Breakfast links: WMATA asks feds for emergency funds during the pandemic

LinksBy Latisha Johnson (Contributor) March 19, 2020

A Metro train by William Zhang licensed under Creative Commons.

Metro needs emergency federal aid due to coronavirus

Facing a $50 million a month budget deficit, Metro is asking for emergency federal aid due to the coronavirus. A sharp decline in ridership and fare revenue coupled with increased cost to protect its employees has caused a “dire financial circumstances.”  (Justin George / Post)

Transportation workers’ fears grow

Despite reductions in service, many transportation workers are still going to work and interacting with the public. Some agencies are making adjustments to protect its workers. For example, the DC Circulator and Montgomery County’s Ride On are asking passengers to board from the rear doors of the bus.   (Margaret Barthel / WAMU)

Major retailers close due to COVID-19

Simon Property Group announced that they will close all of its properties until March 29th. They own 10 malls throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia.  (WJLA)

A public transportation guide during COVID-19

Many of the local transit agencies are adjusting their services due to the coronavirus. Montgomery County’s Ride On and the DC Circulator have suspended fares and reduced services. The MARC, VRE, Amtrack, and Metro have also adjusted its services amongst Coronavirus concerns.   (Luz Lazo / Post)

DC to use settlement money to subsidize senior housing

Last summer DC filed a lawsuit against a local developer for discriminatory practices. Now DC will use the money won in the settlement to help finance new affordable senior housing for communities east of the Anacostia River. The funds will be targeted for the Reunion Square development.  (Alex Koma / Washington Business Journal)

MoCo requests a 60-day moratorium on customer defaults

Due to the economic impact of the coronavirus, the Montgomery County Council will vote on a resolution calling for banks, financial institutions, and public utilities to put a 60-day moratorium on customer defaults.  (Briana Adhikusuma / Bethesda Beat)

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