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.

Maryland woman dies after being struck by car in May

Authorities said a pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle in May has died. Read more...
Dana Hedgpeth, October 4, 2022, Washington Post

Food delivery drivers in DC may get a fine next time they block traffic

Many drivers in D.C. have laid on the horn at a food delivery driver who parked in the middle of the street to grab a meal from a restaurant, but those drivers may soon have to find a parking spot. Read more...
Luke Lukert, October 3, 2022, WTOP

Maryland appeals court hears arguments in toll lanes bid protest

A bid protest by Spanish firm Cintra alleges Maryland improperly awarded a contract to design toll lanes for the Capital Beltway and I-270. Read more...
Katherine Shaver, October 3, 2022, Washington Post

Metrobus fare evasion raching eyepopping numbers

Riders skipping out on bus fares is one of the biggest complaints with which Metro is dealing these days. Read more...
Adam Tuss, October 3, 2022, NBC Washington

Concerns rise over delayed opening of Potomac Yard Metro Station in Alexandria

Alexandria’s mayor and others in the city are expressing deep frustration after Metro’s announcement that the opening of the future Potomac Yard station will be delayed, yet again. Read more...
Tom Roussey, October 3, 2022, ABC7

WMATA extends shutdown associated with Potomac Yard Station tie in; says new station won't open until 2023

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) says “unexpected site conditions and remediation efforts” will extend a service shutdown of stations south of Reagan National Airport for two weeks and further delay the opening of Potomac Yard Station. Read more...
Mischa Wanek-Libman, October 3, 2022, Mass Transit

DC may soon give every resident $100 per month for transit, improve service

DC Council took a step toward putting $100 per month on District residents’ SmarTrip cards Monday as the Committee on Transportation and the Environment voted unanimously in favor of the Metro for DC Amendment Act of 2021. Read more...
John Besche, October 3, 2022, Streetsblog USA

Gas prices rise slightly nationally, but drop a bit locally

The national average for a gallon of regular gas on Monday stood at $3.79, the same as a month ago and 60 cents higher than last year, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic. Read more...
Scott Shenk, October 3, 2022, Free Lance-Star

More commuters working remotely, but also driving alone, survey finds

Commuters in the Washington, D.C., region are working remotely far more than they did several years ago, but are more likely to drive alone to an office, according to a recent survey. Read more...
Ryan Marshall, October 3, 2022, Frederick News-Post

Crowd gathers to recreate dedication photo of Crain Highway on centennial anniversary

A group of excited residents gathered Saturday to celebrate an important Maryland road by recreating a picture taken during its dedication in 1922. Read more...
Derrick Ward, October 1, 2022, NBC Washington

'A number of crashes': USPP warn of wet roads, accidents

U.S. Park Police said officers were called to a number of crashes Sunday. Read more...
October 2, 2022, ABC7

Woman killed by hit-and-run driver in Annandale

A woman was struck by a hit-and-run driver as she was walking in Annandale Sunday night. Read more...
October 2, 2022, ABC7

'Please move over': Maryland's new law aims to reduce roadside deaths, crashes

Monday is the first weekday for the new Move Over Law in Maryland -- Now, the 8th state in the country with this type of traffic enforcement. Read more...
John Gonzalez, October 3, 2022, ABC7

Americans are larger. Should the FAA stop airplane seats from shrinking?

After years of debate, the agency is asking the public to weigh in on whether there should be size standards for airplane seats to ensure safe evacuations. Read more...
Lori Aratani, October 1, 2022, Washington Post

GM's Cruise wants to add 5,000 more robotaxis to American streets. This city warns it could backfire

But the city says the robotaxis are already shaping up to be a self-driving nightmare at times and warns that a much larger fleet could worsen safety and traffic. Read more...
September 30, 2022, WTOP

Window closing for Maryland drivers with unpaid video tolls to avoid penalties

When the Maryland Transportation Authority’s grace period ends on Nov. 30, the state will charge drivers for not paying their video toll by its due date, according to a statement. Read more...
Hugh Garbrick, October 1, 2022, WTOP

Opening of Metro's Potomac Yard Station delayed, closure of 6 stations south of DCA extended

The closures of six Blue & Yellow line stations south of Reagan Washington National Airport in Northern Virginia will continue an extra two weeks. Read more...
September 30, 2022, NBC Washington

Climate protesters who blocked Beltway in Montgomery Co. on July 4 sentenced to jail time

The 13 people who blocked the Colesville Road exit of the Beltway for a climate demonstration on July 4 were sentenced this week to four days in jail. Read more...
October 1, 2022, ABC7

EV charging network moves forward in all 50 states

On Tuesday, the U.S. Departments of Transportation and Energy announced the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plans for all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have been approved under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. Read more...
Liz Carey, September 28, 2022, Transportation Today

IBEW members ratify freight rail agreement

The National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC), which represents most U.S. Class I freight railroads in national collective bargaining, announced on Sept. 28 that the membership of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) has ratified the tentative labor agreement. Read more...
Carolina Worrell, September 28, 2022, Railway Age

'Lay off the horn': DC neighborhood frustrated over increase in honking

Neighbors in one Northwest, D.C. community have a big ask of drivers passing through: Lay off the horn. Read more...
David Kaplan, September 30, 2022, Fox5

Safety watchdog says Metro needs to fix patchy communication system

Metro’s communication devices, such as radios, are critical during an emergency. But an in-depth audit released this week by Metro’s safety watchdog says the agency isn’t doing enough to ensure communication systems are properly maintained, risking failure when they’re needed most. Read more...
Gigi Barnett, September 30, 2022, WTOP

As Purple Line construction resumes, the fight against gentrification is on

Gerrit Knaap’s group, the Purple Line Corridor Coalition, examines how development coming to future Maryland light-rail stations can be most equitable. Read more...
Katherine Shaver, September 30, 2022, Washington Post

DC bill would impound vehicles of 'reckless drivers'

Drivers with multiple speeding tickets or other moving violations could have their vehicles impounded until they take a driver safety course if a new bill passes the D.C. Council. Read more...
Hugh Garbrick, September 30, 2022, WTOP

Fare evasion in D.C. is rising. Money troubles are pushing Metro to confront it.

Evasion has proliferated during the pandemic and is a visible reminder to many riders of revenue Metro is not collecting. Read more...
Justin George, October 1, 2022, Washington Post

Metro announces delay to Potomac Yard construction project south of Reagan National Airport; Future station opening delayed until 2023

Metro is extending the closure of six stations south of Reagan National Airport due to unexpected site conditions and remediation efforts for the future Potomac Yard Station. Read more...
September 30, 2022, WMATA

Proposed bicycle-pedestrian bridge over Potomac receives $20 million in federal funding

A proposed bridge for bicyclists and pedestrians between Crystal City and the Southwest Waterfront area of D.C. has received $20 million in federal funding to move forward. Read more...
Jo DeVoe, September 30, 2022, ARLnow

Metro delays Potomac Yard station opening, extends closures south of Narional Airport

The transit agency announced Friday that it will extend the closure of  six stations south of National Airport for two more weeks, to Nov. 5. Read more...
Callan Tansill-Suddath, September 30, 2022, dcist

Outdoor groups seek delay of old Nice bridge demolition

Several groups of outdoor enthusiasts in Maryland and Virginia, including one based in King George County, have filed a federal lawsuit asking that the demolition of the historic Harry W. Nice Bridge be delayed until it’s shown that the action would comply with environmental laws. Read more...
Cathy Dyson, September 30, 2022, Free Lance-Star

Weekend Road and Rail: Stops planned on the Beltway and I-66, District events; Metro maintenance

The weather will likely play a big factor in any work zones scheduled this weekend. Be sure to stay tuned for up to the minute conditions. Read more...
Mary DePompa, September 30, 2022, WTOP

Former Metro manager pleads guilty in nine-year fraud scheme

Metro paid $1.3 million to a company that federal prosecutors said was involved in the conspiracy. Read more...
Ian Duncan, September 29, 2022, Washington Post

Bike groups sue over demolition of Maryland bridge they want for trail

A lawsuit alleges changes to the design of a Potomac River crossing in Southern Maryland violated environmental review laws. Read more...
Ian Duncan, September 29, 2022, Washington Post

More traffic cameras, reckless driving classes among D.C. plans for bad drivers

With traffic fatalities at a 14-year-high last year, D.C. looks to driver’s license points and other measures to reduce recklessness on city streets. Read more...
Luz Lazo, September 30, 2022, Washington Post

Maryland's Move Over Law, car seat requirements changing this weekend

If you drive on Maryland roadways, officials are giving a heads-up about some changes taking effect on Sunday. Read more...
David Kaplan, September 29, 2022, Fox5

Metro GM responds to overcrowding risk and radio problems since deadly smoke incident in 2015

An audit found radio communication issues persist since the L'Enfant Plaza smoke incident. Read more...
Delia Goncalves, September 29, 2022, WUSA9

'Walking While Black': DC man sues park police for $1M after arrest

Jonathan McKinney, a professional dogwalker, says he was walking home through Battery Kemble Park when officers chased him, tased him and put him in jail for a night. Read more...
September 29, 2022, NBC Washington

New Metro HQ to reduce transit agency's costs

Metro celebrated the opening of its new headquarters in Southwest D.C. Thursday, which will help the transit agency save millions of dollars over time. Read more...
Mark Segraves, September 29, 2022, NBC Washington

Freight train strikes work truck in Rockville, electrical wires fall on to tracks

A CSX freight train struck a work truck in Montgomery County Thursday night and crews are working to determine how it happened. Read more...
September 29, 2022, ABC7

$19.9M Project To Improve I-395 Bike, Pedestrian Access Breaks Ground

Arlington County and state officials break ground Wednesday on a $19.9 million project at the Boundary Channel Drive and I-395 interchange. Read more...
Michael O'Connell, September 28, 2022, Arlington Patch

Diverse strategies in customer experience programs across North America help increase ridership, improve morale

As with many other industries, customer experience (CX) programs are taking transit by storm. Read more...
Aaron Weinstein, September 28, 2022, Mass Transit

Public transit ridership rises to more than 70 percent of pre-pandemic levels

People returning to the office and school are fueling the ridership recovery, according to the latest data from APTA’s Ridership Trends Dashboard. Read more...
September 29, 2022, Mass Transit

'WMATA is treading carefully'

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Vice President and Assistant Chief Safety Officer Jayme Johnson wants everyone to know that the NTSB investigation involving the 7000-series railcar is still ongoing, and that no definitive conclusions have been made. Read more...
Bill Wilson, September 27, 2022, Railway Age

Biofuel facilities eligible for USDA grants

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is awarding $100 million in grants through its Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program to expand infrastructure for renewable fuels sourced from U.S. agricultural products (biodiesel, ethanol, etc.). Read more...
William C. Vantuono, September 27, 2022, Railway Age

Study: Automatic emergency braking systems fail at deadliest crash speeds

The automatic emergency braking systems that will soon come standard on nearly all new cars don’t reliably prevent crashes at the higher speeds at which the overwhelming majority of roadway deaths occur, a new study finds — and pedestrian-specific braking systems need further scrutiny, too. Read more...
Kea Wilson, September 29, 2022, Streetsblog USA

Not all roundabouts are created equal when it comes to bicycle safety

As roundabouts decrease traffic deaths for drivers, some designs of the controversial traffic treatment may actually increase non-deadly collisions for people on bikes. while scaring others off riding entirely, a series of studies suggests — and its raising thorny questions about who might get hurt along the road to Vision Zero. Read more...
Kea Wilson, September 30, 2022, Streetsblog USA

Two fully electric school buses on the roads in Frederick this year

Frederick County Public Schools bus No. 22977 didn't make a sound as Fred Punturiero booted it up. Read more...
Jillian Atelsek, September 29, 2022, Frederick News-Post

Maryland car seat law takes effect Saturday

A law in Maryland about children’s car seats goes into effect Saturday. It aims to clear up some confusion about the type of car seat that should be used. Read more...
John Domen, September 29, 2022, WTOP

Purple Line study: Without help, light-rail line will bring gentrification

As major construction resumes, academics and activists say more is needed to preserve small businesses and affordable housing. Read more...
Katherilne Shaver, September 28, 2022, Washington Post

Montgomery County Department of Transportation looks to revise sidewalk construction policy

The department plans to revise its policy on installing more sidewalks in the wake of the rise of fatal collisions in the county. Read more...
Chioma-Emilia Ahaghotu, September 28, 2022, WUSA9

Person shot in foot at Union Station

Nearby U.S. Capitol Police officers caught two suspects near North Capitol Street and H Street and recovered a handgun, police said. Read more...
Matthew Stabley, September 28, 2022, NBC Washington