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 suspends rail, bus service Monday due to curfew

Metro is suspending service early Monday due to a 7 p.m. curfew in place for the District. Read more...
Luz Lazo, June 1, 2020, Washington Post

Va. DMV extends validity of licenses, IDs, vehicle registrations

Driver’s licenses and identification cards expiring on or before July 31, 2020, are extended for 90 days, not to exceed August 31, 2020. Read more...
Kevin Dauray, May 31, 2020, Zebra

DDOT suspends Capital Bikeshare, pulls scooters from streets

The District Department of Transportation suspended Capital Bikeshare service and asked micro-mobility companies to remove their scooters from the streets as a safety precaution ahead of the third night of protests. Read more...
Jordan Pascale, May 31, 2020, dcist

Armed Forces Cycling Classic cancelled, virtual rides planned

The Armed Forces Cycling Classic, an annual series of cycling races around Clarendon and Crystal City, has been cancelled by the pandemic. Read more...
May 29, 2020, ARLnow

The COVID-19 impact on energy and emissions

Air pollution is down across Virginia and the rest of the country, due to much lower personal traffic on roadways. Read more...
May 30, 2020, ARLnow

'Shared Streets' initiative brings open spaces to Montgomery Co.

As parts of the D.C. region reopen and more people head outdoors amid the coronavirus pandemic, there’s a new plan in Maryland to turn some roads into open spaces. Read more...
Melissa Howell, May 30, 2020, WTOP

Support more open streets

Kudos to everyone involved in getting Fairfax County’s first Open Street for pedestrians and cyclists on a section of Tysons Boulevard in Tysons. Read more...
May 31, 2020, FABB

Strong proposals from Mayor Bowser for safer, slower streets

Yesterday morning DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced several big changes that affect how people get around as the District reopens, and beyond. Read more...
Colin Browne, May 30, 2020, WABA

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

Train hauling hazardous materials derails in Va.

Authorities say there is no threat to public safety after a train hauling hazardous materials derailed in Virginia. Read more...
May 29, 2020, Fox5

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

Masks will be required at Reagan National, Dulles airports

Face masks or coverings will now be required at Dulles International and Reagan National airports starting Friday. Read more...
Jeff Clabaugh, May 28, 2020, WTOP

Tell Congress to support active transportation

FABB encourages everyone to join Adventure Cycling’s push to have Congress include more money for active transportation in the next COVID-19 stimulus package and future federal transportation bill reauthorization. Read more...
May 29, 2020, FABB

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

Governor Northam extends deadline for driver's license renewals

As Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles offices undergo phased reopenings, Governor Ralph Northam on Thursday announced an extension for residents who need to get renewals for identification cards and driver’s licenses. Read more...
James Cullum, May 28, 2020, ALX Now

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

Popular Northern Va. roads close to cars as region reopens

Some popular streets in Northern Virginia will temporarily close to vehicles as parts of the Washington region begin to reopen and more space is needed for people to maintain safe distances. Read more...
May 28, 2020, dcist

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

Report recommends widening Mt. Vernon Trail in Arlington

The National Park Service this month released a report on its Mount Vernon Trail Corridor Study, which examined the condition of the trail, usage patterns and potential improvements. Read more...
May 28, 2020, ARLnow

Advocacy group offers advice for prospective bike-commuters

The Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling (FABB)  has established a bike-adviser program to encourage people to try bicycling during the shutdown of Silver Line and Orange Line Metro stations over the summer. Read more...
May 28, 2020, Inside NoVa

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

A road in Tysons becomes the first in Fairfax County to open for pedestrians, cyclists

It may have been a road where thousands of cars and trucks traversed everyday, but by Friday evening, portions of Tysons Blvd will open to pedestrians and cyclists for recreation and exercise. Read more...
George Kevin Jordan, May 28, 2020, GGWash

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

FABB's Bike Advisor program for new commuters

FABB is pleased to announce its new Bike Advisor program to help commuters try bicycling during the Metro Silver and Orange lines shutdown that began May 23, 2020 and runs through the fall. Read more...
May 27, 2020, FABB

With buses only half-full, the first rush-hour during the 2020 Metro shutdown begins

Metro's summer shutdown is underway and today people will experience the closure for the first time during rush hour. Read more...
Kristen Powers, May 26, 2020, WJLA

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

Pedestrian struck by car, injured on W&OD Trail in Vienna

A pedestrian traveling southbound on the Washington & Old Dominion Regional Trail on May 7 at 9:43 a.m. was struck while using the crosswalk at Church Street, N.E., by a vehicle traveling eastbound, Vienna police said. Read more...
May 25, 2020, Inside NoVa

Great Falls group, VDOT, Park Service collaborate on traffic hot-spot

The Great Falls Citizens Association (GFCA) has been working with the National Park Service on ways to mitigate traffic backups that occur sporadically near the entrance to Great Falls Park at Georgetown Pike and Old Dominion Drive. Read more...
Brian Trompeter, May 26, 2020, Inside NoVa

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

DASH expands service in Alexandria

Effective Sunday, May 24, DASH Bus will begin an expanded schedule in Alexandria, Virginia. Read more...
Lee Hernly, May 24, 2020, Port City Wire

Day 1: Metro begins Summer Shutdown 2020. How did it go?

The level of confusion was lower than the year before but so was the number of riders, as on Saturday Metro began its second straight summer shutdown of a number of stations. Read more...
Tom Roussey, May 23, 2020, WJLA

Washington region's airports reeling from impact of coronavirus pandemic

The presentation to the board that runs Dulles International and Reagan National airports was a grim summary of an average travel day in May vs. a year ago. Read more...
Lori Aratani, May 26, 2020, Washington Post

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

Tysons to create space for bikers and walkers

During a meeting with county officials last week, the Fairfax County Transportation Department (FCDOT) announced a plan to close a portion of Tysons Boulevard to allow for safer biking, better pedestrian access for exercise with social distancing, and generally enable people to get around Tysons. Read more...
May 24, 2020, FABB

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