTOP

What would it take for Metro to shut down?

Metro does not expect to totally shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, General Manager Paul Wiedefeld said. Read more...
Max Smith, April 2, 2020, WTOP

North Branch Trail construction pushed back to 2021

Construction on a couple of segments of the North Branch Trail, a trail that will eventually extend along the North Branch of Rock Creek from the Rock Creek Valley Trail to Olney, was to begin this spring or last fall, but has been pushed out to 2021. Read more...
April 2, 2020, WashCycle

Despite telework, stay-at-home orders, not much change to air quality in D.C. area

One outcome that is emerging from the mandated stay-at-home orders and other local initiatives related to the coronavirus pandemic is less traffic on D.C.-area roadways. But the potential for improved air quality remains to be seen, at least for now. Read more...
Brandon Millman, April 1, 2020, WTOP

Biking during COVID-19

Note: Everything in this post could change very quickly. Read more...
April 1, 2020, WABA

Where can I park my bike?

While locking your bike to a rack is always the ideal scenario, sometimes there aren’t enough racks available. Read more...
April 1, 2020, WABA

Bikes on bus and rail

Sometimes you need to take your bike on the train or bus. Read more...
April 1, 2020, WABA

Construction ends on the Bay Bridge's westbound span a year early

A long-term rehabilitation project on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge’s westbound span ended Wednesday, when Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced construction wrapped more than a year ahead of schedule. Read more...
Alejandro Alvarez, April 1, 2020, WTOP

Project helps D.C. residents donate bicycles to essential workers

As avid cyclists, Rachel Maisler and Rudi Riet already knew that bikes could be great alternative modes of transit. But as the coronavirus pandemic shut down much of D.C. and greatly reduced access to public transportation, they seemed even more vital. Read more...
Nathan Diller, April 1, 2020, WAMU

What social distancing and staying home might mean for D.C.'s air quality

In D.C., it’s still too soon to know the true environmental impact of the crisis. But experts say that, at least in the short term, it’s likely to clear up air pollution in the city. Read more...
Nathan Diller, March 31, 2020, dcist

Metro backs away from significant bus service cuts

The Metro Board is set to approve its final budget for fiscal year 2021 on Thursday, following an extensive public comment period and no shortage of controversy. Read more...
Margaret Barthel, March 31, 2020, WAMU

How WMATA is juggling riders' needs and coronavirus safety

Some are questioning WMATA’s approach to curtailing service during a time when many people need it most, bringing to the forefront some key questions. Read more...
Caitlin Rogger, March 31, 2020, GGWash

Facing stay-at-home orders, Metro says it will close more stations, scale back service

Metro is warning that it could scale back essential rail and bus service even further now that stay-at-home orders have been issued in all the jurisdictions it serves – Maryland, D.C. and Virginia. Read more...
Pete Muntean, March 30, 2020, WUSA9

Metro board will decide on service, fare changes this week

Metro’s board of directors is set to vote on a final version of its fiscal year 2021 budget this Thursday, likely bringing changes to Metro’s fare structure and service. Once passed, the budget could take effect as early as July. Read more...
Margaret Barthel, March 31, 2020, WAMU

Amtrak makes more service cuts, extends waiver on change fees

To help reduce the spread of the virus, Amtrak said Monday it would temporarily reduce bookings in coach and business class by 50 percent “to help maintain CDC recommendations for social distancing onboard our trains.” Read more...
Luz Lazo, March 30, 2020, Washington Post

WMATA on track for budget compromise that achieves key rider asks

Most but not all of Metro’s proposed cuts to bus service are off the table, under a draft budget proposal the WMATA Board will vote on Thursday. So is an extra charge for riders using cash on buses, which advocates had opposed. Read more...
David Alpert, March 30, 2020, GGWash

Md. Gov. Larry Hogan issues 'stay at home' order

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has issued a “stay at home” order, directing Maryland residents not to leave their homes unless it’s for an “essential” purpose, such as getting food or medicine or reporting for work that is deemed essential. Read more...
Jack Moore, March 30, 2020, WTOP

Work on region's big projects continues amid coronavirus

Infrastructure projects across the Washington region, from routine road maintenance to major transit and highway expansions, are progressing apace even as efforts to limit the spread of the potentially deadly virus have brought much of the region to a standstill. Read more...
Luz Lazo, Katherine Shaver, March 28, 2020, Washington Post

Metro to close front and rear cars of trains to riders to protect employees from COVID-19

Metro announced it will shutting the front and rear cars of its trains in order to protect its employees during the COVID-19 pandemic starting Monday, March 30. Read more...
Samantha Mitchell, March 29, 2020, WJLA

IRS issues evacuation notice putting nearly all employees on mandatory telework

The IRS issued an evacuation notice Friday afternoon that would send nearly all of its employees home on mandatory telework during the coronavirus pandemic. Read more...
Jory Heckman, March 27, 2020, Federal News Network

Real ID deadline extended to Oct. 1, 2021

The Department of Homeland Security extended the deadline a year because the coronavirus is delaying issuance of the credential in DMVs across the country. Read more...
Luz Lazo, March 27, 2020, Washington Post

Local public transit agencies cut service in wake of coronavirus

As cases of the coronavirus continue to rise in the Washington region, transit agencies are adapting their schedules in an attempt to balance the virus’ impact on ridership and public health. Read more...
Margaret Barthel, March 27, 2020, WAMU

Van Ness and Tenleytown Stations reopen after contractor tests positive for COVID-19

Metro temporarily closed the Van Ness and Tenleytown Metro stations after it says an overnight contractor tested positive for COVID-19. The stations have since been reopened. Read more...
Samantha Mitchell, March 26, 2020, WJLA

Va., Md. make changes to tolling amid COVID-19 pandemic

Virginia and Maryland are making some tolling changes amid the novel coronavirus outbreak. Read more...
Max Smith, March 26, 2020, WTOP

Coronavirus bill would provide $114 billion to prop up faltering transportation networks

A federal bailout bill aimed at keeping the economy afloat during the coronavirus pandemic would provide $114 billion to prop up transportation networks that have been financially battered as passengers have stayed home. Read more...
Ian Duncan, March 25, 2020, Washington Post

Federal agencies would get money for telework, equipment -- and cleaning the office

Numerous federal agencies would get money to buy protective equipment, sanitize their offices and accommodate increased telework by their employees under the coronavirus emergency spending bill approved by the Senate. Read more...
Eric Yoder, March 26, 2020, Washington Post

Transportation options available in Montgomery during pandemic

Montgomery County transportation and health officials have compiled a list of transportation resources for residents -- but particularly for adults over 50 and people with disabilities -- during the coronavirus pandemic. Read more...
Alessia Grunberger, March 24, 2020, Takoma Park Patch

How coronavirus could impact Metro commuters for months after a cure

This pandemic’s impact on public transit systems will be felt by commuters for months after a cure. That's according to transit advocates, who warn that without an influx of federal money, coronavirus could cripple systems like D.C.'s Metro. Read more...
Pete Muntean, March 25, 2020, WUSA9

Teleworking among feds ramped up but plenty of issues remain

It may have taken awhile to get going, but a new survey of federal employees shows that strong majority of federal employees are teleworking during the coronavirus pandemic. Read more...
Jason Miller, March 25, 2020, Federal News Network

Transit agencies grapple with cutting service during pandemic

“Metro wants to provide bus service for essential trips in the region, but if continued usage for non-essential trips becomes a public health concern, Metro may consider discontinuing all bus service,” the agency said in a statement. Read more...
Margaret Barthel, March 25, 2020, WAMU

Mass transit systems desperate for financial relief as riders stay home

A sharp decline in ridership and revenue is forcing some of the largest transportation systems in the country to seek bailouts from the federal government as money dries up during the coronavirus pandemic. Read more...
Rachel Bucchino, March 25, 2020. The Hill

Metro to close 17 more stations, several entrances amid coronavirus rider drop

Metro is closing more than a dozen stations for an indefinite period beginning Thursday morning. Read more...
Max Smith, March 24, 2020, WTOP

Nearly 80 airlines cut capacity by 100 percent over coronavirus

A majority of airlines worldwide have cut capacity by 100 percent as a result of the coronavirus shutting down travel and grounding most flights. Read more...
Zack Budryk, March 24, 2020, The Hill

Metro's cuts and messaging leave some riders who still need transit confused

Although local leaders stopped short of a formal “shelter in place” order, WMATA, the region’s transit agency, has taken extraordinary measures to keep people from gathering. Read more...
Ron Thompson, March 24, 2020, GGWash

Nation's transit agencies ask Congress for $25 billion in coronavirus aid

The nation’s largest public transit agencies said Monday that they need at least $25 billion in federal aid to survive the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on their systems. Read more...
Justin George, March 23, 2020, Washington Post

Trump to delay deadline to acquire Real ID

President Trump on Monday said the federal government will delay requirements for Americans to obtain a Real ID to travel, citing the coronavirus. Read more...
Brett Samuels, March 23, 2020, The Hill

Alexandria haggles Metro to acceptable price for southwest Potomac Yard access

The long squabble between the City of Alexandria and Metro over the Potomac Yard Metro station’s southwest access entrance has ended with an agreement within the initial $50 million framework. Read more...
Vernon Miles, March 23, 2020, ALX Now

In a week, the coronavirus razed U.S. transit and rail systems

As recently as a month ago, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority was talking about increasing service, having finally turned a corner after years of precipitous ridership declines. Read more...
Luz Lazo, Justin George, March 22, 2020, Washington Post

D.C. mayor closes National Mall to pedestrian and bike traffic

The restriction will be in place, according to a news release, “until further notice to ensure social distancing and prevent community transmission of COVID-19.” Read more...
March 22, 2020, Inside NoVa

Metro 'significantly' reducing service this week due to coronavirus

“We all need to think of transit service as a limited resource because, right now, it is," said Paul Wiedefeld, Metro’s general manager and CEO. Read more...
March 23, 2020, Inside NoVa

Metro says it will continue limiting service to 'essential only travel' due to COVID-19

Metro joins public health officials in continuing to urge people to stay at home and to only use Metro if no other options are available. Read more...
Samantha Mitchell, March 22, 2020, WJLA

Metro union calls for more cuts during coronavirus crisis

As Metro aims to run trains every 20 minutes or so this week on each line, with buses mainly on a Sunday schedule, workers continue to fear they could be exposed to COVID-19. Read more...
Max Smith, March 22, 2020, WTOP

D.C.-area cab drivers feel pinch of COVID-19 pandemic

Despite many people taking advantage of being outdoors, taxi drivers in the D.C. area are feeling the pinch of the coronavirus pandemic. Read more...
Liz Anderson, March 23, 2020, WTOP

Metrobus riders will be required to board from rear doors, making rides essentially free

The agency is looking to stabilize service schedules after a week of sudden changes. Read more...
Justin George, March 22, 2020, Washington Post

Metrobus operator tests positive for coronavirus

Metro has confirmed to News4 that one of its bus drivers has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Read more...
Gina Cook, March 21, 2020, NBC Washington

Metro to cut hundreds of bus routes over coronavirus concerns

Metro is suspending nearly 95 percent of its bus routes Saturday evening to curb commuters' exposure to coronavirus. Read more...
March 21, 2020, Fox5

FAA says 11 air traffic facilities affected by coronavirus outbreak

Disruptions hit air travel Saturday as air traffic controllers tested positive. Read more...
Michael Laris, March 21, 2020, Washington Post

Metrobus limiting service to just 20 routes starting at 5 p.m. Saturday

It was unclear if more routes would be restored Monday. Read more...
Justin George, March 21, 2020, Washington Post