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.
-
Catoe opens up to bloggers
It was a suprise to receive an invitation to chat candidly with John Catoe, WMATA’s General Manager. But it was an event that shows that Metro recognizes the importance of blogs, and the discussion they generate. After Greater Greater Washington asked for questions yesterday, Metro staff told us, the mainstream media contacted them wondering how they could have been… Keep reading…
-
Ten cents better than deep cuts for Ride On
Thirty-one Ride On bus routes, including thirteen routes serving East County neighborhoods from Takoma Park to Olney, could see reduced service or be eliminated altogether under cuts proposed by Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett. The changes would close the county’s $70 million budget gap by $2 million, but it would also eliminate one million of the 30 million annual… Keep reading…
-
Breakfast links: Transit, Kwame, and Prince George
Government now allowed to consider livability; Softer side of Catoe; Circulator to River East?; Sidewalks still not assured; PG Council displeased with camera reversal; Sun setting on Westphalia?; The High Cost of Free Parking: the movie. Keep reading…
-
Circulator starts banning unfolded strollers
If we want to prevent young families from fleeing DC once they have kids, and to avoid designing our transit around the needs of men, then following most European and Canadian cities by allowing unfolded strollers on the bus (and soon, the trolleys) seems obvious. To do otherwise is to effectively ban parents with infants and toddlers from the bus system. Keep reading…
-
The only thing we have to fear is fear of traffic
Has a civil engineer ever looked up at the Golden Gate Bridge and thought, “Nah, a suspension bridge could never work?” How many elected officials say, “our city could never be like San Francisco, so let’s not try to bridge our similar strait?” We have plenty of working examples of bridges, and therefore we know we can build more. But when it comes… Keep reading…
-
What would you ask John Catoe?
Metro invited a group of bloggers to meet with General Manager John Catoe this afternoon. Keep reading…
-
Breakfast links: Build, don’t kill
TOD proposed for Tysons; DC office space pricier than NY?; Driver kills one of NYC’s oldest; Speed while rich? Pay up; Free bags at farmers’ markets; Topping the hot list; Acela II. Keep reading…
-
Homeowner gets bus stop moved for parking space
Many residents of the Fox Mill Estates neighborhood in Herndon are disappointed with Fairfax County’s decision to move a bus stop because a new homeowner doesn’t want it in front of her house. According to resident Carmelita San Jose, the current stop at Pinecrest Road and Viking Drive is safe and well lit, with stop signs to aid crossing and enough room for buses to… Keep reading…
-
Metro outlines fare policy principles
On Thursday, the WMATA Board’s finance committee will hear a presentation on general fare policy. While Metro’s staff doesn’t make any specific recommendations, the presentation is a great summary of the current state of “a-fares” (groan). Metro’s ridership is declining or staying the same compared to the same period before,… Keep reading…
-
Breakfast links: Extend the lane
Ward 1 ANC supports bike lane; DumbBike after the snow; Eight feet for Seven Locks; Road rager gets 5; Montgomery’s density debates; Who can give the most?; SAD = Saw Avatar Depression?; And…. Keep reading…