A 2021 model of an Alexandria DASH bus by Michael Wilson used with permission.

New dashboard shows transit statistics in Northern Virginia

A new dashboard courtesy of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission allows people to view transit data by locality and agency. The tool also lets them compare each area’s statistics and see how their transit stacks up against each other.  (Vernon Miles / ALXNow)  

MoCo resident donates nearly $10,000 in SmarTrip cards

An anonymous Montgomery County resident has made a SmarTrip donation with a total worth of nearly $10,000. The 33 SmarTrip cards, which are worth $300 each, will go to families with children in Head Start and Early Head Start programs.  (Maryam Shahzad / Montgomery Community Media)  

WMATA considers “Blue Line Loop”

With the Silver Line extension open, WMATA is now considering further potential Metrorail extensions. General Manager Randy Clarke has proposed a “Blue Line Loop,” which could address crowding problems at Rosslyn and finally give both Georgetown and National Harbor their own stations.  (Adam Tuss / NBC4)  

Racine releases own DCHA reform report

Outgoing DC Attorney General Karl Racine has released a report with recommendations for reforming the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) board. His suggestions include limiting the mayor’s power regarding board appointments and increasing internal oversight.  (Martin Austermuhle / DCist)  

Why some pandemic-related street closures remain closed

During the pandemic, streets throughout the region closed off to cars, with a notable example being Rock Creek Park’s Beach Drive. Officials want to reopen some of the roads to cars, citing a “return to normalcy,” but others say the closures have greatly benefited cyclists and pedestrians, and therefore should become permanent.  (Jacob Fenston / DCist)  

What it could take to revive Baltimore’s Red Line

Maryland Governor-elect Wes Moore has announced plans to move forward with Baltimore’s Red Line project, which Larry Hogan had canceled. However, key details need to be addressed before he can officially revive the project.  (Post)  

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