Opinion Posts
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WMATA cut the bus to BWI. Time to bring it back.
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and facing operator shortages, WMATA canceled the B30 bus route to BWI airport. Now that people are traveling again and the network’s being redesigned, it’s time to consider restoring it. Keep reading…
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Metrorail leaders want the system to grow. What’s on the table?
As the Washington region’s population grows, Metrorail needs to grow, too. Part I of a series looks at how the current system will eventually fall short of needs, and how capacity could be increased in the long term. Keep reading…
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Two ways to give our sprawling suburbs a glow up
For folks who want walkability in more than just the places so many of our region’s residents can’t afford to live, suburban retrofits are the dream. This post takes a look at how, exactly, local governments can make them happen. Keep reading…
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DC’s housing voucher program undermines rent control, but it doesn’t have to
Housing choice vouchers and rent control policies should reinforce each other. When one tool in the housing toolbox is used in such a way that undermines another, @C_OGallachoir writes, tenants lose. Keep reading…
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DC’s traffic-safety policies have broken down. Here’s how.
As the number of people killed or injured by drivers has increased in DC, the breakdown in traffic safety enforcement extends far beyond what happens after a traffic camera captures someone engaged in an infraction. Keep reading…
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Five ways cities could be more kid-friendly
A Richmond-based dad details five ways in which cities could be better for families with little kids. Keep reading…
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Walk-up windows continue to be good urbanism
A decade ago, local urbanists were debating whether a macaron shop could successfully run a walk-up window. Now, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, walk-up windows have become fixtures in several popular pedestrian areas. Keep reading…
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Traffic safety PSAs aren’t always effective. Here are five better ways to promote safety
Traffic safety advocates, including our own contributing editor Kristen Jeffers, share how traffic safety awareness can go beyond the PSA. Keep reading…
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While some on the left demonize developers, the housing shortage continues
Focusing on developers as the only problem with (or the only solution to) our housing market obscures other issues and makes it hard to make sure everyone can afford a place to live. Keep reading…
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For Virginia, WMATA’s Better Bus network redesign means evolution, not revolution
WMATA’s better bus network redesign team put out a “visionary map” that includes some significant changes for Virginia riders. Check it out, then tell WMATA what you think. Keep reading…