Posts by Kelly Blynn — Contributor
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Montgomery passes on transit alternative to M-83 highway
Of all six alternatives for M-83, a proposed highway between Clarksburg and Gaithersburg in Montgomery County, Alternative 9 is the most expensive, environmentally harmful, and the one highway planners most want to build. Despite mounting opposition, the Planning Board rushed to vote in favor of it last Thursday. The decision went against recommendations from planning… Keep reading…
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Montgomery may cut Wisconsin Ave BRT line off from DC
Tomorrow, it’s likely that the Montgomery County Council’s transportation committee will approve a Bus Rapid Transit line along the high-density Route 355 corridor. But Council staff is recommending it end at Bethesda instead of at the District line in Friendship Heights. \t\t The county’s BRT plan has progressed through the committee over the last few… Keep reading…
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Notes from Seattle: Bus Rapid Transit “lite”
Several GGW editors and contributors were in Seattle last week for the Railvolution conference. While there, they’ll offer a series of short posts about their experiences. The Seattle region has two enhanced bus services, or Bus Rapid Transit “lite” systems, RapidRide and Swift. Built for a few million dollars per mile, both services are compelling examples… Keep reading…
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Dedicated lanes are integral to Montgomery BRT
Following two well-attended public hearings last week on the proposed Bus Rapid Transit system, the Montgomery County Council will now consider transit routes, approximate station locations, and rights-of-way. But one of the most significant policy issues will be whether the county gives transit priority on key routes with bus-only lanes. Keep reading…
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Divestment helps local governments fight climate change
Climate change is real and happening faster than scientists ever predicted, posing devastating impacts for our low-lying and vulnerable region. So how are local governments responding to the crisis? Activists want DC to divest, or take its money out of fossil fuel stocks as one way to demonstrate its commitment to urgent action. Tomorrow, DC Divest will hold an event to educate… Keep reading…
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Will Montgomery fund a new sprawl highway?
Montgomery County residents say the proposed Midcounty Highway between Gaithersburg and Clarksburg costs too much, cuts through sensitive park and agricultural land, and won’t solve the area’s traffic challenges. But will the county decide to build it anyway? Keep reading…
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Will Maryland spend its new transportation funds wisely?
On Monday, Governor Martin O’Malley will announce which Montgomery County transportation projects he will support with funds from the new transportation bill passed earlier this year. While there may be good news about transit, advocates are concerned about the selection process and new highway projects that may receive funding. After years of a dwindling transportation… Keep reading…
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Pedestrians will benefit from Montgomery BRT
Some Chevy Chase residents are fighting one of Montgomery County’s proposed bus rapid transit routes on Wisconsin Avenue, saying it will create new pedestrian hazards. But building a better transit system can lead to a safer, more walkable environment as well. Pedestrian safety is an issue in Montgomery County. On average, drivers strike 400 people in the county each… Keep reading…