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.

Weekend Metro schedule: These three lines will be impacted

Here's what to expect if you're taking the Metro this weekend. Read more...
Alessua Grunberger, December 4, 2020, Takoma Park Patch

Arlington Memorial Bridge ropens all six lanes to traffic, after two years of construction

It’s official: After two years of construction, all six lanes of traffic reopened Friday on Arlington Memorial Bridge. Half of them were closed for construction starting in October 2018. Read more...
Margaret Barthel, December 4, 2020, dcist

Metro faces pushback on drastic service cuts from some Board members

Metro Board members Stephanie Gidigbi and Michael Goldman say WMATA’s proposed service cuts are too drastic and its ridership predictions are too conservative given the news of a pending widespread vaccine that could lead to increased ridership. Read more...
Jordan Pascale, December 4, 2020, dcist

Thanksgiving vehicle travel down just 5 percent from 2019 despite health experts' warnings

Vehicle travel on and around Thanksgiving Day was only 5 percent less than in 2019, despite warnings from health care experts and elected officials to avoid family gatherings amid the coronavirus pandemic. Read more...
Celine Castronuovo, December 4, 2020, The Hill

Metro issues layoff notices for more than 1,100 D.C.-area employees

Metro is preparing to lay off between 1,100 and 1,200 employees in January, according to Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notifications filed in Maryland and Virginia in late November. Read more...
Jonathan Capriel, December 3, 2020, Washington Business Journal

Another Seminary Road debacle? Duke Street redesign commences

The project’s goal is to add enhanced bus service along the corridor and attract more public transit riders, according to staff. Read more...
December 3, 2020, Alexandria Times

WMATA proposes cutting service at two Alexandria Metro stops

Facing a nearly $500 million deficit due to the pandemic, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority proposed a sweeping set of budget cuts on Monday that would eliminate two of Alexandria’s Metro stops. Read more...
December 3, 2020, Alexandria Times

Metroway is on the chopping block as WMATA eyes bus cuts

Metro’s “barebones” Fiscal Year 2022 budget proposal threatens to eliminate service on a number of bus lines running through Arlington. Read more...
James Cullum, December 3, 2020, ARLnow

What's Next: Metro funding is not just a pandemic problem

This week Metro released a devastating budget for FY 2022 in order to balance a $500 million deficit. Read more...
Nicole Merlene, December 3, 2020, ARLnow

Reagan National gets bikeshare station, first major airport in United States to get one

For those area residents looking for an environmentally friendly way to get to the airport, you're in luck. Read more...
Elliot Henney, December 3, 2020, WJLA

U.S. Sec. of the Interior to reopen Arlington Memorial Bridge Friday

After two years of work, the Arlington Memorial Bridge's improvements will be officially done Friday. Read more...
December 3, 2020, WJLA

Park Police investigating dirt bike riders on National Mall

The United States Park Police stated Thursday afternoon that it was investigating reports of dirt bike riders zooming around the National Mall. Read more...
December 3, 2020, WJLA

Blind pedestrian getting help for dangerous intersection

A Maryland man who recently lost his eyesight begged the state for a safer crosswalk near his Bowie neighborhood, and changes are being made after News4 first told his story Thursday afternoon. Read more...
Tracee Wilkins, December 3, 2020, NBC Washington

Weekend Road and Rail: Full stops on I-66, work on I-295; Metro shutdowns

Metro will see full shutdowns on two rail lines this weekend. Read more...
Mary DePompa, December 4, 2020, WTOP

Fall-winter Maryland advocacy roundup

As we continue to virtually organize from our homes, the WABA advocacy team has made it a priority this year to remain engaged in the push to achieve Vision Zero and complete our bike and trail networks in Maryland. Read more...
Jeremiah Lowery, December 3, 2020, WABA

Ever wanted to test out a self-driving shuttle? Now is your chance.

The State of Virginia, Fairfax County, and Dominion Energy recently launched Relay, a free self-driving and 100% electric public transportation shuttle, that will circulate between the commercial hub of Mosaic District in Merrifield, Virginia, and the Dunn Loring Metrorail Station. Read more...
Eric Maribojoc, December 3, 2020, GGWash

Here's what to know about Metro's proposed service cuts

Metro has proposed the most severe service cuts in its history because of steep fare revenue losses due to the coronavirus pandemic. Read more...
Justin George, December 3, 2020, Washington Post

Testing Amtrak's next-gen Acela trainset

Amtrak has released a video progress report on testing its next-generation high-speed Acela trainset prototype at the Transportation Technology Center, Inc., (TTCI) in Colorado. Read more...
Marybeth Luczak, December 3, 2020, Railway Age

Skip, the first company to bring e-scooters to D.C., to be acquired by competitor Helbiz

Helbiz already operates e-bikes in D.C. and says the acquisition will elevate its presence and growth in the U.S. Read more...
Luz Lazo, December 3, 2020, Washington Post

Amtrak agrees to fix stations and pay $2.25 million to settle ADA discrimination claims

Amtrak has agreed to pay $2.25 million to settle civil claims that it discriminated against disabled passengers by failing to accommodate people in wheelchairs or with limited mobility at its stations. Read more...
Luz Lazo, December 2, 2020, Washington Post

Herndon embarks on project to reconfigure Sterling Rd.

According to a staff report from Dec. 1, the town would like the residential street to reflect its current plans for traffic access management and multimodal circulation. The project length will be about one mile, located between Elden Street and Rock Hill Road. Read more...
Madeline Taylor, December 2, 2020, Reston Now

Amtrak employee hit by train at Union Station in D.C., transported to trauma center

An Amtrak employee is in the hospital Thursday morning after a train hit the individual at Union Station in D.C. Read more...
Lesly Salazar, December 3, 2020, WJLA

Loose bolts found on Metro train that separated on Red Line

A number of lose and worn bolts were found on the train’s coupler, the part of the train that holds railcars together. Read more...
December 2, 2020, NBC Washington

Suspect arrested in unsolved 1991 Metro rapes, Arlington police say

Three cases of women attacked walking from the East Falls Church Metro station in 1991 were linked by DNA evidence, and a fourth case is being investigated. Read more...
Laura Wainman, December 2, 2020, WUSA9

Local leaders warn of proposed Metro service cuts' impact on minorities, front-line workers

Metro’s plan to dramatically scale back service next year as a result of a pandemic-related budget shortfall is facing more backlash. Read more...
John Aaron, December 2, 2020, WTOP

Transportation Dept: Preparations in place for 'immediate mass shipment' of COVID-19 vaccines

The Department of Transportation is prepared for “immediate mass shipment" of coronavirus vaccines within the U.S., department officials said Tuesday. Read more...
Zack Budryk, December 2, 2020, The Hill

Could Fairfax and Montgomery counties finally get a transit connection?

No transit route directly connects Fairfax and Montgomery counties, which share miles of border along the Potomac River. Read more...
Libby Solomon, December 2, 2020, GGWash

42 DUI arrests made in second round of 2020-21 alcohol crackdown

The Alcohol Holiday Task Force arrested 42 people for driving under the influence during a four-day period in Montgomery County. Read more...
Alessia Grunberger, December 2, 2020, Takoma Park Patch

Outdoor 'steeteries' might get $1.25M for winter operations

The county is considering using that money to give outdoor “streeteries” -- blocked-off streets filled with tables and chairs for patrons to eat outdoors -- tools to prepare for operating during winter, such as heaters. Read more...
Briana Adhikusuma, December 2, 2020, Bethesda Magazine

7 On Your Side compares D.C. pandemic Metro ridership to other major cities

With Metro’s general manager proposing dramatic cuts to the system due to low pandemic ridership, 7 On Your Side investigated how other cities are handling an issue that’s affecting all U.S. transit systems. Read more...
Tom Roussey, December 1, 2020, WJLA

Initial findings released after Metro train separation near Glenmont

Metro officials released their first batch of findings Wednesday after cars on a Metro Red Line train separated Nov. 24 in a tunnel near Glenmont station in Maryland’s Montgomery County. Read more...
Will Vitka, December 2, 2020, WTOP

Transit system service cuts proposed in Congress's backyard elicit calls for more funding

From coast to coast, transit agencies are planning for layoffs and pared-down service as the coronavirus pandemic decimates budgets and a federal stimulus package remains stalled in Congress. Read more...
December 1, 2020, Washington Post

Court docs: Metro station manager beat coworker for helping customer

A Metro employee beat a coworker unconscious at the Pentagon station in 2017, after becoming enraged because the victim helped a rider, according to recent court filings about a previously-reported incident. Read more...
December 1, 2020, ARLnow

Lawmakers propose $15 billion in U.S. transit aid as Metro eyes deep cuts

Members of Congress included $15 billion for transit in a COVID-19 relief bill on Tuesday, a day after officials with D.C.’s Metro system said they would need to significantly cut service without federal relief funds. Read more...
December 1, 2020, NBC Washington

Metro riders fear the transit system may never recover if proposed cuts are enacted

Some local leaders are making dire predictions that D.C.'s Metro system may never recover if it's forced to go through with drastic cuts proposed Monday. Read more...
Scott Broom, December 1, 2020, WUSA9

Md. leaders sound alarm on proposed Metro cuts

Maryland leaders from both parties said Tuesday that proposed cuts to transit service in the capital region would cause devastating harm to its economy, workforce and environment. Read more...
December 1, 2020, WTOP

Alexandria to speed up bikeshare expansion with 7 new stations

Alexandrians living in the Virginia city’s West End can expect to see expanded Capital Bikeshare service years ahead of schedule. Read more...
Alejandro Alvarez, December 2, 2020, WTOP

D.C. Council to vote Tuesday on proposal to let e-scooter riders recoup medical bills after crashes

The D.C. Council on Tuesday is expected to pass several transportation measures, including one that would make it easier for some road users, including e-scooter riders, to recoup a share of medical bills and other costs if injured in a collision. Read more...
Luz Lazo, December 1, 2020, Washington Post

Alexandria announces rolling expansion of bikeshare program to West End next year

The City of Alexandria has announced that the Capital Bikeshare will be headed to the West End ahead of schedule starting early next year. Read more...
Vernon Miles, December 1, 2020, ALX Now

Virginia rep: Metro service cuts would be 'catastrophe'

The congressman representing Virginia suburbs near Washington, D.C. warned that proposed cuts to public transit in the area due to economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic would be devastating for the region. Read more...
Dominick Mastrangelo, December 1, 2020, The Hill

Alsobrooks leads opposition to proposed DC – Baltimore 311 mph maglev train

The Prince George's County Executive expressed opposition to the proposed maglev before, but she left no ambiguity during a virtual Greenbelt council meeting Monday. Read more...
Mike Valerio, November 30, 2020, WUSA9

How to ride your electric bike in the winter

An electric bike can make for a fun way to stay active, travel from place to place, and enjoy the outdoors. Read more...
Mary Wadland, November 30, 2020, Zebra

Metro's budget shortfall during pandemic could have huge impact on service

Based on the new budget proposal from WMATA CEO Paul Weidefeld, weekday wait times could increase to up to 30 minutes on all seven rail lines, weekday service hours would change from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., and weekend rail service would be eliminated. Read more...
November 30, 2020, Fox5

Gardner named Amtrak president

Amtrak Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating and Commercial Officer Stephen Gardner has been appointed President, effective Dec. 1, 2020, succeeding Bill Flynn, who will remain as CEO and continue to serve on the company’s board of directors. Read more...
William C. Vantuono, November 30, 2020, Railway Age

Fed pedestrian safety 'action' plan light on action, heavy on studies

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s first pedestrian safety “action” plan is pretty thin on dramatic action to end the pedestrian death crisis — but some experts think it could at least give cities a few more tools to save lives. Read more...
Kea Wilson, December 1, 2020, Streetsblog USA

Metro proposes to stop weekend rail service, close 19 stations, slash bus routes by half in upcoming budget

Metro is suggesting it stop weekend rail service, close 19 of its stations and slash its bus routes by half, according to budget proposals released on Monday, as the transportation industry deals with financial struggles spurred by the coronavirus pandemic. Read more...
Justine Coleman, November 30, 2020, The Hill

Air travel on Sunday after Thanksgiving hits highest level since March

Nearly 1.18 million travelers passed through U.S. airports on Sunday, making it the busiest air travel day since the coronavirus pandemic took hold in March. Read more...
Alex Gangitano, November 30, 2020, The Hill

Amtrak maintains funding needed for continued service

Amtrak officials maintain that funding is needed to continue focusing on improving future intercity passenger rail service in the wake of the carrier meeting the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more...
Douglas Clark, November 30, 2020, Transportation Today

First responders urge drivers to move over, slow down

Enacted in 2010, but expanded in subsequent years, the law requires motorists "approaching from the rear of an emergency vehicle using visual signals while stopped on a highway to, if possible, make a lane change into an available lane not immediately adjacent to the emergency vehicle," according to a Maryland State Police statement. Read more...
Mary Grace Keller, November 28, 2020, Frederick News-Post

Possible legal challenges pose cost risks for Maryland toll lanes proposal

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) has said the state can expand the Capital Beltway and Interstate 270 at no net cost to taxpayers because the private sector will build billions of dollars of toll lanes in exchange for keeping most of the revenue. Read more...
Katherine Shaver, November 27, 2020, Washington Post