Transportation
Greater Greater Washington writes about how people get around the Washington region, whether on Metro, buses, streetcars, driving, walking, biking, or any other method.
One of the region’s strengths is the wide range of options for travel. There are many walkable places in DC, Maryland, and Virginia where people could choose transit, walk or bike, or if they don’t have their own car, grab a shared vehicle or hail a ride. This reduces the need to own cars, saving people money and reducing traffic congestion.
As our region grows, it is imperative to continue to make these options safe, economical, and available to even more people. It is imperative to ensure safe sidewalks and bicycle infrastructure, expand transit options, and add housing near existing transit stations.
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Historian discovers Masonic freeway conspiracy
This article was posted as an April Fool’s joke. In a recently published article, a local historian claims to have discovered hidden messages in the design of Washington’s freeways. The historian, Tyler Vanderschmidt, says that he has found evidence of a Masonic conspiracy to use freeway building to embed the symbology of the secretive organization in the… Keep reading…
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New group opposes in-ground streetcar rails
This article was posted as an April Fool’s joke. The debate over DC streetcars has heated up again with a new alliance against DDOT’s plans to install in-ground rails. In a press release today, the Organization for Moderate Growth With Trackless Functioning and Better-than-Bus Quality announced that they would oppose any technology reliant on a guideway… Keep reading…
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DC proposes closing 14th Street bridge nights and weekends to close budget gap
This article was posted as an April Fool’s joke. Mayor Fenty’s proposed FY2011 budget, released today, calls for a complete closure of the 14th Street bridge on evenings and weekends to save maintenance dollars. DDOT estimates that closing the 14th Street Bridge would save approximately $10,000 per day. Spokesman John Truthle says people will still be able… Keep reading…
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Shake-up at WMATA brings bloggers to key posts
This article was posted as an April Fool’s joke. Though Metro General Manager John Catoe will depart the agency tomorrow, the ninety-week notice he gave the public — a timeline carefully outlined by the WMATA Compact — caused other top officials to leave early. To fill the staffing gap, WMATA has turned to local bloggers to fill top positions, as they… Keep reading…
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Bus drivers launch real-time texting traffic service
This article was posted as an April Fool’s joke. WMATA is launching a new real-time, eyes-off-the-road, traffic texting service today. Metro’s recent budget woes have led the agency to pursue both cost-cutting and revenue-enhancing measures. It has also given the agency impetus to look at its strategic assets in new ways. The agency identified its bus… Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Whee
This article was posted as an April Fool’s joke. Keep reading…
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Serious business
Tomorrow (Thursday) is a big day! Keep reading…
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Demystifying ADA complementary paratransit
Yesterday, I shared why access to public transportation is important to me as a person with a disability who cannot drive and who relies on the fixed route service. In addition, I explored why access to public transportation is equally important to people with disabilities who rely on ADA complementary paratransit service (MetroAccess). I expressed concern about cutting… Keep reading…
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Washington Post endorses Fair Share for Metro
A Washington Post editorial today endorses the message advocates have been promoting: that local jurisdictions must pay their “fair share” to stop crippling service cuts to transit. Metro is facing the threat of service cuts — shorter trains, much longer daytime and weekend waits, and other drastic curtailments, including to bus service — whose… Keep reading…
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Prince George’s residents speak out against bus cuts
Riders filled the Prince George’s County WMATA budget hearing on Monday despite a suburban and relatively transit-inaccessible location, and made heart-wrenching please to retain their vital lifelines, bus service. At least 100 riders attended and over 40 people gave testimony. Board Member Elizabeth Hewlett and General Manager John Catoe were both present to listen… Keep reading…