Posts tagged Transit
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The new book “Better Buses, Better Cities” breaks down how transit advocates can win
Author Steven Higashide describes his new book Better Buses, Better Cities: How to Plan, Run, and Win the Fight for Effective Transit as “half technical backgrounder, half political field manual” for public transit – especially bus – advocates. Keep reading…
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Baltimore business leaders call for increased transit funding
Over the past few months, the Maryland Department of Transportation has garnered plenty of criticism for the lack of funding it’s given the Maryland Transit Administration in this year’s annual budget. State and local lawmakers and transportation advocacy groups have been particularly vocal about the matter, but much of Maryland’s business community isn’t happy with the state’s current level of transit spending, either. Keep reading…
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A Northern Virginia bus driver strike lands at WMATA’s front door
A Northern Virginia bus operator union and supporters gathered in front of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) headquarters Wednesday, chanting slogans like “we move this city,” as part of an ongoing strike for better wages and safer buses. Keep reading…
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Union Station badly needs updates. Here’s why fixing it is so complicated.
Union Station in DC is a key transportation hub serving 37 million riders annually on various modes of transit, but the station is also in need of a makeover to address a range of issues, from insufficient train tracks to long bottlenecks for passengers. The $5 to $7-billion Washington Union Station Expansion Project involves myriad different agencies and others. Keep reading…
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Six lessons for the DC Streetcar from Morocco’s tram
Each day, 100,000 people ride the Rabat-Sale Tram, the streetcar system in Morocco’s capital city. They do so, because the tram connects mostly working-class neighborhoods with job centers, bridges a divide over two riverbanks, and efficiently moves people from all types of backgrounds. The Rabat-Sale tram offers six lessons that could make the DC streetcar a better option for more people. Keep reading…
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The Democrats will control Virginia. What does this mean for transportation?
Virginia is now a wholly-blue state, as Democrats won majorities in both the state House and Senate in Tuesday’s election. They will have the opportunity to pass many previously-stalled legislative proposals, including on transportation and housing as well as hot-button national issues. Keep reading…
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WMATA may raise fares, restore some late-night hours, and offer free transfers. How equitable is this plan?
Monday morning, WMATA posted on its website a first look at the Fiscal Year 2021 budget, which General Manager Paul Wiedefeld will present to the board. It includes some major elements transit and equity advocates had been asking for, and some elements that cause concern. Keep reading…
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Many of DC’s playground surfaces contain lead. How dangerous is this, and what should be done?
There is lead — according to four DC agencies, reaching “actionable levels” — on the surfaces of at least 17 DC playgrounds. This, understandably, has alarmed many parents and residents already concerned about reports about lead on play surfaces that come from rubber. It’s unfortunately also difficult to find clear science telling us exactly how much of a danger this poses. Keep reading…
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Take a peek at DC’s first streetcar opening in 1862
DC’s first streetcar system opened in the middle of the Civil War after taking only six months to build. It ran horse-drawn streetcars along Pennsylvania Avenue, and was an instant hit. Keep reading…
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To build a better transit system for all, start by understanding how women travel
Women account for 55% of transit riders in the US, according to the National Household Travel Survey, yet their travel needs and behaviors are not well understood. If you lack an understanding of how and why women travel, how can you provide safe, reliable, and comfortable transit service? Keep reading…